The Local Weekly March 11, 2021

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Sunshine Coast, British Columbia • www.thelocalweekly.ca • Thursday, March 11, 2021 New Roberts Creek Cell Phone Tower Page 2

Vaccination Locations Page 2

Salmon Predator

COVID Update Page 3

Coopers Green Renovation Page 5

Housing Update Page 7

Home & Garden Page 8

Throwback Thursday Page 13

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Pacific great blue herons in the Salish Sea region could be scooping up as many as three percent of all juvenile salmon and as many as six percent in some years with low water flow, according to a new UBC study. Up to 50 percent of juvenile salmon deaths occur when the young fish pass through a gauntlet of predators and damaged habitats on their way to the ocean. Exactly how all these fish die has been a cause for concern and the focus of extensive studies to identify predators. Read the full story on page 12. RAND RUDLAND PHOTO

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2

The Local - Thursday, March 11, 2021

COVID-19 vaccine locations announced

Solid waste dominates SCRD budget talks

COVID-19 vaccination clinics on the Coast are slated to open to senior citizens within selected groups in midMarch. Clinics will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion at 747 Gibsons Way, the Royal Canadian Legion in Madeira Park at 12829 Lillies Lake Road, and the Sechelt Seniors Centre at 5604 Trail Avenue.

Vancouver Coastal Health’s website lists March 16 at the Gibsons Legion as the start date for this service on the Coast. Clinics are slated to be open between 9am and 5pm, with evening appointments available at certain locations.

Eligible individuals should book their vaccination appointment in advance by calling 1-877-587-5767. The appointment call centre is open 7am to 7pm. Appointments currently being booked are for those born in or before 1941 from the general population and for Indigenous

Debate on the current and future costs of dealing with garbage and recyclables were major contributors to over 10 hours of round two 2021 budget discussions by the SCRD board. Committee meetings to complete its draft 2021 financial plan lasted from 9:30am to after 3pm on March 4 and 5.

Operating hours at the region’s garbage receiving facilities are to be adjusted in 2021. This change and increased monitoring of waste being received will require the SCRD to add one halftime position to landfill staffing. This will increase the annual base budget by $35,000.

The proposal is to keep the Sechelt Landfill open 9am to 5pm every day except Mondays. The Pender Harbour Transfer Station is to be open 9am to 5pm Mondays and Wednesdays through Saturdays throughout the year. Be-

elders born in or before 1956.

On March 8 – the initial day for public appointment bookings – the Ministry of Health reported that over two million calls were received at call centres for the province’s five regional health authorities. Close to 15,000 appointments were booked. Vancouver Coastal Health reported booking 369 vaccination appointments on the first day.

Coast physicians from the local COVID-19 Task Force will be presenting information on vaccination plans for our area in a live-streamed Med Talk on Thursday, March 11 at 4pm. The public can access this Sechelt Hospital Foundation-sponsored session on www.sechelthospital foundation.org.

The Ministry of Health is emphasizing that registration for appointments is not a “first come, first served” system. If those eligible to book an ap-

pointment encounter trouble getting through on the telephone, they are encouraged to try calling at another time.

When calling to book an appointment, have a pen and paper ready. Also, have the personal health number, full name, date of birth and postal code for the person the appointment is being booked for available. Be prepared to provide the phone number that you prefer to be used for any required callbacks. The booking number is not a general COVID-19 information line.

For general information related to the pandemic, BC residents can call 1-888-COVID19 or text 1-604-630-0300.

Information including instructions for bookings and local health authority call centre numbers for the Coast and throughout the province are available at gov.bc.ca/bc seniorsfirst. Connie Jordison

tween May and September, the Pender facility will also be open Sundays. There is no change to openings at either facility on statutory holidays.

They will be open for Victoria Day, Canada Day and BC Day and closed other holiday dates.

The SCRD is also set to go ahead with a feasibility study of using a biocover in its Sechelt landfill closure plan, at the cost of $150,000.

As part of this work, there will be an investigation of whether biosolids from Sechelt’s Dusty Road septage receiving facility can be used for this purpose. This will include discussions with Sechelt regarding cost-sharing for disposing of the biosolids as part of the landfill closure should the use of that product be allowed by the Province. This could be a “win-win” for the region and Sechelt. Sechelt is looking at the cost of about $500,000 in 2021 and in 2024 to get rid of the biosolids from Dusty Road. Costs could be significantly reduced if those products could be used in the work required of the SCRD to close the landfill.

Delay of the Pender Harbour Transfer Station food waste drop-off program from mid-year 2021 to a future year is being recommended.

This was the result of debate on whether waste diversion projects, important to extending the life of the regional landfill, should be funded through tipping fees or taxation. With no consensus on the committee about how to fund the north area food waste drop-off, a further report on the issue was requested later this year.

Tipping fees are a “user-pay” system. When it comes to encouraging residents to remove recyclables from their garbage, charging

additional fees to dispose of the diverted materials is viewed by some as a disincentive to investing the time in recycling efforts.

Using taxation to fund recycling programs spreads the costs over all property owners, whether they use the service or not. As the costs incurred to operate the landfill are funded by fees and taxation, it can be argued that all taxpayers benefit when landfill costs are kept lower by diverting waste. Funding waste diversion through taxation also “hides” the costs of such programs by rolling them into the annual tax bill rather than charging them at the point of use.

Other SCRD waste diversion projects were also deferred from 2021. Re-diversion of waste from Sechelt landfill to an off-coast disposal facility, planned for to extend the useful life of that site, is not to be done this year. Staff advised that the project was not required, given that current efforts to recycle more have led to lower volumes of garbage being disposed of at the site.

The committee recommended against adding book recycling at the Sechelt and Pender waste receiving sites in 2021. The decision was to stay with having the Gibsons Recycling Depot the sole option for these products.

While saving money with decisions related to waste diversion, a new emergency expenditure of $15,000 for a propane generator at Sechelt landfill is being added to the 2021 budget. That site is not on the electrical grid, and the solar system that provided power to operate the scales and other site amenities failed in mid-February. A temporary generator is being used to keep the site operational. Connie Jordison

A crane lifts the top of a new Telus cell phone tower into place beside the Roberts Creek fire department on March 5. A trio of high-riggers had climbed up and were waiting to bolt the top section into place. The 45-metre tower is primarily for cell phones, but it will also be used for the fire department’s radio antennas, replacing a smaller tower and improving communications for the fire department. JOHN GIBBS PHOTO

The Local - Thursday, March 11, 2021 3

Sunshine Coast COVID-19 Physician Task Force community update #46 Dear Fellow Sunshine Coast Residents: Despite ongoing concerns about the potential for COVID-19 variants to increase infection rates again, there has been a lot of positive news in the past few weeks. Across the globe, COVID-19 infection and death rates have been dropping, and last week brought news indicating that vaccinations are already making a dramatic difference as more and more people are being vaccinated.

The number of new cases in BC has dropped significantly since the beginning of the year, and here on the Coast, we have only had a few people test positive for COVID-19 in the past two weeks. We are also very pleased to report that all of our long-term care residents and care workers have now completed their COVID-19 vaccinations.

As many of you are likely aware, the first-dose protection offered by the three vaccines approved in Canada appears to exceed 90 percent. As a result, the province has decided to extend the time between doses to four months. This will allow more people to get their first immunization sooner than we had originally anticipated, and we now expect that everyone in BC will be able to get their first immunization by mid to late July. This is amazing news, and we hope that this will get us back to normal sooner.

This week we entered Phase 2 of the provincial immunization plan. This means that everyone 80 years of age and older who has not already been vaccinated will be eligible to receive their first vaccine starting on March 15. Vaccinations will also be available for Indigenous seniors aged 65 and older, as well as healthcare workers, vulnerable populations, and others who support or work with seniors.

As of Monday, March 8, anyone on the Coast who is eligible can call 1-877-5875767 toll-free to book a vaccine appointment. Make sure to have your personal health number and a pen and paper handy. Please do not call this number if you are not

currently eligible, as this will cause delays for those who are eligible.

Even with all this positive news, we are still some ways from being able to ease off our current restrictions. For those of you who are continuing to do your part and do everything you can to protect our community, we thank you. For those of you who are having a difficult time accepting that the restrictions are necessary, or questioning whether COVID-19 is real, or acting in ways that put your neighbours, friends and family at risk, we would ask you to reconsider your approach.

While we strongly believe in open communication and healthy respectful debate around COVID-19 issues, these discussions need to be based in reality, facts and science, not disinformation and pseudoscience. If there is no acceptance of the realities of COVID-19, then it is impossible to have a meaningful debate or discussion.

COVID-19 is real and has impacted 100s of people in our community, both directly and indirectly. We have had more than 140 people test positive for COVID-19 on the Coast. While most did not require hospitalization, some did become critically ill and ended up in Intensive Care.

There really is no controversy about what defines a case; here in BC, a case is a person with COVID-19 symptoms in whom COVID-19 genetic material (RNA) has been detected.

Likewise, we know that COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which has had its genome sequenced for well over a year. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing is an appropriate and well-proven technique used to detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA in patient samples. Any arguments to the contrary have no scientific basis.

For those who argue that COVID-19 is no worse than influenza, one has only to look at US influenza data from the CDC to know that this is false. Over the past ten years, influenza has resulted in 9 to 45 million infections per year, 140,000 to 810,000 hospitalizations per year, and 12,000 to 70,000 deaths. In

the past year, CDC data indicates that COVID-19 has resulted in over 28 million known infections, millions of hospitalizations, and over 500,000 deaths in the US. This means that approximately the same number of people have been infected with COVID-19 as usually get infected with influenza, but the death rate is seven to 40 times higher than we typically see with influenza.

That this has happened in the context of significant restrictions, and despite all the precautions many people have been taking over the past year, further demonstrates that the SARS-CoV-2 virus is both far more effective at spreading and far more lethal than influenza.

Over the past year, researchers have identified the cell receptors to which the virus binds and have identified a number of cellular mechanisms by which SARS-CoV-2 causes the clinical symptoms that we see. We have identified a number of humangenes that increase susceptibility to developing more severe COVID-19 symptoms.

We also have good evidence that physical distancing, washing hands, and wearing masks are practical measures that help to limit the spread of COVID-19.

If we had continued living our normal lives with no restrictions, millions of Canadians would have been infected within a relatively short span of time. Of those millions, somewhere between 10-15 percent would have become ill enough to be hospitalized, and approximately 5 percent would have become critically ill, with approximately 2.5 percent dying (as per Government of Canada data). This means that many more thousands of people across Canada would have died unnecessarily, and many thousands more would have developed a severe life-threatening illness, with lifelong health implications for many.

While our healthcare system has significant capacity, that capacity is not infinite.

Hospitals, healthcare workers and support staff are a finite resource, and most were running at or above

capacity before COVID-19. If we had let COVID-19 spread unchecked, we would have faced the very real risk of overwhelming our hospitals and healthcare systems.

If this had happened, we would have been unable to help people we otherwise could have helped (for both COVID and non-COVID-related health issues), resulting in even higher rates of severe illness and an even greater loss of life.

It has been amazing to witness the thousands of researchers from all over the world who are working tirelessly to find treatments that will help us fight COVID-19 more effectively. Others have achieved unprecedented success in developing multiple safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines in a timeframe that was previously unimaginable.

Unfortunately, the development and distribution of effective treatments and vaccines take time. While we have made significant progress in terms of treatment and prevention, we still have to continue with the basic measures that we know work to limit the spread of COVID-19. Until we have a sufficient portion of our population vaccinated and a low level of infection and death rates across the province, we will continue to need restrictions to help prevent our worst-case scenarios from occurring.

It is vitally important that

all of us continue to work together to protect our community. If we disagree or have questions, let us do it in a respectful way and have conversations that are based on facts and the accepted science, not rumours and unproven theories that have little basis in reality. Let’s treat each other with kindness and compassion and support each other through this difficult time. We are getting close to the point where restrictions will start lifting, and life will start shifting back towards normal, so let’s keep up the good work that has protected our community so far.

In the meantime, if you have questions about the vaccination plans for our community, please call the Sunshine Coast COVID Vaccine Info Line at 604-8858714. Please do not call our local Public Health Units, as they are hard at work implementing our local immunization plan!

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 Spithof

Municipal March 2021 Regular Council Meetings All meetings are held on-line via Zoom and live-streamed to YouTube.

The meeting link and the agendas are available online at sechelt.ca.

There are no in-person council or committee meetings • Committee of the Whole: March 10 at 3:00pm (Sechelt’s costs for RCMP, Tourism & Library and proposed Sechelt Capital Projects) • Regular Council meeting: March 17 at 7:00pm • Committee of the Whole: March 24 at 3:00pm (Capital Projects, One-Time Operating and New Operating Requests) • Special Committee of the Whole: March 31 at 3:00pm (Capital Projects and Long Term Staffing Requests)

Budget Planning 2021 Information on the proposed 2021 budget and surveys are posted on the District website. Through February and March at the Committee of the Whole meetings Council will be discussing various parts of the budget in detail. Learn more by watching those meetings or visiting the District website for summary information.

Public participation meetings via Zoom to learn more and ask questions are scheduled for: • Public Participation: March 15 at 12:00pm • Public Participation: March 29 at 7:30pm Details are at Sechelt.ca/budget The BC Centre for Disease Control local COVID-19 numbers for Feb. 21 to 27 show two reported cases on the Lower Sunshine Coast. BC CDC MAP

www.sechelt.ca | info @ sechelt.ca | 604-885-1986

4

The Local - Thursday, March 11, 2021

Letters to the Editor – Opinions Gross National Happiness I found your letters to the editor and opinion page interesting last week. You had a letter pleading to spare the life of a forest – hoping to use preserving the water table for the aquifer to move people. I would like to add forest bathing, well-being, clean air, bird song, mushrooms, insects, frogs, squirrels, bears and butterflies.

On the same page is David Suzuki explaining that we have an economic system that leads people to think that large houses and cars are more important than the air we breathe, the water we drink and our well-being.

We need to turn in Gross National Product for Gross National Happiness like New Zealand and Bhutan.

Joan Payne, Sechelt

Free postcards (Open letter to Minister Anand, President Ettinger-Canada Post, and Board) I am a very concerned (fifth generation) citizen of this great country, and I see more and more ways that the government, including government corporations, are driving the taxpayer deeper and deeper into debt. Have you noticed this?

Another small example is Canada Post sending every household a free postcard to mail to a loved one.

The COVID-19 pandemic is killing millions of people

across our country. Businesses have closed, some forever. Citizens not having a roof over their heads, or little to eat, no job, no hope for the future, but you can spend over $13.5 million on postcards! Boy, oh boy, someone in Ottawa better wake up to reality. People need real help in all aspects of their lives right now, and a piece of paper doesn’t cut it. All your postcard does is add to our tax burden. If you really wanted to help people, take that $457 million (2019) that you propose to invest in “a greener Canada Post” and invest that in the people of Canada who need help with mortgage payments on their homes or businesses. So many need help in a variety of ways.

According to the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, “Canada’s national debt is increasing $10,000 per second, $43 million per hour or $1 billion every day.” Has the government reached a trillion-dollar national debt?

When will the government stop increasing our tax load and look to ways to decrease this gigantic debt?

Vel Anderson, Elphinstone

and have an annual tree sale to increase the number of trees in Gibsons. Shediac in New Brunswick, for example, holds an annual tree sale as part of their Fall Festival. The cost of a tree for a resident is $20.

David Hayward, Gibsons

High-speed internet Telecommunications giant Telus, a private company, received $6.7 million in funding from the federal government to connect, by the end of the year, 2,000 households on the Sunshine Coast to high-speed internet. That is a very hefty price tag for 2,000 households to be financed thru public funding with taxpayer’s money.

There is a current debate

that all telecommunications companies should be regulated and nationalized as a public asset and classified as utilities deemed essential services for the general public and not under the ownership of private corporations.

Funding to corporate, private businesses allows these oligarchies to control power in monopolizing service and limiting competition. The government should not be using public taxpayers’ money to fund private businesses and receive nothing in return for the investment. Already Canadians are paying higher prices for the Big Five telecoms, who have been successful in limiting competition and using their authority to seek funding

for infrastructure at public expense without compensation. The public is the loser in this scenario. The CRTC has done too little to curb this monopoly and acts as a pseudo-regulator.

Building a unified, nation-wide fibre optic internet backbone would require taking over and nationalizing the Big Five’s existing

assets and making massive investments to extend service to neglected/rural communities. This newly developed federal-level entity could resell carrying capacity at cost to municipal and provincial public providers and local cooperatives.

Linda Dutton, Gibsons

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

Tree sale (Open letter to Gibsons Mayor and Council) If you are serious about the environment and your new tree policy, I would suggest that you follow the lead of other communities

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Developing a Public Art Policy (Part 2) Public art is defined as original artwork selected, commissioned, created or donated for location in the public domain, and created by an artist. Artworks may be permanent or transitory, functional, integrated or discrete to the site. Artwork created or initiated by the community for the public realm is also considered public art (City of Victoria-Art in Public Places Policy 2018).

For most of us, art is a very personal thing. We know what we like, and we know what we don’t like, even if we don’t always know why. Additionally, we often feel compelled to

express how we feel about art we don’t like but simply accept art that we do like without comment. It does not challenge us, so we are comfortable with it.

Public art, however, must be approached entirely differently, as the public will often question an item’s cost or value in the context that it is paid for or assumed to be paid for by our taxes.

To some, this is a fine use of our community funds. Others view public art as wasteful and an inappropriate use of our parks or other public spaces.

One thing’s certain – public art will spark debate in the community! Last month’s article (Part 1 of our public art discussion) generated several responses, which ranged from negative opinions about public art to positive ideas as to how and where art could be displayed in Gibsons.

The Town’s Public Art Committee strongly believes that public art enriches our community experience by extending the opportunity for many artists and forms of art to be seen and appreciated. But, identifying venues, inviting submissions and choosing art to be displayed in a public space is as challenging as finding the funds to pay for it.

We also believe that it is important to respect the art and the artist and that public art (just like art you may buy for your home) must be paid for and not solicited as a donation from the artist.

Currently, Gibsons has a small reserve fund for public art, which has been established through donations. To expand opportunities to fund our public art projects without increasing our taxes, the Public Art Committee has proposed the following options to in-

crease this fund and grow our public art inventory: • Sponsorships of specific projects; • Financial donations or donations of works of art from art patrons; • Sale of donated works of art (with the knowledge of and written agreement of the donor); • Encourage developers to incorporate artistic elements or design features in their projects, particularly by local artists; and, • Adopt a council policy of designating 2.5 percent of Community Amenity Funds and/or 2.5 percent of annual building permit fees for public art acquisition and maintenance.

What do you think? Your views on these options and others are appreciated.

Please send me your comments by email at mayor@ gibsons.ca or by phone at 604-989-2364.

Coopers Green renovation makes SCRDs draft budget Continued planning for the estimated $3 million Coopers Green Hall renovation was endorsed by the SCRD board at its March 5 round two 2021 budget meeting. While a commitment to proceed remains outstanding, the board voted to include just over $528,000 in project funding from the Regional District’s budget as a “placeholder.” The finalized regional contribution will rely on updated project costs and whether additional money can be accessed through fundraising.

The next steps for the proposed reconstruction of the waterfront community hall in Area B (Halfmoon Bay) are design work to meet new building code and geotechnical re-

quirements. Board members also requested a report before the end of June on financial and staff time commitments required to address a myriad of information requests that could impact moving the project forward. These range from asset management, operating and maintenance plans for the facility, addressing concerns related to site parking and the area’s boat ramp, variations to the scale and scope of the project, and ensuring it is a net-zero emissions building or net-zero ready. Other items the board wants to address before saying “yes” to the project as proposed are a financial review, addressing potential cost overruns, and policy around community hall

operations.

Based on the work outstanding, timing for project tendering has not been set.

Staff estimates this could happen as early as this fall.

Getting board approvals to this point took close to three hours of debate at the second round of budget discussions on March 4 and 5. Area B Director Lori Pratt emphasized that her community has voiced its support for this project at the existing hall location. Directors from Areas D (Roberts Creek), E (Elphinstone) and F (West Howe Sound) continued to express concerns about moving forward without details about costs and future impacts.

“Knowing the full implica-

Coopers Green Hall site plan. PRINCIPLE ARCHITECTURE DESIGN

tions before we build is a prudent thing to do,” said Area D Director Andreas Tize. He likened the process that faced the board around the project to BC’s Site C Dam. “We were handed a lemon. We can proceed to make lemonade or hand the lemon back and buy a grapefruit. Do we buy the lemonade press, or hit the reset button and start again,” said Tize.

Area E Director Donna McMahon remains concerned with the size of the hall project proposed at 3,185 square feet. That is three times larger than any other SCRD community hall. McMahon is worried about construction cost overruns as well as escalating future operations and maintenance requirements. In her view, the SCRDs 2005 regional recreation referendum and the subsequent Sechelt pool and Gibsons arena projects were “rushed” processes that continue to cost area taxpayers dearly.

There will be no property tax impact this year from the potential project. Even if construction begins in 2021, staff estimate that 2023 would be the earliest that taxation by the SCRD to cover its project costs would begin.

Once the amount of regional district funding required to build is known, there are further board choices needed on where that money will come from and repayment options.

If borrowing is required, an Alternative Approval Process or referendum may have to

The Local - Thursday, March 11, 2021 5

happen. The potential of having only residents of Area B taxed to cover repayment was raised as a possibility.

The Halfmoon Bay Community Association has already raised over $345,000 for the project. That group has provided a letter of commitment to the SCRD that it will con-

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS BC POLICE ACT SHARE YOUR VIEWS

by Friday, April 30

The Special Committee on Reforming the Police Act wants to hear your views on policing and related systemic issues.

The Committee will review all input and invite interested participants to make presentations.

For full details, visit our website or call the Parliamentary Committees Office at 250-356-2933 or toll-free 1-877-428-8337.

Special Committee on Reforming the Police Act

www.leg.bc.ca/cmt/rpa

SUNSHINE COAST FERRY SCHEDULE

BC Ferries launches new fare options BC Ferries announced the launch of new fare options last week on the three Metro Vancouver – Vancouver Island routes. These new fares will benefit customers travelling for essential purposes only, and once it’s safe to resume non-essential travel, all customers will be able to take advantage of more fare choices.

In addition to BC Ferries’ At Terminal and Reservation Only fares, customers currently travelling for essential purposes will immediately be able to take advantage of a new Saver fare and Prepaid fare. The Saver fare is BC Ferries’ most affordable fare and will be available on less busy sailings, while the Prepaid fare lets customers book and pay for their full travel in advance, saving time at terminal check-in. These new fare options are available for advanced purchases only. BC Ferries expects these additional fare options will reduce sailing waits at popular times, make better use of all sailings and help make the ferry system more efficient.

“Our routes between Metro Vancouver and Vancouver Island account for about 60 percent of overall ferry traffic, so we are introducing our new fare choices on these routes first,” said Mark Collins, BC Ferries’ president & CEO. “When the Province lifts essential travel orders, these

fare options will provide our customers more value, flexibility and certainty. They will also help spread traffic across the day, reducing sailing waits at popular times.”

Customers will still be able to drive up to the terminal and sail on the next available sailing, as well as purchase a separate reservation and pay the remainder of the fare at the ticket booth. BC Ferries’ two additional fare options, Prepaid and Saver, will be available for advanced purchase on the Vancouver (Tsawwassen) – Victoria (Swartz Bay), Vancouver (Tsawwassen) – Nanaimo (Duke Point) and Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay) – Nanaimo (Departure Bay) routes: • The new Saver fare is the most affordable fare choice.

Saver fares range from $49 - $73.70 and include a free reservation. These fares will be available on select sailings year-round. Saver fares are ideal for customers who have the flexibility to travel during less busy sailing times, can book in advance and want travel certainty.

• The new Prepaid fare is ideal for customers who want to have a more efficient experience at the terminal check-in, as they pay for their reservation and travel in full at the time of their booking.

Customers also save seven dollars on the reservation fee

when booking more than seven days in advance. This option offers the greatest flexibility to change a booking.

• Reservation Only is ideal for customers travelling during popular sailing times, want travel certainty and want to only pay for the reservation fee at the time of booking, instead of fully prepaying their travel. This provides customers with the same booking experience they have today.

• At Terminal is ideal for customers who may not know their schedule or want the flexibility to travel when they’re ready, and prefer to arrive at the terminal without a booking. It does not include a reservation, and customers travel on the next available sailing.

The new fare choices will be available year-round. At launch, the Saver fare will be $73.70, including a reservation, and will drop to as low as $49 later this spring on less busy sailings. BC Ferries is implementing the new fare choices now to be prepared for increased demand once essential travel orders are lifted. This helps test the booking system and ensure a smooth process for customers once it is safe to resume non-essential travel.

For more information, visit bcferries.com.

Submitted by BC Ferries

tinue these efforts. The SCRD has been awarded just over $2 million in a federal/provincial infrastructure grant for the work. It has also committed $200,000 in amenity contributions received from independent power projects in the area.

Connie Jordison

For schedules, fare info or to reserve 1-888-223-3779 or www.bcferries.com

Schedule in Effect: October 13, 2020 to March 31, 2021 Crossing Time: 40 minutes Distance: 10.5 nautical miles

(Vancouver)

(Sunshine Coast)

7:30 am - Daily

6:20 am - Daily

9:45 am - Daily

8:40 am - Daily

11:55 am - Daily

10:50 am - Daily

2:10 pm - Daily

1:05 pm - Daily

4:20 pm - Daily

3:15 pm - Daily

5:30 pm - Daily

5:25 pm - Daily

7:50 pm - Daily

6:40 pm - Daily

10:55 pm - Daily

8:55 pm - Daily

PLEASE NOTE: All schedules are subject to change without notice. DUE TO COVID-19, THESE SCHEDULES MAY CHANGE. PLEASE MONITOR SERVICE NOTICES. CHECK ONLINE DAILY www.bcferries.com

Why settle for less?

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6

The Local - Thursday, March 11, 2021

Local SERVICES, RESTAURANTS, RESORTS, SPORTS, ENTERTAINMENT, MUSIC

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SPCA Spring Lottery The BC SPCA Lottery for animals in need is back and bigger than ever. Buying a lottery ticket will help BC’s abused, neglected and injured animals and could potentially put thousands of extra dollars in your pocket!

“With 31 cash prizes totalling $125,000 to be won, plus a bonus 50/50 pot up to $500,000, there are now more ways than ever to win big and help animals too,” says Tess Repenning, BC SPCA senior manager, digital giving. “Last year, the 50/50 tickets sold out quickly, and we expect them to sell out

quickly again this year.”

Tickets for the lottery are $30 each, three for $60, or six for $90. Tickets for the 50/50 draw are $10 each, three for $25, and six for $40. The deadline for the early bird prize of $10,000 is May 7, and the final ticket sales deadline is May 18.

For tickets and more information, visit lottery.spca. bc.ca or call 1-855-2055998. Ticket purchasers must be 19 years of age or older, and tickets can only be sold in BC. Know your limit, play within it.

Submitted by BCSPCA

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

Thursday, March 11 • Virtual Storytime – the whole family can share in songs, rhymes, and stories (all-day), details at gibsons.bc.libraries.coop/explore/calendar/ • Karen’s Paint Day/Night – Gnarly Tree (mixed medium), $45, 10:30am-12:30pm/1:30-3:30pm, CREATE, 6538 Sunshine Coast Hwy, Sechelt, 604-989-3345 · Createsechelt@telus.net • ‘Shout Out’ Youth Art Exhibition (to April 4), 11am-4pm, Gibsons Public Art Gallery, 431 Marine Drive, 604-886-0531 · info@gpag.ca · gpag.ca/event/ shout-out-youth-art-exhibition • Technology help with Talia, Thurs. 1-3pm/Mon. 10-12pm/ Wed. 10-12pm, call Sechelt Library (604-885-3260) to book a one-on-one session • MedTalks: What you need to know about Vaccine Plans on the Sunshine Coast, 4pm, go to sechelthospitalfoundation. org to join the Zoom event • Thursday Night Live with Joe Stanton: A virtual house concert on Facebook, 6pm @joestantonmusic • Capilano Universe Lecture Series: Travelling to Save the World’s Gastronomical Traditions with speaker Nazmi Kamal, 7-9:45pm, Zoom, for details go to gibsons.bc.libraries.coop/event

Friday, March 12

• French Conversation Group, 10:30am-noon, details at gibsons.bc.libraries.coop/explore/calendar/ • Ukulele via Zoom: Weekly play along on Fridays at 12:30pm, free, sign up in Sechelt library or by phone at 604-885-3260 • Income Tax Clinic – a free tax clinic for eligible clients, 12:30-4:30pm, registration required, call Gibsons Library at 604-886-2130 to book an appointment • Genealogy Tutoring with Teresa, Sechelt Library, Fridays 1:30-2:30pm and Mondays 12:30-1:30pm, call 604-885-3260 for an appointment • Spanish Café via Zoom, improve your Spanish skills in a friendly atmosphere, 4-5pm, sign up in Sechelt Library or by phone 604-885-3260 • Write Together on Zoom with author Megan Cole (nonfiction, fiction, poetry), 4-5pm, details at prpl.ca/explore/calendar/ • Painting Music – One-Page Score, 3-day workshop on graphic notation, details at laboratorioartssociety. wordpress.com • Explore the Universe Challenge with Charles Ennis of the SC RASC who will teach viewers how to find the objects in the Spring viewing portion of the program, open to all on Zoom, 7pm, more info at https://sunshinecoastastronomy.wordpress.com/

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Saturday, March 13

• The Super Seed Swap Shop @ One Tiny Farm, 11:30am-2pm, One Straw Tiny Farm, 1041 Roberts Creek Rd, details at www.facebook.com/onestrawsociety

Sunday, March 14

• Live Music: Dr. Fun Solo – vocals, guitar and harmonica with Gary Gilbert, The Clubhouse Restaurant–Pender Harbour Golf Club, 2-5pm, 604-883-9542 to reserve a table for your bubble • Off The Page reads ‘The Long Call’ by Jenn Griffin, online, 2pm, $8, tickets available at sidedooraccess.com/ shows/79H3Vzl4usjwSI121hYO

METRO CREATIVE PHOTO

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

Climb for Climate Change Ten-year-old Cody Kelso and his mom, Megan, are climbing for climate change in a 115 km walk from Gibsons to Powell River starting on March 14. They will be passing through Davis Bay on Sunday around 12:45pm.

Those with an electric vehicle are invited to bring their EV and honk their horn to cheer them on.

Each section of the walk will have two electric escort vehicles, so anyone that

wants to help can contact the Sunshine Coast Community Solar Association at sunscoastcsa@gmail.com.

Cody and his mom are hoping to raise a total of $30,000 to purchase solar panels for the BC SPCA on Solar Road and the BC Sustainable Energy Association.

Check out Megan and Cody’s website, including links for how to donate, at climbforcc.org.

Submitted

The Local - Thursday, March 11, 2021 7

Gibsons supportive housing update the end of April, according to Glazebrook. This is to include landscaping and the addition of Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) First Nation-inspired artwork on the structure.

“A name has not yet been chosen for the site. More information is to come soon,” said Glazebrook.

Tenant welcome packages created with donations from various organizations within the municipality (previously described in a March 4 arti-

cle) also include an annual membership to the Sunshine Coast Museum and Archives.

While the Museum, at 716 Winn Road in Gibsons, remains closed until further notice due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a brochure and information package is being provided to help the tenants enjoy the “Sunshine Coast Museum at Home” offering until the physical site reopens.

Connie Jordison

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The School Road Supportive Housing site in Gibsons will be welcoming residents this month.

The 40-unit apartment building is designed to accommodate residents of the Coast who are at risk of homelessness. STAFF PHOTO

Hope for housing on the Sunshine Coast On the heels of the March 1 multi-agency meeting looking to advance the creation of safe and secure housing for residents of the Coast, the Province announced a program to support local governments to improve housing project development approvals.

The $15 million Local Government Development Approvals Program was publicly announced on March 5

by Municipal Affairs Minister Josie Osborne. At an SCRD meeting that day, Chairperson Lori Pratt stated that she and other local government leaders were given some details on the new initiative in a conference call with the Minister. Pratt did not disclose additional information, stating that SCRD staff are reviewing the program details and will be advising the board on the matter in the coming weeks.

In a press release, Osborne said, “The ongoing pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for local governments and has heightened the need to further increase the supply of new, affordable homes for people in their communities. Housing providers, the development sector and local governments all have a role to play in improving current development approvals, and this Development Approvals Program complements what local governments are already doing to get people the right housing for their communi-

ties quickly and efficiently.”

The Union of British Columbia Municipalities is administering the program for the Province. It will accept applications until May 7.

Approvals are expected 90 days after the intake closes.

Projects that will be considered are ones that will help local governments look at best practices and innovative ways to support non-profit housing organizations, developers and other stakeholders to deliver essential and diverse types of housing.

Municipalities and regional districts will be eligible for a project valued at up to $500,000. Projects that exceed that amount may be considered if funding is available.

The funding can cover up to the full cost of the project.

Eligible projects could include the creation of digital or online development application processes, workshops to help developers better understand application requirements, or internal reviews aimed at improving local government development application processes.

The 25 organizations that met in Sechelt to discuss the area’s situation related to housing affordability included local governments, service clubs, charities, as well as volunteer and housing-specific interest groups. They issued a cooperative Call to Action on March 1, expressing their “highest concern for the housing crisis afflicting the Sunshine Coast.”

“To address the housing crisis, we call on ourselves and all other local community leaders to: • Ensure that all actions we take are done through a lens of decolonization, health and well-being, equity and inclusion, racial and social justice, and ecological integrity.

• Empower our communities and use our role as leaders to create opportunities for shared understanding, connection, and community building.

• Facilitate the construction and use of homes to house everyone in our community, regardless of their socioeconomic status.

• Leverage the interconnection of issues and look for opportunities to solve complex challenges that generate multiple benefits and solutions.

• Invest our collective resources and experiences to deliver short and long-term solutions that will have the greatest impact and help us go further, faster together.

• Take meaningful, incremental actions as outlined in the Housing Needs Assessment Implementation Framework before the end of 2021.”

The groups jointly expressed the view that coming together to address the housing crisis will help provide guidance, reassurance and hopeful confidence that meaningful change can be achieved. Connie Jordison

604.885.2700 blueoceangolf.ca w w w1/4 . t h e page l o c a l w eAd e k l y:. 5 c a x 7.25” The Local

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

ABOUT VACCINE PLANS ON THE SUNSHINE COAST How will testing work during the rollout?

How is the Coast doing currently?

What is the rollout plan?

Which vaccines will the Coast be getting?

I’m unsure about efficacy...

Where will the vaccine be distributed?

Please join us for a discussion with Sunshine Coast Covid-19 Physician Task Force members about Covid-19 Vaccine Plans for our community.

Go to www.SecheltHospitalFoundation.org to join our Livestream Event Thursday, March 11th, 2021 at 4pm

PHOTO CREDIT: mollymcphersonphotography.com

BC Housing anticipates that all necessary permits to allow for occupancy of the supportive housing project at 749 School Road will be secured during the second week of March.

On March 5, BC Housing spokesperson Henry Glazebrook advised the Local that tenant move-in is “on track to begin immediately thereafter.”

Exterior work at the site is expected to be complete by

8

The Local - Thursday, March 11, 2021

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The value of the right lighting in a home is undeniable.

Lighting can instantly transform a room and create the ambiance homeowners are looking to establish. Though it might be mostly seen as a way to create mood inside a home, lighting also can do much for lawns and gardens.

Backyards have come a long way over the last several decades. Once reserved as play areas for children and stomping grounds for the family dog, backyards have become oases for homeowners and their families. Outdoor living areas are wildly popular, and no such area is complete without exterior lighting. In fact, a recent report from the National Association of Home Builders found that 85 percent of home buyers want exterior lighting, making it the second most desired outdoor feature (patios topped that list).

Exterior lighting can have a dramatic effect on landscaping, and estimates from the online financial resource Kiplinger.com suggest such lighting is inexpensive, with installation averaging roughly $67 per fixture.

When installing exterior lighting around their landscapes, homeowners can keep various tips in mind to create a relaxing, awe-inspiring mood on their properties at night.

• Consider uplights. Uplights are installed in the ground and direct light up at a tree, focusing on its trunk or canopy. This creates a dramatic effect that makes it possible to enjoy majestic trees at night just like you might when spending time in the yard during the day.

• Focus on trees. Many homeowners already have exterior lighting lining their walkways and patios, but

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When installing exterior lighting around their landscapes, homeowners can keep various tips in mind to create a relaxing, aweinspiring mood on their properties at night. METRO CREATIVE PHOTO

focusing on trees can create an entirely different look.

Though it’s possible to install exterior tree lighting on your own, landscaping professionals with lighting experience know which fixtures will pair most effectively with the trees around your property and how to arrange them for maximum effect.

• Opt for warm light. Warm white light creates an inviting feel around the property.

The exterior lighting experts at Utah Lights acknowledge that choice of lighting is up to homeowners but also note that, in situations with lower levels of ambient light, such as in exterior lights around a property, people typically prefer warmer light. That’s because warm light tends to be easier on the eyes and directs attention to the features of the landscape, which is many homeowners’ goal when installing exterior lighting in their yards.

• Utilize a timer. Modern exterior lighting timers make it easier than ever to control the lights outside a home.

Many such timers even adjust for the changing seasons and the shifting hours of daylight. That means homeowners shouldn’t have to tinker with the timer once it’s set.

Exterior lighting can add significant appeal to a property without breaking the bank. Metro Creative

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Understanding herd immunity during the COVID-19 pandemic Infectious diseases can strike at any time. Some of them cause relatively minor interruptions to daily life and often can resolve of their own accord when the body’s immune system mounts a successful defense.

Other diseases can cause serious, even life-threatening symptoms or spread rapidly, which makes it essential for medical professionals to help slow down or stop the transmission.

What is herd immunity?

Herd immunity is a term that often arises in relation to infectious diseases. Herd immunity has taken on renewed significance as the world has been battling COVID-19.

Herd immunity, which is sometimes called “community immunity,” “population immunity” or “social immunity,” refers to the indirect protection from infectious

diseases that occurs when a large percentage of the population has become immune to that disease. If enough people are resistant to the cause of a disease, whether it is a bacteria or virus, that disease has nowhere to go and the spread stalls, according to WebMD. How does herd immunity occur?

There are two ways that herd immunity can occur.

The first is when resistance develops naturally when the body is exposed to the virus or bacteria. At this point, the immune system will produce antibodies to fight off the infection. After recovery, these antibodies are still circulating, and should exposure to the same disease occur again, the body can defend against another infection.

Another way that herd immunity occurs is through vac-

cination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that when the majority of people are vaccinated, it creates the same disease lockdown – fewer people get sick and fewer germs are able to spread from person to person. What’s more, even those who are not vaccinated, such as newborn babies or those who may not be able to get vaccinated due to chronic illnesses, will get some level of protection because the disease will not be spreading as readily within their communities.

When is herd immunity reached?

When enough of a population is immune to a pathogen it prevents further spread and herd immunity is apparent. Diseases are different and herd immunity is reached based on the pathogen’s reproduction number,

or R0. Essentially this boils down to how contagious the pathogen in question is. WebMD says the R0 tells the average number of people that a single person with the virus can infect if those people aren’t already immune. The higher the R0, the greater number of people will need to be resistant to reach herd immunity. Measles, which is very contagious at an R0 of 12 to 18, requires 93 to 95 percent of the population to be immune for herd immunity to be reached. The World Health Organization estimates the R0 for COVID-19 to be between 2 and 3. This means between 40 and 70 percent of the population will need to be immune to halt the spread.

In the case of COVID-19, it’s still unclear whether anyone can get reinfected, and whether antibodies produced for one strain can

The Local - Thursday, March 11, 2021 9

Herd immunity has taken on renewed significance as the world has been battling COVID-19. METRO CREATIVE PHOTO fend off another strain of this novel coronavirus. This reinfection mystery is what makes herd immunity – both through a vaccine or through natural exposure – challenging for epidemiologists in

relation to COVID-19.

Herd immunity is an important factor in disease prevention. Getting the facts about this phenomenon is important.

Metro Creative

COVID-19 VACCINE INFORMATION FOR SENIORS SENIORS 80 YEARS OF AGE AND OLDER, INDIGENOUS (FIRST NATIONS, MÉTIS, INUIT) PEOPLE 65 YEARS OF AGE AND OLDER AND ELDERS, IT’S TIME TO BOOK YOUR COVID-19 VACCINATION.

Richmond, Vancouver, North Vancouver and West Vancouver • Call Starting March 8: Seniors 90 years of age and older (born in 1931 or earlier) and Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, Inuit) people 65 years of age and older (born in 1956 or earlier) and Elders • Call Starting March 15: Seniors 85 years of age and older (born in 1936 or earlier) • Call Starting March 22: Seniors 80 years of age and older (born in 1941 or earlier)

Sunshine Coast, Powell River, Whistler, Squamish and Pemberton •

Call Starting March 8: Seniors 80 years of age and older (born in 1941 or earlier) and Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, Inuit) people 65 years of age and older (born in 1956 or earlier) and Elders

VCH Vaccine Clinic Information: Visit vch.ca

Clinical questions: Please speak with your family doctor, nurse practitioner, or call 8-1-1

APPOINTMENT BOOKINGS: Call the VCH vaccine appointment booking line at 1-877-587-5767 based on your age group.

The phone line will be open daily from 7 am – 7 pm.

Questions about COVID-19: Call 1-888-COVID19 or visit gov.bc.ca/covid19

10

The Local - Thursday, March 11, 2021

Coast could get bus shelters and AVL technology Local MP Patrick Weiler stood in for Minister of Infrastructure and Communities Catherine McKenna, March 1, making a joint funding announcement with BC’s Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Rob Fleming.

They detailed that the federal

and provincial governments would each be contributing more than $1.9 million to install approximately 150 new and refitted public bus shelters throughout the province.

Erinn Pinkerton, president and CEO of BC Transit, also participated in the virtual

announcement. BC local governments, who participate in the funding of BC Transit, are also contributing $986,000 to this project.

No decisions have been made on how many of the 150 shelters will be coming to the Coast.

The program will see shelters with weather-specific upgrades as well as better lighting and seating made available. Increased accessibility standards will also be incorporated. This will allow more individuals better access to the province’s public transit system.

“New and refitted bus shelters will improve the day-today commuting experience for public transit users. It’s great to see federal funding go towards public transit in my home province and towards supporting cleaner and better-connected communities,” said Weiler.

Jamie Weiss, Senior Media Relations and Public Affairs Advisor with BC Transit, stated that the shelters provided with the new funding would be installed over the next five years. He noted that BC Transit works with its partners to

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make decisions on where to install shelters based on requests submitted annually by local governments.

Weiss said that the average cost of a bus shelter within the BC Transit system is $23,000. Individual prices are dependent on size, materials used, seating and lighting options, as well as adding extras such as bike racks. He noted that in cases where a full shelter is not warranted or wanted, funding from the program could be used for other amenities, like benches at bus stops.

When asked about the integration of technology in conjunction with new transit shelters, Weiss said, “BC Transit is continually looking at innovative ways to ensure we are providing the most reliable and accessible transportation solution for people.

We are in the process of developing an electronic fare collection system and are investigating the potential

for future digital on-demand service.”

BC Transit is currently tendering for the expansion of its Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) technology. Using global positioning system data, AVL makes it possible for transit users to track where a bus is on its route and when it will reach a specific stop via their cellphone or other mobile device. Weiss noted that while nothing is confirmed at this time, the Sunshine Coast Transit System may be targeted for Phase 1 AVL implementation. Connie Jordison

Break & Enter Between Feb. 26 and March 2, a suspect attempted to break into a business in the 800 block of Gibsons Way, Gibsons, by unsuccessfully prying a door before being deterred by the lock. The suspect also appears to have removed a lockbox.

Theft

On March 7, a theft was reported at a business in the 5500 block of Highway 101, Sechelt, after a male suspect was caught on security video taking an item and leaving the business without paying for it. On March 8, the same business reported another theft by another male suspect, only this time the suspect took two items before leaving the premises immediately.

Staff attempted to follow the suspect but were unsuccessful. The incident was caught on camera, and police are reviewing the footage.

Submitted by RCMP

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APC requests variance application clampdown Sechelt’s Advisory Planning Commission (APC) is asking that District staff create “definitive” guidelines for accepting variance permit applications. The APC made the recommendation at its March 2 meeting in an effort to help reduce the number of variance requests that come before it. The item is slated to be referred to council for consideration at its March 17 meeting.

The APC took this action following the second round of review on a development variance permit application for a residential property at 5957 Sunshine Coast Highway. At the meeting, the committee declined to recommend that council consider a variance to permit a second parking level to be added to an existing garage on the property.

The APC felt the updated request did not address concerns raised in its previous discussion of the project. Committee Chair Randy Knill stated that the design presented in the application went against “crime prevention through environmental design” principles. This was due to the plan creating a space for wildlife or other nuisances in an area between the existing structure and

a proposed new retaining wall.

Members of the APC expressed views that too many variance applications are coming forward related to “wants” for property development. They contrasted those types of applications to variance requests that address “needs” or development “hardships” such as issues with subsurface conditions.

Opinions were voiced that owners need to understand and comply with the zoning parameters attached to their properties when planning construction projects. They noted that too many applications that come to the committee reflect owners planning whatever they want and asking for variances.

Director of Planning Andrew Allen noted that staff could create a guide and can discuss the importance of planning within a property’s existing zoning with owners considering applying for a variance. Allen also noted that should an owner decide to make an application, following such a discussion, it is the staff’s duty to receive and process it. Consideration of approval of such applications is a decision of council.

Connie Jordison

The Local - Thursday, March 11, 2021 11

A screenshot of two workshop facilitators from Canada Learning Code, Jesse Dougherty (Amazon VP and Vancouver Site Lead), and students from West Sechelt Elementary School. West Sechelt Elementary School was one of the lucky schools selected to host a special computer science workshop last Friday, organized by Canada Learning Code, the country’s leading digital literacy charity. The interactive workshop focused on introducing the school’s grade 6 and 7 students to basic coding skills, with the goal of sparking an interest in computer science. CANADA LEARNING CODE SCREENSHOT

How your taxes could be impacted by COVID-19

NEWS CANADA PHOTO

This year’s tax season is unique and could also be very confusing, especially with several measures introduced by the government to assist those who had to stop working or have been laid off.

Though most benefits are taxable, many weren’t taxed at the source (meaning the government didn’t hold back an amount of money to go towards your taxes), so that money will be calculated and owed when you do taxes this year. To help you prepare your taxes, here are some insights from Lisa Gittens, a senior tax expert from H&R Block: CERB For those who received the Canada Emergency Response Benefit, the government will be issuing a tax reporting slip for 2020 outlining the total amount of funds received.

This must be reported as income on 2020 returns, and since no tax was deducted at the source, dues may need to be paid on these amounts.

The amount owed will depend on your 2020 marginal tax rate, taking into account all other income earned that year. Your marginal tax rate is the amount of tax you would

pay on an additional dollar of income and is based on the rates of tax applied to a given level of income, both federally and provincially.

CRSB If you are self-employed without a paid sick leave program, you may be eligible for the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit, which provides $500 per week for up to two weeks if you were unable to work due to illness or were required to self-isolate. This benefit is available from September 27, 2020, to September 25, 2021. The deadline for applying for any one-week period is 60 days after the end of that period. Tax is withheld at the source for the benefit, so any amount received through the CRSB is taxable.

CRCB If you have had to miss work to care for a family member due to COVID-19, you may be eligible for the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit. This benefit is also available from September 27, 2020, to September 25, 2021. As with the CERB and the CRSB, the CRCB is taxable and subject to a 10 percent withholding tax.

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12

The Local - Thursday, March 11, 2021

Blue herons identified as a significant juvenile salmon predator Pacific great blue herons could be scooping up as many as three percent of all juvenile salmon and as many as six percent in some years with low water flow, according to a new University of British Columbia study.

The study, published in The Canadian Journal of Zoology, is the first to estimate the portion of juvenile salmon being preyed upon by the understudied bird species in the Salish Sea region.

Up to 50 percent of juvenile salmon deaths occur when the young fish pass through a gauntlet of predators and damaged habitats on their way to the ocean.

Exactly how all these fish die

has been a cause for concern and the focus of extensive studies to identify predators.

Lead author Zachary Sherker, a PhD student at the Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries at UBC, had been looking for evidence of salmon being preyed upon by well-known freshwater predators recorded in Western scientific literature, like raccoons, otters, kingfishers and mink, and hadn’t found anything.

But a boat trip with a local Indigenous collaborator led to a breakthrough.

“I was getting a ride to seal haul-outs with a Cowichan Tribes biologist named Tim Kulchinksy and airing my woes to him,” said Sherker.

“He looked over at a bunch of herons foraging at the outflow of the river and said, ‘Did you ever look into herons?’

That day I went over and found about 100 tags.”

Sherker scanned the forest floor of heron rookeries with a magnetic device that activates Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tags previously placed inside juvenile salmon by scientists and salmon hatchery staff between 2008 and 2018 to study their migration to the Pacific Ocean.

Over the course of the study, he located one percent of all 100,000 tags implanted in juvenile salmon moving through the Cowichan, Big Qualicum and Capilano riv-

ers.

When considering the number of tags deposited outside of rookeries, Sherker and his co-authors estimate that heron predation may account for up to three percent of all juvenile salmon deaths and could be as high as six percent in some years with low water flow.

The culprit has been difficult to pinpoint due in part to the fact that the digestive tract of the blue heron breaks down all parts of the salmon, including bones. Salmon remains in heron scat had thus eluded researchers, according to Sherker.

“I was most surprised to find that herons are foraging on smaller juveniles. This is a bit of a shock because visual predators often target larger prey items,” said Sherker.

Because herons are con-

suming salmon in relatively high numbers, the study authors think that juvenile salmon – who are generally smaller than other prey species available during chick-rearing season – may be an essential part of the diet of young herons. Heron chicks are unable to open their mouths wide enough to swallow larger fish, making juvenile salmon an important bite-sized prey item.

Knowing where young salmon are dying has become more critical as salmon stocks decline. Fortunately, the researchers believe that herons preying on smaller, weaker salmon may even be beneficial.

“Herons may be taking out fish that were destined to die somewhere else along the way but were going to live long enough to compete

with other fish for potentially limited resources in the early marine environment. This predation could benefit salmon stocks by weeding out the weak and allowing for less competition and higher growth among other fish in these critical juvenile life stages,” said Sherker.

The findings suggest that heron rookeries near rivers should be monitored and heron predation on salmon be taken into account in future salmon recovery plans.

The study was done in collaboration with the British Columbia Conservation Foundation and Cowichan Tribes and was funded by the Pacific Salmon Foundation with the support of a MITACS Accelerate grant.

Submitted by UBC

Inclusive employment pilot lights the way in Powell River

A blue heron at Cowichan Bay. ROBERT STENSETH PHOTO

A new inclusive employment pilot project is providing eligible Powell River residents with on-the-job work experience and skills training. At the same time, they earn a fair wage in a new social enterprise.

OneLight is a social enterprise that manufactures a fire starter that uses recycled materials diverted from the landfill. It can be used to start a fire, indoors and out, in minutes. Project participants are paid for task-based industrial work, product assembly, logistics and general sales.

“Having a job can give people a sense of pride and purpose. When our skills are put to use we feel valued, and everyone deserves to feel valued,” said Nicholas Simons, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction.

“This is an exciting project taking place here on the Sunshine Coast.”

Now in its seventh month of operation, 25 people are getting work experience on the project. More than 80

percent of workers on the project experience developmental disabilities and/or multiple barriers to employment.

“What I have seen is a huge rise in my son’s development,” said Jenny, a parent of a OneLight participant. “He’s remembering a lot more, problem-solving a lot more.

It’s good that he tried other things before OneLight, and as a family, we tried different things. The fact that this is successful shows that it’s being done right. It’s a really big forward movement, and I hope they can expand it and give more people purpose.”

Participants and managers undertook an intensive two-week orientation process aimed at building relationships and co-developing workplace guidelines for healthy communications and conflict resolution. Establishing a shared workplace culture has been noted by participants as being a critical success factor.

“The way they started the

Fraud centre scam On March 2, a Coast resident reported falling for a scam after he received a phone call from someone purporting to be from the resident’s bank. The scammer said he was from the fraud centre and that someone had stolen a large sum from the resident’s account. The scammer convinced the resident that in order to investigate the theft, the bank needed access to the resident’s computer and all his financial information. The resident granted all access and then agreed to purchase a large amount of gift cards to

help with the investigation.

The resident then provided the scammer with the activation codes before going to his bank directly, where he learned he had been scammed. This type of scam is very common – to learn more about the red flags to watch for, and how to protect yourself from falling victim, please visit sites such as the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at www.antifraudcentrecentreantifraude.ca or the Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org.

Submitted by RCMP

program off with the team training was huge. It let us all relax, all get to know each other on a personal level and feel more like equals – not that it’s ‘the boss’ you’re talking to,” said Barb, a OneLight participant.

The Province is providing more than $1 million to Inclusion Powell River Society to deliver a 72-week work experience opportunity.

The project will also test an inclusive model of employment in the manufacturing sector.

“For some participants, it is their first job, and they are reporting to us that earning money comes with additional valuable learning opportunities – from which independence grows – including going to the bank, learning about workers’ rights, making financial decisions, and supporting oneself and others,” said Lilla Tipton, CEO, Inclusion Powell River.

This is a new Community and Employer Partnership (CEP) project from the Government of British Columbia.

Funding for this project is provided through the Project-Based Labour Market Training stream of WorkBC’s CEP. CEP is targeted at projects that support an inclusive economic recovery. CEP supports BC job seekers’ training and work experience leading to employment in available jobs and aids businesses and communities to address labour-market challenges. CEP invests $15 million annually in communities throughout BC. The project started on Sept. 21, 2020. Project activities run through to April 15, 2022. Anyone interested in finding out more about this or other CEP projects can contact their local WorkBC centre.

Submitted by GovBC

The Local - Thursday, March 11, 2021 13

The adrenaline starts when the phone rings and you see the caller ID. A little rush that subsides slightly while waiting for the tasking details. Often, the rush is over as quickly as it began. The emergency has been resolved, and we are stood down. Other times, the adrenaline sticks with you throughout the tasking, helping you work through challenging situations, spiking along with the many other hormones our bodies release when exposed to stress. As volunteer SAR

members, stress and exposure to critical incidents are realities of the job. Some days that job is harder than others, and sadly some search and rescue missions become search and recovery missions.

On Feb. 8, the crew of RCMSAR Station 12 were tasked in the search for a missing person in Porpoise Bay along with land SAR, the RCMP, and the Cormorant helicopter from 442 Squadron.

The adrenaline takes a back seat as your focus becomes intense, scouring every inch of water in front of you, every nook in the shoreline looking for clues. After over four hours of searching, our crew noticed the Cormorant

hovering near Poise Island.

The adrenaline spikes as we learn that they had located the missing person. It builds as we approach the scene. We ground ourselves through our training to be able to perform the task to come.

We do our risk assessments, plan, and proceed using the skills we have practiced countless times. Just after 3pm, our crew recovered the body of Mr. Peter Koch and returned him to shore, our hearts heavy and hands shaking.

At the dock, another set of crew were ready to take over.

Removing active crew from a scene as soon as possible is an important step in Critical Incident Stress Management

Local THROWBACK THURSDAY

the

A view of St. Mary’s Anglican Columbia Coast Mission Hospital at Hospital Bay, Pender Harbour, circa 1950. The hospital, which opened in 1930, was only accessible by water until a road was built in the late 1930s. As the population on the Lower Coast grew, so did the need for a more central hospital. In 1962, St. Mary’s Hospital (now Sechelt Hospital) was built on four and a half hectares donated by the Sechelt Indian band. The old hospital closed in 1964. Visit the SC Museum’s online collection to view 7,000+ digital archival photographs. SCMA PHOTO #166

Sunshine Coast Foundation seeks next generation of donors Philanthropy for the 3rd Millennium is a program of the Sunshine Coast Foundation that engages with a group of younger (~25-50) workers and community leaders. Its goal is to help them understand the issues, challenges, and opportunities facing the Sunshine Coast, the role of philanthropy and the Sunshine Coast Foundation, and how they can make a positive difference where they live.

“More younger people with families are choosing to live and work on the Sunshine Coast,” said Foundation Board Chair Manjit Kang.

“They have a vested interest in helping to shape the future of our community, and this program gives them a great opportunity to do that.”

The program will take place through a series of

Zoom events (or in-person meetings when permitted).

During those gatherings, participants will be introduced to the real issues, challenges, and opportunities facing our community as identified through surveys, reports, and statistical information. Participants will hear from leaders of non-profit organizations whose programs are helping those in need and making our community such a wonderful place to live. They will engage in discussions about grant-making and investing as well as influence the issues and organizations that the foundation supports.

Participants will learn how, with a very minimal investment, they can become philanthropists, making a real difference and helping to create a future where everyone in our community

is nurtured and supported.

They will help to influence not only where the foundation distributes its funding but also where it is invested.

They will make long-lasting connections with neighbours and peers who are on the same journey to make a difference. Participants will emerge from this experience wiser about where they live and confident in the knowledge that they are a force for good outcomes. There is no cost to participate.

The Sunshine Coast Foundation is now accepting applicants for this program, which will launch on April 15. For more information, contact the foundation at 604-741-7360, email ED@ sunshinecoastfoundation. org, or visit www.sunshine coastfoundation.org.

Submitted by SCF

(CISM). Activating CISM is integral to ensuring that our crew members are supported as they process the physiological and emotional outcomes of a critical incident such as this; a process that can last days or weeks depending on the individual.

We are incredibly grateful to our comrades at the Sechelt Fire Department who facil-

itated the initial diffusing for the crew members involved in this search. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

This incident has highlighted some of the risks of living on the water, including access to safety equipment such as lifejackets or PFDs (personal floatation devices). RCMSAR Station 12 is fundraising to

create free PFD loaner stations at marinas and boat launches throughout our service area as well as providing free PFDs to anyone in need.

If you would like more information on this program or to donate, email us at info@ rcmsar12.org or leave us a note at our red boathouse at the Porpoise Bay government wharf.

Tip of the Week: We have entered the final stretch towards the official start of spring. The timing for the seasonal turn is virtually timeless and stone structures and sacred monuments designed to determine the exact moment of Spring Equinox reaches back to the very dawn of civilization. This cycle of light reveals the intimate and consistent relationship between the Sun and Earth.

Yet, with this as its solid and steady platform, the planets are ever in their own steady, cyclic motion and the angular relationships they share are always changing and have never and will never be precisely the same, twice! It is upon this foundation that Western Astrology operates.

Regarding key current cycles, the Pisces New Moon occurs on March 13 hosting seeds of visionary fervor. The Sun enters Aries to start spring on March 20 and will serve to activate Mars in Gemini. Yet, Mercury entering Pisces March 15/16 could have a subduing effect, as with denial, evasion and escapism, a persistent theme and reality for many people since Winter Solstice.

Aries (Mar. 21-Apr. 19) A striking opening in the clouds to reveal a cobalt blue sky metaphorically illustrates the influence of Mars in Gemini and Mercury in Aquarius for you.

It began last week but will close before this week ends.

Positively, you will capture this opening to gain some clarity. Specifically, financial ambitions and/or the development of talents waiting their turn, is on your mind.

Taurus (Apr. 20-May 20) The Pisces New Moon will activate a new cycle for us all. For you, it points to friendships and social networks and club or group involvements. Mars and Mercury will contribute to this focus and you may even be able to see through the coming Mercury in Pisces fog.

Positively, a fresh activation of your dreams will lead to breakthrough momentums, thanks to Uranus in Taurus.

Gemini (May 21-June 21) Sweet dreams are made of these…, yet so too are

nightmares. It is Neptune and the Pisces factor underway that indicates the swinging pendulum. Which way it goes is very much up to you regarding your perceptions, interpretations and attitude. The swamp to avoid is self-pity. Compassion for others guided by creative thinking will guide you to how you can best express inspiration.

Cancer (June 22-July 22) The deep end theme that has been underway will continue, yet there will be a definite shift this week. It may be described as spiritual. Positively, you will enter an awakening cycle that could synchronize with genuine states of illumination.

This may prove true especially in the short term. Focus on this goal now if you want to dive deeper into seeing previously hidden truths.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 23) Some cycles lure us into deep, hidden places where we tend not to go and this is one of them. While potentially symbolic of a ‘dark night’, the good news is that there is treasure to be found there. Yet, it will require commitment, courage and a willingness to do the work required. What that is depends on your situation. Success depends on you showing up, ready and willing.

Virgo (Aug. 24-Sept. 22) Upon reflection, you will notice a series of shifts and start activating change in your lifestyle. These include the development and expression of some of your core talents. The Pisces New Moon will serve to activate these into fuller, creative expression. Mars in Gemini is especially helpful in regards to learning and or teaching new skills.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) The emphasis on health continues. It invariably encompasses your lifestyle rhythms, routines and choices. Changes in your diet may be the first area to focus on. Initiating new activities like walking 2-3 km a day could prove to be a winning idea. Of course, some of the emphasis could well include visits to doctors and health practitioners.

Take action, get answers and avoid assumptions and wishful thinking.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Spring is right around the corner and it is already

calling you out of your den.

This will become increasing evident over the coming week. Like a bear out of hibernation, however, it may take a while for you to fully awaken. Yet, it can still prove inspirational and even productive. The key is to want to be inspired and to direct your focus accordingly. Emphasize courage of convictions, yet avoid fixed conclusions Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) The planetary alignments are indicating that you are seeing the world as with new eyes. This awakening of perceptions includes your role in it, as well. What constitutes home and family is also featured. New interpretations are featured. Other players, possibly antagonists, are also playing their destined roles. Keeping an open mind about what their purpose is will help and it may include karmic returns.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Imagination-stirring events are destined to play a much more active role in your life over the coming weeks. These will cause you to work harder to see a bigger picture. Thinking outside of the proverbial box implies your own habitual perceptions. If you think you see reality as it is, think again. Reflect upon why you perceive and interpret things the way you do and be open to other angles.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) New initiatives activated by last month’s New Moon in Aquarius will now enter a foundation-stabilizing phase. The twist is that sometimes the stabilization process can initially prove destabilizing. This is not necessarily the case, but something you might want to consider. Positively, you have entered a creative cycle that may also prove activating regarding sports and physical assertion.

Pisces (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) The New Moon in Pisces is finally here and will serve to stimulate new modes of self-expression. While Mercury in Pisces can prove complicated for some, it may prove less so for you.

So, this is your cue to tunein and make the most of this important cycle which is loaded with inspirational focus on the future. Cultural expressions are featured yet all of the above will require focus and discipline. michael@sunstarastrology.com

14

The Local - Thursday, March 11, 2021

Don't forget to turn your clocks FORWARD an hour this Sunday, March 14th at 2:00am!

Collisions On March 4, police came upon a single-vehicle incident on Highway 101 near Trout Lake Road, Halfmoon Bay. The lone driver and occupant was uninjured but unable to exit the vehicle on his own.

The Halfmoon Bay Volunteer Fire Department attended and extricated the driver from the vehicle, and Emergency Health Services treated him for minor injuries. The driver

advised he had been travelling northbound when he fell asleep at the wheel. The vehicle was towed from the scene, and the matter has been referred to ICBC. On March 6, police attended a three-vehicle incident eastbound on Highway 101 near Snodgrass Road, Sechelt. The first vehicle stopped to make a left-hand turn into a driveway and the second vehicle came to an abrupt stop behind it; the third vehicle driver was

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unable to stop in time and collided into the rear of the second vehicle, pushing it into the back of the first vehicle.

The second vehicle driver was taken to the hospital for assessment, and due to damage, her vehicle had to be towed from the scene. The matter has been referred to ICBC. On March 7, police attended a single-vehicle incident in the 11000 block of Highway 101, Madeira Park. The driver and passenger, who were not

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impaired, were taken to the hospital for assessment. The driver advised she lost control on a turn and, in a panic, braked, causing the vehicle to spin 180 degrees before ending up in the ditch on its side.

Road conditions may have been a factor. An elderly dog who was along for the ride was unharmed, but the vehicle had to be towed due to damage. The matter has been referred to ICBC. Submitted by RCMP

NOTICES

LAND ACT: Notice of Intention to Apply for a Disposition of Crown Land Take notice that Canadian Scholars Institute Inc from Sechelt, BC, has applied to the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development (FLNROD), Surrey for an Adventure Tourism License situated on Provincial Crown land located at unsurveyed crown land in the vicinity of Sechelt inlets marine park - piper point site together with unsurveyed crown foreshore and land covered by water being part of the bed of Sechelt inlet.

SUNSHINE COAST ASSOCIATION FOR COMMUNITY LIVING

The Lands File Number for this application is 2412422. Comments on this application may be submitted in two ways:

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2) By mail to the Senior Land Officer at 200 –10428 153rd Street, Surrey, BC V3R 1E1.

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Comments will be received by the Ministry of Forests Lands and Natural Resource Operations until April 11, 2021. Comments received after this date may not be considered.

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This proof is for the purpose of TYPOGRAPHICAL CORRECTIONS

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CROSSWORD 61. Petty quarrel 64. Hilarity 68. A single undivided whole 69. Nimble 71. Certain 72. Dried-up 73. Not at any time 74. Notion 75. Pitcher 76. Bring up 77. Something necessary but lacking

DOWN

Solution on page 14

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. Breathe noisily 2. Without legal or binding force 3. Elaborate song for solo voice 4. Large North American deer 5. Floor covering 6. Type of golf club 7. Manage 8. Accumulate 9. Form of painting 10. Solemn pledge 11. Relinquish possession or control over 12. Leg joint 15. Ancient Mexican empire 21. Short message 25. Large American feline 27. Hard tough wood

28. Molecule 29. Male singing voice 30. Greyish brown 31. Flit 32. Duck 34. Proboscis 35. Pocketbook 38. Canter 40. Celestial body 42. Academic term 44. Mature 47. Lacking in light 49. Student residence 52. Colossus 54. Dried grape 56. Large striped feline 58. Contemplate 59. Afresh 60. Father 62. Square root of twenty-five 63. Parasitic insect 65. Ill-mannered 66. Large woody plant 67. Chief 70. Make a mistake

YEARS

of service

E

D

ACROSS

1. Bite or chew 5. Mineral 9. Group of hunting animals 13. Halo 14. Fragrance 16. Kitchen appliance 17. Potter’s clay 18. Mineral used as a gemstone 19. Traveled by horse 20. Extensive tract of level open land 22. Bird shelter 23. Prim 24. Apex 26. Oracle 28. Mannerism 33. Grip 36. Beverage 37. Electronic communication 39. Arithmetic operation 41. Burden 43. Zeal 45. Civil wrong 46. Moved around slowly and aimlessly 48. Lukewarm 50. Country, initially 51. Send in payment 53. News communicator 55. Radiate 57. Epoch 58. Multitude

Courtesy of: www.puzzlechoice.com

A

In my March 4 article about the SCRD 2021 budget engagement, I incorrectly reported on the response provided by Area E Director Donna McMahon to the “pop quiz” questions. The correct response, which she provided, was that the two cemeteries currently operated within the SCRD “Health” function are Seaview (Area D) and Elphinstone Pioneer (Area E). The Kleindale Cemetery in Area A is now closed.

It also should be noted that this function also covers the Pender Harbour Health Clinic. Only residents of Area A contribute to the costs for that facility.

My apologies for the error.

This is an example of how much detailed information that SCRD directors need to keep organized in their day-to-day work on behalf of their constituents.

Connie Jordison

BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

100%

Correction

O P E R AT

16

The Local - Thursday, March 11, 2021

by

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