The Local Weekly March 30, 2017

THIS WEEK

FREE

CMCA AUDITED

WEEKLY COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

MEMBER OF

Volume 15, Issue 13

Sunshine Coast, British Columbia • www.thelocalweekly.ca • Thursday, March 30, 2017 FCM Award For SCRD CAO Page 5

Fire Destroys Home

A Political Primer

Page 2

Fight Sends Two To Hospital Page 3

High School Astronomer Page 6

Fool's Run Favourites Page 7

Distracted Drivers Miss Warning Signs Page 11

Look for this insert:

Home Hardware

Building Habitat Homes Donations - We Pick Up!

604.885.6773 www.habitatsc.ca

The Spring 2017 Sunshine Coast Business Magazine is NOW AVAILABLE at the Local Weekly office, in our green boxes and online at thelocalweekly.ca

The politicians are already in campaign mode for the May 9 election. From the left, Kim Darwin, Green Party candidate in Powell River – Sunshine Coast, incumbent Nicholas Simons of the New Democratic Party and Liberal candidate Mathew Wilson. The Local profiles the main party candidates, and puts a halfdozen local-issue questions to each, on pages 8 & 9. PHOTOS BY SUSAN ATTIANA AND DONNA MCMAHON

Truck Month Continues and it is HUGE!!! Giant SAVINGS on all new Chevrolet and GMC Trucks!! stk# 82090480

stk# 81759250

stk# 83076080

2017 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500

2017 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 LT

$36,705 + taxes & fees

$42,595 + taxes & fees

• • • •

Double Cab 4WD 5.3L V8 Rally Edition

MSRP: $46,605 Savings: $9,900

• • • •

Crew Cab 4WD 8” Touch Screen Rear Camera True North Edition

MSRP: $51,515 Savings: $8,920

2017 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 • • • •

High Country • Crew Cab 4WD Bose Sound System Driver Alert Package 8 Speed Automatic Transmission

MSRP: $67,685 Savings: $7,500

SALES: Mon to Fri: 8-6 • Sat: 8-5 $60,185 + taxes & fees SERVICE: Mon to Sat: 8-4:30

HALEY Chevrolet Buick GMC • 1633 Field Road • 604-885-5131 • www.haleygm.com

2

The Local - Thursday, March 30, 2017

Sechelt seeks trail right-of-way Staff from the District of Sechelt will be meeting with property owners to try and

negotiate a right-of-way agreement for a section of the popular Chapman Creek

trail, which was re-routed after no trespassing signs went up this spring.

Easter

bunny photos!

Built by volunteers in the early 1970's, the trail begins at Brookman Park and is well used by the public. A portion of the trail crosses private property.

"It's been there for about 45 years without much consequence," said Park Supervisor Perry Schmitt during a report to the District of Sechelt Public Works, Public and Environment Committee on March 22. "The previous private property owner didn't express any issues, so it was commonly used by the public."

However, recently the

property was subdivided into four lots which were sold to new owners. One new owner erected "No Trespass" signs, requiring District staff to reroute the trail.

"We've received a number of complaints from the public expressing that they would like to see this trail through the private property reinstated," said Schmitt. "So we're asking Council for direction to go and meet with the owners and possibly get a statutory right of way through the private property."

The original route, which Schmitt described as "one

of the nicest sections of the trail", runs along the creek at the bottom of a steep slope. It is well below any buildable sections of the property, so Schmitt did not foresee any privacy issues.

The Public Works Committee voted in favour of his recommendation.

Sechelt's Parks Master Plan envisions a trail running all the way from Brookman Park to Chapman Falls, but there are other private property issues on the route that need to be settled before the District can create an official trail. Donna McMahon

The Roberts Creek Fire Department was called out to a fire at a Sunshine Coast Highway address on Wednesday morning, March 24. The structure, a camper trailer, was already fully involved by the time fire crews arrived, and was a complete loss. The occupants were not home at the time.

The six responding firefighters devoted most of their efforts to protecting a nearby house. Roberts Creek Fire Chief Pat Higgins noted that some trees caught fire, but the fire crew was not overly concerned about the fire spreading since "everything's so wet right now." No word on the cause of the fire

was available.

The occupants of the trailer had no insurance and have lost all their belongings. Friends have started a gofundme campaign to help them get back on their feet. www.gofundme.com/cand-s-get-back-on-their-feetfund.

Donna McMahon

Fire destroys trailer home

Guaranteed dIStrIButIOn are you getting the best results for your advertising dollars?

Take the guesswork out of it and switch to the Local.

We guarantee our distribution!

13,100 copies every Thursday rain or shine.

Everything was lost in the March 24 fire that destroyed a camper trailer in Roberts Creek. PHOTO SUBMITTED

delivered to all residences by Canada Post, on the BC Ferries & in all businesses.

SPRING FLAVOURS THE LAGOON RESTAURANT at PAINTED BOAT re-opens March 30, 2017 with Spring Flavours by Executive Chef Steven Doucet - A four-course dinner ($36 per person plus tax & gratuities) available Wednesdays through Sundays, from 5pm to 9pm.

Reservations Recommended 604.883.2456 | Toll-Free 1.866.902.3955

Your Place On The Sunshine Coast

12849 Lagoon Rd, Madeira Park, Pender Harbour www.paintedboat.com

The Local - Thursday, March 30, 2017

New building for downtown Sechelt

An artists conception for a four-storey residential and commercial building on Cowrie Street at Trail Avenue. PRIME SIGNAL LTD ILLUSTRATION At its March 22 meeting, the District of Sechelt's Planning and Development got a first look at a development proposed for three vacant lots on Cowrie Street at the corner of Trail Avenue. The development, proposed by Prime Signal Ltd., would be a four-storey building with one level of underground parking, commercial space on the ground floor and 22 residential strata units on three floors above.

As currently proposed, the building would be constructed to a Built Green Gold standard, and all of the housing units would be accessible or adaptable. The site plan also allows for widening the alley behind the building to give ample room for fire trucks coming and going from the adjacent fire station.

The report from Interim Community Planner Aaron

Thompson noted: "This proposal is located at an important corner in the downtown and the redevelopment of these lots will help shape what is possible in the downtown as well as the community’s vision for the downtown."

The report included letters of support from the Sechelt & District Chamber of Commerce and the Sechelt Downtown Business Association.

"Having residential, and the mix of retail/office will be a healthy addition to downtown," wrote SDBA President Katharine Trueman.

Under the Official Community Plan, two of the proposed 22 units would be affordable housing, but Councillor Darnelda Siegers questioned the practicality of providing affordable units in a new strata development.

"My concern is, when we

had the Watermark come forward we had an affordable unit in each one of the towers. Because of strata fees it really became difficult to actually find somebody that could afford to live there," said Siegers. "I just want to make sure that we don't fall into the same situation here."

Siegers suggested that a cash contribution to affordable housing might be a more practical solution.

Thompson explained that under the current affordable housing policy, last updated in 2012, the District of Sechelt could chose to accept cash or land contributions in lieu of affordable housing units.

The Planning committee did not express any significant concerns with the new proposal and gave staff the go-ahead to proceed with drafting a bylaw.

Donna McMahon

4

The new building would occupy three vacant lots beside the Sechelt fire hall. DONNA MCMAHON PHOTO

Fight sends two to hospital Two men from Sechelt were taken to hospital with injuries on Friday night, March 24, after getting into a violent confrontation near the intersection of Sechelt Inlet Road and Kontiki Road in Sechelt.

Sunshine Coast RCMP were called to the area around 9:30pm, after witnesses saw an altercation between two males. Police arrived to find two men fighting on the ground – one of whom was holding a knife.

Officers acted quickly to separate the males and seize the knife. One male - apparently a resident in the area - was arrested for assault with a

weapon and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, while the male who had been riding the dirt bike was later arrested for dangerous operation of a motor vehicle.

Both males were transported to Sechelt Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

“In a bizarre unfolding of events, it appears as though the resident took exception to the male riding a dirt bike up and down Sechelt Inlet Road, and may have tried to stop him”, said Cst Harrison Mohr with Sunshine Coast RCMP. “At some point the dirt bike rider crashed, and the two males ended up in a physical altercation, with the

resident allegedly bringing out a knife. We’re also looking into a report that the dirt bike rider may have actually struck the other male with his bike.”

RCMP are continuing to investigate, and ask anyone who either saw the fight, or saw a male riding a dirt bike along Sechelt Inlet Road around 9:30pm on March 24 to call Sunshine Coast RCMP at (604) 885-2266.

Both males have been released from custody on a Promise to Appear in Sechelt Court. No charges have been approved at this time.

Submitted by RCMP

3

Sunshine Coast & Powell River Schedules January 3 - April 6 2017

WINTER

Langdale - Vancouver continued...

March 20 - April 6, 2017 LEAVE LANGDALE

Langdale - Vancouver 6:20 am

LEAVE HORSESHOE BAY

6:00 am 7:20 am 8:05 am 8:25 am Please before amthe scheduled sailing time for vehicles, 9:10Note: am At Langdale, ticketing will end five minutes9:25 and ten minutes Bay only, amticket sales for vehicles and walk-on 10:25 am for walk-on passengers. At Horseshoe10:15 11:20 amwill end ten minutes before the scheduled11:30 passengers sailing am time.

12:25 pm 12:35 pm Langdale/Vancouver and Powell River/Sechelt Peninsula are not guaranteed to connect. Please plan 1:35 pm 1:30 -pm Langdale Vancouver continued... your travels accordingly.

2:35 pm 2:45 pm March 20Time: - April40 6, Minutes 2017 3:50 pm 3:45 pm Crossing 4:50HORSESHOE pm 4:50 pm LEAVE LANGDALE LEAVE BAY 5:50 pm 5:55 pm3 - 18, 2017 January 6:00 am 6:20 am 7:05 pm 6:50 pm 7:20 am 7:00 am LEAVE LANGDALE LEAVE HORSESHOE BAY 7:50 pm 8:10 pm w w w . t h e l o c a l am w e e k l y. c a 8:05 8:25 am 9:45 pm 8:45 pm 7:20 am 6:20 am 9:25 am 9:10 am September 6, 2016 - January 2, 10:15 2017 9:25am am 8:25 am am 10:25 11:30 am 10:25 am 11:30 am 11:20 am 1:35 pm 12:35 pm 12:25 pm 12:35 pm 3:50pm pm 2:45 pm pm River - Sechelt Peninsula FALL/WINTER 1:35 1:30 Powell 5:50 pm 4:50 pm 2:35 pm 2:45 pm Bay) - (Earls Cove) (Saltery 20 to April 6, 2017 7:50pm pm 6:50 pm pmSchedules in Effect: March 3:50 3:45 9:45 pm 8:45 pm Schedules are subject to change without notice.

For schedules, fare reserve: 1-888-223-3779 bcferries.com 4:50 pm info or 4:50 -pm Langdale to Earls Cove terminal is 84 km (52mi), plan on approximately 90tominutes driving time.

Langdale Vancouver continued...

5:50 pm 40 minutes drivingCrossing 5:55River pm to Saltery Powell Bay is 34 km (22mi), plan on approximately time.

Time: 40 minutes Langdale - Vancouver pmguaranteed to connect, 6:50 pm Distance: 10.5 nautical miles March 2019-- (Horseshoe April 2017 January - March 19,River/Sechelt 2017 (Gibsons) Bay) Langdale/Vancouver and6,Powell Peninsula7:05 are not please plan 7:50 HORSESHOE pm 8:10 pm LEAVE LANGDALE LEAVE BAY your travels accordingly.

LEAVE LANGDALE LEAVE HORSESHOE BAY Please At Langdale, ticketing will end five minutes before the scheduled sailing time for vehicles 9:45 pm 8:45Note: pm Ticket sales and loading end three minutes before the scheduled sailing time for vehicles 6:00 am 6:20 am and6:20 walk-on passengers. At Horseshoe Bay only, ticket sales for vehicles and walk-on passengers willand five 6:20 am am minutes for walk-on passengers.

7:20 7:00 am end ten minutes 7:20am am 7:20 am before the scheduled sailing time.

8:05 am 8:25 am Langdale/Vancouver and Powell River/Sechelt Peninsula are not guaranteed Please 8:20 am to connect. Please plan 8:25Note: am Fares collected at Saltery Bay only.

9:25 am your9:10 travelsam accordingly.

9:25 am 9:25 am Crossing 50 Minutes Powell River - Sechelt Peninsula 10:15 am 10:25 am Time: 10:25 am 10:25 am Crossing Time: 40 Minutes (Saltery 11:30 am 11:20 am Bay) - (Earls Cove) 11:30 am 11:25 am3 - March 19 , 2017 January Sailing times 12:25 pm 12:35 pm September 6 - October 10, 2016 12:30 pm 90 minutes driving time.

12:35 pm Langdale to Earls Cove terminal is 84 km (52mi), plan on approximately are daily unless 1:35 EARLS pm COVE 1:30 pm LEAVE SALTERY BAY LEAVE LEAVE LEAVE HORSESHOE 1:35 pm BAY 1:35LANGDALE pm Powell 2:35 pm 40 minutes driving time. otherwise indicated.

2:45River pm to Saltery Bay is 34 km (22mi), plan on approximately 6:30 5:35am am except Sun 2:35 am pm except Sun 2:45 pm 7:20 am 6:20 3:50 3:45am pm Langdale/Vancouver and Powell River/Sechelt Peninsula are notpm guaranteed to connect, please plan 9:25 am 8:25 7:25 pm am 8:25 3:50 am pm 3:45 4:50 pm 4:50 pmaccordingly. your travels 11:30 am 10:25 am 9:25 pm am 10:25 4:50 am pm 4:50 5:50 pmsailing time for vehicles and five 5:55sales pmand loading end three minutes before1:35 pm 12:35 Ticket the scheduled 5:50 pm pm 5:50pm pm 11:20 am 12:20 7:05 6:50pm pm 2:10 pm 2:45 Sep pm 9, 16, 23 minutes for walk-on passengers.

6:50 pm 6:50 pm 3:50 4:55 pm 3:15 3:50 pm 7:50 pm 8:10pm pmSep 9, 16, 23 7:50 pm 7:50 pm 5:55 6:55 pm Please Note: Fares collected at Saltery Bay only.

4:20 pm 4:50 pm Sep 11, 18, 25 9:45 pm 8:45 pm 9:45 pm pm 8:45 pm 9:25 10:30 5:25 pm Sep 11, 18, 25 5:50 pm Crossing Time: 50 Minutes 7:00 am - (Horseshoe Bay) (Gibsons)

Sunshine Coast & Powell River Schedules

Sunshine Coast & Powell River Schedules

7:50 pm 6:50 pm River - Sechelt Peninsula Powell 8:45 pm20 - April 6, 2017 March (Saltery Bay) - (Earls January 3 -10March 19 Cove) , 2017 9:35 pm Oct LEAVE SALTERY SALTERY BAY BAY LEAVE

8:30 pm Oct 10 9:45 pm

Crossing Time: 50 minutes Distance: 9.5 nautical miles

LEAVE EARLS COVE Powell River - Sechelt Peninsula

LEAVE EARLS COVE Langdale to Earls Cove terminal is 84 km (52mi), plan on approximately 90 minutes driving time.

October 11 - December 21, 2016 Powell River to Saltery Bay is 34 km (22mi), plan on approximately 40 minutes driving 5:35 am except Sun 6:30 am except Suntime.

(Saltery Bay)Sun- (Earls Cove) 6:30 am except Sun 5:35 am except LEAVE LEAVE HORSESHOE BAY please plan 7:25LANGDALE am 8:25 am to connect, Langdale/Vancouver and Powell River/Sechelt Peninsula are not guaranteed 7:25 am 8:25 am your travels accordingly.

9:25 am 10:25 am Langdale to Earls Cove terminal is 84 km (52mi), 7:20 plan 10:25 on 90 minutes driving time.Sailing times 6:20 am amapproximately 9:25 am am 8:20 am 9:20 am 11:20 am 12:20 pm Powell River to Saltery Bay is 34 km (22mi), plan on approximately 40 minutes driving Ticket sales and loading end three minutes before the scheduled sailing time for vehicles and five time. are daily unless 11:20 am 12:20 pm 10:20 am 11:20 am otherwise indicated. minutes for walk-on passengers.

1:50 pm 2:50 pm 3:50pm pm 4:55 pmguaranteed to connect, please plan Langdale/Vancouver and Powell River/Sechelt Peninsula are not 12:20 1:20 pm 3:50 pmaccordingly.

4:55 pm pm Please Note: Fares collected at Saltery Bay only.

5:55 pm 6:55 your travels 2:30 pm 3:30 pm 5:55pm pm 6:55 pm pm Langdale - Vancouver continues on page 2...

9:25 pm 10:30 Crossing Time: 50 Minutes 5:30 pm 4:30 Ticket sales and loading end three minutes before the scheduled sailing time for vehicles and five 9:25 pm 10:30 7:25 pm pm 6:30 pm minutes for walk-on passengers.

September - October 10, 2016 9:15 pm 8:20 pm20 6- April March 6, 2017 Please SALTERY Note: Fares collected at Saltery ThisBAY ad sponsored by: Bay only.

LEAVE LEAVE EARLSEARLS COVE COVE LEAVE SALTERY BAY LEAVE Building Community, December 22, 2016 - January 2, 2017 Crossing Time: 5:35 am Except Sun 50 Minutes 6:30 am Except Sun 6:30 am except 5:35am am except Sun Sun LEAVE LANGDALE LEAVE BAY 7:25 8:25HORSESHOE am One Home at a Time 7:25amamExcept 8:25 amDec 25 & Jan 1 7:20 am 6:20 Dec 25 & Jan19 1 , 2017 Except January 3 - March 9:25 10:25 9:25amam 8:25 9:25 10:25 am am 11:20 12:20 pm LEAVE SALTERY BAY LEAVE EARLS COVE Krista Dempster 10:25 am 11:30 am pm 11:20 am 3:50 pm 4:55 12:20 pm 12:35 1:35 5:35pm am except 6:30 am except Sun 6:55 pm 5:55 1:50 pm 2:50 pm TopSun Performers 2 2:45 3:50 pm 10:30 9:25 7:25pm am 8:25pm am KRISTA DEMPSTER 3:50 pm 4:55 4:50 pm 5:50 pm #101-938 Gibsons Way, Gibsons, BC REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL 9:25 pm am 10:25 am 5:55 6:55 pm 6:50 pm 7:50 pm kd@kristadempster.com www.kristadempster.com October 11 - December 21, 2016 11:20 am 12:20 pm 9:25pm pm 8:45 9:45 10:30 pm pm 3:50SALTERY pm 4:55 COVE pm LEAVE BAY LEAVE EARLS

604-740-2050

5:55am pmExcept Sun 5:35 9:25am pm 7:25 9:25 am 11:20 am20 - April 6, 2017 March

6:55 pm 6:30 am Except Sun 8:25 10:30 am pm 10:25 am 12:20 pm

4

The Local - Thursday, March 30, 2017

Editorial Opinion Your hydro bill explained British Columbians will face alarming increases in hydro rates for decades to come because of the BC government’s reckless gamble on liquefied fracked gas and the Kinder Morgan pipeline and tankers project, says a new report from Sierra Club BC. The report, “Hydro Bill Madness: The BC Government Goes For Broke With Your Money”, shows how BC government subsidies to the LNG industry, offered in an attempt to lure companies to BC despite adverse market conditions, come at great expense to BC taxpayers and BC Hydro ratepayers. Power subsidies to even just two or three of the proposed LNG plants could amount to hundreds of millions of dollars per year, on top of royalty and tax cuts, the cost of building the Site C dam, and energy subsidies to other industrial users like Kinder Morgan.

“Why is our government expecting British Columbians to pay a handout to international corporations each time we pay our hydro bill?” said Sierra Club BC campaigns director Caitlyn Vernon. “In their desperation to secure a deal, they are making terrible deals with serious consequences for all BC residents.”

The report points out that Kinder Morgan’s Trans Mountain pipeline, if built, would be powered with subsidized energy at a cost to ratepayers of at least $540 million over 20 years.

“When the BC government approved the Kinder Morgan pipeline and tankers they implied the $25-50 million per year from the company would somehow make up for long-term job losses and economic impacts of oil spills,” said Vernon. “What they failed to mention is that BC is giving $27 million per year to Kinder Morgan, in the form of subsidized energy.”

The handouts don’t stop there: the report questions the need for the multi-billion dollar Site C earth-fill dam project, which is intended to supply below-cost energy to fracking and LNG export facilities that may never get built, and will contribute to escalating hydro rates over the dam’s 70-year payback period.

“The BC government is building an expensive dam we don’t need in order to offer subsidies to fracking and LNG companies, with BC hydro ratepayers footing the bill for generations to come,” said Vernon. "We have better, cheaper and cleaner energy options, like solar and wind. It’s not too late to stop the Site C dam.”

“British Columbians need to make their voices heard on these issues in the upcoming election, because they are the ones who will be paying the price for these bad decisions.”

Submitted

Local

the

weekLy #213 - 5710 Teredo Street, Sechelt (Teredo Square) PUBLISHER Susan Attiana publisher@thelocalweekly.ca

EDITORIAL John Gibbs, Donna McMahon editor@thelocalweekly.ca

SALES sales@thelocalweekly.ca

Mike Zanchetta mike@thelocalweekly.ca

CLASSIFIED SALES / ADMIN admin@thelocalweekly.ca

PRODUCTION / GRAPHICS Christina Johnstone production@thelocalweekly.ca

DISTRIBUTION Richard Austin cnaustin@telus.net admin@thelocalweekly.ca This publication reserves the right to refuse any advertising that it considers to contain false or misleading information or involves unfair or unethical practices. The advertiser agrees that the publisher shall not be liable for damages arising out of error in any advertisement beyond the amount paid for such advertisement.

P.O. Box 494, Sechelt, BC, V0N 3A0 Phone: 604-885-3134 Fax: 604-885-3194 admin@thelocalweekly.ca www.thelocalweekly.ca Hours Mon. - Fri. 9am - 5pm Display Advertising Deadline: Monday noon at The Local office.

Email: sales@thelocalweekly.ca Classified Advertising Deadline: Monday noon at The Local office.

Email: admin@thelocalweekly.ca Editorial Deadline: Monday 10 a.m. at The Local office.

Email: editor@thelocalweekly.ca THE LOCAL is locally operated and distributed every Thursday to 11,500 households on the Sunshine Coast

by CANADA POST, (Canada Post Agreement (#41000012).

FREE OF CHARGE

AT NEWS STANDS THROUGHOUT THE SUNSHINE COAST AND ON BC FERRIES, LANGDALE TO HORSESHOE BAY ROUTE.

SUBSCRIPTIONS $33.35 / 3 mos. in Canada

The Local Weekly is a member of the National Newsmedia Council, which is an independent organization established to deal with acceptable journalistic practices and ethical behaviour. If you have concerns about editorial content, please contact publisher@thelocalweekly.ca or 1-604-8853134. If you are not satisfied with the response and wish to file a formal complaint, visit the website at mediacouncil.ca or call toll-free 1-844-877-1163 for additional information.

CMCA AUDITED

MEMBER OF

Letters to the Editor – Opinions More misinformation (Re “Can Sechelt survive?”, letters, the Local, March 16) In a recent letter to the editor, Geoff White falsely claimed that the current Sechelt Council had depleted reserves to pay for severance, legal fees and consulting studies. Last week I corrected the misinformation regarding reserve funds. This week let us consider the facts on severance and legal fees.

As reported at a recent Finance and Economic Development Committee, the consolidated budgets for 2012, 2013 and 2014 (Mayor Henderson) show that legal fees were $663,000, $483,000 and $246,000 respectively. Legal fees were $250,000 for 2015 (with carry-over expenses on four files from 2014) and dropped to $150,000 for 2016 - the first real year of budget control for the new Council. The draft budget for legal fees in 2017 is $83,000.

It is not appropriate to go into details on severance payments. However, payouts associated with terminations from 2012 to 2014 were approximately $635,366. Compare that to approximately $334,212 in severance payments for all organizational changes since the 2014 election.

This is too much in any case, and points to the importance of establishing a professional and stable civil service for Sechelt that serves the community and lasts beyond any electoral changes. Rebuilding that professional civil service has been a top priority of this council. The rationale for doing so was set out in the 2015 Perivale+Taylor report, “Organizational and Management Review”, and the blueprint for action is in the subsequent “Change Implementation Plan”.

I want to thank Mr. Geoff White for this opportunity to provide detailed information to readers of the Local. It is always useful to have a factual record of the District’s financial activities under discussion by an informed and engaged community.

Mayor Bruce Milne, Sechelt

Deloitte study, both in an attempt to diminish the efforts of the previous Mayor and Council. Perhaps the Auditor General should suggest that Deloitte further study current expenditures before some clever accounting practice blurs the lines.

Geoff White, Sechelt

Another calculation

Left the pub

(Re various letters, the Local, March 23) I was wondering when Mayor Milne’s two Cheerleaders – Marc Nixon and George Goudie – would eventually sashay back into the limelight. Surprisingly Mr. Nixon came up with only one “achievement” of Mayor Milne’s 2½-year term. Surely there must be more? Regardless, the new DCC bylaw (a cost to Developer/Homebuyer) is something, but I question whether a 100 per cent increase might do more to deter a new project from moving forward. I think that if we really wanted to encourage the revitalization of the tawdry downtown Cowrie then perhaps those two blocks should become a DCC-free zone, as a substantially increased tax base would very quickly replace the loss of DCC’s.

Regarding Mayor Milne’s letter, I think it is true that $3million has gone from “General Funds”. Audited financials from 2014 show a surplus of $4,436,968.

The Sept. 14, 2016 Finance Committee report shows a “General Fund” surplus of $1,496,081 and likely declining by December 31.

That’s pretty close to $3 million by my calculation and all information that’s available to the Mayor.

The Mayor was visibly ecstatic to receive the questionable Urban Systems report on the WRC and happy to spend $150,000 on the

(Re “Get over it”, letters, the Local, March 23) George Goudie quotes me from a Nov. 20, 2014 column (election night), which should be put into context. When leaving the pub, having consumed a couple of glasses of wine and feeling very disappointed at the election outcome, I was asked by the Local’s reporter what I thought. I threw out a kneejerk response. “The better informed” people would have been a better choice of words than “educated”. As for “just wanting to leave now," perhaps I just meant, “leave the pub”. Although I can think of a number of people I’d like to see leave town, we’re (Geoff White and I) not two of them.

We are long past our disappointment at the outcome of the election but we remain very concerned about the future of Sechelt given the malaise and dysfunction of District Hall under the guidance of Mayor Milne. Sechelt can’t afford to continue going down this road, we need some stability and we need it now.

Carolyn Minchin, Sechelt

Release results (Re “Survey hacked by Sechelt-haters”, the Local, March 23) As per your report that the District of Sechelt refuses to release the Citizen Satisfaction Survey results, this puts them in a position

which violates a BC Law. As I was concerned the telephone survey results could be targeted at certain "friendly" citizens, I put in an official Freedom Of Information request to obtain the online survey results.

The refusal to release these results now puts them in violation of this law and I have now followed up with the BC Privacy Commission.

While I understand the District did not put sufficient controls on the survey, as the Mayor stated a friend of his "tested" the survey by putting in 14 separate answers to the survey, the results could be skewed.

Still, a great number of people like myself did complete the survey and would like to know the results.

Just because the Mayor did not like the results of the survey does not mean he can withhold public information.

Graham Moore, Sechelt

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.

The Local - Thursday, March 30, 2017

Sechelt’s planning backlog A report delivered to the March 22 meeting of the District of Sechelt's Planning and Development committee shows just how many development applications Sechelt has on its books. Staff prepared a chart of over 50 active rezoning, subdivision, and development permit applications.

The District of Sechelt has come under fire recently for delays in processing development applications. The District has been without a Director of Planning since the resignation of Andre Isakov in November 2016 after less than six months on the job.

Seventeen rezoning applications were listed in the report, stretching as far back as a 2013 proposal by Vanta Pacific for a resort development in West Portpoise Bay. The list included a number

of major proposals such as Wesbrooke by the Sea, RTC Properties, SSC Properties, and the Silverstone Care Centre.

There are eight subdivision proposals, ranging in size from a six-lot subdivision on Baillie Road (2013) to a recent 43-lot rezoning for Trail Bay Estates, and a proposed resort hotel at the Blue Ocean Golf Course.

Fifteen subdivisions are underway, having received preliminary approval from the province within the last year. Some of these are as small as two lots, but four were larger than 40 lots, including a 55-lot subdivision in Selma Park.

Seven development permits, two temporary use permits, two development variance permits and two flood exemption applications

completed the report.

"Just looking at it, it's a little daunting the number of applications you're having to deal with," said Councillor Mike Shanks. "For me this [report] is excellent and it just gives some timeline in terms of what we're currently dealing with and the timeframe for eventually making decisions or getting results."

Councillor Noel Muller also thanked Acting Chief Administrative Officer Doug Stewart for the report. "This is more information in one place than I think we've had to date."

The development application action chart will be updated and included in future Planning Committee agenda packages, and posted on the District of Sechelt website.

Donna McMahon

...to wear now and later on...

Our best fine white cotton shirt in 97% cotton and 35% lycra...

Just your wardrobe basic... Wear it as a shirt or layered over tanks and tees as a jacket.

Sizes 6-14

The best selling Simon Chang pant, casual/dressy with built in TUMMY CONTROL and elasticized waistband.

Sizes 6-18 in colors silver, navy, black, stone or infinity blue.

A great fitting jacket is the backbone of ones wardrobe...This basic jean jacket pairs perfectly with our Simon Chang pants; or pop it over your spring/ summer dresses for a fashion forward look...

Colors: white, coral, infinity blue, champagne, silver, navy or black.

See in-store for details!

B.C. Schizophrenia Society Since 1980 presents

Open: Mon - Sat 10am - 5pm

#105 - 5710 Teredo St. 604-885-2029 Strengthening Families Together B.C. Schizophrenia Society presents w w w. t h e l o c a l w e e k l y. c a

Strengthening B.C. Schizophrenia Society presents Strengthening Families Together

Are you living with a family member struggling with mental illness?

SCRD Chief Administrative Officer Janette Loveys received an award from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (CFM), presented by SCRD chair Garry Nohr at a board meeting March 23. The award recognizes the work that Loveys has done with CFM international projects, most recently a local economic development project in the Caribbean. DONNA MCMAHON PHOTO

SCRD tax increase approved The Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) budget for 2017 was adopted at the March 23 Board Meeting.

The overall tax increase over the 2016 budget year is 3.5 per cent. The residential impact in each electoral area varies depending on the services provided and changes in assessment (market) values relative to other areas, and changes in assessment values relative to other property taxes.

“In an effort to align the budget process with the Board’s strategic goals, staff developed a set of criteria to assist with prioritizing the various project proposals to provide a corporate perspective,” says Garry Nohr, SCRD Board Chair. “The purpose was to ensure that the various departments are working together to create better strategic alignment.”

Projects were prioritized based on four key criteria – mandatory/business continuity; direct link to the SCRD’s Strategic Plan; identified in the SCRD’s integrated

five-year plan; and low cost and high value.

“Asset management was an integral part of many of the approved projects, providing a framework for analyzing and planning for infrastructure and other assets,” says Tina Perreault, SCRD Chief Financial Officer. “Our enterprise asset management system will allow for better planning and preventative maintenance programs to extend the life of SCRD assets.”

Major projects that have received funding for the 2017-2021 Financial Plan include a transit expansion, preventative maintenance for various SCRD buildings, several projects for regional solid waste resulting from changes in regulatory standards and increased program costs.

Budgets were also approved for ports repairs to Keats Landing, Gambier Harbour, Halfmoon Bay, Vaucroft, West Bay, Port Graves, Halkett Bay, and Eastbourne.

These repairs are also partially funded by the federal

Canada 150 grant.

Other projects that also received funding include upgrades to the Gibsons and District Public Library Building including replacing the HVAC, and a roof replacement for Frank West Hall / Cliff Mahlman Fire Station.

In addition to the newly approved projects, the SCRD continues to work on over 50 previously approved projects such as the Chapman Lake expansion project, universal water metering for the rural areas, and capital improvements to the community recreation facilities.

The SCRD Board also approved ongoing funding to many of its community stakeholders such as community schools, youth outreach, economic development initiatives, increases to museum and public library funding, as well as ongoing commitments for rural grants-in-aid for community groups benefiting the region as a whole.

For more information, visit www.scrd.ca/Budget.

Submitted

YOU ARE NOT ALONE

Families Together

Are you living with a family member struggling with mental illness?

Are you living with a family member struggling

YOU ARE NOT ALONE with mental illness?

YOU ARE NOT ALONE FAMILIES HELPING FAMILIES

Strengthening Families Together is a ten-session course for families and friends who have a loved one suffering from mental illness. The course provides information, tools and support to help people cope with these challenges they face.

FAMILIES HELPING FAMILIES

FAMILIES HELPING FAMILIES Through the course, participants will learn: is a ten-session course for families and Strengthening Families Together • about different types ofa mental illnesses friends who haveFamilies loved one suffering mentalcourse illness. course Strengthening Together is afrom ten-session forThe families andprovides information, tools and support to help people cope withThe these challenges friends who have a loved one suffering from mental illness. course providesthey face.

• about medications and treatments for mental illness tools and support to help people cope with these challenges they face.

• how toinformation, cope with and support a loved one who is living with a mental illness Through the course, participants will learn: course, types participants will learn: •Through aboutthe different of mental illnesses Next Strengthening Families Together begins types of mental illnesses •• about aboutdifferent medications and treatments for mental illness • about medications and treatments for mental illness • how April to cope support Wednesday 5,with 2017and from 7 pm atoloved 9 pmone who is living with a mental illness •

how to cope with and support a loved one who is living with a mental illness

Sunshine Coast Community Services

Next Strengthening Families Together begins

Families Together begins 102 -Next 938Strengthening Gibsons Way, Gibsons.

WednesdayApril April 2017 from 7 pm 9 pm Wednesday 5, 5, 2017 from 7 pm to 9to pm Sunshine CoastCommunity Community Services Sunshine Coast Services This is FREE for participants.

Class size is limited and registration is required.

102 Way, Gibsons.

102--938 938Gibsons Gibsons Way, Gibsons.

For more information and to register: This is Class sizesize is limited and and registration is required. is FREE FREEfor forparticipants. participants.

Class is limited registration is required.

EricaThis Gatz, Regional Educator Sunshine Coast B.C. Schizophrenia Society For more information and to register: For more information and to register: 604-787-1814 1-888-888-0029 | suncoast@bcss.org Erica |Gatz, Regional Educator Sunshine Coast Erica Gatz, Regional Educator Sunshine Coast www.bcss.org B.C. Schizophrenia Society B.C. Schizophrenia Society 604-787-1814 | 1-888-888-0029 | suncoast@bcss.org 604-787-1814 | 1-888-888-0029 | suncoast@bcss.org www.bcss.org www.bcss.org

Fall 2016 Update Generously Funded by Fall 2016 Update Generously Funded by

Fall 2016 Update Generously Funded by

5

6

The Local - Thursday, March 30, 2017

LETHAL DRUGS ARE out there

Find out how you can save a life.

Every day, people are losing their lives to overdoses in BC. These deaths are preventable. Many illegal drugs, including party drugs, have been found to contain deadly fentanyl. And even more toxic carfentanil is now being detected in BC. Not using drugs is the best defence — using alone is the greatest risk.

If you use drugs or know someone who does, help is available.

Learn about treatment, and where to find naloxone and overdose prevention sites in your area by calling 8-1-1 or visiting www.gov.bc.ca/overdose.

A guide to Girl Guide cookies on the Coast Who wants Girl Guide cookies? Girl Guides on Sunshine Coast will be selling their cookies at various locations.

At only $5 a box (tax included), Girl Guide cookies are a delicious way to make a difference in the lives of girls on the Sunshine Coast and across the country. If cookies are not on your food plan, consider buying a box and donate it to the local food bank.

Cookies went on sale March 27 and will be available through April by individual girls.

Each box of cookies sold supports effective and meaningful Girl Guide programs and community based activities offering girls opportunities to discover new interests, form lasting friendships and develop leadership and life skills through experience, challenge and adventure.

This important fundraiser

helps to provide girls with the tools they need to be confident, courageous and resourceful – capable of achieving greatness in every area of their life.

There will be cookies on sale April 1 at IGA in Gibsons between 10am and 2pm.

April 8 is the nationwide cookie blitz and they will be sold between 10am and 4pm at various locations on the Sunshine Coast, including Sunny Crest Mall and IGA in Gibsons, IGA in Wilson Creek and Trail Bay Mall in Sechelt.

Tiffany Vellios, Commissioner, of the Girl Guide Tetrahedron District says: “Girl Guide cookies are a tasty Canadian tradition. When you buy a box of Girl Guide cookies, you’re buying more than just a cookie. Cookie sales help over 100 girls on the Sunshine Coast from Gibsons to Pender Harbour try exciting activities,

develop leadership skills and participate in dynamic community service projects.”

The Girl Guide cookie tradition stared in 1927, when a Guide leader in Regina baked cookies for her girls to sell as a simple way to raise money for uniforms and camping equipment.

Today, Canadians eagerly await the arrival of classic vanilla and chocolate cookies each spring and chocolatey mint cookies every fall. Over 4.4 million boxes of Girl Guide cookies are sold each year across Canada.

To see how cookies and other fundraising events benefit local girls on our Facebook page go to facebook. com/Tetrahedron-DistrictSunshine-Coast-BC-GirlGuides-429948320480108/ Submitted

Your knowledge, compassion and action can save a life.

Girl Guide cookies support a wide range of activities, including this snowshoe expedition by Pathfinders and Rangers earlier this month on Dakota Ridge. PHOTO SUBMITTED

The high school astronomer Learn more at gov.bc.ca/overdose

Carry a Naloxone Kit

Local

the

weekLy

Call 9-1-1

#stopoverdose

Locally Owned • Locally Operated Keep your dollars on the Sunshine Coast!

The Sunshine Coast branch of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada welcomes Francesca Crema, who will speak on April 14 on “Cosmic Rays in the Classroom: My experiences with muons, variable stars, and project-based learning." The event starts at 7:30pm at the Arts Centre in Sechelt.

Francesca is a 17-year-old grade 12 student in Vancouver participating in Templeton Secondary's STEM Program who intends to pursue a career in the sciences, specifically physics (specifically,

high-energy particle physics). Francesca is the youngest at-large council member of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, serving on the council of the RASC's Vancouver centre as their youth rep.

Ever since joining her school's STEM program, Francesca has received the opportunity to research and analyze data collected from a cosmic ray detector, and is currently studying spectroscopy and photometry at the SFU Trottier observatory.

Francesca has been updating

old data (eg radial velocity, apparent magnitude) on RT Aurigae. Because her school's STEM program has provided her with these opportunities and more, she will also talk about it and detail the benefits of project-based learning. Her talk will detail her experiences with these projects, as well as provide an introduction to the scientific principles – from elementary particles to variable stars – that they are based on.

Admission is free; donations gratefully accepted at the door. Submitted

FRESH 100%R FR OZEN NEVE

CANADIAN

1078 Gibsons Way • Open 24 hours • Drive Thru

1078 Gibsons Way Drive Thru

AD CONFIRMATION PLEASE RESPOND BY EMAIL BY

This proof is for the purpose of

R0011392101

BEEF

The Local - Thursday, March 30, 2017

Fool's Run attracts top competitors The 40th edition of the BMO Sunshine Coast April Fool’s Run presented by Coast Cable is shaping up to be an exciting contest in the front of the pack.

The men’s field features two Kenyan athletes, both with identical personal bests of 1:06:01 for the half marathon. Benard Ngeno and Leornard Kipkoech are currently staying in Surrey for the West Coast spring road race circuit, and have decided to include the BMO Fool’s Run in their competition schedule.

Ngeno recorded his best half marathon time in Victoria 18 months ago, and has been recovering from injury since then. The 28-year-old is making a strong comeback, as evidenced by his 15:47 clocking at the recent BMO St. Patrick’s Day 5k in Vancouver.

Twenty-three year old Kipkoech has finished in the top ten in the last two Vancouver Sun Runs, placing 3rd in 2015 in 29:05.

Roberts Creek favourite Shaun Stephens-Whale has the home-course advantage and could possibly challenge the Kenyans if they get too relaxed.

Stephens-Whale won the 2015 Fool’s Run in a thrilling photo-finish 1:10:15. The Fool’s Run hills should be a breeze for him, after his recent successes in international tower (stair climb) races.

The women’s favourite

on paper is Kate Gustafson, a 32-year-old from Vancouver who won the Seawheeze Half Marathon last August, and has a personal best of 1:19:08 set at the BMO Vancouver Half in 2015.

Chasing Gustafson will be last year’s Fool’s winner Adrienne Gomes of Squamish. Since her victory here last April, the 20-year-old has set new personal bests of 1:23:56 for the half and 18:57 for 5k. “I am excited to be returning to such a great event this year,” says Gomes.

Gibsons’ Kimberley Doerksen, Fool’s Run women’s course record holder (1:14:53) and 2015 BMO Vancouver Marathon winner, decided at the last minute to join the fray, though she’s the

first to admit she’s not in any shape for a fast half marathon. “I'd be pleased with sub 1:25 right now,” says Doerksen. “I haven't done any intervals further than a mile.”

Doerksen, who now lives and works off-Coast, is no longer eligible for the “Top Local Finisher” award. She sees this as a good thing.

“Winning first local at the Fool’s Run was what got me hooked on running, so hopefully that happens with someone else,” she explains.

If you haven’t already done so, you may register an individual, relay team or volunteer at www.foolsrun.com.

Walk-up registration is available on race weekend - see website for details.

Submitted

BC Culture Days is pleased to announce the launch of “Stone Soup” in Sechelt on Thursday, April 6.

Stone Soup is part of a series of free creative networking and collaboration events taking place in communities across BC. Presented in partnership with the District of Sechelt and the Sunshine Coast Arts Council, Stone Soup will give Sunshine Coast community members the chance to connect with other potential Culture Days event registrants to expand their local network, find new collaborators, share resourc-

es, and brainstorm ideas for creative projects together.

The event takes place April 6, 5:30-7:30pm at the Arts Centre in Sechelt.

Everyone is welcome, including individual artists (amateur and professional), arts organizations, cultural groups, heritage workers, local businesses, BIAs, media, venue managers, presenters, volunteers, and other arts and culture enthusiasts. The event will also feature a live music demo and presentation by local artist, Steve Wright.

Stone Soup refers to the

fable in which hungry travellers start a soup with a pot of water and a stone, inviting the curiosity of local villagers.

One by one villagers begin to offer ingredients to add to the mix, creating a delicious soup for the whole village to enjoy together.

Now in its eighth year, Culture Days is the country’s largest public participation campaign in the arts. This year’s celebrations will take place from Sept. 29-Oct.1, inviting the public behind the scenes to discover the world of creative people in their community. Submitted

The Stonehurst House Salon, set for Saturday April 8, is a fundraising event for the re-election campaign of Nicholas Simons, BC NDP candidate for Powell RiverSunshine Coast in the May 9 provincial election.

Modelled on stimulating conversational gatherings dating back to the 18th century, the salon will feature members of the Driftwood Players in period costume, playing the roles of Dr. Fredrick Inglis and James S. Woodsworth and members of their families. The company will re-enact scenes from the time when the characters all lived together at Stonehu-

rst.

Dr. Inglis had moved to the Lower Gibsons mansion in 1913, and provided medical care to residents as far away as Sechelt until 1945. J.S. Woodsworth, a pioneer in the Canadian social democratic movement, was pastor at the Methodist Church from 1917 to 1919, and boarded with the Inglis family during that time. After more than two decades ministering to the poor and the working class, Woodsworth helped found and led the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF), which later became the New Democratic Party (NDP).

Guests will also be treated

to a high tea prepared by chef Doug Davis, followed by a little music from the early 1900s. Then, in the historical salon tradition of Stonehurst House, there’ll be an opportunity to gather in small discussion groups for conversations on current affairs in BC, and about creating meaningful change in the political landscape of our times.

The event begins at 3pm at Stonehurst House B&B, 529 Gibsons Way, in Gibsons.

Space is limited. A portion of the $100 ticket price will be tax deductible. Information at nicholassimons. bcndp.ca, or by phone at (604) 740-3122. Submitted

It was a photo-finish win for Shaun Stephens-Whale, right, of Roberts Creek in the 2015 BMO April Fool's Run. StephensWhale will be up against two top-rated Kenyan runners this year. PETER BOND PHOTO

Collaboration is on the menu

History and politics, plus food and music

PATHWAY TO A BUSINESS DEGREE

START HERE

Business Administration Certificate Program Start your courses in Sechelt at Capilano University's kálax-ay Sunshine Coast campus.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM This certificate program provides a solid foundation for a career in business.

Current students range from applying right after high school, to students who are starting their second career.

FLEXIBLE/ PART-TIME Courses will be taught once a week in the evenings.

ATTEND AN INFORMATION SESSION Thursday, April 6, 2017 • 5-7 pm Thursday, May 4, 2017 • 5-7 pm Light refreshments will be served.

LOCATION: CAPILANO UNIVERSITY • kálax-ay Sunshine Coast campus

5627 Inlet Avenue, Sechelt, B.C.

VISIT CAPILANOU.CA/SUNSHINE

7

8

The Local - Thursday, March 30, 2017

A MAY 9 PROVINCIAL ELECTION PRIMER Kim Darwin

Nicholas Simons

Kim Darwin, 48, has lived on the Sunshine Coast almost all her life. Born on Lasqueti Island, her family moved to Davis Bay when she was two years old. She graduated from Chatelech Secondary School in 1986, and later earned her Mortgage Broker Real Estate Property Management qualifications from the Sauder School of BusiSUSAN ATTIANA PHOTO ness at UBC. Darwin owns her own mortgage brokerage business that she started in 2004. She is the President of the Sechelt and District Chamber of Commerce (a volunteer position), and was elected to the provincial council for the BC Green Party, until she resigned to declare her candidacy. Her other volunteer contributions to the community include having been a hot lunch mom and baseball coach.

Darwin says: "I love where I live. I looked at moving about 15 years ago and realized I was looking for what I already had."

Darwin decided to run for the BC Green Party because she wants change, and feels that the political battles taking place in the Legislature are "counter-productive."

"The bickering between the NDP and the Liberals is not really helping real people with the problems that are happing in British Columbia," said Darwin.

Nicholas Simons, 52, was first elected to the provincial legislature in 2005. Before that he worked as the Director of Social Services for the Sechelt Nation, and was the volunteer president of the Arts Council. "I grew up volunteering, playing music in old folks homes and hospitals, working with people who are disabled," said SiDONNA MCMAHON PHOTO mons. "Playing music is all part of community building."

Simons grew up in Montreal then moved to Ontario, the Northwest Territories, and finally BC. He has an undergraduate degree from the University of Ottawa, and a Masters in Criminology from Simon Fraser University. He has now been on the Sunshine Coast for 25 years, the last six of which he's lived in the historic townsite of Powell River.

"The physical beauty of the place is unmatched – opportunities for people to live healthy and fulfilling lives, it's possible here," says Simons.

Simons wasn't very politically active before he first decided to run under the NDP banner, but he was politicized by "seeing the impact of government decisions directly on people – in my particular case directly on the lives of children who are living in vulnerable situations."

"My last job before entering politics was reviewing the death of a child whose circumstances were made worse by government decisions," said Simons.

I'm a former legal assistant for 16 years and I know that agreements always have escape clauses. I believe that they should utilize those escape clauses and go back to the community and consult with the community and key stakeholders.

There could be a place for profit but not at the expense of the public, and with the Trellis/ Shorncliffe/Totem agreement it would eliminate my public system and I am not in favour of that. I very much recognize that we need more beds. My fear would be that by entering this agreement, or allowing this agreement to go forward, what public funds are we going to have?

I'm strongly against the idea of introducing the profit motive in caring for seniors because we know that profit is taken away from the care. Public care is better. We have more control over it. It doesn't involve the firing and possible re-hiring of employees. The level of care that's achieved is better when there's less turnover of staff and better for our communities when we have living wages where people can afford to raise their family and contribute to the well-being of our community.

Yet we find ourselves in a position where government pretends that it doesn't have capital to invest in public infrastructure. What they're proposing is inadequate for our current needs, let alone our future needs.

With seniors care: what is your view of for-profit operations, and what can or should be done at this point about the contract with Trellis on the Sunshine Coast?

If you and your party were elected, what advice would you give the government about logging on the Sunshine Coast?

There is a way of doing sustainable logging. I think one of our biggest solutions, and it would be a lot of work, is to have a land use plan so that we don't have these minute squabbles over various areas. We'll know where the logging can happen, where the logging can't happen, where the mining can happen, where the mining can't happen. I think we need to have, again, another community consultation and a complete land use plan for our entire riding.

What is your view of the proposed Woodfibre LNG plant?

I am 150 per cent opposed to it. LNG involves fracking. I think everybody is in agreement that fracking is not clean. Scientific proof shows that it is actually as dirty as coal. So while LNG burns cleaner, you have to take the entire process from the extraction right through to the burning. And basically it's been a generational sell-out for British Columbia, so it may reduce greenhouse gas emissions in China if we ever sell it to them, but it will increase our greenhouse gas emissions and essentially we will not be able to meet our targets. One other thing that you'd like to know: it has been estimated that every job that was promised there by the BC Liberal government will cost us taxpayers $220,000 per year per job due to the subsidies and breaks that were given to Woodfibre LNG. Can you see any way in which the ferry service could be permanently increased?

I think that BC Ferry service, once it's under the provincial government, yes it could be. The service can be increased. I just had a conversation with Pamela Goldsmith-Jones about the possibility of getting federal money to pay off the BC Ferries debt and get the ferries back under the BC government as a marine highway. I feel that would be more transparent, that the finances would be more transparent under the government of British Columbia. We want to see a reduction in the fares. And that's part of my reason why I think it needs to come back under the British Columbia government, that we can see a reduction in fares.

What can be done to attract family-supporting jobs that will keep younger people on the Coast?

With seniors care: what is your view of for-profit operations, and what can or should be done at this point about the contract with Trellis on the Sunshine Coast?

If you and your party were elected, what advice would you give the government about logging on the Sunshine Coast?

Make sure that the community has input, and that includes the hundreds of jobs that are tied to the forest industry, and it includes the hundreds of jobs that our tied to our tourism industry, our recreation industry. We need to stop thinking that it's a fight between groups.

This is a community issue, it needs a community response. I've always advocated for a plan and it's something that the government promised and never delivered. I think that the way to resolve the continual cycle of proposal and protest is to have a frank discussion about our community's needs.

What is your view of the proposed Woodfibre LNG plant?

Considering all the political shenanigans that have gone around it and basically that subsidy that the public is providing just to satisfy an empty dream of the Premier, it just seems to me like a big problem. I'm not a big fan of the Woodfibre LNG facility for many reasons. I know that we have the capacity to develop alternative energy options. I question the environmental assessment process now, knowing the government's coziness with the lobbyists.

I lost a lot of the little faith I had in government considering what an obvious tie between lobbyists and public policy.

Can you see any way in which the ferry service could be permanently increased?

We are the only riding that's entirely ferry-reliant, that's true, but there are many British Columbians who rely heavily on an efficient transportation system and they long for the days when the public was involved in the planning and the administration of that service. Yes, I can see a government that contributes equally to our ferry service as it does to other public transportation options. We need a government that takes that issue seriously and realizes the economic benefits of providing good service, stable fares and meets the needs of our community. Our government has completely ignored that.

What can be done to attract family-supporting jobs that will keep younger people on the Coast?

One of my passions is technology and renewable energy which, along with that, comes retrofitting of older homes. So I think having energy efficiency programs will increase the renovation and construction industry. Another business could be re-using wood waste from the logging industry to make things like pellets or bio char. We have Telus fibre optics here on the lower Sunshine Coast. Getting that out to other areas, letting people know that jobs that use the internet remotely are readily available here. And I think, businesses such as the Coast Gravity Park, having the mountain bike race, things like that, drawing attention to our beautiful outdoors is also an attractor.

Every rural community struggles with this. We've seen a mass migration of people to cities.

That is a demographic change that can be somewhat mitigated by the development of new opportunities like digitizing our community, preparing them for the tech world. I think that we're doing that. It's happening because we are a beautiful place to live and it's happening because people want to move to communities that are safe and have good resources, that have vibrant schools, that can be attractive to new business. I think young people will choose the Sunshine Coast as long as we have affordable housing, we have services for their families possibly including childcare and seniors care and good strong public education.

Yes, they can actually give the community control over their own watershed. I would like to see us have control over our own watershed, as Vancouver does.

I've long advocated for a ministerial portfolio to deal specifically with fresh water. We have a limited resource that needs the best protection we can offer it considering the climate change and the likelihood of extreme weather that will impact our water. . [The provincial government can] ensure that we protect our water supply, that we develop policies that err on the side of protecting our water.

Given the fragility of our water resource in drought situations, is there anything a provincial government can do to help?

The stories and interviews are by Donna McMahon.

Given the fragility of our water resource in drought situations, is there anything a provincial government can do to help?

The Local - Thursday, March 30, 2017

9

R: POWELL RIVER – SUNSHINE COAST Mathew Wilson

Reuben Richards CASCADIA PARTY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA

Mathew Wilson, age 40, grew up in Middlepoint, near Madeira Park, on a 16-acre hobby farm built by his father, Gordon Wilson. (Gordon Wilson, MLA for this riding from 1991 to 2001, is a former leader of the BC Liberal Party and an NDP minister in Glen Clark’s cabinet.)

Mathew Wilson graduated from Chatelech Secondary DONNA MCMAHON PHOTO School in 1994, before studying Political Science and Economics at the University of Victoria. He currently works for the Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada settling residential school claims.

"When we came back [from Ottawa] we decided that we wanted to have the kids grow up on the coast," said Wilson, who currently lives in Roberts Creek.

He has family on both the lower and upper Coast. "I want my kids to grow up in a place where they have not only community but family," he said.

Wilson's community involvements include sitting on the board of the youth soccer association, volunteering with the equestrian club, and sitting on the Ferry Advisory Committee.

Wilson decided to run because he was "getting frustrated with the number of things that just weren't moving forward." He said: "I want to see this place grow in a way that my kids can go to school, be educated – maybe even post secondary education – and get jobs here and continue to have their families here."

With seniors care: what is your view of for-profit operations, and what can or should be done at this point about the contract with Trellis on the Sunshine Coast?

The privatized versus public has become the wedge issue in the community, in the election. I think it's unfortunate. I think where you want to focus, though, is making sure that our community has enough beds to provide the care that we need for our seniors. We've got an opportunity to put in place 20 more beds, which is going to start to address the issue – it's not the final solution.

Vancouver Coastal Health have confirmed to me that they will keep open Totem and Shorncliffe. So those two facilities, in addition to the new facility, will be available to the community, which is great. And I'm pushing for some of the capital health funding that was in the budget to put back in our community so we can retrofit Shorncliffe, which doesn't need a lot of retrofitting, but Totem definitely does to bring it up to standard.

If you and your party were elected, what advice would you give the government about logging on the Sunshine Coast?

I think logging practices have changed dramatically from the old days of the slash and burn and log approach. The community forest is a great example of how logging can give back to a community. It puts money back into our community, which is fantastic. We've got to make sure that local companies, local contractors and local mills get access to local timber. There's a lot of work to be done from the government's perspective but I would say that you can't turn a blind eye to the opportunity that logging gives, forestry I would call it, not so much logging but forestry, provides for the Sunshine Coast.

What is your view of the proposed Woodfibre LNG plant?

I think it's a good sign that LNG in BC industry is starting to take off. I'm really happy that Squamish First Nation is on board. The jobs locally are going to be good, so I think there's a lot of positives for it. We've got to find some way to transition globally off of oil. Natural gas is a good way to do that. It's not the final solution, but it's a good transition fuel away from carbon base, at least heavy oil. And I think that as British Columbians we have a responsibility globally if we've got that resource, we've got some of the strongest environmental standards in place, that if we've got that ability to do it, then we have a responsibility globally to be able to supply that energy source.

Can you see any way in which the ferry service could be permanently increased?

We need to look at how to restructure the ferry service as provided between Langdale and Horseshoe Bay. The new ferry in Powell River, which is a natural gas ferry. I think if you get a look at that as a model and then you start to put in place two of those style ferries where you're running hourly service. They're mid-class ferries, they're fuel efficient, they're standardized in terms of the maintenance and the crew, so you've got more flexibility in terms of your maintenance cost, your replacement cost and your crew certification. And then you run hourly service back and forth between Langdale and Horseshoe Bay.

What can be done to attract family-supporting jobs that will keep younger people on the Coast?

I believe firmly that governments don't create jobs, we create the environment for jobs, for entrepreneurs and businesses to thrive. Although we can put some money and jobs into infrastructure and road-building and that's where government can actually create jobs. We need to ensure that transportation links between ourselves and Vancouver are strong, reliable and affordable. Because the reality is that families will move up, one may have to continue to work in the Lower Mainland. I think there's some opportunities to put some high tech industry in the Sunshine Coast, to start to build some jobs there. Particularly high tech industry that has roots, right? So around resource base, around health care. I mean if Sechelt's growing as a seniors care community then there's lots of opportunity around that to support that.

Given the fragility of our water resource in drought situations, is there anything a provincial government can do to help?

Yes, infrastructure. We do need to put in place infrastructure to be able to support the residents of the Sunshine Coast. Now I would argue that we don't have a water quantity issue, we've got a water access issue. If we're going to look at long term growth, we need to be able to ensure the infrastructure's here to support it and we do that early and make sure that it's in place. And that's where I think a government can help.

Reuben Richards, 44, is planning to run for the Cascadia Party of BC. Richards grew up on an organic vegetable farm south of Powell River and still lives nearby.

He graduated high school in Powell River and earned his log scaling licence from Malaspina College.

Richards has worked in forestry on the Sunshine PHOTO SUBMITTED Coast for many years. He was a shop steward for the Steelworkers Union before taking his current position with the Forest Service as a government check scaler. He also operates a garlic farm which he says is growing every year, and he is an enthusiastic proponent of local food production.

Richards has volunteered for Scouts Canada, the Powell River Farmers Market, Powell River Logger Sports and most recently has been cutting firewood for dry grad.

Richards says: "I was born here and I never had any reason to leave. It’s a piece of paradise.

I have been fortunate to have a good job and raise my family here. Housing is still affordable and I have never had to lock my doors."

Richards is concerned about the growing and "unacceptable" rate of poverty. "Our community has changed. We now have soup kitchens running 24/7," said Richards.

"This is all due to poor management of our resources. I believe that we can do better than this especially for our children and seniors."

Let the campaign begin…

The May 9 election campaign does not “officially” begin until April 11, but the main parties are already in campaign mode.

For comparison, the Local put the same questions to the candidates for the three main parties, an opening look at some of the issues that will likely come up at allcandidates meetings.

It appears now that there will be at least four candidates in the Powell River-Sunshine Coast riding, although the ballot will not be settled until after the deadline for nominations, 1pm on April 18.

The polls will be open from 8am to 8pm on May 9.

But you can also vote during the same hours at advance polls April 29 and 30, and May 3 to May 6.

To vote, you must be 18 years of age, a Canadian citizen and have lived in BC for at least six months.

If you have not received a voter registration notice in the mail, you can register – until April 11 – online at elections.bc.ca/ovr, by phone at 1-800-661-8683 or in person at a Service BC office. If you are registered, you will receive a where-to-vote card in the mail.

You can still register to vote at the polling station with a piece of government photo ID, a certificate of Indian Status or two pieces of ID when at least one has your current address. Or you can vote by having a relative or a registered voter in the same riding vouch for you.

NDP incumbent Nicholas Simons won the riding in the 2013 election with 55.2 per cent of the vote, followed by the Liberals with 37.7 per cent and the Greens with 12.2 per cent.

10

The Local - Thursday, March 30, 2017

Local

the

Events on the Sunshine Coast March 30 SC Healthcare Auxiliary (Hopkins branch) presents “the Great Exchange”, trade your clothing for other clothes, with beverages and appies, Harmony Hall, Gibsons, 2:30pm, $25 March 30 Ruby’s Night Out dinner, fundraiser for Ruby Slipper Fund, Daphne’s Restaurant, Sechelt, 6:30-10pm, $40 March 30 A night of literary nonfiction with writers Claire Finlayson, Heather Conn and Sheila Cameron, Sechelt Public Library, 7pm, free March 31 Opening of art show by Anna Green, Gumboot Cafe, Roberts Creek, 6-9pm March 31 Three-course dinner and dance with Creek Big Band and Anagram, fundraiser, Elphinstone Secondary, Gibsons, 6-10:30pm, $35 March 31 Artesia coffee house with classical duo Paul Pinsonnault and Julie Rutter, singer/guitarist David Jones, Balkan vocals by “Sokole” a cappella group, Gary Gilbert and Christopher Jordan Knox blues duo and poet Pat Wenger, Arts Centre, Sechelt, 8pm, $10 April 1 Opening day for Sechelt Farmers Market, north end of Cowrie St., 9am-2:30pm, every Saturday until Sept.

23 April 1 Early Years Fair with petting zoo and info, 5536 Shorncliffe Ave., 10am-1:30pm, Sechelt, free April 1 Trash to treasure garage sale, Sechelt Seniors Activity Centre, 10am-2pm April 1 Reading by Michael Hart Izen, author of “Finger Up the Bum: a Guide to My Prostate Cancer”, Gibsons Public Library, 1:30pm April 1 Opening reception for exhibit by Shamina Senaratne, FibreWorks Gallery, 12887 SC Hwy, 2-4pm April 1 Vancouver jazz singer Laura Crema with The Jazz Group of Seven, Sechelt Band Hall, 7pm, $20 April 1 Brewer’s Bonspiel after party, fundraiser for SC Association for Community Living, Gibsons Curling Club, 7:30pm, $15 April 1 Slim Milkie Band, Gumboot Cafe, Roberts Creek, 8pm, $10 April 1 The Relics, Gibsons Legion, 8pm, members $5, guests $10 April 2 BMO April Fool’s Run, Gibsons Community Centre, 9:17 am, Gibsons Community Centre, $50

April 2 SC Registered Music Teachers present a student recital, St. Hilda’s Anglican Church, 2pm, by donation April 2 Cops for Kids dance party, Seaside Centre, Sechelt, 7-9pm, $7 April 3 Pender Harbour Garden Club speaker Ron Knight on “The Wild Rhododendrons of Mt. Elphinstone”, School of Music, Madeira Park, 1pm, $5 drop in April 3 SC Film Society presents “A Man Called Ove”, Heritage Playhouse, Gibsons, 7:30pm, members $5, others $9 April 4 Poetry month kick-off with Michael Oswald and Richard Austin reciting T.S. Eliot’s “McAvity: The Mystery Cat”, Sechelt Library, 11am, free April 4 Tuesday Talks presents Marina Stjepovic from SC Conservation Association on glass sponge reefs, Sechelt Library, 1:30-3pm, free April 4 Reading by Michael Hart Izen, author of “Finger Up the Bum: a Guide to My Prostate Cancer”, Sechelt Library, 7pm April 5 SC Conservation Society presents Jackie Hildering on humpback whales, Arts Centre, Sechelt, 7pm, by donation April 5 Halifax poet Michelle Elrick book launch, with Coast poets Susan Telfer and Joe Denham, Gibsons Public Art Gallery, 7pm, free April 5 Andrew Collins Trio, Heritage Playhouse, Gibsons, 7:30pm, $18 advance, $20 at the door April 5 Comedy improve with Broken Chronicles, Gumboot Cafe, Roberts Creek, 7:3010:30pm, by donation April 6 Stone Soup networking event for Culture Days, Arts Centre, Sechelt, 5:307:30pm, free, register at share-there.com April 6 Self-Employed Women’s Network (SEWN) spring socializer, Gibsons Curling Club, 5:30-9pm, members $10, others $20, must be bought in advance, sunshinesewn.com April 6 New Toastmasters club forming, Chamber of Commerce, Sunnycrest Mall, Gibsons, 6:30-8pm, 604740-2179 April 7 St. Hilda’s Anglican church bake sale, Trail Bay Mall, Sechelt, 9am-noon April 7 Writers meet-up, Wheatberries, Gibsons, 9:3011:30am, 604-886-1795

ARTS & CULTURE

Art Review Anna Nobile Freelance Creative Writer, Arts & Culture

The Jazz Group of Seven, an ensemble of local Coast musicians, has been playing together since 2008. The group consists of band leader John Frederickson (trumpet), Ken Grunenberg (tenor sax), Tim Enns (drums), Carl Montgomery (alto sax), Sacha Faessart (bass), Bryan Airth (trombone), and Steve Giltrow (guitar). On Saturday, April 1, they will be playing with Vancouver-based singer songwriter Laura Crema, presenting a varied repertoire of jazz standards with one or two original Crema compositions. Frederickson, who spent 10 years working as a professional, playing on radio and television and in night clubs with such names as

Vancouver singer songwriter Laura Crema will be fronting the Jazz Group of Seven on April 1. PHOTO SUBMITTED

The Jazz Group of Seven plays the Sechelt Band Hall April 1. From left, Ken Grunenberg (tenor sax), Tim Enns (drums), Carl Montgomery (alto sax), Sacha Faessart (bass), Bryan Airth (trombone), John Frederickson (trumpet), and Steve Giltrow (guitar). PHOTO SUBMITTED The Mills Brothers, Patti Page and Earl Grant, has prepared roughly one quarter of the arrangements for the evening’s entertainment.

Crema, who has always been a singer, graduated with a degree in dance and performance from Simon Fraser University. “Dance takes a lot of training,” says Crema, and while she doesn’t do it full time anymore, she is still involved in a few projects. After the birth of her daughter, it was music that took centre stage. Over the last 12 years, Crema has recorded four well-received albums, and worked with such greats as Bill Coon who played on her

The most poetic month April is Poetry Month and this year the Sechelt Library is recognizing it with contests, events, a workshop and more.

Poetry month started in the U.S. in 1996 by the Academy of American Poets: The Academy handed out copies of T.S. Eliot’s poem “The Waste Land” which starts with “April is the cruelest month….”. In 1998 the League of Canadian Poets brought the National Poetry Month to Canada.

And now the Sechelt Library brings it to the Sunshine Coast. The kick-off event on Tuesday, April 4 at 11am is the reading of T.S. Eliot’s “Macavity: The Mystery Cat” by local writers/poets Richard Austin and Michael Oswald.

The two will also share some of their own work.

For those who would like to try their hand at writing poetry, “Find the Poet in You” poetry workshop with Jeanne Sommerfield, therapeutic

recreation practitioner, might do the trick. The workshop is open to everyone, and no experience is necessary. All are welcome to join the fun of writing poetry. It takes place on April 20 at 1:30pm.

The Final poetry event on Thursday, April 27 at 7pm will be a combination of spoken word and traditional poetry reading along with eclectic images using a projector. “The Eclectic Electric Eye” is the creation of ‘new to the coast’ poet Philip Jagger along with John Pass.

The winners of the Canada 150 Poetry contest will be announced on April 21. Afterward the poems will hang in the trees around the library (think of a poetry clothes line). Try your hand at Magnetic poetry at the end of the metal stacks in the library.

And find the “Poem in your Pocket” in the teen area.

Submitted

2013 album, Fotogra�ia. In her early years Crema did classical music and musical theatre, noticing jazz music in her late teens, especially the vocalists. “Jazz singers are always experimenting and improvising,” says Crema.

“You look at someone like Ella Fitzgerald or Sarah Vaughn, they took the voice to a new level with being able to scat and improvising. Then someone like Billie Holiday was making social commentary. I found that inspirational.” Crema’s own voice gets noticed by listeners and critics alike for its strong, rich timbre and huskiness at the lower notes.

Crema, who has worked

Delhi 2 Dublin will play an all-ages dance at the Roberts Creek Hall, 5:30-7:30pm on April 7. An adult show will follow at 9pm. PHOTO SUBMITTED

Artesia lineup The monthly Artesia Coffee House presented by the Coast Cultural Alliance will be held Friday, March 31 at the Arts Centre in Sechelt.

A very eclectic line-up this month will include David Jones, vocals and guitar, poet Pat Wenger and tunes

We have been very busy setting up the centre and are so excited to share it!

YOU ARE INVITED TO OUR

OPEN HOUSE!

Saturday, April 1st ~ 11am-2pm 724 Trueman Road, Gibsons, BC We are looking forward to meeting you and your family!!

Natural Connections Childcare Centre

previously with guitarist Giltrow, more often plays with trios. “It’s a treat for me to be able to play with more horns,” says Crema. “It’s an opportunity to sing with some players I don’t know.” Their song list includes “All Of Me,” “Straight No Chaser” and “Alright, Okay, You Win.” “I’m looking forward to it,” says Crema of the concert. “I’ve have had some great experiences on the Sunshine Coast.”

The Jazz Group of Seven with Laura Crema play Saturday, April 1 at 7pm at the Sechelt Band Hall. Tickets $20 at Laedeli Gifts and Strait Music.

Check out our new website now live at: www.naturalconnectionschildcare.ca

from Paul Pinsonnault, classical guitar and Julie Rutter on flute.

After the break, the a cappella Balkan singing group 'Sokole' with Lorraine Caple, Joyce Chong, Lynda Carlson, Katherin Muller and Linda Williams will perform followed by the 'Blue Line Duo' of Gary Gilbert, aka Dr. Fun, vocals / harmonica / guitar and Christopher Jordan Knox on bass.

Doors open at 7pm with show time at 8pm, tickets are $10 at the door.

Submitted

Please GIVE to the Food Bank

The Local - Thursday, March 30, 2017

Investing locally – in Pender Harbour Local prosperity supporting community values – that’s what Coast Community Investment Co-op (CCIC) representatives will discuss April 6 in Pender Harbour.

The new, member-owned Coop invests in local businesses and projects that support social and environmental goals such as food security, affordable housing, environmental resilience, and job creation.

Millions of dollars leave the coast every year as residents invest their money on Bay Street and Wall Street.

Meanwhile, local projects of-

ten struggle to secure financing. The idea of community investing is to take some of that money and put it back into our local economy.

Attendees at the Invest Locally event will learn more about the CCIC business model and the opportunity for local investors to become involved. Light refreshments will be provided.

This is the fourth information session organized by the new investment co-op. Previous sessions were held in Gibsons, Roberts Creek and Sechelt.

On March 10 Sunshine Coast RCMP targeted distracted drivers as part of ICBC's "Operation Hang-Up".

Despite multiple signs placed on Gibsons Way warning drivers to put down their cell phones, RCMP still ticketed eight drivers in just three hours for distracted driving.

Other warnings and infractions were also given for issues such as failing to wear seat belts, driver's licence violations and vehicle defects.

Drivers are reminded that

if they are caught texting, emailing and/or holding a cell phone or other hand held electronic device while driving, they will face a fine of $368 and four penalty points.

Sunshine Coast RCMP emphasize that statistics show that drivers are five times more likely to crash if they are using their cell phone.

Distracted driving is the second leading cause of car crash fatalities in BC resulting in an average of 78 deaths per year.

"No call or text is worth the risk," said Harvey Kooner, local ICBC road safety coordinator. "Distracted driving is a dangerous and preventable behaviour that we must all commit to ending."

Submitted by RCMP

Distracted drivers busted

Did you know?

THE LOCAL’s newsprint, regular or glossy paper, is biodegradable, recyclable and is printed with vegetable-based ink.

Please recycle this newspaper.

2014 FIAT 500L TREKKING 1.4L TURBO

33 km

Stk: 77-042-1

$16,990

The Co-op is one of three Rhiza Capital investment vehicles that provide different levels of risk, return and community impact. Rhiza Capital is a collaboration of Community Futures Sunshine Coast, Sunshine Coast Credit Union and the Powell River Community Investment Corporation.

"The investment market in Canada is undergoing a shift toward impact and local", said Brian Smith, CEO of Rhiza Capital. "We’re talking about community investment that adds economic,

Patti Soos

in Pender Harbour

The Third annual Mountain Grind Race happens at the Lions Park in Pender Harbour on April 22 so come on out and experience this fun-filled event for the whole family.

Watch as participants in the Mountain Grind race through obstacles along the 10-plus-kilometre course that winds through the forest and uses portions of the Suncoaster Trail. Runners will carry heavy logs across their backs in the Log Carry, get dirty while wading through the Mud Pit, navigate the Log Hurdle and the insane Monkey Bars, swing from ropes through the Forest Swing, get over a 12-foot Climbing Wall and slide down a freezing cold Water Slide, to name a few of the crazy and creative

obstacles built by the Mountain Grind team.

Spectators may watch the race from various spectator viewing points along the course; see the Mountain Grind website for a map of the viewing points. At the Lions Park, join racers, volunteers and spectators as everyone enjoys the festive atmosphere, music, food, vendors and beer garden. Kids can enjoy games and races and may participate in the Mini Grind; a short, fun race with childfriendly obstacles. After the race there will be an awards ceremony followed by a BBQ dinner provided by the Back Nine Bistro (non-Mountain Grind participants may purchase a dinner ticket for $20 by calling 604-657-7201 or emailing MountainGrindInfo@gmail.com). For more information about this fun event go to mountaingrind.ca or visit the Mountain Grind Facebook page.

SUNCO MORTGAGE CORPORATION REAL ESTATE EQUITY LOANS Easy Qualification Quick Approvals

Even with “warning signs” up, RCMP caught drivers using their cell phones. RCMP PHOTO

2017 ESCAPE TITANIUM 2.0L ECO

Richard Watt 604-740-1244 www.suncomortgagecorp.ca OVER 20 YEARS ON THE SUNSHINE COAST

2014 F150 XLT 3.5L ECO

2013 F150 STX 3.7L

50 km

Stk: 96-065-0

$35,990

*

Stk: 45-180-1

2014 F150 XLT 3.5L ECO

$18,990

28 km

*

Stk: 76-233-2

$34,500

2013 RANGE ROVER EVOQUE DYNAMIC PREMIUM

49 km

*

2013 NISSAN LEAF ELECTRIC $15,990*

18 km

Stk: 95-065-1

social and environmental value that we can take pride in - with a modest financial return."

"Rhiza, Greek in origin, refers to root structure. We’re intent on growing local economies and healthy communities by connecting root capital to impact ventures."

The event is free, but registration is required through www.Investlocally.eventbrite.ca or info@communityfutures.org. The event runs from 5:30pm to 7pm at the Pender Harbour Legion.

Submitted

NEW ARRIVALS!

12 km

*

Around the Harbour

$36,990*

2012 MUSTANG PREMIUM 3.7L 305HP

Stk: 97-008-0

$43,990*

2015 CAMRY LE 2.4L

33 km

Stk: 77-048-1

$20,990*

2017 FUSION TITANIUM AWD 2.0L ECO

38 km

Stk: 97-010-0

101 km

Stk: 87-049-1

$28,900*

11

QUALIFIES FOR THE SCRAP-IT! $3000 OLD CAR REBATE

South Coast

SERVING YOU SINCE 1979!

5605 WHARF AVE, SECHELT

$12,990

*

*Plus $595 Admin Fee

9 km

Stk: 97-015-0

$28,990*

Call 604-670-1066 | Toll Free 1-800-538-4504 Open Monday-Friday 8:00-5:30 | Sat 8:00-5:00

ON THE SPOT FINANCING

www.southcoastford.com

12

The Local - Thursday, March 30, 2017

Local

the

SPRING HOME & GARDEN

Spring clean the garden N U R S E R Y

&

F A R M

GROUND COVERS • ORNAMENTAL GRASSES • PERENNIALS • SHRUBS

Month of April

SPECIAL BUY: Boxwood • 1 Gallon Pots for $7.00 NEW STOCK WEEKLY

N

PELL RD

3483 STELLAR PL.

Come early for best selection, while they last!

3483 Stellar Place, Roberts Creek, 604-741-9871 SUNSHINE COAST HWY

SECHELT

GIBSONS

Hours: Wednesday to Saturday 9am-5pm Sundays 10am-4pm

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

The Handy Husband

Lawns and gardens can bear the brunt of winter weather and are often in need of tender loving care by the time spring arrives.

Preparing a garden for spring and summer involves assessing any damage that harsh weather might have caused. As temperatures climb, gardeners can heed the following post-winter garden preparation tips in an effort to ensure some successful gardening in the months ahead.

• Assess the damage. Even if winter was mild, gardens might still have suffered some damage. Inspect garden beds and any fencing or barriers designed to keep wildlife from getting into the garden.

Before planting anew, fix any damage that Mother Nature or local wildlife might have caused over the past several months.

• Clear debris. Garden beds and surrounding landscapes that survived winter without being damaged might still be littered with debris. Remove fallen leaves, branches and even litter that blew about on windy winter days before planting season. Make sure to discard any debris effectively so it does not find its way back into the garden.

• Turn the greenhouse into a clean house. Spring cleaning is not just for the interior of a home. Cleaning a greenhouse in advance of spring can help

gardeners evict any overwintering pests that can threaten plant life once spring gardening season arrives. A thorough cleaning, which should include cleaning the inside of greenhouse glass and washing flower pots and plant trays, also can prevent plant diseases from surviving into spring.

• Check for pests. Speak with a local gardening professional to determine if there are any local pests to look out for and how to recognize and remove these pets from gardens. Pests may hibernate in the soil over the winter, and such unwelcome visitors can make it difficult for gardens to

thrive come spring and summer.

• Assess plant location. If plants, flowers or gardens have struggled in recent years or never grew especially vibrant, then gardeners may want to assess the location of their plant life before spring gardening season begins.

Some plants may not be getting enough sunlight in certain locations on a property, while others might be overexposed to the sun during spring and summer. Moving plants that are not thriving prior to the start of spring gardening season may be just what gardens need to flourish in the coming weeks. Metro

Preparing for the garden for a new season may involve moving plants that did not do well last year. METRO PHOTO

604-741-3727 Office Hours: Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm Weekends & holidays 9am to 4pm

The Handy Husband offers building, maintenance, renovation, and landscaping services to residential and business clients on the Sunshine Coast from Langdale to Earl’s Cove.

Our goal is to provide exceptional above and beyond client service as well as tremendous results and a fantastic product.

REASONABLE RATES!

For all your Springtime needs!

Hourly or contract pricing available.

SERVICES OFFERED: Bathrooms – Tile installation & repairs, flooring & counter installation, drywall, light plumbing & electrical, painting and miscellaneous repairs.

Kitchen – Cabinetry installation & repairs, drywall, flooring & tile installation, backsplash installation, moulding & trim, painting and miscellaneous repairs.

Bedroom, Family & Living Room – Door repairs,

paint, drywall repairs, moulding & trim, wall & shelving units, custom carpentry, stonework, painting and miscellaneous repairs.

Home Exterior – Perimeter drainage, pressure washing,

Lawnmowers Wheelbarrows • BBQ’s • Patio Heaters Gardening Supplies • Fertilizer Composters & much more!

gutter cleaning, deck cleaning & sealing, deck & stair installation/ repair, weatherproof decking, wood rot repairs, roofing installation & repairs, fence installation & repairs, retaining walls, concrete slabs & paving stones.

Seasonal Maintenance – Weather stripping, paint touch ups, roof de-mossing, hanging Christmas lights and window washing.

If you’re looking for a contractor to show up when they say they will and do professional work... then call TODAY for a FREE estimate!

604-741-3727

Trail Bay Home Hardware Trail Bay Centre

Sechelt 604-885-9828 • email: trailbayhardware@dccnet.com

Local

the

The Local - Thursday, March 30, 2017

SPRING HOME & GARDEN

Consider a composite deck Decks add character and functionality to a home, increasing outdoor entertaining space and oftentimes improving the resale value of a home. Homeowners have various options when choosing decking materials, but one such option, composite decking, is growing in popularity.

Decks used to primarily be made from pressure-treated lumber. While lumber remains a popular material, more and more homeowners are opting for composite decking products. As anyone who has pressure-washed, stained and sealed wood decks can attest, such spaces require lots of upkeep to look new year after year. Composite decks require much less maintenance, making them highly attractive to homeowners who would rather spend time using their decks instead of maintaining them.

Composite decking is any type of decking material that

is formulated from different recycled materials. The majority of these materials include hard plastic and wood shavings of pulp. Unlike wood, which can fade, crack and rot, composite decking, which has been available for roughly a decade, does not degrade quickly and requires very little upkeep.

Available in a variety of wood colours to match outdoor decor, composite decks also can feature artificial wood grains to make them look similar to wood planks.

Although composite decks are not completely impervious to the elements, with some occasional washing to impede mould growth and new technology that has improved stain-resistance, many of the pitfalls of other materials can be avoided with composite decks.

Composite decking fits in with eco-friendly lifestyles.

The planks are made from

recycled materials that would normally end up in landfills.

As composite decks do not rot away and are long-lasting, they will not need to be replaced frequently, which is another eco-friendly benefit.

When comparing composite decking brands, look mainly at the colours, materials used in the composition and the fastening systems. Many are fastened with regular deck screws, offers This Old House. The newer systems have channels for hidden fastening, and the composite deck tiles snap into place.

Composite decks do have a few drawbacks. They can be expensive – nearly double the initial cost of wood decks.

And although they don't rot, composite planks can scratch.

Without refinishing, damaged boards will need to be replaced. Harsh chemicals may fade colour and damage the composite materials, so caution is needed. Metro

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

Composite decking can mimic the look of wood, but requires much less maintenance.

METRO PHOTO

Supporting Local Events on the Sunshine Coast

Custom Blended Soils Since 1988

For all of your paving, site services and general contracting needs.

Free Estimates!

call

604-885-5151

bed & bath collections

SPRING WHITE SALE Spruce up your Bedroom this Spring!

COTTON SHEETS AND DUVET COVERS

10% to 20% OFF! (FOR 2 WEEKS ONLY) Also on special: Canadian Made down duvets and pillows. (while quantities last)

5668 Cowrie Street, Sechelt • 604-885-4893

Go Green, Go Organic With OMRI Listed Certified Organic Soil!

For use in Certified Organic production or food processing and handling in accordance with the Canadian Organic Standards.

Proud Supplier to the Sunshine Coast Botanical Society and 40+ Contractors

Soil Starting at $24 a yard Our soil is made of recycled green waste and food waste.

No dead diseased fish is in our soil.

No biosolids.

604.740.7715

Our Soil Meets BC Landscape Specs

www.topqualitytopsoil.com

13

14

The Local - Thursday, March 30, 2017

admin@thelocalweekly.ca ANNOUNCEMENTS Serving Sunshine Coast residents since 2010 • Downsizing • Decluttering

simplifying your space

• House Sale Preparation

Tricia Coffey 604.741.4424

• Move Services

tricia@rightsizingsolutions.ca

• Home Contents Sales

www.rightsizingsolutions.com

• Estate Dispersal

WORK WANTED

SERVICE DIRECTORY

FOR HIRE - NOBODY IS GONNA BEAT MY PROFESSIONAL WORK & PRICE. Semi-retired tile setter, hardwood & stone installer. Will do your home project.

40 years of experience. For info Call 604-813-6745. Ask for Gene.

Ask about our seasonal pricing and free lawn aeration

604-740-7718

HOME AND GARDEN MAINTENANCE www.themowingcompany.com

604-989-9067

References available.

PRO PAINTER CUSTOM HOMES & RENOVATIONS Interior ~ Exterior Professional Painter

604.886.1804

Windows • Gutters Hand Siding Scrub & Pressure Wash callTheBoys.ca

604-885-0661

J&J TOTAL CLEANING SERVICES

REDECOR CONSIGNMENT

THERAPEUTIC SUPPORT WORKER

WELCOME SPRING! WELCOME new comers! Our customers look to us for a fresh new look every season. Come and see us soon!

NEW! Plant pots & vases & tool boxes for gardenistas, new locally made furniture in rustic cedar & white shabby chic styles & large driftwood mirrors. New stuff arrives daily.

HALF PRICE this week, chairs, bedside table, toy box, garden books, bamboo bowls & more. Thanks for supporting our downtown community!

5660 Cowrie St, Sechelt 604-8855884

ALANON/ALATEEN for friends and families of alcoholics. Meetings Monday - Friday.

Call 604-885-0101, 604-8862252, 604-886-4594, 604-8860228, 604-886-8578.

SERVICE DIRECTORY

WITH 45 YEARS EXPERIENCE! I’m interested in creating happy customers!

Call Harlend today!

EMPLOYMENT

ECHO’S DISCONTINUED CHINA, SILVER & ANTIQUES Need China Dinnerware and Silver Flatware e.g. Denby, Royal Albert, Doulton, Wedgewood Etc. Silver plate & Sterling,e.g. Birks & Community Cash & Consignment.

Phone for appointment & information 604-980-8011 (a Must Please) www.echoschina.com

THE GUTTERMAN. Maintenance/Repairs/Installation. Free Estimates. 604618-3244

PAINTER & HANDYMAN

ANNOUNCEMENTS

RENOVATING? Have windows, doors, cabinets that can be reused? Consider SC Habitat for Humanity RESTORE in Sechelt. We pick up for you and provide a tax receipt when items are sold.

Contact us 604-885-6773

Looking for a creative and compassionate individual to work part-time with an 18 year young man on the Autism Spectrum.

The right candidate will support a home-based learning program as well as teaching and developing life skills in the community context on a long-term basis. The successful candidate will have at least two years in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), Autism, or related disabilities. Also must have: valid drivers license and car, current criminal record check and two references from prior placements. Non-Violent Crisis Intervention training would be beneficial, although ongoing training and supervision will be provided to the right candidate. For further information and to send your resume, please contact: stacybryant@eastlink.ca

WORK WANTED FOR HIRE – SKILLED EXPERIENCED GARDENER with horticulture education. Offering landscape consultation, maintenance, renovation, & small construction. Hardworking, reliable. Serving Roberts Creek & Gibsons.

Limited availability. Ryan 604-886-3552.

WANTED

Sunshine Coast

COASTLINE CLOSETS

Custom Closets, pantries, Garages, mudrooms, Lifetime quality at affordable prices. FREE consultation and estimate.

Call Alex in Sechelt 604-762-1212. abird@coastlineclosets.ca

Please GIVE to the Food Bank

DIAMOND BUYER 604-740-6474

WANTED

$ CASH $ FOR USED WEAPONS

CUSTOM Closets, Pantries & Garages • Designed Locally in Sechelt.

Did you know?

& Military Items Etc. 604-740-6474

THE LOCAL’s newsprint, regular or glossy paper, is biodegradable, recyclable and is printed with vegetable-based ink.

Please recycle this newspaper.

Quality • Affordable • Local Free Consultation & Estimate

Stand out from the crowd Advertise in

CALL ALEX BIRD 604-762-1212 604-885-3134 • sales@thelocalweekly.ca ABIRD@COASTLINECLOSETS.CA

Get noticed!

Advertise in

604-885-3134 • sales@thelocalweekly.ca

DO YOU KNOW AUTO INSURANCE?

Are you a Level 1 or 2 broker with auto insurance experience? If so, we want to talk to you! At Talbot we have an amazing team, a busy office and we work a condensed schedule... so enjoy this summer with three days off each week while still getting full time hours! No late nights! We have the best customers on the Coast; if you can help us provide them great service, then give us a call. We offer opportunity for advancement, group benefits and we will even train the right person who isn’t licensed.

Email resume and letters of reference to: kgraves@talbotinsurance.ca and to obtain an application for employment.

“Peace of Mind, One Policy at a Time”

Talbot Insurance Services Ltd

SUMMER STUDENT POSITION The Sechelt Public Library requires a thoughtful and creative Summer Reading Assistant to work with children and teens this summer!

The temporary position is for 30 hours per week for ten weeks, from June 13 to August 18; with flexibility to work some Saturdays. Students enrolled in education, childcare or recreation courses will find the position a rewarding learning experience.

Salary: $17.55 per hour.

Deadline for applications is: Friday, April 7, 2017.

Visit the Sechelt Public Library website for eligibility requirements and job description. www.secheltlibrary.ca

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

The Declutter Co. Are you overwhelmed with clutter?

Don’t know where to start?

FREE EST. ~ WCB

• Window Washing • Gutter Cleaning • Moss Removal • Siding Scrub • Construction Clean-Up • Power Washing • Commercial / Residential Alejandro: 604.741.4343 jun_hipolito@yahoo.com

EMPLOYMENT

WANTED!

Motorhomes Travel Trailers Camper Vans

604-886-7341 Get $ CASH $ today and I’ll take it away.

GOLD & SILVER $ $ BUYER $ $

Get noticed!

Jewelry, Diamonds, Watches, Sterling Silverware, Coins Etc. Advertise in

DECLUTTER • DOWNSIZE • ORGANIZE

CALL US! Hilda & Mike Arnold 604-741-3591 • thedeclutterco@gmail.com Located on the Sunshine Coast

HOME • GARAGE • STORAGE • SHED • GARDEN

Moving on With Dignity A COMPLETE service for seniors wishing to downsize.

We will make your move as simple and stress-free as possible.

From decluttering, disposal of items, packing and unpacking, we will be there caring for your precious belongings.

What people are saying: ”Adele is excellent choice if you or a loved one need assistance downsizing or transitioning to a new life chapter. I believe you will find her as professional, kind, efficient and hardworking as I do” - K. B.

makoy@telus.net

Get noticed!

Advertise in

For private, in-home appointment

604-740-6474 Today!

Call: phone: 604-885-3134 • email: sales@thelocalweekly.ca

Stand out from the crowd...

Advertise in

phone: 604-885-3134 • email: sales@thelocalweekly.ca

$10.00+GST $9.99+GST

The Local - Thursday, March 30, 2017

Tip of the Week: It can be said that spring has two starts to it. The first is the exact moment the Sun enters Aries and the second is the New Moon in Aries. Both have occurred now on March 20 and 27th, respectively. We can also analyze both of these events more closely using the lenses of Astrology to gain a deeper understanding of the themes.

Aries is the first sign of the Zodiac and, in some respects and in some cultures, actually, it can be understood as the beginning of the year, the New Year.

After all, Winter Solstice indicates the beginning of winter. It can all seem a little confusing unless one appreciates the overlaying principle of cycles. As well, like a seed, it must first germinate and then sprout.

Spring reveals the sprouts and buds leading to leaves and flowers. As you may be aware, in this Universal 1-Year, spring is extra special and, looking to the world stage, quite complex.

Learn more in my recent Newsletter, sign-up is free on my website.

Aries (Mar. 21-Apr. 19) With Mercury now in

Taurus you can expect your focus to become steadier.

Yet with Venus still retrograde, you may still feel uncertain about what you want regarding current interests. Furthermore, as Venus re-enters Pisces this vagueness may increase.

Positively, you will feel more peaceful.

Taurus (Apr. 20-May 20) A busy time behind the scenes continues. Yet, experiences destined to reveal who are some of your truest and trusted friends are likely. With your ambitions to explore new territory steadily increasing, the combined energies could manifest as new friendships and love interests.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) The time has come to enter new territory. Yet ironically, it may also manifest as a journey down memory lane. Good thing there are two of you so you can enjoy both directions. Weaving the experiences of both into a new synthesis will prove inspiring and may even manifest as inventiveness and opportunity.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) A wave of new initiatives and experiences implies a breakthrough period. You may not feel sure of your willingness to commit yet.

That may take another 2-3 weeks. Accept it as a trial period. There may be other stages of initiation and development as well. Take your time to decide.

what is happening and acLeo (July 23-Aug. 22) You are beginning to see cept it as clues about how your place in the world as you need to adapt. with new eyes. Already, Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) your ambitions are strong.

A playful cycle continYet, you remain in the wait- ues as does your need to ing room, so to speak. It may engage with increased detake a few weeks before you termination. A wide array officially make a new start. of interactions with people The returns from the new includes at least as many ventures implied could ideas and perspectives to prove significant. If inter- consider. Positively, you are ested, focus. in a position to receive as Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) much as to give and the reYou have entered n accel- sult could be recognized as erated period of change. It a wealth of exchanges. may manifest as basically as Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) a shift of focus in alignment A process of pushing with the new season. How- through barriers continues. ever, the change could prove There are two ways you can deeper than that. Your focus go, the literal or the magiis strong and your drive cal. The literal implies actuequally so. This could prove ally removing or obstacles, to be a promising opportu- walls and even people from nity to make measurable your life. The magical way progress. refers old beSATURDAY - ONEto DAYclearing ONLY! Libra (Sep. 23-Oct. 22)SIRLOIN liefs, attitudes, interpretaSTEAK�������������������� Some significant starts on tions and self-concepts and relationship fronts are un- watching the outer reflecderway. Some of these are tions change. destined to activate new re- Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) lationships altogether and/ Thoughts are always the or fresh initiatives. How- first stage of creation. These ever, some could well prove then grow into dreams, fleeting despite the initial visions, plans, goals and excitement. It is all part of intentions in the second the dance of destiny so trust phase. Action to actualize the flow. these comes next and follow Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) through can be called stage A series of dynamic if four. Thus, creation includes complex circumstances are looking back to stage one, underway. Patience is a key- frequent review of stage word and how you respond two and consistent focus on to people and situations stage three. Chip chop! now could prove pivotal, for w w w. t h e l o c a l we e k l y. c a better or worse. Slow down and avoid righteous and expectant reactions. Observe

Mark Crissinger is a 2017 Maple Blues Award nominee who now lives on Vancouver Island but he considers the Sunshine Coast the birthplace of his solo career. It is here that he wrote his first two solo albums, developed his one-man show, and played two Pender Harbour Blues Festivals. Since 2009, he has released five solo albums and played 800 shows

including fourteen eastern Canadian tours.

“It’s very exciting to be back on the coast. I’m sure there will be a few surprise guest musicians sitting in at both shows.”

On Friday, April 7, his acoustic blues/roots trio will play Coopers Green Hall in Halfmoon Bay. Tickets are $20 available at the Welcome

Woods Market and the Halfmoon Bay store. The show starts at 8pm.

Saturday, April 8, he hosts a blues dance party at the Gibsons Legion with a full band.

Show starts at 8pm and tickets are $10 members/$15 guests. For more information please visit Mark's website. www.markcrissinger.com Submitted

Astrologer

Crissinger brings blues to the Coast

Mark Crissinger plays Halfmoon Bay April 7 and Gibsons April 8.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Buy 3 months and get the 4th month free!

Best rates in town. We beat any price!

PETTING ZOO!

Saturday, April 15 ~ 11am-1pm Bring your camera to take pics with Peter Rabbit! $5.69/LB

SPECIALS NOW TAKING ORDERS FOR GRASS FED MEAT PACKS!

GROUND BEEF ����������������������� $3.99/LB ORGANIC - DAL SOLE

ASSORTED BEANS ������������ 3/$5.00

KIWI FRUITS ��������������������������� 3/$1.00 MON-FRI 7:30am-9pm • SATURDAY 8am-9pm • SUNDAY 9am-8pm WHILE SUPPLIES LAST • Prices in effect Fri. Mar. 31 to Thurs. Apr. 6 12875 Madeira Park Rd, Madeira Park • To order call 604-883-2411

CROSSWORD

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Solution on page 14

Courtesy of puzzlechoice.com

ACROSS 1. Sweetener 6. Constrictor 9. Nauseous 13. Establish validity 14. Peculiar 15. Utensil 16. Once more 17. Guided 18. Heading 19. Connected by kinship 21. Give out or emit 23. Short sleep 24. Rankle 25. Watering place 28. Misplace

30. Rain cloud 35. Tablet 37. Cereal grass 39. Enumerate 40. Not in favor of 41. Mayhem 43. Flank 44. Faculty 46. Unit of currency 47. Disparaging remark 48. Often used with a pestle 50. Reported information 52. Lair 53. Edible fat 55. Snakelike fish 57. Wanderer

6. Fearless and daring 7. Poem 8. Small viper 9. Rotate 10. Scintilla 11. Young male horse 12. Leg joint 15. Motionless 20. Era 22. Board game pieces 24. Ardent 25. Involuntary muscle contraction 26. Spotted horse or pony 27. Part of a church 29. Cleansing agent 31. Nonvascular plant 32. Construct 33. Unjustified 34. Austere 36. Elevate 38. Olfactory organ 61. Maker 42. Cringe 65. Spooky 45. Attach to 66. Fuss 49. Regret 68. Having sophisticated charm 51. Board balanced on a 69. Decorate fulcrum 70. Deplete 54. Wipe out 71. Concur 56. Chuckle 72. Not any 57. Academic administrator 73. Oculus 58. Reconstruct 74. Spiral 59. Golf club DOWN 60. Conflagration 1. Box lightly 61. Manage 2. Exhort 62. Starchy tuberous root 3. Objective 63. Finished 4. Characteristic of birds 64. Spool 5. Letting 67. Twenty-four hours

Your first choice in foods

• •

5621 Inlet Ave, Sechelt 604-885-3460 • www.belmarselfstorage.com

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

60

ND

A

SECURE • SAFE • AFFORDABLE

CALLY OW LO

D NE

Brand new units 24 hour access • 7 days a week

with significant events in your life. Again, some will be outer events while others will stem from your own initiatives, and probably both. Answer the call!

YEARS

of service

E

D

Michael O’Connor

Pisces (Feb. 19-Mar. 20) A new and exciting momentum is building. That Solar Eclipse in your sign in late February is destined to activate or synchronize

100%

Horoscope

15

O P E R AT

16

The Local - Thursday, March 30, 2017