Local Weekly November 12, 2020

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Volume 19, Issue 45

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Sunshine Coast, British Columbia • www.thelocalweekly.ca • Thursday, November 12, 2020 VP Elect With Our MLA Page 3

COVID-19 Restrictions Reinstated

Youth Works

Page 3

SCRD Talks Tax Increase Page 3

Fireworks Debate Page 5

COVID Work Inspections Page 8

Taskforce COVID Update Page 9

Another Scam Page 11

PLEASE NOTE:

Due to the November 11th Stat Holiday, the November 12 edition of the Local will be distributed Friday, November 13th instead of Thursday.

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Please GIVE to the Food Bank

Gabrielle and Joannie are two youth volunteers from Montreal, xeriscaping the front garden of Roberts Creek Community Hall. The Roberts Creek Community Association is happy to be hosting the two young women, who will be spending six weeks helping around the community hall as part of a project organized by the Montreal-based non-profit organization, Chantiers Jeunesse. The organization was created in 1980 to foster the development of young and socially engaged citizens, all the while discovering a new country or region and encouraging community development. Gabrielle and Joannie began work on the hall after finishing a 14-day quarantine. RCCA PHOTO

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The Local - Thursday, November 12, 2020

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The Local - Thursday, November 12, 2020 3

COVID-19 restrictions reinstated for the Coast

Final ballot count in for BC

The Sunshine Coast and other communities in the Vancouver Coast and Fraser Health authorities are under a regional order limiting personal interactions to help stem the tide of increasing COVID-19 infections in the area.

Residents are to restrict socializing to involve only members of their own household. People who live alone are to have social contact with only two others. Travel into and out of both regions should be limited to essential travel only.

The order was issued Nov. 7. It is to be in place through to Nov. 23 unless varied by the Provincial Health Authority.

Businesses, recreation

centres or other groups that operate indoor physical activities involving several participants must suspend hosting these events. The SCRD has cancelled all indoor fitness classes scheduled during the order period.

Gameplay and cohort models for activities like hockey and figure skating are also suspended. Pre-registered dropin swimming and fitness centre access is still permitted.

Individuals must pre-register for these activities at www. scrd.ca/myrecreation.

All businesses and worksites must conduct active daily in-person screening of all onsite workers using the COVID-19 symptom checklist as part of their re-

start safety plan.

Funerals and weddings may proceed with only members of an immediate household in attendance. Event receptions are not allowed at any location.

The District of Sechelt has cancelled all bookings at Rockwood Lodge and Mission Point House for the period of the order. Impacted parties should contact the District office regarding refunds.

All local governments will be considering the impacts of the order on their operations and advising the public on additional adjustments. The SCRD has been planning to assemble its elected officials in person at its Field Road

The final votes are in, and Nicholas Simons will serve a fifth term as the NDP MLA for Powell River-Sunshine Coast.

Elections BC finished counting the mail-in and absentee ballots for the riding on Nov. 8, leaving Simons with 50.88 percent of the popular vote and a total of 12,701 votes cast. BC Green Party candidate Kim Darwin came in second with 8,104 votes (32.47 percent), and Sandra Stoddart-Hansen of the BC Liberals finished with

RCMP have been called in

by BC Ferries and Transport Canada to help “educate” passengers on safety rules and enforce the Canada Shipping Act. Starting last weekend, the BC RCMP West Coast Marine Services can now be found onboard some BC Ferries vessels conducting “ferry walkabouts,” enforcing the regulation that requires ferry passengers to exit their vehicles on enclosed vehicle decks and stay in designated passenger areas while the ferry is operating. This rule

does not apply to open (including partially enclosed) vehicle decks where passengers can remain in their vehicles on ferries.

The RCMP, BC Ferries, and Transport Canada will be checking that passengers are following the safety regulations. If necessary, Transport Canada can issue an administrative monetary penalty to non-compliant passengers.

In a Nov. 6 news release, Chief Superintendent Dave Attfield stated, “We are committed to public safety and security and want to support

the Provincial and Federal governments’ response to the pandemic in every capacity. Enforcement and education will be conducted in partnership with BC Ferries, to ensure that Transport Canada’s protocols around COVID-19 are met.”

Back in March, at the beginning of the pandemic, passengers were allowed to remain in their vehicles on enclosed vehicle decks, but Transport Canada reinstated the car deck rules on Sept. 30.

Remaining in a vehicle on an enclosed vehicle deck while

Almost $5 million will be coming to the Coast under the federal Safe Restart Agreement.

The Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) is distributing $425 million from the federal program to BC local governments. The funding is designed to support facility reopening and operational costs along with

local emergency response efforts related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sechelt is to receive $2.563 million, while $1.512 million will go to Gibsons. The SCRD is slated to receive $521,000, and the Sechelt Indian Government District award will be $387,000.

In a press release issued Nov. 5, Councillor Brian Fren-

kel, UBCM president, stated, “Since the beginning of the pandemic, local governments have taken steps to manage costs and rethink budgets, but communities are contending with significant revenue shortfalls. These funds will be available for immediate use and provide greater clarity as budgets are developed for the coming year.” Connie Jordison

RCMP enforce BC Ferries safety protocols

Safe Restart funds for local government

SCRD talks tax and fee increases Sechelt Area Director Alton Toth is eager to talk with the community about the 2021 SCRD budget focusing on property tax dollar changes rather than percentage increases. “The SCRD portion of my property tax bill was $187 last year. If that has to go up $20 or $30, not a big deal,” said Toth. He feels approaching communications about tax adjustments on that basis is better than talking about a 15 percent increase, which he said sounds “quite horrific.” Along with normal inflationary increases, the SCRD is facing higher costs in 2021 related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the board’s ambitious strategic plan.

In a pre-budget presentation at an SCRD committee meeting on Nov. 5 and 6, staff presented early estimates for 2021 SCRD tax and fee increases. The amounts were forecast to go up over 2020 levels by between $74 and $336 for the average residen-

tial property. Those numbers represent increases of between 11 and 16 percent.

Rural properties would see the higher level increases.

Properties within municipal jurisdictions would see lower SCRD charge increases. They could also face adjustments from their local taxation authorities. Local government taxes make up a portion of total property tax bills. School taxes and levies from local fire protection districts, as well as other provincial authorities, make up the remainder.

Over 12 hours of meetings on the two days, the Corporate and Administrative Services Committee reviewed over 200 projects that staff had proposed be included in 2021 budgets and work plans. The costs of undertaking all would be over $25 million. Taking on all of the proposals would also require the SCRD to increase staffing by 7.79 people in the year 2021.

The committee recommended that most projects be forwarded to round one 2021 budget discussions, which are scheduled for February.

These included proposals to staff half time Assistant Fire Chief positions in Roberts Creek and Halfmoon Bay. In addition, a plan to add extended health, dental and insurance benefits for volunteer firefighters received support at the committee level.

During the Nov. 5 meeting session, the committee recommended that 2021 budget proposals from all 18 community partners and stakeholders also go to round one debate. These groups include the area’s libraries, community schools, archives and museums, as well as Sunshine Coast Tourism and the Coast Cultural Alliance.

Public consultation on the SCRD’s 2021 budget is slated to begin later this month.

Connie Jordison

office on Nov. 12 to conduct balloting for board elections and a board meeting.

There was confusion about the applicability of the order to the Sunshine Coast. In a Nov. 7 televised press conference, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced the restrictions for the two health authority areas. In a subsequent posting on the province’s website, the Sunshine Coast was listed amongst the “exempt communities.” Later that day, the posting was amended to include the Coast under the restrictions. Exemptions have been provided for the Central Coast Regional District, Bella Coola Valley and Hope areas.

Connie Jordison

a ferry is operating is not deemed safe for passengers and has been banned internationally.

The Langdale-Horseshoe Bay route was exempted from these rules because the vessels on Route 3 operate in sheltered waters as defined

by Transport Canada. BC Ferries received approval from Transport Canada to operate the ships on that route with the stern doors open, making the deck an ‘open’ vehicle deck. BC Ferries added a new steel barrier gate across the opening to ensure safety and meet the requirements of an ‘open’ main car deck.

The Local

4,156 votes (16.65 percent).

The final tally left the NDP with 57 of the 87 seats in the legislature. The BC Liberals won 28 seats, but one seat in West Vancouver-Sea to Sky is subject to a judicial recount.

The Greens, who were initially projected to win that riding, hold two seats.

The other major upset was in the riding of Vernon-Monashee, where the NDP defeated the Liberal incumbent by 424 votes in the final count.

The Local

MLA Nicholas Simons, seen through the legs of his former middle school classmate, Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, at FACE in Montreal. NICHOLAS SIMONS FACEBOOK PAGE PHOTO

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The Local - Thursday, November 12, 2020

Editorial Opinion

Weekly Cartoon

When the caribou disappear One caribou herd in Jasper National Park is gone. The two remaining are on the brink. Regrettably, the story is not particularly new; almost every caribou herd in Canada has been assessed as being at risk of extinction, and too little is being done to save them.

Last year in BC, two caribou herds – the South Selkirk and South Purcell – died out. Caribou along Lake Superior’s north shore are clinging to survival, dislocated from their relatives further north by extensive habitat fragmentation that requires aggressive restoration.

What do we lose when a population or species becomes extirpated, that is, locally extinct?

Most scientists would argue there’s no absolute answer.

Nature is too complex and species too interdependent for us to comprehend how the loss of a particular plant or animal species will affect the ecosystems of which it is a part.

Species extinguishment is not merely an ecological loss, though. Many people are grieving the vast biodiversity decline the planet is facing. A sense of bereavement was clear in media interviews following BC caribou extirpations. Local hog farmer Jim Ross told the Narwhal, “It just saddens the hell out of me. I have two daughters who are 19 and 21, and they’re never going to see a caribou. It’s just not going to happen for them unless they see it in an enclosure.”

Wildlife biologist Leo DeGroot echoed that sentiment: “It’s sad to see these animals go. It’s such an iconic animal.

They’ve been on this landscape for thousands and thousands of years. Due to human influences largely, they’re gone now.”

The loss of caribou herds is deeply felt by many Indigenous Peoples whose ways of life and sustenance have been connected to caribou for millennia. When the caribou they have lived in relation with for generations no longer show up for seasonal rounds, many people have articulated an intense loneliness.

Unwillingness to change the status quo is the biggest barrier to caribou recovery. Extirpation can also turn into a perverse incentive for industrial and commercial operations that degrade critical habitat. Once caribou are gone, so too are requirements to protect and restore their habitat.

Caribou, like most species, can be bred in captivity, and populations can be augmented, but there is little value in doing so without adequate habitat to support their life cycles.

We must cherish our present relationships with nature and hold space for future connection by fighting for wildlife survival. One way to do this is to support recovery measures, including maintaining and restoring habitat, for highly imperilled caribou populations – before it’s too late.

David Suzuki

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Letters to the Editor – Opinions More Cowbell This has been an impressive thread for these letters to the editor indeed. B.Boguslawski began it by registering a complaint with the bylaw officer and then publicized it in the Local (Oct. 15, “Aggressive dogs”).

Boguslawski wants some dog-proof cardio trail time.

L. Ruiz wants Boguslawski to check their privilege (Oct. 22, “Find somewhere else to stroll”) and made a correlation to the rise in newbies complaining. I picked up on this sentiment (Oct. 29, “Culture of complaining”) and asked those who have arrived here recently to be more tolerant. A. Miles, a pillar of our community (Nov. 5, “Dog rebuttal”), brings it back to the original focus of dog owners being in control.

While B. Marshall gets the bigger picture (Nov. 5, “Green Acres”), reminding those from away why they came here – cross-mojinating the Boguslawski trail sharing complaint with the bargein-my-view complaint with the dog poo, Harley riding, horn-honking complaints. I guess we’re all saying, “More Cowbell.”

Steven Dieter, Gibsons

The STR problem (Open letter to the mayor and council in Sechelt) Although there are many short-term rentals (STRs) on the Sunshine Coast, the majority have owner/operators on-site, and there are few complaints from neighbours. Most contentious are those with off-site, and usually off-Coast, owners.

With its proximity to the lower mainland, the Coast has become the go-to destination for large weekend parties. The choice of many is to book entire house STRs where there is little or no oversight by the owner or local contact.

The discussion of STRs and their impacts on our communities has three local governments attempting to address the issue through legislation, with varying progress.

We commend the rural directors of the SCRD who passed bylaw changes on Oct. 8 for bed and breakfast (STRs) that protect the livability of neighbourhoods.

Director Donna McMahon articulated very clearly the focus for their decision, stating, “residential areas are zoned for residents to live in, not for the operation of commercial ventures.”

With regards to STRs in Sechelt, it appears that the current focus of council is to use tracking software for their locations, which could be easily addressed by going to any of the websites for short-term rentals and counting the entries (120+ in Sechelt).

The current bylaws have very limited restrictions and enforcement is complaint-driven, available during the week, while weekend complaints are covered by the local police.

The only option for bylaw officers is to issue $100 tickets, with limited compliance or payment. These tickets have become part of doing business, so the off-site STR owners continue with im-

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munity.

In the District of Sechelt, the current bylaws are not adequately protecting communities from the negative consequences of STRs in our neighbourhoods. The problem STRs require urgent resolution immediately by council, with a specific focus on this issue only, separate from the other topics contained in the current bylaw review process.

42 concerned citizens of the District of Sechelt (including neighbourhoods of Sandy Hook, West Sechelt and East Porpoise Bay)

Noise is the issue!

Firstly, I am very sympathetic to the burden that some short-term rental properties (STRs) have caused for neighbours. Such problems and the failure of our system to address these are unacceptable.

I see the issue as being, first and foremost, a need for effective and proactive enforcement. This includes appropriate licensing, proactive monitoring and, as needed, immediate intervention by trained enforcement professionals.

Further, all home-based businesses, including STRs, need to be clearly “identified” (with business licenses and fees charged to cover the costs of effective monitoring by the local authorities).

I see any effort to eliminate STRs as unnecessary, counterproductive and, in-

evitably, doomed to fail. I believe the great majority of STR operators provide a service that is welcomed by their guests and neighbours alike. But we don’t hear about these, only those causing trouble. Also, there is no denying visitors contribute, to one degree or another, to the overall economic well-being of our community. Finally, my concern is that efforts to eliminate or restrict STRs will just drive those operators underground, and the problems will continue.

This raises another point.

I believe most of the problems that arise with homebased businesses relate to noise. There are a huge number of home-based businesses on the Coast.

And the majority operate without any problems.

However, where a business creates noise, that’s not fair to the neighbours.

I suggest noise needs to be the focus of everyone’s efforts, whether for STRs or any other home-based business. We need to find ways to ensure noise does not disrupt our quiet enjoyment of our homes while also supporting the creative and industrious efforts of the business operators.

My view is that all homebased businesses, including STRs, can be accommodated, but it requires coordinated and proactive enforcement by our local governments.

John R Henderson, 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.

Fireworks spark debate in Gibsons Gibsons council is to decide on Nov. 17 if it will enter the debate surrounding the use of fireworks. Councillor Annemarie De Andrade introduced a Notice of Motion at the Nov. 3 meeting that, if endorsed, will see a staff report on the matter come forward.

De Andrade said she was “quite shocked” at the volume of fireworks that were deployed in the Town on Oct. 31. In response to inquiries from council members, Director of Planning Lesley-Anne Staats stated that the Town’s Fire Department granted one permit for the use of fireworks in October.

The Towns bylaws allow fireworks to be discharged on Halloween with a permit.

Staats also noted that the Town did not have bylaw enforcement staff working on Halloween evening and that no municipal tickets for unauthorized use of fireworks were issued.

All council members in at-

tendance at the meeting acknowledged that it was obvious that more than one party was using fireworks over the Halloween 2020 weekend.

Some Facebook posts related to local use of the devices garnered more than 150 comments, both in favour and against the practice.

Councillors Stafford Lumley, Aleria Ladwig and David Croal, as well as Youth

Sechelt council reversed its decision to add a gigantic Santa at the municipal hall this holiday season.

On Oct. 21, that group voted to spend $18,200 that remained in its 2020 council operational travel budget on enhancing Christmas lighting in the downtown core. In response to hearing concerns from community members about those plans, Mayor Siegers called for a reconsideration of the three decisions related to those plans.

At the Nov. 4 meeting, council withdrew its support for investing $4,500 in an illuminated Santa sculpture for the District’s Cowrie Street office

building roof. It reconfirmed decisions to spend $3,700 for white lighting on that building and $10,000 to extend electrical services into Acacia/Cenotaph Park to support lighting in that area.

Mayor Siegers and Councillor Brenda Rowe remained in favour of the Santa installation. Siegers expressed the view that the downtown should be a focal point that demonstrates the community’s spirit. She said that the decoration additions could be the start of a downtown festive display that improves year over year.

Councillor Matt McLean said he found the Santa proj-

Councillor Gravity Guignard, expressed views favouring a regulatory approach that balances community safety concerns with the desire to enjoy fireworks. Croal noted that the Town has used fireworks at civic events. He said that he would support that practice being continued as long as it can be safely accomplished.

Connie Jordison

It was a busy Halloween for fireworks, yet Gibsons granted only one permit for use. METRO CREATIVE PHOTO

Santa not coming to Sechelt Town Hall ect “excessive” and preferred to see some of the unspent funds remain in surplus to address other needs going forward. Sechelt found itself with money left in its 2020 budget as council travel to conferences, training courses and meetings was restricted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

It was noted that the decorative lighting on the municipal hall could be used to enhance the post-sunset appearance of the building throughout the year. Councillor Janice Kuester expressed the view that the lighting would be “classy” but viewed the Santa project as over the top. Connie Jordison

Partial DCC on Greenecourt building The 104 apartment “Arbutus” building to be built at Medusa Street and Ocean Avenue will be subject to full development cost charges (DCC) on its 31 affordable market rental units. On Nov. 4, Sechelt Council declined the Sunshine Coast Lion’s Housing Society’s request to waive the just over $310,000 DCC on those units, which are part of that group’s Greenecourt housing development.

On Oct. 7, council authorized waiving those infrastructure charges on the other housing units in the building. Those apartments are to house seniors eligible for rental subsidy and rent geared to income suites.

Providing the partial waiver will require Sechelt to amend its DCC Bylaw. Those amendments are to be introduced for three readings at an upcoming council meeting. Endorsement of the bylaw changes would need to be considered at a subsequent meeting.

Speaking in favour of full DCC waivers on all units was Councillor Brenda Rowe, who suggested council view that action as an investment

in affordable housing for the community. Mayor Darnelda Siegers expressed concerns that taking that step might set a precedent for DCC decisions on pending housing developments, such as the building proposed by the Sunshine Coast Community Services Society.

Councillor Tom Lamb said that he struggled with providing full DCC waivers. In his view, collecting charges for the wastewater system was crucial to funding capital projects at Sechelt’s Water Resource Centre. Councillor Matt McLean said that DCC funding is a critical part of paying for civic infrastructure. He said that infrastructure like roads, parks, sewers and stormwater drainage enhance “the quality of life”

for all residents of the area.

He identified the District DCC funded capital projects of the Trail Avenue improvements and drainage in the Medusa Street and Salmon Drive areas as directly benefiting those who will reside in the new building.

The project’s development permit was also approved at the Nov. 4 meeting. Council endorsed requesting a bond of 125 percent of the estimated value of the landscape improvements be a condition of issuance of that permit. Landscape bonds are retained by the District for two years to ensure plantings related to developments are completed as planned and maintained to support their survival.

Connie Jordison

Artists rendition of new Greenecourt building. PHOTO SUBMITTED

The Local - Thursday, November 12, 2020 5

2020 has been a difficult year but has a difficult yearOur butdedicated The Elves2020 Club is been still here to help.

The Elves still herehelp to help.

Ourcommunity dedicated this volunteers willClub stillisprovide to our volunteers will stillbut provide help to our community this year, in a different way... year, but in a different way...

You’ll still see our local First Responders out there doing You’ll still seeannual our local FirstThe Responders out drive, there doing their Crash Coast boot their annualElves CrashClub The Coast bootisdrive, and the Eastlink Telethon still a GO! and the Eastlink Elves Club Telethon is still a GO! To keep everyone safe, we are NOT taking in-person, To keep everyone safe, we are NOT taking in-person, paper applications this year. Instead we’ll be paper applications this year. Instead we’ll be distributing local Gift Cards to a variety of distributing local Gift Cards to a variety of organizations including: organizations including: •• Raincity Housing Raincity Housing ••Arrowhead Clubhouse Arrowhead Clubhouse •• Yew House Yew Transition Transition House ••Local banksand andmore... more...

Local food food banks If Ifyou familiesand andwant want have youdeal dealwith withlow low income income families to to have your to this thislist, list,please pleasecontact contact yourorganization organization added added to us us before elvesclub@hotmail.com. beforeDec. Dec. 1 @ 1 @ elvesclub@hotmail.com.

Watchfor for updates updates as Watch as we weramp rampupupforforthis this holiday season! holiday season!

6

The Local - Thursday, November 12, 2020

Mid-term board adjustments

RESIDENTIAL DENSITY Communities should have a balance of housing options to meet the needs of all their citizens. Condominiums, townhouses, duplexes, and single-family homes provide people with the homes they need at different stages in their lives. Allowing a basement suite or a laneway cottage can also help a young family make a single-family home more affordable for them or provide seniors on fixed incomes with additional revenue. This also provides more housing options for our workforce.

Finding the right balance of density in our neighbourhoods is important in managing the livability of our neighbourhoods and the traffic on our roads.

This is one of the things we want to talk to YOU about as we update our zoning bylaw.

Go to Sechelt.ca/ zoningbylaw to learn more about the possibilities and take the surveys. www.sechelt.ca | info @ sechelt.ca | 604-885-1986

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SCRD board elections are slated to take place at the start of the Nov. 12 board meeting. Currently, the board is chaired by Halfmoon Bay Area B Director Lori Pratt.

District of Sechelt Area Director Darnelda Siegers serves as vice-chair. They were elected to these positions when the board was inaugurated in November 2018.

Both Pratt and Siegers had past local jurisdiction board experience when elected to their positions.

Pratt had served 10 years on the SD46 board before being elected to her first term as an SCRD director in November 2018. Siegers had served two terms as a District of Sechelt council-

lor before being elected as that community’s mayor and then designated by her council as area director in 2018.

With the exception of Sechelt Indian Government District Director Warren Paull, all other SCRD board members are serving their first term as local government elected officials.

All area local governments except the shíshálh Nation held elections in October 2018 for a four-year term running from November 2018 to November 2022.

The shíshálh Nation’s most recent council elections were held in February 2020.

That council serves a threeyear term.

Connie Jordison

The Sunshine Coast RCMP would like to inform the public that in response to the new health order issued

by Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry, fingerprint requests by the public for non-criminal matters will be suspended until Nov.

23 or until the current order is lifted.

The RCMP offices in Gibsons and Sechelt will remain open, and the public are reminded that they can utilize the online reporting tool to report less serious crimes.

Types of crimes that can be reported online are lost or stolen items with a value under $5,000, minor property damage and driving complaints.

To file a report typically takes less than 15 minutes, and you only need an address, phone number and valid email address.

To file an online crime report go to: bc.rcmp-grc.gc. ca/sunshinecoast/report Submitted by RCMP

Civil fingerprints to be suspended

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Leadership elections for both School District #46 (SD46) and the SCRD board are due this month.

On Nov. 4, the local board of education elected Central Coast Trustee Amanda Amaral as its chairperson. Amaral took over these duties from Pammila Ruth, who represented the Lower Coast on the board and had served as chair since the election of the current board in 2018.

A Central Coast representative was also elected to the position of vice-chairperson at the board’s Nov. 4 meeting. Amaral replaced Stacia Leech in that role. Leech, a trustee representing the Lower Coast, held that position since 2018.

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Provincial rent freeze extended, pending increases cancelled Effective immediately, the Province is extending the freeze on rent increases until July 10, 2021, under the powers of the Emergency Program Act and COVID-19 Related Measures Act. This is an interim measure to provide stability and advance notice for renters and landlords while a new cabinet is sworn in. Increases set

to happen on Dec. 1, 2020, are cancelled, along with all pending increases through to July.

“We know many renters are still facing income loss and even the slightest increase in rent could be extremely challenging. For that reason, we are extending the freeze on rent increases to provide more security for

renters during the pandemic,” said Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “We are all in this together, and it is important for both renters and landlords that people can stay in their homes.”

The Province originally froze rent increases on March 18, with the ban set to expire Dec. 1. All renters who have

Adding water from the Church Road well to the region’s potable water supply is forecast to begin in mid2022 rather than next summer. The SCRD Corporate and Administrative Services Committee was updated on project delays during a special pre-2021 budget meeting hosted Nov. 5 and 6.

The SCRD is waiting for the Province to issue the well licence. This process has been delayed pending determination of environmental flow needs for Soames Creek.

The Province is also seeking more information from the SCRD on the aquifer in the well area and for additional support for consultation with the Skwxxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish First Nation). General Manager of SCRD Infrastructure Services Remko Rosenboom said he anticipates licence issuance will happen in the “next few months.”

Rosenboom reported that it is taking time to figure out how to measure Soames Creek flow and handle ongoing monitoring. He stated that equipment for that purpose had been “washed out” of position by high stream flows, and data was lost.

This summer, Coast electors endorsed the SCRD’s Alternative Approval Process (AAP) for the borrowing of up to $9 million over a 30year term for well development and infrastructure. The Province has issued the SCRD the Certificate of Approval for the AAP. At the meeting, Corporate Officer Sherry Reid confirmed at the SCRD has up to five years to access the funds.

SCRD staff will be exploring and reporting back to the board on potential grant opportunities that may be available, given the delay in project construction. When

asked if the project could be started in advance of the licence being issued, Rosenboom stated that was possible, with some financial risk to the SCRD. The region is not guaranteed that the licence will be issued. It also does not know if there will be licence conditions that will require the design of project infrastructure to change. Staff noted that if construction is commenced, the project would be ineligible for most senior government infrastructure grant programs.

Area E Director Donna McMahon expressed concerns that the delay will mean that groundwater flooding and road washout issues in the Grantham’s area will continue for an additional season. She encouraged staff to work with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure on reducing these impacts.

Connie Jordison

received notice their rent was set to increase after the March 30 ban, including increases set for Dec. 1, should disregard those notices and

The Local - Thursday, November 12, 2020 7

continue to pay their current rent amount until July 10, 2021.

If landlords or renters have questions, they are encour-

aged to contact the Residential Tenancy Branch at 1 800 665-8779 or by email: HSRTO@gov.bc.ca Submitted

Church Road well delayed to 2022

Municipal November 2020 Regular Council Meetings All meetings are held on-line via Zoom and live-streamed to YouTube.

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

Council meetings can be viewed in person in the Community Room beside the library. Participants must maintain a 2-meter distance from staff and other participants and masks are required by all participants.

Chairs can not be moved.

• Regular Council Meeting: November 18 at 7:00pm • Committee of the Whole: November 25 at 3:00pm • Regular Council Meeting: December 2 at 7:00pm

Council Conversations Have a casual conversation about issues that are important to you with members of Council. This meeting is by Zoom on the last Monday of each month. The link is on the Meeting Calendar on the District website.

The next conversation is November 30th.

Zoning Bylaw Learn about updates to the District Zoning Bylaw and have your say on what those updates should be. Short-term rentals, home-based businesses, urban agriculture (backyard chickens and bees, farm stands etc), agriculture land reserve uses, and residential density are all on the table.

Go to sechelt.ca/zoningbylaw to learn more and take the surveys.

Paper surveys are available at the Sechelt library. www.sechelt.ca | info @ sechelt.ca | 604-885-1986

NEW MASK POLICY IN PLACE

For staff safety and to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, all people entering Town of Gibsons-operated worksites are now required to wear a mask.

Learn more: gibsons.ca/covid-19-town-services

visit gibsons.ca

Get healthcare from home.

Virtual tools make healthcare accessible for all.

British Columbia has been praised for its effective response to the pandemic.

But many aspects of life have still been impacted, including regular access to care.

According to a recent study by Nanos Research and TELUS Health, a third of British Columbians have delayed medical care for themselves or their loved ones due to fear of exposure to COVID-19.

Virtual care tools, such as Babylon by TELUS Health, are on the rise, providing safe, convenient access to care that complements existing health services. In fact, more than three in five BC residents had a phone or video call with their family physician during the pandemic, and over half said they would use virtual care services even after the pandemic subsides.

Still, more than half are eager to learn more about virtual care. With 74 per cent of British Columbians concerned that a second wave of the virus will impact their ability to receive care, it’s important for them to better understand how these services work.

“The pandemic brought a lot of uncertainty,” said Dr. Sarah Olson, BC family physician.

“When used to its full potential, virtual care will help give families more access to the care and support they need, reassuring them in the face of a potential second wave.”

Particularly helpful for those without a family doctor or who have trouble accessing a healthcare provider, Babylon by TELUS Health allows British Columbians to check their symptoms and quickly connect with a BC-licensed physician even during evenings, weekends and holidays. Through the app, BC residents can receive care for respiratory symptoms, skin conditions, or even anxiety and depression, as well as get referrals for any necessary diagnostic testing or specialist appointments, and have prescriptions filled, all through their smartphones.

Dr. Olson recommends these tips to make the most of a virtual appointment: • Register in advance - Register via virtual care tools, such as Babylon by TELUS Health, in advance of any health issues or concerns, ensuring the service is ready to go as soon as you need it.

• Gather personal health information - Complete your profile with your medical history, current medications or allergies, and list your symptoms when booking your appointment so the physician has enough information to make an accurate assessment.

• Secure a private setting- Consider conducting the virtual session in a quiet, private setting that offers the same level of confidentiality as a physician’s office.

• Share consultation notes- If you have a family doctor, add your physician’s name and contact information to your profile to have your virtual consultation notes shared directly with them

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The Local - Thursday, November 12, 2020

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ANNOUNCEMENT Sunshine Coast Arts Council Reading Series: Raoul Fernandes transforms our world through his poetry and, even amidst COVID-19, opens our eyes to how wonderful it is.

Saturday, November 21st at 7:00pm

(this event is FREE and via Zoom) To register: www.eventbrite.ca/e/ literary-reading-series-raoulfernandes-tickets-114611658556

PLEASE RECYCLE THIS NEWSPAPER

• Serendipity Christmas Craft Fair, featuring local artisans and crafters, (online to Dec. 13), https://serendipityfair.myshopify.com/ • Coast  Fibre: Weekends only to Dec. 13, FibreWorks Studio & Gallery, 12887 Sunshine Coast Highway, Madeira Park, 11am-4pm, 604-883-2380 • Live Music: Apasionado–Dinner Show featuring Lori Carmichael & Randy Rayment, The Clubhouse Restaurant–Pender Harbour Golf Club, 5-8pm, 604-883-9542 to reserve a table

Saturday, November 14

• Beyond Basic Monoprinting With A Gel Plate with Jennifer Love: Nov 14 & 15, The Arts Building, 464 S. Fletcher Rd, Gibsons, 10am-4pm, register at www.eventbrite.ca • Sunshine Coast Arts Council presents Artists in Dialogue with Our Ancient Forests (online), 11am-12:30pm, register at www.eventbrite.ca, call 604-885-5412 for details • November is National Novel Writing Month, one-on-one 20-minute critique sessions with local author Leigh Matthews, 11am-1pm, call Gibsons & District Public Library to register 604-886-2130 • Live Music Saturday and Sunday, 12-2pm, Persephone Brewing, 1053 Stewart Road, Gibsons • 2020 Clifford Smith Memorial Lecture–The Immune System: It’s Protective and Destructive Nature by prominent immunologist Dr. Erwin Diener (online at Zoom), 2-4pm, register at https://SunshineCoastElderCollege.ca • Meet the Artists: Linda Nardelli, Vern Minard and Jessica Gabriel, Gibsons Public Art Gallery, 431 Marine Drive, Gibsons, 2-4pm • Zoom Clinics: Do you need help navigating Zoom? We can help, call 604-886-2130 or email gdplinfo@gibsons.bclibrary.ca to reserve a time, Gibsons & District Public Library, 2-4pm

Sunday, November 15

• Botanical Drawing Workshop with Mehran Modarres-Sadeghi (online), 10am-1pm, details at www.sunshinecoastartscouncil.com, tickets at www.eventbrite.ca • Sundays at the Mill, Macgee Cloth Textile Mill open for tours, Roberts Creek, 1-4pm, to book a visit call Laurie at 604-885-8450 • Off the Page Play Reading Series: Sans Cru by Chloe Packer (featuring Tara Fynn, Richard Austin and Sophia Ballantyne), Heritage Playhouse, Gibsons, 1pm, for reservations call 604-740-1485 • Live Music: Blue Line Trio, inside or on the patio at The Clubhouse Restaurant–Pender Harbour Golf Club, 2-5pm, 604-883-9542 to reserve a table Includes listings compiled by the Coast Cultural Alliance. More details & more listings – including virtual events – at suncoastarts.com

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WorkSafeBC increasing inspections WorkSafeBC is conducting enhanced COVID-19 inspections and consultations at workplaces in the Vancouver Coastal Health region as cases of COVID-19 continue to rise.

“The focus of our inspections is to ensure employers are effectively implementing measures to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 in the workplace, including health screenings,” says Al Johnson, Head of Prevention Services for WorkSafeBC. “We are urging employers to stay vigilant, including revisiting their existing COVID-19 Safety Plan and updating it as conditions change.”

Workplaces identified as having the highest risk for COVID-19 transmission are being prioritized for inspections. This includes workplaces where it is difficult to maintain physical distance, where workers interact with large numbers of people and where workers come into frequent contact with shared surfaces, tools and equipment.

To supplement the inspections, WorkSafeBC is also increasing its ongoing consultations with employers about COVID-19 so they can effective-

ly identify and manage COVID-19 exposure risks in the workplace.

“Workplace health and safety are essential in protecting workers and keeping businesses open,” says Johnson. “Employers need to ensure their COVID-19 plan is effective, that it’s followed to the letter, and that it’s applied to all aspects of the workplace.”

These enhanced workplace inspections and consultations are consistent with new orders and guidance from the Provincial Health Officer aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19 in the Vancouver Coastal Health and Fraser Health regions.

WorkSafeBC will also soon be launching a multi-channel, multi-language public awareness campaign across social media, television and digital media which reminds workers and employers to remain vigilant, to follow their COVID-19 Safety Plan and to update those plans as needed.

WorkSafeBC has conducted more than 18,000 workplace inspections and over 3,000 consultations related to COVID-19 throughout the province, as of Oct. 30, 2020.

Submitted

The Local - Thursday, November 12, 2020 9

Sunshine Coast COVID-19 Physician Task Force community update #37 As most of you are already aware, this past weekend brought news of increasing COVID-19 cases across BC. It also brought a new Public Health order restricting social gatherings, travel, and indoor group physical activities across the Fraser Health and the Vancouver Coastal Health Regions, including the Lower Sunshine Coast. The new order is effective immediately and will be in place until Nov. 23. We know there has been a lot of confusion and some frustration around the new order, but it is clear from the most recent provincial data that we need to make changes, or we risk losing control of COVID-19 in our province.

Over the summer, through mid-September, the province was seeing a fairly linear increase in the number of cases, which was manageable in terms of testing, contact tracing, and hospitalizations.

Over the past month, however, this increase in the number of cases, hospitalizations and deaths has shifted to an exponential pattern, suggesting that we are not containing COVID-19 in BC right now.

If this pattern continues, our ability to keep up with testing and contract tracing may become compromised, limiting our ability to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our communities. Unless we make changes immediately, we increase the risk of overwhelming our hospitals and ICUs, which would limit our ability to help those who are most severely affected

by COVID-19 and would also compromise care for those with other severe but treatable medical problems.

Although we have done well relative to other areas in the Greater Vancouver area and have fewer total cases (overall and as a percentage of our population) thus far, the number of local COVID-19 cases continues to rise. In the month of September, we had as many cases as we had in the entire span from January through August. We don’t have local COVID-19 data available for October yet (it should be out within the next week), but we have no reason to believe that our local trends are any different from other communities in the North Shore Coast Garibaldi area, and we suspect that we will see an exponential increase in cases here on the Coast as well.

In short, we are at a critical juncture; if we buckle down right now and do everything we can to prevent COVID-19 from spreading in our community, we should be able to flatten the curve again.

However, if current trends continue, we may be looking at further restrictions. Please redouble your efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19 in our community. We know that this is another difficult ask in what has already been a hard year for everyone, but we believe the alternatives are worse.

In terms of the specifics of the Public Health order, the biggest impact on our day to day lives will be the restriction on social interactions and gatherings. We are being asked to “socialize only with those in [our] immediate household” and to avoid “gatherings of any size.” This means that for at

For many months now, the Town of Gibsons has had numerous COVID-19 safety protocols in place. Plexiglass dividers have been installed at the front counters, workspaces have been organized to promote physical distancing, disinfection practices have been stepped up, and employees have been supported in working from home whenever feasible.

Additionally, we have strongly encouraged members of the public and our staff to wear masks when engaging with each other inside a Town of Gibsons’ building. Now, we are tightening that up.

As of Monday, Nov. 9, any member of the public who enters a Town-operated facility is required to wear a mask or other face covering. Similarly, staff must wear a mask whenever they interact with someone else.

We’ve adjusted our approach for a few reasons, including the recent spike in COVID-19 cases we have seen across the province.

Additionally, the message from Dr. Bonnie Henry is that masks are expected in public

spaces – and that community leaders should lead by example when it comes to implementing strong policy in infection prevention.

Of course, the most effective way to prevent (or even eliminate) the spread of COVID-19 is by limiting the total number of people with whom we interact.

That’s why, since very early in the pandemic, we’ve been asking our citizens to access municipal services by phone or email whenever possible and to make any required payments (such as for utility bills) through their online banking applications.

I would also encourage everyone to bundle up and get outside at least once a day, either alone or in small, physically distanced groups. It’s the safest way to socialize, and even short amounts of time outside can have a hugely positive impact on mental wellbeing.

We’ve got a way to go before life gets back to normal.

Let’s keep doing everything we can to keep ourselves and each other safe.

Do you have an opinion you’d like to share regarding our new mask policy or any other issue? Please feel free to contact me by email at mayor@gibsons.ca or by phone at 604-989-2364.

least the next two weeks, we should not have any guests in our homes and should only eat out with members of our household. Please avoid outdoor social gatherings and playdates as well.

The other big restriction is related to indoor group physical activities such as spin classes, dance classes, yoga and group fitness, as well as indoor sports where physical distancing cannot be maintained, such as boxing, martial arts, hockey, volleyball and basketball (with exemptions for school sports and activities). Individual indoor physical activities will continue to be permitted, provided that physical distancing and other infection prevention protocols are in place.

We know this will be a challenge for many of our local small businesses that provide indoor group physical activities, but it may be possible to resume indoor group physical activities with a small number of people, provided that appropriate physical distancing and infection control precautions are taken. We would encourage you to follow up with

Vancouver Coastal Health at ehvc@vch.ca to review your COVID-19 safety plan and determine whether you can resume indoor activities. We also encourage everyone to continue to support our local businesses and to help keep them afloat.

It is important to note that the above restrictions do not apply to individual and group outdoor physical activities, provided that appropriate social distancing and precautions are maintained. Wherever possible, we would encourage everyone to dress for the weather and get outside to maintain physical activity levels and stay healthy.

With respect to workplace safety, the new Public Health order requires all businesses to ensure that they are following their business restart plan, which includes active daily screening of all on-site workers and physical distancing wherever possible.

Where physical distancing is not possible, masks should be worn.

Finally, under the new Public Health order, all travel into and out of the Lower Mainland and the Fraser Valley

should be limited to essential travel only for the next two weeks. While we are technically part of the Lower Mainland, we would recommend staying off the ferry unless you are travelling for things like work or medical appointments. Shopping, sports, visiting friends and relatives, and other non-essential reasons to travel should be put on hold for the time being.

In addition to these Public Health orders, there has also been a change in policy regarding mask-wearing in all healthcare facilities, including family medicine and specialty clinics. Moving forward, only three-ply medical-grade masks will be allowed and will be required for anyone entering a healthcare facility.

Fortunately, medical masks will be supplied by the Ministry of Health and will be available for anyone who does not already have one.

If you do develop cold, flu or COVID-19 symptoms, please contact the Respiratory Assessment Clinic by phone or text at 604-740-1252 or by email at coastrespclinic@ gmail.com. The clinic remains open seven days a week from

8:30am to 4:30pm.

And separately, please remember that the Emergency Department remains open and safe for anyone with a medical emergency.

If you are awaiting assessment or test results, please self-isolate at home, ideally in a separate space where you can limit contact with other members of your household.

Please note that flu shots are still available and are recommended for everyone over six months old. Flu shots are available through a number of local pharmacies and through our local clinics. The Gibsons Health Unit, Sechelt Health Unit and Pender Harbour Health Centre also have flu vaccines for families with children under 18.

Keep well, wash your hands, keep your distance or wear a mask, stay local if you can, and please keep doing everything you can to keep our community safe!

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

make over the coming days and weeks will likely have long-term ramifications.

Taurus (Apr .20-May 20) Some of your most intimate relationships are changing. Learning to give more is part of the plot. Yet, Tip of the Week: you will feel increasingly It is quite apropos that determined to also get a 2020 includes Friday the fair return. An ‘inner-work’ 13th in Scorpio time, the process is featured and very day that Mars in Aries has been active since early turns direct. When a plan- September especially. Yet, et shifts from retrograde to this process is coming to an direct again, it is extra po- end and you will shift into tent and the outer synchro- preparation mode regardnicities will reveal this with ing agreements linked to assertive, aggressive, and your financial future. even violent rigor. And the Gemini (May 21-June 21) fates won’t disappoint reAs the saying goes, ‘it is garding the depth and scope not over until it is over’. This of intrigue on the world is very true of a metamorstages. Mercury re-entering phic process that has been Scorpio (Nov 10 – Dec. 1) is underway for the past few synchronizing with a sharp- years and which has about ened focus emphasizing in- 1 more month to go. As well, trigue, dark plots, and secret the final stages can prove to ambitions. Jupiter conjunct be the most significant based Pluto on Nov. 12 reveals the on the understanding that likelihood of increased gov- the whole is greater than ernment authority that will the sum of the parts. Having include the theme of covert wings is one thing and actuoperations and espionage. ally flying is another.

Add to this backdrop a Cancer (June 22-July 22) New Moon in Scorpio on A creative cycle continNovember 14-15, depend- ues. It has included a proing on your time zone and cess of establishing your we have all the makings for core of security, which exa whodunit mystery with tends to your home and all the trimmings. Venus in living environment. The Libra all the while will help goal has been to create an soften the edge with some efficient and inspiring flow. measure of grace. However, All the while, a process of she will enter Scorpio (Nov learning and unlearning 21 – Dec. 15) where she will has been underway. The unengage with devious sizzle. learning part implies breaking old habits and behavior Aries (Mar. 21-Apr. 19) You are in the final stages patterns linked especially to of what can be described family dynamics. as a transformation of your Leo (July 23-Aug. 23) identity. Yet, this process You are entering an even will continue specifical- deeper cycle of introverly on an intellectual level. sion. However, this does This will manifest as inves- not mean you will be idle. tigations and research into In fact, you will be busier what constitutes your next and busier over the coming best series of decisions and weeks. Social activity and moves. The choices you involvement will become

increasingly less appealing for a while. Cultivating inner confidence regarding both your own process and the larger social and political process is featured.

Virgo (Aug. 24-Sept. 22) A steady stream of new thoughts and ideas are flowing through your mind.

These include making changes in your lifestyle and/or daily rhythm. Penetrating insights into what is really going on is featured.

Your ambitions have been steadily growing. The bigger push has yet to begin, but will soon. This will include a steep learning curve that may seem intimidating but you will do well.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Financial concerns and considerations remain in the spotlight. Investment strategies are featured. You have been and will continue to be strongly focused. Waiting for the best time to act has felt important but now you are about ready. Dealings with others have proven edgy and this theme will not only continue it will escalate. The main issue will likely come back around to finances.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) So, you have been in a pioneering mood. Taking new leads strides has not only felt important, it feels necessary. Mercury back in your sign and direct indicates that your focus is sharper than it has been these past few weeks; make the most of it. Venus also entering your sign will activate your desire to get a lot done, quickly. Focus to get a lot done quickly and recover any lost ground.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) A busy time behind the scenes continues. It has included a focus on the bigger picture and global events.

You may even find yourself hoping and praying things go as you think they should.

All the while, you have been in a sporting and competitive mood. This may be finding expression intellectually and philosophically more than physically. Yet, you may feel the need for extra downtime this week.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Quality time shared with friends and colleagues has been keeping you busy. This trend will continue and even increase this week.

Then you will feel the need to balance your time with more practical assertions.

But that cycle will only begin in about a week. In the shorter term, obtaining new skills and tools will shift to outsourcing the talents and expertise of others.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Your focus on power and power plays has been extra strong these past several weeks. This trend of captured attention and imagination will continue and will even increase in the coming weeks. Yet, you will also feel inspired by exercising a more philosophical perspective on things for a while. You may also feel the urge to expand your horizons and increase your social network.

Pisces (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Seeing both the bigger picture and the deeper story has been a strong focus these past few weeks. Yet, you have also felt the need to maintain a practical focus. While remaining realistic regarding daily activities will continue, the emphasis on philosophical matters will take on a whole new level of importance starting this week. Events will direct you to a whole new level of critical thinking. michael@sunstarastrology.com

10

The Local - Thursday, November 12, 2020

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Brand new units 24 hour access 7 days a week •

•

604-840-1478

Best rates in town. We beat any price!

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

CALL 778-918-7910 TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT!

CROSSWORD 57. Wind instrument 61. Mechanical camera part 65. Engine 66. Ancient Egyptian god 68. Cut closely 69. Run away secretly together 70. Anger 71. Spooky 72. Title 73. Cutting tool 74. Rotary motion

DOWN

Solution on page 10

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

CALLY OW LO

69

ND

D NE

1. Vertical spar 2. Singing voice 3. Closed circuit 4. Cloak 5. Vend 6. Be in debt 7. Uncanny 8. Affirm 9. Rant 10. Harangue 11. Impression in a surface 13. Lure 15. Admiration 20. Once more 22. Kind of fairy 24. First letter of a word 25. Form or grade 26. Blood vessel 27. Test

29. Enclose or enfold 31. Sound of a bell 32. Personal attribute 33. Invertebrate before metamorphosis 34. Church officer 36. Information 38. Made a melodious sound 42. Kind of parasite 45. Business conglomerate 49. Electrically charged particle 51. Wet thoroughly 54. Desert haven 56. Not the same as already mentioned 57. Portent 58. Carbonated drink 59. Molecule 60. Strong line 61. Cook slowly in liquid 62. Edible tuberous root 63. Malevolent 64. Roll of film 67. Epoch

YEARS

of service

E

D

ACROSS

1. Used in brewing and distilling 5. Female hog 8. Desiccated 12. Using the voice 14. Female sheep 15. Dodge 16. Building material 17. Garland 18. Number 19. In the news 21. Draw back 23. Sprocket 24. Not in use 25. Feline 28. Gape 30. State of good health 35. Nobleman 37. Part of the eye 39. Ethical 40. Song for solo voice 41. Relating to birth 43. Edible fat 44. Express in words 46. Conifer 47. Exist 48. Fatty sausage 50. Matured 52. Seafarer 53. Table game 55. Pigeon sound

Courtesy of: www.puzzlechoice.com

A

On Nov. 5, a Coast resident reported falling victim to a fraud after “friending” someone on Facebook that the resident believed was an old friend.

The “friend” reached out to the resident and, after some communication back and forth, convinced the resident that he could help the resident qualify and access federal grant money through the “Forever Living Assistance” program. The resident was told that if he paid a fee up front using Amazon gift cards, he would be eligible for a large grant. The resident purchased the cards and then sent his “friend” photos of the activation codes via text, only to realize later that he’d been scammed and that there was no “friend.” To learn more about common scams and protect yourself from falling victim to them, please visit the Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org.

Submitted by RCMP

BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

100%

Another scam

O P E R AT

12

The Local - Thursday, November 12, 2020

RIDAY Black B lack F FRIDAY SAVINGS EVENT

NOV 19 – DEC 16, 2020

2

1599

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MAYTAG® 33" FRENCH-DOOR, BOTTOM-MOUNT REFRIGERATOR, 22.1 CU. FT.

MAYTAG® ELECTRIC FRONT CONTROL RANGE, 6.4 CU. FT.

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$

899

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• Dual Power Filtration

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MAYTAG® 47 DBA DISHWASHER

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MAYTAG® 30" 2-DOOR, BOTTOM-MOUNT REFRIGERATOR, 18.7 CU. FT.

MAYTAG® ELECTRIC FREESTANDING RANGE, 6.4 CU. FT.

MAYTAG® 50 DBA DISHWASHER

MBR1957FEZ

YMER8800FZ

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‡

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$ 2098

Equivalent volume per I.E.C. International Standard, 5 th Ed., based on 4.7 cu. ft. DOE measurement.

®

†

Equivalent volume per I.E.C. International Standard, 5th Ed., 4.8 cu. ft. DOE measurement.

In-store instant savings on retail purchase price (after taxes) valid on purchase of qualifying Maytag® major appliances will be deducted at the time of purchase. Receive instant savings of $100 (after taxes) when you purchase two (2) eligible Maytag® laundry appliances (washer and dryer); instant savings of $100 (after taxes) when you purchase two (2) qualifying Maytag® kitchen appliances or instant savings of $300 (after taxes) when you purchase three (3) or more qualifying Maytag® kitchen appliances, consisting of one model only per appliance subcategory. Multiple purchases must be made at the same time from the same participating authorized Canadian Maytag dealer. GST/HST/QST and provincial sales tax (where applicable) are included in the instant savings amount. Qualifying purchases must be made between November 19 – December 16, 2020. Open to Canadian residents only. Offer cannot be combined with any other Maytag® appliance offer. Offer is not available to second channel, dealers, builders or contractors. All models may not be available at all dealers. No substitute models qualify.

Dealer prices may vary. Dealer alone has sole discretion to set retail prices. Offer excludes discontinued models.

Visit maytag.ca for guaranttee details and warranty details.

®/™ © 2020 Maytag. Used under license in Canada. All rights reserved.

‡ ‡

Come visit us in our beautiful showroom today!

SAVE AN ADDITIONAL

5501 Inlet Avenue, Sechelt, BC • 604-885-5141

Buy any washer and dryer