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www.comoxvalleyecho.com Friday April 4, 2014
Price: 57 cents plus GST
Volume 20, No. 27
Wave of support after bike theft shows Comox Valley at its best By Philip Round Echo Staff A Courtenay man in recovery from a workplace accident has been taken aback by a wave of support and messages of goodwill following the theft of a bike on which he took regular exercise. Eighteen months ago, Keir Hamilton was badly injured while working in forestry when a branch fell on him causing a severe, but thankfully no longer life-threatening, spinal injury. Nonetheless, it led to 60 days of treatment in three hospitals - in Comox, Victoria and Vancouver - and his ongoing rehab is expected to continue for another two-and-a-half years. To help speed his return to fitness, he bought a second-hand bike from Blue Toque at the foot of Fifth Street, adjusted to fit him perfectly. At night he usually locked it in a shed at his home close to downtown, but a week ago in the middle of the day he propped it up in the carport. After darkness fell a few hours later it was gone. In a long-shot bid to recover it, he posted an online message on Craigslist: ‘To the person who stole my bike.’ In it he explained he was currently recovering from a work injury and was doing everything he could to get back in to shape. “Running is out of the question,” he wrote, “and walking can be quite uncomfortable, so riding my bike has been the only thing I’ve been able to do for exercise - and you’ve robbed me of that.” He added: “You may have noticed from the home that you stole from that I’m not exceptionally well off. “WorkSafe doesn’t pay like people think it does. I saved money off my monthly cheques all through last summer to be able to afford that cheap little bike, and I loved it. “It was set up specifically for someone with my disability, which happens to be a back issue, which is why the handlebars are so high. It’s so I didn’t have to bend at the waist in order to ride it comfortably. “I was very excited to have some kind of mobility - and now that’s gone.” The 32-year-old with a young son said he doubted whether the culprit would ever read his message, but if they did he pleaded with them to return the bike. “No questions asked. I’m not upset or angry; I just want to be able to ride my bike again.” He also offered two useful tips to any person who might see the bike and wonder if it was his: (Continued on page 2)
KFN asserts right to override conservation zoning on Denman Aquaculture continuing in Henry Bay By Philip Round Echo Staff The Denman Island Local Trust Committee has backed off from pressing bylaw enforcement actions over Pentlatch Seafoods Ltd’s aquaculture operations near Denman Island. The retreat follows legal advice and feedback from negotiators working on the treaty process with the K’ómoks First Nation, which owns Pentlatch. Following complaints last summer from island residents about zoning violations, an Islands Trust bylaw enforcement officer wrote to Pentlatch. The company was advised its aquaculture operation was not permitted in the W1 zone at Henry Bay, which is identified as a marine conservation area, and the Islands Trust required the removal of its “aquaculture infrastructure”. But in October the Chief Councillor of the K’ómoks First Nation, Robert Everson, advised the Denman Island committee it was asserting its aboriginal rights and title through Pentlatch Seafoods Ltd.’s operations in the bay. The local trust committee has now written to the KFN acknowledging that the outcome of ongoing treaty negotiations may affect its zoning authority in the area. “Given that treaty negotiations are underway and that there is an interim agreement by senior governments with the K’ómoks First Nation to permit aquaculture in such areas, we want to respect that process,” said David Graham, a Denman Island local trustee. (Continued on page 2)
Valley transit bus from Courtenay to Duncan may be feasible By Michael Briones Echo Staff
After the theft of his bike, Keir Hamilton tries out an alternate way to progress his rehab using equipment funded by WorkSafe BC.
The ability to travel by city bus from Courtenay all the way to Duncan may be an idea residents might want to see included in the Comox Valley Regional District’s Transit future plans. Michael Zbarsky, the CVRD’s Manager of Transit and Sustainability, said they would have a better idea on how the riders feel about it after the next public consultation to be held between April 22 and 26. “It’s something we’re aware of,” said Zbarsky. “We’re doing a Transit Future Plan right now and have a huge list of transit improvements that we’ve heard from the public on. “What we’re doing is just bringing them all out to the public and we’re just going to see what do people want. What are the more important priorities, what we do in the long-term versus the short-term? (Continued on page 2)
Secondary suites divide Courtenay in more ways than one By Philip Round Echo Staff When it comes to the location of secondary suites, Courtenay is a city of two halves. On the west side of the river and estuary, most residential areas are zoned to allow legal suites to be part of single-family homes. But go to east Courtenay on the opposite bank and apart from the neighbourhood around McLaughlin Drive, there is virtually no opportunity for property owners to easily incor-
porate a ‘mortgage helper’ suite into their property. They are not actually banned, but homeowners who want to create one need to pay application fees, meet particular criteria on issues such as parking and access, and follow a formal public rezoning process that sometimes stirs up strong feelings in the immediate area. On some occasions, neighbours have ended up being pitted against each other, as witnessed by councillors at a number of emotional public hearings in recent years.
The contrast between the two halves of the municipality was brought into sharp focus at a City Council committee of the whole meeting on Monday night. Land use planner Erin Ferguson presented a paper seeking further direction to staff on where secondary suites should be permitted and what the City’s approach to enforcement issues should be when illegal suites are drawn to City Hall’s attention. Ferguson said secondary suites were an important part of the rental market across BC.
“They help to meet the demand for affordable housing by offering unsubsidized rental accommodations, which can reduce the pressure on the need for non-market and government-subsidized forms of housing,” she explained. Looking at a zoning map of the municipality, 2,760 properties could add a secondary suite under their current zoning, subject to complying with Building Permit regulations. That figure represents almost 40 per cent of all single-family homes in the municipality.
No one knew for sure how many suites actually existed, although legally there were currently only 204 in the whole of Courtenay. But, she said, it was clear form online sites like Craigslist there were more than that. In the past five years, 20 homeowners had applied for the rezoning of a specific home to allow a suite, mainly in east Courtenay, and in 15 of those cases council had granted permission. (Continued on page 3)
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A2 Comox Valley Echo Friday, April 4, 2014
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Comox Valley Weather
Friday, 4 April Cloudy with 40% chance of showers. High 9°C.
Saturday, 5 April Cloudy with 60% chance of showers. Low 6°C. High 11°C.
Sunday, 6 April Cloudy with 40% chance of showers. Low 6°C. High 11°C.
Monday, 7 April Cloudy with 60% chance of showers. Low 8°C. High 13°C.
Tuesday, 8 April Cloudy with 60% chance of showers. Low 9°C. High 13°C.
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Transit bus down-Island may be feasible (Continued from page 1) “It will be interesting to see where this ranks. Is it something people want now or would they rather have something else.” The CVRD’s local bus services already link up with services north from Oyster River to Campbell River. It’s an initiative Zbarsky said that has been successful. “That’s quite a good connection that has worked well,” said Zbarsky. “A lot of North Island College students use them going to the campus there or vice-versa, and also people commuting for work out of town.” The Regional District of Nanaimo board of directors, which recently endorsed its Transit Future Plan, has also considered linking up its bus services to the Comox Valley. Its main priority is a “rapid transit network” covering the length of Nanaimo fed by smaller neighbourhood collector bus routes. As more riders use the system, Nanaimo Regional Transit would connect to neighbouring transit systems serving Ladysmith and Courtenay, with service to Nanaimo Airport and possibly Duke Point. Zbarsky said it’s a feasible plan because the CVRD
has a bus route all the way to Fanny Bay and the RDN has a transit service that ends in Qualicum Beach. The gap he said is not too far apart. However, financing the link-up to provide a transfer service might be an issue. “The unfortunate thing about something like that is it’s going to be very costly,” said Zbarsky. “It probably won’t generate a lot of ridership. If we have only a limited amount of money to spend here in the Comox Valley, do we want to spend it connecting to Nanaimo or do we want to spend it connecting more frequency between Courtenay and Comox for example?” The Transit Future consultation team will be back to the Comox Valley between April 22 and April 26. It’s inviting the public to gauge the results of the first phase of engagement, provide input on the proposed Transit Future network and help prioritize proposed changes that will move the Comox Valley Transit System in to the future. If you are not able to attend an Open House being planned for that week, take the online survey to provide BC Transit with feedback on the draft Transit Future network proposals and any changes you think are important. The online survey will be available from April 7 to May 9.
KFN asserts right to override conservation zone (Continued from page 1) He added: “Issues of aboriginal rights and title are the responsibility of senior levels of government to resolve. It doesn’t make sense for us to attempt to resolve these complex issues through a costly court process when the treaty negotiation process is intended to do just that.” Laura Busheikin, also a Denman Island local trustee, added: “We are committed to developing and maintaining good relationships with our First Nations neighbours, including respecting their assertions of constitutionally protected Aboriginal rights. “The K’ómoks First Nation is nearing the final stage of their treaty negotiations and the out-
come may affect our zoning authority. Therefore, the Denman Island Local Trust Committee is not proceeding with enforcement of its bylaw in this case at this time.” It transpires that Pentlatch had obtained the necessary licenses and permits from provincial and federal government agencies before establishing operations in Henry Bay in April of last year. After considering advice from treaty negotiators and legal counsel, the bylaw enforcement action was halted. “I think it’s important to note that local government zoning does generally apply to aquaculture operations and we understand federal and provincial processes recognize local government jurisdic-
tion in these matters”, said Peter Luckham, chair of the Denman Island Local Trust Committee. He noted that the OCP for Denman Island recognized that aquaculture was a valuable source of local employment, “if compatible with maintenance if ecosystems and community character” and shellfish aquaculture would be supported “when practiced in a low-impact, environmentally-sound manner.” As far as the withdrawal from enforcement process at Henry Bay was concerned, he commented: “This decision reflects some very specific circumstances, involving traditional use of this area by First Nation peoples.” pround@comoxvalleyecho.com
1-800-222-TIPS www.comoxvalleycrimestoppers.bc.ca
Wave of support after bike theft shows Valley at its best (Continued from page 1) it’s spray painted red and has a set of initials, TPBC, stenciled on the crossbar - it stands for Trailer Park Boys’ Club, and is a nostalgic reference to the place he and his mates once lived and played in Comox. At least it had those four initials clearly visible just before it disappeared. They are still spelt out on his arm in the form of a tattoo, so the owner and bike can definitely be paired up again if it is found. But what happened next startled Hamilton. Although the posting hasn’t yet led to the return of his bike, he started receiving messages of sympathy and support from a wide range of people of all ages from all parts of the Comox Valley. One man even offered his recumbent bike and was taking it round to the house Wednesday evening to see if it would work as a suitable alternative. “I’ve had over 30 people so far seeking me out and making contact after reading my post,” he said. “It’s really helped me realize what an amazing community we live in.” Hamilton is currently on a healthcare assistant training course at Excel College, as he wants to give something back by pursuing a new career, in part to give thanks for all the support he has had from staff in hospitals and rehab. “In between school I’ve been trying to reply to each and every message personally as I so appreciate their thoughts and condolenc-
es. It seems every time I reply to one, more come in.” He added: “As amazing as it is to receive all these positive messages and offers to help, I’m not sure I feel quite right about accepting help from people. “All I really set out to do was hopefully get my message across to whoever has taken my bike and maybe make some more people aware of the particular bike I’m still looking for. “That being said, if what happened to me reminds others to keep a closer eye on their belongings, then maybe that’s a good thing.” It’s the second time Hamilton says he’s experienced the generosity of spirit in the Comox Valley. After his accident in October 2012, it wasn’t just family and friends that rallied to his support, but a host of people he didn’t know personally until that time. “What’s happened this week has just underlined what happened then - strangers reaching out, people I don’t know but whose thoughts and concerns are really appreciated. “After my accident, there were even bands that came to play here from as far off as Vancouver - they came on their own dime to help raise some money to help me through. It was amazing. “It makes me realize what an awesome community we live in. Even when something bad happens, there’s a lot more good out there.” pround@comoxvalleyecho.com
Dr. Jackson Katz
North America’s leading gender violence educator is coming to the Comox Valley, April 10 & 11
MERVILLE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT ASSOCIATION
Men's Leadership in Preventing Violence:
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Breakfast with the Guys A special breakfast presentation for community leaders—sports coaches, firefighters, politicians, ministers, police, teachers, youth leaders etc.—to talk about the important role they play in leading boys and young men to a healthy understanding of male adult roles.
Wednesday April 9th 2014 7:30pm Merville Hall All Merville taxpayers welcome
Friday, April 11 7—8:30 AM Upper Florence Filberg Tickets ($5.00) available at Laughing Oyster Bookstore, or by calling the Community Justice Centre, (250) 334-8101 and leaving your name, phone #, and affiliation, for pick up at the door.
MERVILLE 15K RACE SUNDAY, APRIL 6, 2014
Traffic Advisory Due to the road race there could be traffic delays between 10:30 am and 1:00 pm. Route: Merville Road, Tsolum River Road & Headquarters Road. Thank you for your understanding!
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VANCOUVER ISLAND - LOWER MAINLAND NANAIMO (DEPARTURE BAY) - HORSESHOE BAY April 1 to May 14, 2014 Leave Horseshoe Bay 6:30 am 8:30 am 10:30 am 11:30 am1 12:30 pm 1:50 pm4
3:00 pm 4:00 pm3 5:00 pm 6:10 pm1 7:00 pm 9:00 pm
Leave Departure Bay 6:30 am 8:30 am 9:30 am2 10:30 am 11:30 am4 12:30 pm
1:30 pm1 2:00 pm3 3:00 pm 5:00 pm 7:00 pm 9:00 pm
1) Apr 17 only. 2) Apr 17 & 18 only. 3) Apr 20 only. 4) Apr 21 only
NANAIMO (DUKE POINT) - TSAWWASSEN April 1 to April 16, 2014 Leave Duke Point 5:15 am1 7:45 am2 10:15 am 12:45 pm
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Leave Tsawwassen 5:15 am1 7:45 am2 10:15 am 12:45 pm
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National Victims of Crime Awareness Week — TAKE ACTION We acknowledge the funding by Justice Canada’s Victims Fund and the support of our project partners:
Comox Valley Transition Society Community Justice Centre Military Family Resource Centre
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Comox Valley Echo Friday, April 4, 2014 A3
News
Extra fire hall and training centre set to be a hot topic By Philip Round Echo Staff The future development of fire-rescue services in East Courtenay is expected to become a hot topic for discussion very soon. For more than a year, a select committee of the City Council has been investigating options for the future and hopes to present its findings to an open committee meeting in either May or June. Committee chair Coun. Jon Ambler said the work he and fellow councillors Bill Anglin and Manno Theos have been undertaking followed concern expressed by some members of the public, as well as within council, that the cost of an additional fire hall and state-of-the-art training facility could reach as much as $10 million, although that figure has since been scaled back. Some had also suggested thought be given to the possibility of merging
fire departments in the Valley, or phasing any new development over several years to spread costs. Ambler said over the past year they had been involved in an extensive study of the issues and it had proved to be a great educational experience for all members of the committee. In addition to their detailed discussions with the Courtenay Fire Department, Ambler said they had experienced “fantastic” support in their quest for knowledge from the Town of Comox and its fire department. “They could not have been more forthcoming or more helpful,” he told the Echo. “We learned a lot.” The select committee had also commissioned a ‘fire underwriters survey’ of East Courtenay from a specialist external company called Opta Information Intelligence. Its report was still under review, he said, but it covered insurance-related risk issues - and how they might be
impacted by any service changes from an independent non-political perspective. Ambler said the committee was cognizant of further significant development planned in East Courtenay, notably the new Comox Valley Hospital. The City already owns land adjacent to the water storage towers right opposite the new hospital site where a new East Courtenay fire hall and training centre could be built. But the committee had also been looking at alternative sites, particularly land relatively close to the Ryan/Lerwick interchange from which quick access to all parts of East Courtenay could be ensured in an emergency. One issue being weighed is whether any alternative site would provide significant advantage over the existing property in City ownership to justify the extra cost of buying land when finances might be tight.
Ambler pointed out the overall balance of new development in Courtenay had tipped eastward in recent years, with many more residential properties and commercial projects being constructed well away from the existing fire hall on Cumberland Road. It was not an issue of providing a replacement fire hall, as such a move would disadvantage west Courtenay, but instead looking at the options for additional facilities at an acceptable price for taxpayers. He stressed the City wanted to retain the principle of a volunteer fire-rescue service, made up of a small core of full-time staff but with the majority of firefighters paid as and when they were needed. Some 70 per cent of fire departments in Canada were run on that basis, said Ambler, and it was a cost-effective approach for many municipalities, particularly smaller ones.
“But there are well-known and well-documented challenges in running volunteer fire departments,” he added. “Force generation - the recruitment and retention of firefighters - is the single most important thing. “It’s no use having the nicest, shiniest, best trucks in the world if you don’t have dedicated and well-trained firefighters.” He added: “We need training facilities that not only develop individual skills, but also team skills. How and where we provide those facilities, and how we might pay for them, are important issues. “It’s a cliché, but when everyone else in running out of a burning building, it’s the firefighters who are running in. “In my view, we need the best firefighters, and we need to provide them with the best possible training opportunities so they can protect us, our property - and themselves.”
Jangula welcomes Island passenger rail service deal By Michael Briones Echo Staff The plan to revive the passenger rail service on Vancouver Island that was running on fumes and losing steam in the last couple of couple weeks has been refueled and is back on track. The Island Corridor Foundation announced Wednesday in Nanaimo that a tentative agreement has been brokered between Southern Railway of BC and VIA Rail to restore commuter service on the old E&N line. ICF co-chair Mary Ashley said Southern has agreed to handle the operation of the line, including service, marketing and maintenance, while VIA will provide the train itself. The deal includes $20.9 million for upgrading tracks and bridges along the route. Passenger service on the E&N line was halted in 2011 after the track was declared unsafe due to severe wear and tear to safely carry faster moving rail cars. The ICF, the non-profit organization that owns the E&N railway track from Victoria to Courtenay, and rail operator, Southern have been negotiating with Via Rail for months to restart the passenger service.
“I was getting a little bit nervous about this and I’m glad an agreement has been reached,” said Courtenay Mayor Larry Jangula, the Comox Valley Regional District’s representative at the ICF.
“It’s a great opportunity and hopefully we are going to be moving forward now. “It’s going to be a huge benefit to the entire Vancouver Island not just to us.”
Growing contingent of doubters on rail deal By Darrell Bellaart Special to the Echo Rail supporters applauded news that passenger rail service is close to resuming on Vancouver Island, but a growing contingent of doubters remain unconvinced. About 100 people gathered Wednesday at the Nanaimo train station to hear the Island Corridor Foundation executive announce a “tentative” agreement with Via Rail to restore service. Passenger service came to a halt in April, 2011, when inspectors declared the state of the track and rail bed in such a poor stat of repair that it’s unsafe to carry people. Freight trains continue, though at a considerably reduced speed. Rail supporters cheered when they heard ICF co-chairwoman Mary Ashley say the new schedule will see passenger trains start and end their day in Nanaimo. Increasingly, elected officials who represent cities and rural areas north of Nanaimo say they’ve
lost faith in the ICF to forge an agreement that would include daily passenger rail service to their communities. Neither Graham Bruce, ICF executive director, nor Via spokeswoman Mylene Boulanger would disclose details of the agreement. Regional District of Nanaimo directors for the Parksville and Qualicum Beach areas, say they’ve been told in private meetings they would only get weekend service. For years, critics said passenger trains that ran from Victoria to Courtenay and back each day ran against the direction of commuter traffic. That problem is said to be addressed in this agreement. “We are turning the train around,” Ashley said. “The train will be moving in the right direction.” Bruce said ratification of the agreement would free up the almost $20 million held in trust for rail and bridge repairs, a project expected to take nine months. Since ratification will require the support of all
10 ICF member organizations - five regional districts and five First Nations - he couldn’t say when rail service would resume. Opponents say they are resolved to make the ICF hear their grievances. On Tuesday, a Regional District of Nanaimo committee will debate a non-confidence motion against the ICF, which is expected to go to the RDN regular board meeting late in April. Parksville Mayor Chris Burger said he’ll believe there_s an agreement when trains run. “We_re still not confident for this group to move this whole file forward,” Burger said. “This is almost a non-event, and perhaps a reaction to the pressure we’ve been applying.” The agreement must be ratified before any of its details can be made public. CBC reported late Monday that Via Rail said there wasn’t a tentative agreement and that talks were still continuing. - Nanaimo Daily News
Secondary suites divide Courtenay in more ways than one (Continued from page 1) And, she added, as some new residential developments had come on stream - such as the Buckstone project in south Courtenay and the second phase of Cascara Crescent in east Courtenay - zoning approval had been granted for suites in advance of construction should any owner ever want to incorporate one. “Factors contributing to the demand for secondary suites in Courtenay include high housing costs relative to income in the Comox Valley, especially for young families; an ageing population with many individuals looking for ways to stay in their homes longer; and low vacancy rates for traditional rental apartments,” Ferguson explained. But she acknowledged that set against the benefits of increasing affordable housing options, they can also generate a number of concerns. “Common issues that are raised by local residents include on-street parking congestion, loss of privacy for adjacent properties, changes to the character of the neighbourhood, absentee landlords, changes to property values, fairness in terms of payment for increased use of municipal services, and safety issues in relation to illegal suites.” The majority of municipalities on Vancouver Island had a different approach to secondary suites than Courtenay, she noted, including
Comox, Qualicum Beach and Nanaimo. In those areas, the presumption would be that a suite was acceptable and no rezoning process was required in existing single-residential neighbourhoods - although sometimes the definition of what constituted a secondary suite was slightly different and there were sometimes local regulations such as the property owner needing to be resident in the building. But, she noted, even the residency rule had been dropped in some areas, apparently with no significant adverse impact. As far as enforcement of illegal suites was concerned, staff did not
go out looking for them but if they were brought to City Hall’s attention they would be inspected. Owners could opt to bring the suite into legal conformity in accordance with the building code (and seek rezoning if appropriate) or choose to decommission the suite and evict the tenants. Non-compliance usually led to the City putting a notice on the property title to confirm the unauthorized suite as a ‘buyer beware’ warning, but because of cost and time considerations Ferguson confirmed the City had not up to now pursued court action to enforce closure. Staff sought clearer guidance on how far council wanted to pursue
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We offer a large variety of programs for the entire family, check out our program updates on facebook.
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enforcement issues, possibly through fiscal measures such as at least charging a second utility fee for sewer, water and garbage collection where illegal suites were discovered currently worth about $700 a year (and already paid by legal suite owners) - or even the introduction of municipal ticket fines for non-conformance. No decisions were taken on Monday, but staff have been asked to make further enquiries about how systems like the ones in Comox and Qualicum work in practice and what
lessons could be learned from them. They will also draw up specific suggestions for potential enforcement options that could be pursued in appropriate circumstances. There has as yet been no suggestion for changing any wider neighbourhood zoning - such as the ones covering the Crown Isle or Valley View areas of east Courtenay - where secondary suites are not currently permitted unless a home is approved for a site-specific rezoning after a full public process.
A4 Comox Valley Echo Friday, April 4, 2014
News
Spring bounce in Valley home sales
There’s a new bishop in town on Sunday Would you like to meet the new Anglican bishop? Did you know that he was originally from Scotland? The New bishop of the Anglican Church of Canada - Diocese of British Columbia, Bishop Logan McMenamie who grew up in Greenock, Scotland, outside of Glasgow will be here in Comox Valley this coming Sunday, April 6th at 4pm to preside in the Confirmation at St. John the Divine Anglican Church which is located in the corner of 5th Street and Harmston Street. Bishop McMenamie’s hometown was known for its shipbuilding industry and ports. At age 15, like most, he left school to he left school to work in the shipyards. From the shipyards he went into other industries and ended up in the engineering field as mechanical engineer. He met his wife Marcia, a Victoria resident, in Scotland. The pair moved to Canada as a young couple, first to Vancouver, then Port Alberni. He returned to church after his wife started attending an Anglican parish in Port Alberni. Friends and colleagues he knew attended the same church. Once inside the church walls, it wasn’t long before he was teaching Sunday school and becoming a youth leader. Soon afterwards he pondered the idea of entering the ministry. As a boy, he grew up in the Presbyterian-based Congregational Church of Scotland. So, his religious foundation was built years earlier in Scotland. It was the encouragement of family, friends and clergy that compelled him to go to theological school in Vancouver. He was ordained at age 37. He served as pastor at St. Peter’s Quamichan in Duncan and at St. George in Victoria before becoming rector and dean of Christ Church Cathedral in Victoria seven years ago. Bishop McMenamie was elected as the 13th Bishop of Vancouver Island at a Synod on December 7th. He was consecrated and installed as a bishop last March 2nd at Christ Church Cathedral. As bishop, he leads a diocese that has 43 churches, and serves more than 8,000 Anglican parishioners. We are inviting everyone in the community to join us in this joyous occasion. Experience our 4pm Sunday service which is a contemporary service, as we use the Book of Alternative Services. All are welcome. Come as you are, no matter where you are in your journey of faith or whatever is your situation in life. There will be a potluck supper after the service in our parish hall. If you are interested to know more about the Anglican Church of Canada and to deepen your Christian faith you are welcome to attend our Catechism classes with retired Bishop John Frame every Tuesday at 10:30 am in our small hall. Refreshments will be provided. - Submitted by St. John the Divine Church
The spring bounce of home sales continued in the Comox Valley last month, with 47 single-family homes changing hands locally compared to 33 in February. But when compared to March 2013, sales last month were down 8 per cent, a reduction that contrasts starkly with growth in most other parts of Vancouver Island. In Parksville-Qualicum, for example, sales were up 72 per cent compared to a year earlier, in Nanaimo 53 per cent, and in Campbell River 20 per cent. However, the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board cautions large increases may appear strong for the very short term, but they disguise the fact that overall sales remain lower than the 10-year average. Nonetheless, the board says it is encouraged the market is moving in the right direction. The average price paid for a single-family home in the Comox Valley last month was $358,000, which represents an increase of 11 per cent on the average of $322,000 recorded 12 months earlier.
“We’re at the heart of things”
So all kids can play Fundraising for the Comox Valley chapter of KidSport is the focus for the 4th Annual Mayor’s Cup hockey game. This charity’s goal is that no child be left on the side lines due to financial barriers. The puck will drop at 7:00 PM on Friday, April 4th at the Comox Valley Sports Centre Arena # 1. From left to right,
are former mayor Greg Phelps, captain of the Courtenay team; Paul Helpard, event organizer; Allan Perich, chair Comox Valley KidSports; Paul Ives, mayor and captain of the Conox team,
.
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HERITAGE FAIR OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY AT CFB COMOX If you are fascinated with Canadian history and heritage, this weekend’s Canadian Heritage Fair is sure to be of interest! On Saturday, April 5, from 9:30 until 11 am, members of the general public are invited to the Recreation Centre at CFB Comox to view student projects celebrating our heritage as Canadians. For the past several months, students from across the Comox Valley in grades 4 through 11 have been hard at work researching their projects. These young people are now ready to tell stories and share information about Canadian heroes, events, places or aspects of their personal culture and heritage. For some students, a Heritage Fair project is an opportunity to research their own family’s history. Often times students are surprised by what they learn! For others, Heritage Fair presents the forum for exploring a topic that has always intrigued them in more detail. On Friday, while the Fair is closed to the public, students will participate in workshops and have the opportunity to interact with community-based judges about their projects. Many of the judges come back year after year as they enjoy interacting with the students! On Saturday at 11 am, there will be an Awards Ceremony. The Wing Commander’s Shield, 888 (Komox) RCAF Bursaries, the MLA’s Award, the Vintage Wings of Canada Military Heritage Award, 2 NIC Bursaries and the Navy League Award are some of the prizes available for secondary level students. All student are eligible for prizes from Soroptomists International , Aboriginal Education and the Francophone Association. 10 projects will be chosen to go on display at the Courtenay Museum. For elementary students - there are two main prizes. 35 students will be chosen from our Distract Fair to participate in the Regional Heritage Fair sponsored by Alberni District Museum. In addition, students with a real passion for history will be selected to receive a Ron Bannerman Memorial Medal. Come and explore Canadian Heritage this Saturday morning!
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Comox Valley Echo Friday, April 4, 2014 A5
News
Gun owners, Conservatives take aim at RCMP reclassification of firearms Duncan: Government was “blindsided” by prohibited weapons changes By Drew A. Penner Echo Staff Terry O’Toole walks along the Courtenay and District Fish and Game Club’s series of ranges as a group of gun enthusiasts watch a man with a shotgun whip around and pull the trigger. BANG! A fluorescent “bird” shatters into numerous pieces, adding yet more colour to the speckled ground. It’s just a typical Thursday afternoon at the Comox Lake site near the dam, as the clay pigeon launcher pushes a different button, causing the target to race from the other direction. O’Toole, the range chairman, steps inside the clubhouse where a delicious lunch awaits. Here beneath the jovial atmosphere serious concerns bubble away. “There is no provision for our range to handle prohibited rifles,” O’Toole said, explaining his frustration over the RCMP’s recent decision to reclassify Swiss Arms and CZ 858 rifles as prohibited weapons without any public debate or discussion. “A branch of the RCMP is looking at these firearms and because they look bad they are prohibiting them.” Fish and Game officials say the move is the latest in a series of questionable decisions made by the RCMP to create a table of firearm classifications based less on the actual danger of the guns and more on aesthetics. “It’s a small percentage of the bureaucrats at the RCMP that are abusing their power,” O’Toole said. “They should be brought to task.” Bob McClure, range director, is particularly into classic 1800s era guns. He too is angry at the RCMP for silently reclassifying the guns, but feels particularly bad for the guy he sold his CZ 858 to last fall. “He’s basically had his investment expropriated,” he said. “If I was him I’d be quite upset.” McClure wonders how bureaucrats get power that seems to exceed Parliament. “There was no public debate; It was just an arbitrary decision by the RCMP,” he said. “They’ve had their fingers slapped before and they continue to push, push, push.” There is a point system police firearms officers use to figure out what category - unrestricted, restricted or prohibited - a gun should fall into. But even some RCMP officers admit at times there seems to be no rhyme or reason to why one gun is prohibited and another is not. Take for example the mean-looking
A gun owner perfects the calibration of his rifle at the range. He’s worried this gun could soon bez made illegal overnight by the RCMP.
Robinson Armament Company XCR. O’Toole describes it as an AR15 without a carry handle. But because it has a barrel that’s 18.6 inches in length it is non-restricted. Yet Swiss Army guns, which McClure noted were the first group of firearms specifically designed to fit into strict Canadian laws - with no carry handle, and not the more menacing-looking black colour - have now been deemed illegal. Canada’s National Firearms Association is now threatening to convince firearm owners to vote against the Conservatives in the next election. A form letter sent out to supporters reminds Stephen Harper that’s what happened when Kim Campbell’s government fell. Requests for comment from the RCMP for this article were forwarded to the federal public safety ministry. Steven Blaney, minister of public safety and emergency preparedness, told the Echo in a statement that the government had brought in amnesty provisions for firearms owners who have these now illegal weapons. “Our government has always stood up for law-abiding hunters, farmers and sport-shooters,” he said. “Recent decisions made by the Canadian Firearms Program have had the effect of exposing thousands of law-abiding Canadians to potential criminal sanctions. Owners of the affected firearms
can rest assured that they will face no sanctions as a result of the continued possession of their private property.” This official amnesty will even be beefed up quickly, he noted. “Our government is committed to building on the amnesty that has been introduced to protect law-abiding gun owners from criminal sanction until a permanent fix is in place,” he said. “It is our intention to bring forward measures in the coming weeks to protect all law-abiding firearms owners from these types of retroactive and unpredictable decisions.” McClure says he resents being labeled a criminal, a notion he says the amnesty only enforces. “You’re legally being forgiven for committing a crime,” he says. “These people have done absolutely nothing illegal.” Defence lawyer Eric Chesterley noted mandatory minimum sentences apply to gun crimes. “It isn’t simply whether a person is literate,” he said. “Not everyone likes to read the newspaper or use computers. I think the other problem you run into is the inheritance issues - literally being
Range director Bob McClure can’t make heads or tails of the RCMP’s recent gun reclassifications.
given a firearm or finding a firearm, or the effects of somebody who’s passed away.” Commercial stores are even having a hard time keeping up with new rules about guns, butterfly knives and batons. “These things are being sold commercially or offered for sale in retail markets in communities across Canada and yet they’re allegedly a crime to possess,” he said. “I think it just shows the lack of knowledge in the first place but also the ineffectiveness of the way of proceeding.” Down at Gone Fishin’ in Courtenay Adrien Kroetsch is concerned about what he sees as encroachment by the RCMP on the personal rights of gun owners. “There’s a lot of people burying their guns right now,” he said, noting some gun owners have told him they’re even destroying their firearms. Kroetsch adds he’s sold dozens of these newly prohibited firearms to Comox Valley firearms enthusiasts. Vancouver Island North MP John
Duncan, who proudly carries a Possession and Acquisition License himself, has spoken to the public safety minister on multiple occasions, commending him for working on a fix to what he sees as a big problem. “We were blindsided and very unhappy and therefore we are reversing it,” he said. “The chief firearms officer apparently had the authority to do this.” He’s gotten a lot of correspondence about the changes, he noted, adding legislation is currently working its way through the privy council and cabinet so new rules can be brought forward in short order. Amnesty isn’t good enough, he said, explaining the government is preparing more significant changes to the Firearms Act. “We want to make sure that these kinds of reclassifications can’t occur in the future,” he said. “You can’t have people acting unilaterally contrary to the wishes of the government without some consequences.”
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• Submit your opposition by email to: shellfish.aquaculture@dfo-mpo.gc.ca • Or, responses can be mailed/faxed to: Jennifer Mollins, Senior Coordinator, Shellfish Aquaculture Management, Fisheries Management Branch – Pacific Region, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 1965 Island Diesel Way, Nanaimo, BC V9S 5W8 | Fax: 250-754-0391 For more information on aquaculture issues go to: adims.ca This ad sponsored by Association of Denman Island Marine Stewards (ADIMS), Gulf Islands Alliance (GIA), Assoc. for Responsible Shellfish Farming (ARSF)
A6 Comox Valley Echo Friday, April 4, 2014
News
Search and rescue students impress in pilot program By Michael Briones Echo Staff The eleven students that took part in the inaugural Search and Rescue Outdoor Academy impressed proponents of the 12-day residential program. “When you start something like this, you wonder whether or not, young adults at this age are ready to take on that challenge and you certainly hope that they are,” said Paul Berry, president of the Comox Valley Ground Search and Rescue, whose members played a key role in the pilot outdoor course. “The final conclusion is these eleven demonstrated a level of maturity that gave us confidence that they could join a SAR team and be vital members of those teams in the communities that they reside.” The young participants, who showed an overwhelming desire to learn, gained new skills and knowledge about search and rescue. And in passing the program, they received entry level search and rescue certificates and also became certified in First Aid. They were also awarded four high school credits for completing outdoor recreation and safety courses. School Districts 69 and 71 jointly organized the academy. It was open to students in grade 10, 11 and 12, who were 16 years old as of January 1, 2014. The students attended lectures and training exercises on basic search and rescue procedures that focused on navigation, map and compass reading, tracking, first aid, rope rescue, helicopter rescue, and swift water rescue. They also had to learn outdoor survival and working as a team. The training was held at Tribune Bay Outdoor Education Centre on Hornby Island, Vancouver Island Mountain Centre on Mount Washington and other locations in the valley. The students gave up their spring break and spent 120 hours learning. For Theo Truax, a Grade 12 student at Highland
Students show parents and audience their search and rescue skills they’ve learned at the inaugural Search and Rescue Outdoor Academy. Top photo: Graduates of the program celebrate
Secondary and one of six from SD71 who took part in the pilot program, it was time well spent. “It was a jam-packed 12 days of a lot of fun,” said Truax. “There was some pretty high expectations set out and it really lived up to expectations.” Truax, who was named the top student of the course, said he loves the outdoors and has a keen interest in search and rescue. “I am hoping by attending this course, I can be a search and rescue member one day, if not here, somewhere in the province,” said Truax. The course did attract interest outside Vancouver Island. One student from the mainland joined the program and had a blast. “My mother pointed it out to me and registered me for the
course. I didn’t know what to expect when I came but after the first day, I got to meet the other students and we got along great,” said Cole Gardner, who is from North Vancouver and a Grade 11 student at Sutherland. Gardner said he would take advantage of the certificates he has received and also make full use of the skills and knowledge he attained. “I am going to use it for a lot of things,” said Gardner. “It will look great in the resume and getting a job. As well, it will be great to be in search and rescue and helping out people.” The top female of the class was Lana Harch and the student that exemplified good leadership and inspiration to the group was Sierra Belhumeur. Berry said they were hoping to have around 20 students but having a smaller group did allow them to manage glitches and other growing pains in the initial program. “We now have a template to draw from,” said Berry. “This certainly is a program that can be repeated every year or every two years. It would be a positive way to work with youth in our communities and to generate new life into SAR teams in the province.”
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REWARD$ CRIMESTOPPERS WILL PAY CASH REWARDS FOR INFORMATION LEADING TO THE ARREST OF PERSONS INVOLVED IN CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES IN THE COMOX VALLEY.
1-800-222-TIPS VISIT OUR WEBSITE:
www.comoxvalleycrimestoppers.bc.ca
UADRA
ISLAND GOLF
It’s in our nature. ❖
Swing by ST JOSEPH’S GENERAL HOSPITAL AUXILLIARY SOCIETY 100 years of volunteer services, 1914-2014. We would like to thank the residents of the Comox Valley for all their help with our fund raising efforts during the past years. We are pleased to report that during 2013 the auxiliary was able to donate $259,767.00 to St Joseph’s Hospital. In the last 10 years the amount donated to the hospital was $1,787,557.00. These funds were used for equipment purchases, patient comforts and special programs within the hospital.
THANK YOU COMOX VALLEY. YOUR SUPPORT AND GENEROSITY IS APPTECIATED.
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Comox Valley Echo Friday, April 4, 2014 A7
News
Christian school has a new home, new name but same core values By Michael Briones Echo Staff
Student Sarah Gilroy shows her joy as balloons were released to mark their first day at their new home at the former Brooklyn Elementary School, which is now the Phil and Jennie Gaglardi Academy.
The ribbon cutting was performed by Bob and Devonna Gaglardi from the Phil & Jennie Gaglardi Foundation to mark the Christian school’s first day at their new home
WHO WERE PHIL AND JENNIE GAGLARDI? The foundation’s generous gift was given to honour the contribution to the Christian community that Phil and Jennie made over their lifetimes. Among their numerous contributions throughout the province of BC, their efforts in Kamloops over five decades clearly demonstrate their values of service, community, and an investment in children that echoes the values of the Christian school. Phil and Jennie Gaglardi moved to Kamloops in 1944 with the invitation, and challenge of re-opening a church in Kamloops. They inherited a deserted church and after spending many months on repairing it, opened the church and pastored there for the next 50 years. They expanded it four times and developed the largest Sunday School in
Canada amongst the Pentecostal Assemblies. Additionally, in conjunction with Phil, Jennie broadcasted a children’s radio program called “Aunt Jennie’s”. Jennie also served as the Church’s Sunday School Superintendent and had approximately 1,100 in attendance and was well thought of and loved as at one time, she had nearly 10 per cent of the entire population of Kamloops attend her Sunday School. While in Kamloops Phil Gaglardi was asked to run for political office. He was elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for the Constituency of Kamloops and became a Cabinet Minister with a portfolio of the Department of Highways and served for 20 years, earning the colourful nickname ‘Flying Phil’.
BALLET VICTORIA’S CARMINA BURANA April 26 | 7:30 PM
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OTHER UPCOMING SHOWS
raise some more funds. “We need to finish the washrooms, upgrade the H-Vac system and we need outbuildings and that would really help because we’re a little bit squeezed in,” said Pitcher. The school currently has around 150 students. They are receiving education in the arts, sciences, athletics and trades, just to name a few. The new school facility provides the opportunity for the school to continue growing as it serves students and families in the Comox Valley.
T h ha e fr s Pie m om mo L ar t ve ad ke he d y t
Students at the Christian school in Comox returned from spring break with added vigour and enthusiasm. That’s because they moved to a new home and started their first day of classes last Monday at the former Brooklyn Elementary School on Noel Avenue in Comox. A ribbon cutting ceremony, performed by Bob and Devonna Gaglardi from the Phil and Jennie Gaglardi Foundation, was held to mark the occasion last Monday amid the thunderous cheers and applause from students, teachers, parents and devoted supporters of the Christian school. “The students came back and there was lots of excitement, lots of happiness and joy, all of those things,” said Bernadette Pitcher, the director of the school. “It’s an exciting thing coming to your own place. It’s like the difference between being a renter and being an owner. You know what that’s like. All of a sudden you go and say ‘this is ours.’” The purchase of the former Brooklyn school from School District 71 was completed six months ago for $2.4 million. It became a reality through a generous donation of $1.2 million, and a commitment of $600,000 more in matching grants from the Phil and Jennie Gaglardi foundation. And to honour the generous support it received in its quest for a permanent home, as well as give recognition to the foundation’s contribution to the Christian community over the years in B.C., the board of the school has decided to rename it the Phil and Jennie Gaglardi Academy. The academy is the only Christian school in the Comox Valley. It is an accredited independent school offering the BC curriculum from K to 12. To get the school ready, volunteers have contributed hundreds of hours cleaning, painting and renovating the place for the students. Pitcher said they decided to move in now rather than wait until the next school year in order to save money. “We have to pay rent where we were,” said Pitcher. “It’s sort of like when you’re renting you’re home you don’t stay renting, otherwise you’re paying your mortgage and your rent.” However, there is more work that is needed to be done at the school said Pitcher. But they will need to
This legendary rock band from Scotland is back on tour with new vocalist Linton Osborne - with the blessing of original singer Dan McCafferty, who recently retired due to ill health. SPECIAL MEMBERS PRE-SALE PRICE $45 (until April 14) Members $49 (after April 14) On sale to general public April 15 at 10am Regular $54
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A8 Comox Valley Echo Friday, April 4, 2014
News
Members of the local media learn how to put out a car fire using the heavy hoses spouting out high water.
Media, local officials get to be in firefighters’ boots By Michael Briones Echo Staff The Comox Fire Department gave the media and some local government officials a chance to experience first hand what it’s like to become a firefighter. The event was held at the Comox Fire Training Centre on Saturday. Among the elected officials who came out were Comox Mayor Paul Ives, councillors Patti Fletcher, Barbara Price and Maureen Swift, Village of Cumberland councillor Roger Kishi and Comox Valley Regional District’s Area B director, Jim Gillis. Also in attendance were officials from Union Bay as well as Comox staff. “It was a great opportunity for all of us, whether in local government or local media to learn about the fire service, in particular the fire training facility that’s in Comox,” said Ives. “I’ve previously been impressed by it but this is actually the first opportunity to see a lot of the work that goes into the training and to get a sense of the teamwork required and the dedication of the many volunteers.” Ives said he was pleased to see some elected officials come out but also noted “we’re a bit disappointed we didn’t see anybody from Courtenay.” Yours truly was one of the members of the press in the Valley that took part in the session that included putting out a car fire, forcible entry tactics, and crawling in the dark in search of people inside a building that’s supposed to be burning. While all this sounds simple and easy to do, performing them becomes challenging when you’re wearing a coat that weighs around 15 pounds, boots and pants that are around 30lbs, an air tank filled with oxygen weighing around 30lbs and donning a firefighting mask that reduces your peripheral vision, limiting what you see, especially inside a building or structure. It’s not easy to be agile or move fast when you’re sporting all this equipment. It’s crude and totally cumbersome. The majority of us, who spent half a day at the centre, felt that strain when we wore the firefighting kit. It made going in and out of a building, climbing up a stair, crawling and feeling your way around difficult. “When you have all that gear on your back, it threw my centre of gravity a bit there,” said Ives. “I can just imagine climbing ladders and going through some of those confined spaces. You have to be in good firefighter shape. I know they run a lot of drills. Lugging those hoses when they’re fully charged, it’s like wrestling a big animal.” Training is of paramount importance to firefighters. The Comox Fire Department’s mantra is “to train as if your life depended on it - because it does.” Constant practice and continuous honing of their firefighting skills reduce risks and help keep them safe. Kishi said the experience confirmed a lot of the impressions he
Echo reporter Michael Briones found the fire fighers’ turn-out gear to be a lot heavier than he thought.
Comox Mayor Paul Ives (left) and Comox Valley Regional District’s Area B director Jim Gillis team up during the forced entry exercise.
teers, who are the backbone of most fire departments, not only in the valley, but across the province and nationwide as well. “Yes there are a few that do it fulltime, that are paid,” said Kishi. “There are few like in Cumberland where we have one paid firefighter. But the majority of them are volunteers. They have other jobs that they do and are on call. That’s a lot of commitment to your community by being a volunteer firefighter because you’ll never know when it’s going to happen. That’s why I really appreciate our firefighters. Could you imagine our communities if we didn’t have volunteers. How will we function? Thinking of it as an elected official, if we have to have full-time paid fire departments, it would cost a lot of money.” The Comox fire department has five paid full-time staff and 45 volunteers. Fire chief Gord Schreiner said that maintaining its volunteer crew is a challenge as most end up finding jobs in other locations. The centre now serves as a regional training facility for firefighters on Vancouver Island. It has become a valuable asset that helps firefighters to earn their certification here instead of having to travel to the Mainland to attend courses at the Justice Institute of BC. The Comox Fire Rescue has an agreement with JIBC that enables it to deliver accredited courses.
Comox councillor Patti Fletcher gets help in handling the high-pressure hose that spouts out a high volume of water during the car fire exercise. has of the job firefighters do. “You get a better appreciation when you get to actually, physically, be in their boots,” said Kishi. “It was a great day to get a little bit of a flavour of some of the things firefighters experience when they’re called out for a fire response or some kind of emergency.” One of the important facts that most of the participants recognized is the work put in by the many volun-
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Comox Valley Echo Friday, April 4, 2014 A9
News
Helping those with developmental disabilities to flourish This is the first in a series of articles that will explore the nature of developmental disability, its impact on the lives of many in our community and the resources available to help them reach their fullest potential. The articles are being run in conjunction with the launch today by L’Arche Comox Valley of the “I Belong!” campaign to build a new facility that will enhance the lives of those who live with developmental disablities.
people realize their fullest potential. Dr David Pitonyak, an American specialist in this field says, “We are relational beings and the absence of meaningful relationships makes us sick.” He quotes a colleague who observes, “We have only begun to sense the tragic wounds that so many may feel when it dawns on them that the only people relating with them - outside of relatives are paid to do so. If you or I came to such a sad realization about ourselves, it would rip at our souls to even talk about it.”
By Wendy Dyck Developmental disability is a term many have heard but few understand. It describes conditions that are due to mental and/ or physical impairments that cause difficulties in language, mobility, learning, and independent living and persist throughout one’s lifespan. Few of us likely know more than one person with a developmental disability, so the diversity in that community often goes unnoticed. Consider some of the more common disabilities autism, Down syndrome, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, cerebral palsy, mental retardation. Each leaves its unique stamp on an individual, challenging their ability to participate in the larger society by saddling them with social, physical or mental behaviours that just don’t fit in. But before we get too distressed by the failures of our contemporary society, let’s take a look at the history. Be warned it’s not pretty. The model of asylum ‘care’ (see photo above) - which believe it or not was an improvement on what came before - removed people from their families and housed them in large institutions. Conditions varied, but the prevailing idea that people with developmental disabilities were deviant burdens to society, made it easy to allow de-humanizing institutional environments. Change started in the 1950s in North America. In 1969 a German-American researcher published a book that recognized the human needs of people with developmental disabilities and pushed for the same
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The Huronia Regional Centre in Ontario, originally called the Orillia Asylum for Idiots, had 2600 residents at one time. It closed in March 2009.
Wendy Dyck is a musician and freelance writer working in the Comox Valley since 2001. She has been a regular contributor to Infocus and other magazines and wrote an arts column for CYMC in the summer of 2004. She is also an editor with seven books, both fiction and non-fiction, to her credit.
basic human rights as for the rest of the population. More importantly, he talked about the productive contributions that all people can make to society. Although we have come a long way, the idea of valuing the contribution of people with developmental disabilities is still more a dream than reality. What kind of an environment would make it possible for people with developmental disabilities to flourish? The answer to this question begins with issues that most of us take for granted: the right to exercise choice and the opportunity to build relationships. Even today, the environment most of those with these disabilities live in severely restricts both. The presence of meaningful, long-lasting relationships contributes immensely to helping
Dr. Jackson Katz North America’s leading gender violence educator is coming to the Comox Valley, April 10 & 11
COURTENAY LITTLE THEATRE PRESENTS
The Macho Paradox: Why some men hurt women and how all men can help
A free public multi-media presentation that focuses on strategies for engaging men and boys in gender violence prevention, on the importance of collaboration with women and the vulnerable, and the powerful role that bystanders can play.
REQUEST FOR TENDER LMS 2099 Cranberry Lake Court is requesting bids for the following work at 5680 Ortona Avenue, Powell River commencing by preference in May 2014. List of expected work to be quoted:
Thursday, April 10 7—9 PM,
Mark Isfeld Secondary School Gym No tickets or reservations required Doors open at 6:30 PM.
Rebuilding all exterior decks on both buildings. Preference will be given to quotes that provide optional values to replace railings on the decks with wood (as is currently in place) or with a metal option. Rebuilding stairwell landings on both buildings. Replacing stairs treads as required on both buildings. In all cases price per unit to be repaired in regards to both labour and materials is preferred. Quotes to provide the following:
APRIL 10, 11, 12 16, 17 AT 7:30PM, $20 APRIL 13 MATINEE AT 2PM, $18 WWW.SIDWILLIAMSTHEATRE.COM (250) 338-2430
Insurance must be provided. Warranty for labour required, with preference given for longer time guarantee. Guarantee of a maximum percentage of overruns preferred. Time frame listed for a guarantee of quote. Estimate of time required to complete job(s). Bids may be submitted by email to Melissa at Concise Strata Management, melissa@concisemgmt.com and must be received no later than April 10, 2014 at 9 am.
National Victims of Crime Awareness Week — TAKE ACTION We acknowledge the funding by Justice Canada’s Victims Fund and the support of our project partners:
Comox Valley Transition Society Community Justice Centre Military Family Resource Centre
Comox Valley Family Services Association RCMP—Comox Valley Detachment CFB Comox Volunteer Comox Valley
Buy a New Car from Courtenay Kia this April! Local Prizes with every new car purchase in April.
$50 - $1000 Value Spa Packages, Restaurant Gift Certificates, Roof Racks, Kia car accessories, Kayaks, Mountain Bike, Electronics, Big Screen TV and More
2014 Best Economy Car of the Year
A10 Comox Valley Echo Friday, April 4, 2014
Opinions ECHO
THE COMOX VALLEY ECHO Publisher Dave MacDonald Editor Debra Martin Advertising Manager Keith Currie Office Administrator Deb Fowler Circulation Manager Hedi MacDonald Production Manager Ryan Getz Phone 250-334-4722 Fax 250-334-3172 Classifieds 250- 334-4215 Circulation 250-334-4734 E-mail: echo@comoxvalleyecho.com
An independently owned and operated newspaper published by Echo Publications at 407-D Fifth Street, Courtenay, B.C. V9N 1J7 All material herein is protected by copyright. Reproduction in whole or in part is not permitted without written authorization from the publisher.
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Letters
Downtown a special place There was a time when Downtown Courtenay was the centre of The Comox Valley. I’m used to writing in the first person, it always puts a personal touch to your topic of choice. When I re-read my first line, I realized that a statement such as that is a very personal thing. Yes, you could create a factual account of the growth of the valley, or a geographical account, but in my life here, when our family moved to The Comox Valley in 1985, Downtown Courtenay really was the center of everything. Back in 1985 (and you historians, correct me if I’m not entirely correct), Downtown was pretty much the same size it is now, but it included The Eaton’s Department Store, North Island College, Super Valu, The town Firehall, The Palace Theatre, The Town Post Office, Law Pharmacy, the Goodwill, Kelly Douglas Distributors and a plethora of various stores, restaurants and shops that are no longer with us. There are a number of stores and shops that are still running: Searles Shoes, The Bowling Alley, Rattan Plus, Graham Jewelers, Francis Jewelers, The Bank of Montreal, The Bank of Nova Scotia, CIBC, Central Builders, Tulio’s...and I’m sure there’s more that I haven’t thought of.(Sorry!) There are people that I still meet on the street to this day that I met on the streets those 29 years ago. The word that comes to mind when I think of downtown is community. There has been a lot of emphasis put on that word as of late. With the development of towns, suburbs and ‘gated’ areas, we seem to be losing the sense of community. I attended a meeting downtown a while ago (I’ll call it a meeting, when it was more of a social gathering, a meeting of like minds, an inspirational outing, if you will) where the guest speaker spoke about the origin of towns, or cities. How downtowns started at the crossroads of trails. When the wagoneers of yesteryear were heading out west, they would stop at the crossroads to trade, get news, and socialize. Still to this day, if you’re walking downtown to shop or explore, quite often it could take longer than you might expect because of who you run into. Over the Christmas holidays, I had the pleasure of running into the likes of Mr. Burns, Ms. King, Ms. Hobson, Ms. Masters and Mr. Leung. Those of you who have been around awhile would certainly recognize those names. Take a look around. Business is growing, and it’s great. Having bigger stores, ‘box’ stores, in new areas is all part of growth. They have their place and they provide different products and experiences. They provide jobs, huge selections and choices. Are they part of the community? I would say they are. Do they care about the community, I think mostly they do. Do they support small, local businesses, well that’s up for debate. In all these complexes you have your main ‘anchor’ store, usually with some affiliate. Included in the complex are usually quite a few smaller, satellite stores. This is true all over North America, but it’s fairly new here on Vancouver Island. Stores come and go. They move locations, owners retire, stores amalgamate with other stores and sometimes unexpectedly. Take a look around, you’ll see empty shops, some even new. What we are experi-
encing here downtown is nothing unusual. So when phrases are maliciously, or gossipingly spread around that “Downtown is dying”, or “It used to to be so much better”, you have to shake your head. Downtown is where it’s at! It’s the crossroads. From downtown, the buses all meet and travel to Comox, Cumberland, Campbell River, or south. The Puntledge River flows right through it, where you can swim, picnic or just enjoy. That’s what I’m talking about. Where can you shop, socialize, eat, swim and walk all in the same place? I’m not saying that everyone ‘has’ to shop downtown and you’re a traitor if you don’t. Understand the importance of it, where it came from, and if you haven’t experienced it, well, now’s the time. Summer is coming on and it really is special. Thanks for reading. Mark Duncan Union Street Grill & Grotto Downtown Courtenay
VALLEY TRULY SUPPORTIVE We’ve all heard the saying “It takes a
village to raise a child.” In the case of my mother, Shirley Harrison, it took this village that we call the Comox Valley to help her pass away with as much dignity as possible. The kindnesses shown toward her during her battle with cancer allowed her to die at home with family always with her. I’d like to first thank Dr. Odegaard, the most generous and forgiving of dentists. You went above and beyond to be more than fair to my mom in a difficult situation. Then there were the Cumberland Elementary students who held a bake sale to help raise money for her. Very special to her was the young girl who came at least twice afterwards to say Hello and ask how she was doing. Thanks to newspaper coverage, she received help from many total strangers. We could not have had the experience we all did without the veritable army of home care workers and nurses who came multiple times a day to care for Shirley when she became housebound. Every one of you has chosen the correct profession, where you can utilize your compassion and gentle spirits. Dr. Konway, your visit to her at home was the highlight of
that week for her. Thank you for taking the time. Our family would encourage the folks of our village to make generous donations to our local Red Cross. Their equipment lending program made many things possible and easier for mom, including being able to stay at home rather than go into the hospital. I’d also like to thank the always cheerful and caring employees of Safeway, who always treated Shirley with friendly respect and concern. I’m sure there are many more such kind businesses and individuals that I am not aware of or have neglected to thank, but I send out thanks to you as well. Many of you may know mom’s husband George as The Can Man who collected empties for donation to children’s charities. This village helped him donate tens of thousands of dollars to charity, thus helping raise those children. George has now gone to the mainland to live with his daughter. And last but certainly not least I thank the owner and staff of Toneff Funeral Services. From beginning to end: above and beyond. Thank you all. Ruth Dilts, Courtenay
More Beefs and Bouquets A VERY LOUD APPLAUSE to the Rialto for bringing to the Valley “the Million Dollar Piano” with Elton John. To be able to see such a star up close, albeit filmed, was a memorable night. For many of us who have neither the funds nor ability to have seen the performance live the showing was great and at a very affordable price. The opera series, as well, is a wonderful way to live in this beautiful valley AND have a touch of the arts at our door step makes this a great place to live. A BOUQUET to the nice British lady at the new Tim Hortons for taking the time to make my donuts that had sold out. Great customer service. I walked away very happy. IT’S GREAT that CVRD Public Affairs Staff have opened “what’s new - fact or fiction” on their web site, to deal with “Snipers”. It will be interesting to read the answers as writers make cost comparisons for services. A CVRD director claims they bench mark services cost, but their Planning budget is way out of line with Courtenay and Comox - fact or fiction? Let’s see this answer on the website. Combined Comox Valley water budgets including CVRD, Courtenay, Comox are much higher that other Vancouver island jurisdictions with similar supplies -Fact or fiction? Comox, Courtenay, CVRD combined budgets for 2013 exceeded $150 million. The per capita cost of services is much higher in the Comox Valley, than neighboring jurisdictions and the CVRD is the leader in spending - Fact or Fiction. Fortunately the CVRD have provided lots of questions for their new website. Voters should be well informed by November. I SUFFER FROM ANXIETY. In fact, I daily take prescribed meds so I can live a semi-normal life. Something that may be a minor frustration to some resulted in a full-fledged anxiety attack Thursday morning. I apologize to everyone I upset or angered by my attitude and actions at the hospital parking lot when I started to react to not being able to find a parking spot. Knowing that I was late for an appointment after driving in circles for 15 minutes, my anxiety took over and I was no longer rational. When I did find a spot, I then discovered that the parking ticket machine was a minimum of 1 hour for $1.50 and did not take debit. I do not have a credit card and only .50 cents was in my wallet. A resounding thank you to the woman who offered to pay for my parking that I did not thank properly at the time because I was crying so hard. I went home, phoned and rescheduled my appointment. I suffered chest pains, headaches and tears for the next 24 hours and then woke up Friday sick with a
virus of some sort. Mental health is a very real problem and most people who know me or see me would never guess that I could reach this point. Never assume someone is a jerk or just having a bad day. You cannot see most illnesses in people. It isn’t easy being subjected to irrational behaviour and we all know how uncomfortable it is to talk about. Thankfully, more and more is understood, but in the heat of the moment, it’s difficult to accept or control. Bouquets to everyone who tries to understand those who live with this debilitating illness and sainthood to those who love and live with us. A COLOSSAL BEEF to those who refuse to acknowledge that a DOUBLE YELLOW LINE means not only “NO PASSING” but “NO TURNS” into Sunnydale Golf Course. Countless times we, who commute north from Courtenay to our homes each day must sit waiting while a car in front of us makes an illegal turn across a clearly double yellow line into the Golf Course. In summer with high traffic on the Old Island Highway you can sit for an eternity waiting for the turn to be illegally executed. If you don’t know what a double yellow line means, then perhaps you should not be driving. If you are totally cognizant with blatant disregard, perhaps you need a ticket for the Policeman’s Ball. I, for one, am sick and tired of having to wait for you, so we are lobbying for a ‘no left turn’ sign to be installed. In the interim, if you hear a horn blasting, it will be me. A BEEF to the gentleman from Fanny Bay who submitted the letter last week regarding the Maple Pool issue. Although I believe in his right to an opinion and find some empathy to his thoughts, unless he is grossly misinformed or suffers from dementia, he should realize that because of where he resides that he is not a citizen of Courtenay so I don’t understand his “we” reference when he speaks of voting in our election. However I do think I smell the start of a partisan political letter writing campaign. EXTREME DISAPPOINTMENT is how I describe phase 2 at the Crown Isle Shopping Centre. Thrifty Foods (Sobey’s) is thrilled because the space is filling up which means return on investment. Council is obviously happy because it means more tax dollars for Courtenay. But really?? Dollarama, McDonald’s and Mr. Lube?? To call McDonald’s a 95-seat restaurant is an exaggeration. It’s a fast food drive thru, and with 18 patio homes going up in the adjacent space, this is not the proper location for an auto service centre. Municipal elections are coming in November. Get out and vote, but choose wisely.
A BOUQUET to all Comox Valley politicians who have contributed to living in the best place on earth - the Comox Valley. It is also one of the most expensive local government models for delivering services. Simply put - you are unaffordable to many, and change is needed. How about working together to deliver lower cost services? Vote for change in November. BIG BOUQUET to Sandy from the Hair Chix on the top of 5th st in Courtenay. You did a fantastic job with the “do’s” of two sisters who were both really nervous about changing the only hairstyle we’ve had forever. We are both super happy with our new looks, and can’t wait to show our friends! Thank you so much! A BOUQUET full of doggy love to everyone at the Comox Valley Animal Hospital on Comox Road! They have been so amazing and compassionate through some very challenging times with our little Kiwi. Thank you for giving us some extra time with her... it was nice to know she was in such great hands. Thank you and many Kiwi kisses to Dr. David MacDonald and all of his very caring staff! IF YOU ARE LOOKING for somewhere new to go for dinner on a Friday or Saturday evening do yourself a favour and check out Michael’s Off Main. The food is delicious, well priced and the service is a treat, as well. Remember to leave room for the homemade cheesecake. Such a nice change from the ‘chain’ restaurants in the Valley. The BIGGEST, HUGEST BOUQUET! To the man who returned my escapee 2-year-old son! I cannot THANK YOU enough for stopping your car and walking him home! I still don’t know how he got out on our busy street, but my heart is overflowing with gratitude. You have restored my faith in humanity. I cried and held him for an hour when you left. God bless you, god bless you, god bless you and yours. Unending gratitude! Sincerely, one shocked and thankful Mama. BEEF against Shaw on the new HDPVR’s that they are now selling. Many times one has wanted to record a program & when one watches it you get a scrambled screen showing two channels being recorded on the one. They know of it but could be weeks before it is fixed. I know of others who have had this same problem. This only happens when you record. Shaw have increased our bills by another $10.00 & this is the service we get. A HUGE BOUQUET of love and thanks to
the gentleman and his son for paying for our Anniversary dinner. What a special ending to a wonderful day. We will pass your act of kindness on. Thank you so very much. SO THE COMOX VALLEY sewer treatment center needs $74 million in upgrades and the Regional Government expects Royston to support a big pipe solution when 90% of Royston residents are looking after their liquid waste. When residents question the wisdom of this decision, they will likely be featured in the “What’s New -Fact or Fiction” section of the CVRD website. Mr. McCollough will likely be joined in the “Dunces Corner” by many other paying customers, who are well informed and ask questions. In the old days, the customer was always right. Today - not likely. Administrations rule. A BUCKET OF MANURE to the cranky old man who drove way too close to my horse while I was riding on Bates road near the Seal Bay park entrance. He then berated me for riding on the wrong side of the road. I was riding with traffic on the shoulder. This is the correct way. It is part of the Seal Bay horse and bike loop and is dangerous enough without a crazy driver driving too close to teach me a lesson I suppose. My horse was well behaved and I was riding on the shoulder with traffic posing no risk to anyone. I do not choose to ride this unsafe part of the loop but I have no choice. Thank you for spoiling an otherwise lovely ride. I WOULD LIKE TO GIVE a big Thank-you for the wonderful meal and service I had at Michael’s on Main. This was my first time. That was one of best hamburgers I have ever had. The cheese cake was succulent. The prices were so reasonable too. The server was as friendly as can be. I will be back again sooner than later. GOLDEN BOOKMARKS to all the folks who have already donated books to Comox Valley Book Friends for their annual sale. To collect further donations, Book Friends are having their last “Book Blitz” day on Saturday, April 5 from 10am to 2pm. The location for donations and also for the sale is 260B Tsolum Road, which is the big yellow building behind Value Village (look for the signs). Book friends would be happy to receive your donations of books (in good condition), CDs, DVDs, puzzles and games on these days and they are also collecting every Wednesday morning until the sale April 25/26/27. Further information or pick-up of larger loads, call Sue @ 338-5969.
Comox Valley Echo Friday, April 4, 2014 A11
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the right-hand side of the road. Signal to let others know what your intentions are; most people will let you in, if you signal properly. (No one will have to cut you off - 1. if you are in the right lane or 2. if you let them in front of you when they signal that they need to get over to the left lane.) YELLOW light means stop, if safe to do so, RED definitely means stop. Don’t run red lights. Don’t block side roads when stopping at a red light. Stay OFF your phones! Don’t teach your children your bad driving hab-
its. If everyone follows the rules of the road: Traffic will move safely, no accidents, there will be no aggressive drivers and no road rage. Sign up for driving school or if you do not want to follow the rules, turn in your licence and stay home.
Beefs
Bouquets &
The Comox Valley’s First and Best Readers’ Forum Email to: echo@comoxvalleyecho.com SO THE P3 North Island Hospitals will create many lower income service care jobs on the North Island. ROI. How will our many local governments support these working folks to live with affordable services?
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BOUQUETS to Mr. Foster for his fine letter on the $74 million dollar sewerage upgrade. Yes, where did all of those Development Fees get spent, and why was Infrastructure not funded with growth? However, there is no need for tax and fee increase. The 3 local Governments collect $150 million a year - enough for 2 $74 million sewerage upgrades, a year! It is all a matter of spending priorities. PERFECT SCORES and clean landings to the Comox Valley businesses that have provided sponsorship for the Comox Valley Skating Club Ice Show - Big Time Fun Under the Big Top! The Comox Valley Skating Club is certain the community support has helped us to prepare for our Saturday, April 5th Ice Shows. Shows are at 2:00 and 7:00 at Sports Centre #1. Tickets are available at the door - Come, have fun, cheer on our skaters and see what they can do! AN INCREDULOUS beef to the road workers of the regional district. No noise after 23:00! The noise was so loud I thought someone was chipping trees! Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a Tuesday school night and people have to work in the morning. A loud truck just went by cleaning the street of rocks and gravel at 23:50, did the neighborhood and rumbled by my home again at 00:10. Every dog in the neighborhood was barking. Who authorized this breach of noise bylaw? A snow plow I understand as neccessity, but routine street cleaning? BIG BEEF to the electronic Big Box store. I purchased a small item for $169 and they slipped their â&#x20AC;&#x153;protectionâ&#x20AC;? plan on to my bill after I told them that I did not want it. A few months later when I caught on to it and contacted them, the runaround started. No one seemed to know what they could do or where I should go. Even their legal department said tough you signed, you pay. If I want to get the plan cancelled I have to take them to court! What ever happened to customer service or relations for that matter! Now by the end of their two-year contract I will have paid over $500 for my tablet! Tough for them too, I was a loyal customer. I just purchased a new computer but not from them. The lesson learned, check your receipts! A LARGE SPRING BOUQUET for Rudy at Marigold Compounding and Natural Pharmacy for his generosity in replacing a customerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s supplement after it accidentally broke falling out of her car. Very much appreciated! I FIRST HAVE TO SAY thank you to MFâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s for allowing me to use their computer ...I am here visiting with others, from out of town, looking to
This weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s winner '*% ,.' *-.(
purchase retirement homes... We have been interested in gated communities mostly with very low maintenance. We find absolutely nothing whatsoever following that description, although they are advertised as secure. Upkeep etc. is very lacking in some but the one that interests us shows that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s looking a wee bit tired. Sorry but I digress ... To us a gated community has gates, am I wrong in supposing that? We have found 4 or 5 very attractive homes in said community but for the lack of the non-existing gate I feel weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll pass. Please if you must have the fixings for a gate would it be too much to ask to use some of the money those poor people living there have paid, exorbitant amount, if I do say so myself, and fix the dang thing, it looks tacky. MANY THANKS to the 200+ audience who enjoyed the VI Mountain Film Fest on Friday at the North Island College Theatre & thereby supported Strathcona Wilderness Institute in our upcoming year of outreach, fundraising, and programming activities in Strathcona Park. We will continue efforts to streamline entry at the door - although we promoted advance ticket sales, there were lots of people lining up who hadnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t reserved tickets. Happily everyone who wanted a seat, did get in! (note for the future - get tickets early!) A great team of volunteers all pitched in, even a few members of the audience added their assistance when needed, which was greatly appreciated. Some of the comments: â&#x20AC;&#x153;great films, good varietyâ&#x20AC;?, â&#x20AC;&#x153;fantastic photographyâ&#x20AC;?, â&#x20AC;&#x153;great nightâ&#x20AC;?, â&#x20AC;&#x153;really goodâ&#x20AC;?, â&#x20AC;&#x153;excellent show, loved itâ&#x20AC;?. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Loved the film fest - Thanks! I would be there if you have it next year.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Really enjoyed the films. A great night. I hope it was a success for Strathcona - this summer I may try to volunteer as well.â&#x20AC;? SWI would appreciate further feedback - let us know any more comments on our Facebook page, Twitter, or via email or our website www.strathconapark. org THE CITY OF COURTENAY and the Town of Comox are currently investing $2.6 million in Fire Departments. An essential service that we rely on in emergencies. Thank goodness for volunteers- we need to pay them more. Do we need a Third Fire Hall in the hub of the Comox Valley? This will be an election issue in November and there are some big spenders currently in office. Are the priorities right? Voters need to decide in November. BEEF to BC Ferries to the latest outrage in their new fares. I assumed that the new lower Senior Fares would apply every day but that is not so. We seniors only get to pay half fare on weekdays and must still pay full fare on Weekends and Holidays. Children still get their half-fare every day of the week so why not us seniors? We will continue to avoid using the ferry system on weekends and BC Ferries will continue to see declining ridership.
This weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s winner, drawn at random from submissions received up to Tuesday, is:
Karen Whitworth of Courtenay, 2 Classic Cheese Basket Meals from Dairy Queen. Winners, you may pick up your prize certificates at the front desk of the Echo, 407-D Fifth Street, during regular business hours. Thanks to everyone for the great submissions- keep â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;em coming!
HAVE WE FORGOTTEN and forgiven Mike, Pamela, Patrick. Now Jenny, and also Linda, the speaker of the house. Rob Ford who bluffs through his personal issues. So many qualified, credible, people here in the Comox Valley who we need to fill these so important jobs in local government. Locally, we need change -administrations have taken over. We need a balance here. Can ratepayers continue to fund 3 local governments? All well intended, but each â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jurisdiction has its costsâ&#x20AC;?, unaffordable to many. The ACTS LIBRARIES for Tanzania Project would like to thank everybody who helped to make the Zumba for Africa fundraiser a great success: Gloria Grieve, Ronna Lee Wright, Monica Hofer and the Rhythm Spirit Drummers, Jessie Wallis and the Comox Recreation Department, and everybody who participated. This special event would not have been possible without all of you!
A HUGE BOUQUET to Wayne, the owner of the Black Creek General Store for reimbursing my tow charges. A beef to the store worker for having my car with a dead battery towed. Shame on you. LETTER WRITERS DEBATE user fees, and it is necessary debate. Our CVRD directors have approved a $67 million budget with funding by only 36% from property owners. Many property owners are fortunate to have acquired large assets. Not good news for lower income customers and small business customers of CVRD services who will pay most of the $67 million budget, in user fees. There is no incentive to be efficient as user fees are the â&#x20AC;&#x153;user pay philosophyâ&#x20AC;?, endorsed by the 10-member CVRD board. For example, Comox Valley water customers now pay higher user fees per capita for water than Campbell River, Cumberland, Qualicum, Parksville. In November there is an opportunity to start to change this very inequitable form of taxation - but folks will have to vote! BEEF to bad drivers, BOUQUETS to good and courteous drivers: Do we have the worst drivers? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Keep right except to passâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Slower traffic keep rightâ&#x20AC;? - Do yourself and everyone else on the road a favour and DRIVE in the right lane, PASS in the left lane like the Law says you should. (Just because you are driving at the speed limit does not mean you should continually drive in the left lane. This may cause other drivers to try to pass on the right, which may not be as safe as passing on the left.) Perhaps some of you arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t aware that while you are driving in the left lane you are required to move over if someone approaches you from behind. When making a left-hand turn into two lanes, turn into the lane closest to the center line, then signal to move over to the right-hand lane; donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t zoom over to
HEREâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HOW IT WORKS! Our weekly feature, Beefs and Bouquets, is intended to be a light-hearted forum for you, our readers, to express brief views on issues and events in your lives. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not intended to hurt people or make unsubstantiated and libelous comments. Names wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be published with the beefs and bouquets; however, we do need your full name, mailing address and telephone number for verification purposes. Each week someone will win a 2 Classic Cheese Basket Meals from Dairy Queen. Have fun with this!
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BEEF to the Juvenile Delinquents walking on 6th St. E. Thurs. 27 Mar. at aprox. 1:00 p.m. Someone was nice enough to put a deep fryer out by their driveway hoping that it would be of use to somebody else. You J.D.s smashed it on the road making it unusable for anyone else, now it must go to the landfill. Smashing this appliance on the street also made it dangerous for drivers. You should be charged with vandalism and destruction of property. Grow Up! Parents, please teach your â&#x20AC;&#x153;little darlingsâ&#x20AC;? to respect other peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s property.
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A12 Comox Valley Echo Friday, April 4, 2014
News
TRUCK HITS CUMBERLAND PEDESTRIAN
POLICE BLOTTER Comox Valley RCMP responded to the following incidents between March 25 and 31: On March 28th police attended to a report of a break, enter and theft that had occurred at a residence on the 3300 block of Mill Street in Cumberland. The owner reports that someone had forced their way into a garage and had stolen four mountain bikes. (2014 - 3470) On the night of March 29th an alleged assault was reported to police. The alleged assault had taken place at a residence on the 2600 block of Calhan Crescent in Cumberland. The victim reports being held and having gasoline poured on his arm while in his yard having a cigarette. The individuals involved were located and arrested and later released for court at a later date. (2014 - 3532) Police received a report of a break, enter and theft from a residence on the 5100 block of Jerow road on Hornby Island on March 29th. It is believed the culprits in this break in entered through a window. The police identification section attended and examined the scene. This investigation is continuing. (2014 3513) On March 30th police received a report of a stolen vehicle from a residence on the 3900 block of Royston road in Royston. The truck was recovered later that day in the Crown Isle area. (2014 - 3544) On the night of March 30th a report of a break, enter and theft was received at the Mark Isfeld Secondary school at 1551 Lerwick road in Courtenay. Police located two young males walking nearby and they were found in possession of items that appeared to be from the vending machine that had been smashed into at the school. The police dog was called out and the track led right to the area the two young offender males were stopped. Admissions were made and now the two face charges of break and enter and theft and will appear in court on a later date. (2014 - 3575) A report of two stolen bicycles was taken by police on March 31st from the owner of a residence on the 2600 block of Dunsmuir Avenue in Cumberland. The two bikes were stored in an unlocked basement area of the house. One bike is described as being gray with green and black stripes and the other is an Oryx that was hand made with premium parts. (2014 - 3594) On March 31st police received a report of a break, enter and theft from a residence on the 1000 block of 17th street in Courtenay. The home owner reports that someone entered through an unlocked open patio door. The thieves made off with a 42 inch Samsung TV. (2014 - 3605) If you have any information on one of these crimes or any other crime you are asked to call the Comox Valley RCMP or if you wish to remain anonymous you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or text cvcstips to crime. Statistics for the period March 24-31, 2014 Assaults 6 Thefts (All excluding Theft of Vehicles) 17 B&E (All types) 7 Cause a Disturbance 13 Impaired Driving Related 2 Total Files For Period 278
Campbell River mayor highly critical of MMBC recycling Trying to fix a problem that doesn’t exist could choke businesses and increase costs to consumers says Campbell River Mayor Walter Jakeway. Jakeway was responding to plans by the provincial government to change the popular and effective Blue Box recycling program to what it calls a Multi Material BC system. In effect MMBC is taking decisions about recycling out of the hands of British Columbians and putting them in the hands of an Eastern Canadian corporation. “It is also not clear what problem BC’s provincial leadership is trying to fix with MMBC,” said Jakeway. “There is a real danger of a new bureaucracy choking business at a time when the service/retail sector is still struggling to recover.” Jakeway also said the provincial government has not explained the benefits of the proposal, except to offer what he called the ‘illusion’ that taxpayers won’t foot the bill. “The new Multi Material BC system has not been clearly explained to the public and the illusion is that business, not government will absorb the costs of gathering waste recyclable materials,” he said. “Neither business nor the government have any core money - so the operating funds come from either the customer or the taxpayers. Of course, those are the same people, so where is the gain?” The current Blue Box program costs about $35 per household per year. That cost is undoubtedly going to sky rocket and if that happens Jakeway says heads should roll. “The public should not be surprised to see the cost of purchases rising to cover MMBC imposed regulations,” he said. “If that happens, the MMBC system will have failed, heads should roll, and the taxpayers lose again.”
Man sent to hospital with possible spinal injuries About 10 firefighters rushed to the scene to help the man who was in stable condition. An off-duty paramedic also rushed to help in the aftermath. First responders put a collar on the victim and got him packed up in time for the ambulance to take him to St. Joseph’s General Hospital when it arrived in about 20 minutes. The pedestrian didn’t appear to be having any problems breathing. Williamson says Cumberland drivers are faced with similar challenges all the time since many of the streets go directly east-west. “Courtenay’s pretty bad for that too,” he said, urging drivers to be aware of the risks involved. “Put your visor down. Wear you sunglasses. Use more caution.”
By Drew A. Penner Echo Staff
WANTED If you have any information about the whereabouts of either of these two people, call the Comox Valley RCMP Detachment at 338-1321, or Comox Valley Crimestoppers at 1-800-222TIPS (1-800-222-8477). You don’t have to give your name and you could be eligible for a cash reward.
A middle-aged man was rushed to hospital with possible spinal injuries after being hit by a pickup truck downtown Cumberland at about 4:30 p.m. late Wednesday afternoon. The westbound driver said the bright rays of the falling sun distracted him, while emergency officials confirmed alcohol was not a factor. “He was injured enough that he was in pain,” said Cumberland fire chief Mike Williamson. “It was pretty sunny on the main drag.” The driver had been attempting to turn left onto Second Street when he clipped the pedestrian.
Debit card used for $30,000 in fraudulent transactions Samantha Dawn BOULIANNE
John Hai YANG
DOB: 1991-02-01 163 cms, 53 kgs, Brown hair, Brown eyes Warrant: Obstructing a peace officer Comox Valley file # 2014-1400
DOB: 1980-01-22 168 cms, 64 kgs, Black hair, Brown eyes Warrants: Possession of Heroin Obstruct a peace officeer Comox Valley file #2014-2052
www.comoxvalleycrimestoppers.bc.ca
A man is facing multiple criminal charges after a stolen debit card was allegedly used to rack up more than $30,000 in fraudulent transactions. Cumberland resident Carson Roy Graham, aged 24, was due to appear in Courtenay Provincial Court yesterday (Thursday) after being remanded in custody following his arrest on March 28. Const. Don Sinclair of the Comox Valley RCMP said the force began an investigation into a commercial break and enter at the office of a Cumberland construction company on February 17. At first, the company’s owner believed the only missing items were a computer and
back-up hard drive, Sinclair added, but on March 4 the owner reported an additional stolen item - a company debit card. Further investigation revealed that over $30,000 in fraudulent transactions had occurred using the stolen card.
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Family History Group discussing heirlooms
Comox Valley Family History Research Group meets Tuesday, April 8 at 7 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 1901 20th St., Courtenay. This month’s subject will be “Family Heirlooms and the History of These”. So dig into your hidden treasures and bring one along. Should be an interesting and fun evening. For further inquiries: 250334-3080, Marlene.
Museum looking for old photos of Ag Hall The Courtenay and District Museum is looking for photographs of the “old Agricultural Hall” located at the present site of the Lewis Centre. This Agricultural Hall was built in 1936 and was described as having log siding with a shaked roof. The hall later became known as the CRA (Courtenay Recreation Association). The museum is looking for photographs of the exterior of the building in any of its various forms as additions and alterations occurred over the years. If you have images to share please contact Catherine at the museum 250-334-0686 ext 104 or email museum@island.net.
Coronation Street fan gathering on Sunday The next Coronation Street fan gathering is Sunday, April 6 at Monte Cristo on the River, 2:00pm 3:00pm. Enjoy a good chin wag, discuss all the current happenings like Dennis & Rita and the rest of the gang on the “Street”. $3.25 cash at the door. Bring along a friend or two! More information call Wendy 250 897-3697 Email: cvcorriefanclub@shaw.ca Or be our friend on Facebook
Ukrainian Easter Egg painting workshop A Pysanka Easter Egg Workshop will be held at St Mary the Protectress Orthodox Church, 594 Karls Way Parksville. Event is on April 12 from 9-12 noon. Cost is $15 and you can register by calling Iryna at 250-716-0589. Design and complete your own Ukrainian Easter Egg!
Dragon boating starts Saturday morning Prevailing Wins dragon boat organization invites anyone who would like to try the sport to join us, Saturday mornings, 10 am, starting April 5 at Comox Marina Boat Launch. No paddling experience required; gear provided. We have three groups that you can join: Prevailing Wins adult competition team, Dragon Riders youth competition team and a leisurely recreational fun group.
Cast members of Vanier’s production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Beer have had to master a difficult show in terms of singing, dancing and acting
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Vanier’s performing arts students tackle a most challenging musical High School musicals are not for the weak - as Vanier performing arts students have been learning lately while working on this year’s musical. The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a hilarious musical comedy that delves into the lives of those intensely immersed in the world of competitive spelling and even though it is a warm and fun comedy, it poses some serious challenges for the young cast and crew. Traditionally the term “triple threat” has been used to describe the ideal musical theatre performer - one who can sing, dance, and act. For some shows, it is enough when performers are competent in these disciplines, but not so for Spelling Bee. The demands in this show are high, requiring extensive skills in script interpretation, music, movement, dance, and also in improvisation since some parts of the script are designed to vary depending on the specific performance and audience. Many of the challenges in this show require performers with much more than a basic ability in these disciplines. Musically speaking, the show presents some immense challenges. Linsay Duncan, Vanier’s band and Rhythm and Blues teacher is the show’s musical director in charge of both the singing in the show and the pit band that will accompany the singers. She explains that one of the show’s biggest challenges is the great demand on the individual performers. In many musicals the labour is divided, with the ensemble learning most of the difficult harmonies and the leads mastering the intricacies of the solos. In Spelling Bee, however she explains, “each lead singer has to be able to do all of their solos and be able to learn all of the “chorus/har-
Dustin Lucas and Meghan Caine mony” parts in almost every other song. So that means that each lead has to learn way more than in most musicals.” In addition, there are 9 principal roles in this show compared to the 2-4 you would find in most musicals and the cast playing principal roles are on stage for between 85-98% of the show. That translates to a lot of music learned! To top it all off, some of those songs include great technical challenges. The show’s penultimate number, the Sondheim-esque “Second”, is one number that has proven challenging to many of the cast, including the song’s lead singers - Dustin
Lucas and Meghan Caine. Despite a great deal of training in piano, singing and music in general, they have still had to work very hard to master the challenges of this piece. Meghan Caine who plays Olive Ostrovsky - a girl who has just discovered her passion for spelling bees, explains that the challenges include, “the irregular tempo and melody and that there are sections where there are a lot of different parts intersecting over top of each other.” Dustin Lucas, who plays the socially awkward and breathing challenged William Barfeé agrees, adding that “there are a lot of key changes in the music, and a lot of
weird rhythms.” He further explains the difficulty, saying “Imagine you are trying to read a book, but on every second page the language completely changes. Not only that but every now and again the author decides to completely disregard punctuation. Periods end up in the middle of sentences, commas in the middle of words, and there are big empty spaces for no reason. Now imagine instead of reading that book you have to sing it, out loud, while 8 other people are also reading their own weird books out loud.” Luckily these two have risen to meet the musical challenges along with the rest of the talented cast. The many other demands of the show include bringing the show’s quirky but charming characters and their world to life. To do so the show’s creators have required the cast to act both with and without a script which do require different skill sets and a great deal of preparation. So what has it taken this amazing cast to get here - to a place where they can handle the tremendous challenges of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee? It would take too long to answer that question fully, but training on the resumes of this stellar cast includes countless years of choir, private voice lessons, piano, musical theory, hip hop, tap, jazz, musical theatre, ballet, pas de deux, improvisation, and acting with scripts. Performance experience includes shows with Vanier music, theatre and Improv as well as with CYMC, Rainbow Youth Theatre, Light Fantastic, Theatreworks, Gotta Sing Gotta Dance, Carrie Lemke, Nova Voce, Pantuso, Triple Heat, Gemini, and True Colours. (Continued on page B2)
B2 Comox Valley Echo Friday, April 4, 2014
What’s On multi-day events which helps us to create a strong community around electronic music. I love our west coast scene and am reminded how great it is every time we all get together.” Graham has certainly made her mark building up the annual Bass Coast Festival, which imports top talent and showcases diverse electronic producers from close at hand too. “The west coast breeds people who beat to a different drum,” she said. “That’s what is so great about the bass music scene here. There are all walks of life coming to these shows and everyone is accepted.” Mat the Alien has played an important part himself in building up this west coast musical identity, dropping
epic sets at Shambhala year after year. “It’s a really exciting time for music right now,” he said. “Lots of genres are melting together and people are pushing the boundaries within genres. I like doing sets with all kinds of beats so I’m always looking for new sounds and ways to incorporate older bits in there too.” His track selection during sets at Soundwave in Ucluelet remains legendary to this day, and Island residents proudly display his artist stickers on everything form glass blowing kilns to trucks to DJ equipment. “It’s been a couple of years since I’ve been in Cumberland,” he says. “It’s always good to make it back out there.”
Final show of sculpture by Colleen Hussey opens April 5 Mat the Alien
An extraterrestrial walks into a library ... Mat the Alien and the Librarian team up to blast away with next level beats By Drew A. Penner Echo Staff The waters of modern musicality are always churning new currents to the surface. Even as critics rail against the formulaic tendencies that seem to be watering down the global electronic scene, Mat the Alien and the Librarian have both managed to establish themselves as purveyors of quality underground music flows. “As something gets bigger and more mainstream it can get a bit generic or watered down,” said Mat, who hails from the northern UK originally but calls Canada home now, reflecting on the recent surge of dance music popularity in North America. “But if you dig a bit deeper there’s some amazing music coming out. So overall it helps, but sometimes people get into the pop music mentality of hearing their favorite song rather just hearing some really good new music.” The pair of artists hope to delight electronic connoisseurs and rock those looking for a good time at the Waverley Hotel April 5. “I’ve heard great things about the music community in Comox Valley,” said Squamish-based Andrea Graham aka the Librarian. “Many of my friends have played in
Andrea Graham aka the Librarian Cumberland and all of them have mentioned there is a small yet thriving music scene.” There are some really unique things happening on the west coast that allows the music community here to stand in stark contrast to the over-the-top pop electronic scene on display at events like the recent Ultra Music Fest in Miami, she noted.
“The west coast music scene is much more underground than that of Ultra Music Fest,” she said. “We are lucky up here in the Pacific Northwest because there are hundreds of innovative producers and DJs creating new and interesting styles and the audience is open minded and loyal. The music festival culture is centred around outdoor
See the Me Within is the final show and sale of the sculptural work of Colleen Hussey. It conjures the imaginary world she dreamed of as a girl, and reveals the type of reality she experienced growing up. This retrospective show is the story of Colleen’s life told in characters, comments, and interactive art pieces. With more than a hint of humour she explores challenging issues, finds personal resolution, and begs questions about how we learn to treat each other while we play out our roles and do what is expected. Her whimsical sculptures of found objects, vintage items, and written word evoke memories and feelings for everyone. This show will be sure to put some thought-provoking ideas in your mind and a grin on your face. Colleen has lived in the valley for 8 years, ran a gallery here in town, and has been a loyal member of the TinTown artists. Her work is in homes and offices all over the world. The show runs Saturday, April 5th to 17th daily from 10-4pm at 103- 2456 Rosewall Crescent in Courtenay’s TinTown. Opening night is Saturday the 5th from 7-9 pm. Don’t miss this last show and find pieces that speak to you. For more info contact Colleen Hussey at 250 3384756.
Vanier musical (Continued from page B1) In addition the cast includes Valley Idol winners, festival winners who have represented the region at the Provincial level for Dance and Theatre and improvisers who will represent Vancouver Island at a national tournament and a dancer who was selected to take part in The Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s summer program. The performers are grateful for every experience so far in their young lives, are ready for all of the challenges of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and they are excited to bring you the wonderfully quirky and charming characters and this terrific show. Vanier Performing Arts’ production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee runs at Mark Isfeld in the multi-purpose room April 8-12 at 7 pm with a matinee at 2 pm on April 12. Tickets $15, available at Laughing Oyster, Blue Heron, the Vanier School library and Alley Cuts or at the door while supplies last. Warning: some mature content.
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Comox Valley Echo Friday, April 4, 2014 B3
What’s On
Coastal communities potentially threatened by proposed Raven Coal Mine
NIC students holding public debate on proposed Raven coal mine project Want your voice heard? Students of North Island College Business School are hosting a public debate on the proposed Raven Coal Mine project April 8, with the winner to be decided your votes! Compliance Coal’s Raven Coal Mine project seeks to situate itself directly adjacent to the vibrant Bayne’s Sound aquaculture industry. Not deterred in the slightest by the rejection of its initial application, the Raven Coal Mine is set to re-submit its proposal in the near future. Public outcry from organizations such as the BC Shellfish Growers Association has sought to rally Comox Valley opposition in advance of this end of March re-submission. The Raven Coal Mine is projected to create over 300 full-time jobs in the Comox Valley, with additional job creation in transportation and support industries, during the project’s estimated 17 year lifespan. The Raven Coal mine project is estimated to contribute $1.1 billion in total to the region’s economy. Alternatively, the Baynes Sound aquaculture industry is currently host to approximately 600 sustainable jobs
in coastal and rural communities, contributing $28 million annually to BC’s economic output. Selection of either of these conflicting alternatives will shape the longterm economic and cultural landscape of the Comox Valley and North Vancouver Island as a whole. North Island College School of Business students Christopher Lefebvre, Mia MacDonald, Kelsey Smith, and Megan White have dedicated countless hours investigating the economic benefits and environmental impacts of coal mining and shellfish production. Drawing from academic articles, industry reports, and corporate press releases, this debate seeks to both inform and include the communities impacted by the proposed Raven Coal Mine. April 8th’s public debate is free to attend and commences at 8:45 a.m. in room 204 of North Island College’s Tyee Building. Recent voting restrictions imposed by the Fair Elections Act will not be enforced. For more information, please contact: Christopher Lefebvre, Marketing clefebvre@northislandcollege.ca
Terry Thormin, guest speaker at Macdonald Wood Park Society’s annual meeting next week
MAC WOOD AGM FEATURES TERRY THORMIN ON INSECTS Guest speaker at the upcoming Macdonald Wood Park Society (MWPS) annual general meeting is Terry Thormin, with his presentation entitled “The Secret Lives of Insects”. Terry Thormin is a noted naturalist with particular interest in ornithology and entomology. He will talk about various approaches to survival such as camouflage and mimicry, and also about the challenges of photographing insects. This free talk is scheduled for Wednesday, April 9, starting at 7:00 PM at St Peter’s Hall, 218 Church Street in downtown Comox. All are welcome, members and non-members, and refreshments will be served. A short AGM will follow Terry Thormin’s informative and entertaining talk. Mark
your calendars! With the aroma of blooming skunk cabbage already in the air, Macdonald Wood Park will soon be filled with forest-floor spring flowers — a great time for a stroll along the paths. Mac Wood’s main entrance is on Balmoral Avenue at Croteau Road in the Town of Comox. MWPS is the park’s volunteer steward group, with recent attention to the removal of invasive species and the planting of new trees and shrubs that respect the forest’s natural succession. New members are always welcome. Please email MWPS@ shaw.ca for more information, or come to the 2014 AGM on April 9th. - Macdonald Woods Park Society
The sand wasp.
Gardening
Rhododendron Soc. meeting Tuesday For the April 8 monthly meeting of the North Island Rhododendron Society (NIRS), members will hear the romantic backstory to one of Vancouver Island’s most beautiful gardens-the Milner Garden and Woodland in Qualicum Beach. Writer Margaret Cadwaladr will speak on her five years of intensive research and writing to produce the Canadian best seller, In Veronica’s Garden, a biological and social history behind the Garden. The book sold thousands of copies around the world and beside becoming a staple in horticultural libraries it sketches a fascinating snapshot of the life of Veronica Milner, an imperious ‘old school’ aristocrat who passed away in 1998. Among the garden’s many stories, Cadwaladr has several with royal connections. Prince Charles and the late Diana, Princess of Wales came to stay with Milner in 1986 followed by Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip the following year. The NIRS meeting will be on Tuesday, April 8 with doors opening at 7pm and the meeting starting at 7:30PM. NIRS meetings are held every second Tuesday of the month in the Comox United Church hall, 250 Beach. Refreshments are served and guests interested in membership are welcome to attend.
Dahlia Society will help you get planting From the tiny first flower head to the massive 14” and above in diameter showstopper, there is a dahlia for everyone’s taste. There are those of us that dig up the dahlia tubers every fall, split and store them and then replant at the end of April and then there are those that treat them like an annual and just let them bloom and if they come back after the winter, then that’s great and if not, well they come back to our tuber sale and buy what I always call ‘the best annual you’ll ever grow’. Dahlias have been gaining popularity for weddings. Whether the look is formal or country casual, as long as your wedding is August to the end of September, you’ll have a huge color selection to choose from, in every kind of style. Planting instructions: you may start them now in your greenhouse or wait until the end of April and plant directly in the ground. Once you’ve got your area ready or pots (yes they grow well in containers too) with loamy soil, amendments such as horse or cow manure or even peat moss to lighten up a heavier soil, then dig out a shovel full and lay your tuber on its side, eyes up. If an eye isn’t visible yet, it will find its way to the light regardless of how it was placed when planted. Add about 1 tbsp. of
COME WISH GARY A HAPPY RETIREMENT! After 40 years of service with Central Builders, Gary Rawlings has decided to start a new chapter in his life.
We wish to congratulate him on his retirement and hope you do too! April A Ap p i 11 1 11th 1th h iis h his i last asst d day, ay so o ccome ome e do d down o tto oC Ce Central e t Bu B Builders ui d ui b between ett e 1 pm and 4pm, have a piece of cake, and wish him well.
bonemeal meal and whatever fertilizer you choose to start with. 6-8-6 or 20-20-20 is just fine. Cover the dahlia with anywhere from 2 inches to 6 inches of soil. Take it easy on the fish compost or it will just give you tall leafy dahlias with little blooms. A little nitrogen is good to start plants but too much will make for weak tubers later on in the season. I normally fertilize every 3 weeks for good bloom production. (higher middle number fertilizer - anything from 15-30-15 to 10-52-10) Pinching out the center tip, once your plant has 4 or 5 sets of leaves, will help bush it out and give you more bloom production. Cutting your dahlias often will also help even though I know many of you, like to leave that bloom on as long as possible. They are there for you to enjoy and
you will enjoy many more flowers on your plant, by continually cutting them. Watering your dahlias every other day seems plenty but the more mulch and the type of soil you have and how deep you planted, will determine how much they will want to drink. For more detailed instructions and demonstrations (you are welcome to bring that massive clump that you don’t know how to split), come to the Comox Valley Dahlia Society tuber sale on Saturday, April 5th from 10am to 3pm. There will be many dahlias to choose from but come early for best selection. The sale will be held rain or shine, at 1432 Lupin Drive in Comox (off Anderton) (250) 339-9157 or (250) 3391796 for more information. - Submitted by Comox Valley Dahlia Society
B4 Comox Valley Echo Friday, April 4, 2014
What’s On
8th Annual BC Shellfish Gala Dinner attracts new chefs The BC Shellfish Growers Association invites you to the Comox Valley, Canada’s Oyster Capital, for the 8th Annual BC Shellfish Chefs’ Gala Dinner to be held Friday, June 20th. The first dinner was organized eight years ago by the BC Shellfish Growers Association as a way to celebrate the producers and supporters of BC’s shellfish industry. It has since grown to become one of the summer’s most anticipated events, with each year bringing together a new team of highly acclaimed chefs from around the province. The Annual BC Shellfish Chefs’ Gala Dinner is hosted on the grounds of the historic Filberg Lodge and Park in Comox, where guests are surrounded by lush gardens, with views of Comox Harbour and the Beaufort Mountain Range. Selling out to an intimate crowd of 220 each year, this evening provides a unique opportunity to experience dishes from a number of 5 star talents in one meal, from local favourites to chefs traveling from Vancouver, Victoria, or Tofino. Ronald St-Pierre, chef and owner of Locals Restaurant in Courtenay and two-time gala dinner chef said “The Chefs’ Gala Dinner is one of a kind and offers such a great and unique evening experience. An incredible selection of fresh local seafood provided directly from the producers, prepared by a team of chefs who embrace the philosophy of supporting local food. They bring the best together for you instead of the guests visiting several establishments to sample what we all have to offer. The whole evening is magical, and with the support of local wineries, brewery and more... it is even more fun!” After spending a few years working behind the scenes supporting the dinner, and being a featured chef himself in 2012, Aaron Rail will step into the role of coordinator for this year’s team of participating chefs. The list of 2014 Featured Chefs include: Peter Zambri, Zambri’s, Victoria Quang Dang, West Restaurant,
Chef Aaron Rail, 2014 Chef Coordinator Tickets for this event go on sale Monday April 14, are $130 per person, and can be purchased by calling the BCSGA office at 250-890-7561. More information and event updates
can be found on Facebook and our website at www.bcshellfishfestival. ca. This event has sold out quickly in recent years so be sure to mark your calendar!
Fresh thinking for estate planning topic for S.O.S. Chef Ronald St. Pierre preparing the sea asparagus for his 2012 Halibut dish Vancouver Kathy Jerritt, Tria Fine Catering, Courtenay Matty Kane, Shelter Restaurant, Tofino Ian Goard, Hotel Grand Pacific, Victoria David Sider, Wikinninish Inn, Tofino The reception portion of the evening begins at 5:30 in the shore garden area, and features raw bars with a variety of oysters from different regions of our coast, shucked and served by the farmers who grew
S.O.S. (Support Our Seniors) Comox Valley is a group made up of seniors, families and caregivers who believe that all seniors deserve the best quality of life. On Monday, April 7th they are welcoming guest speakers Don Behan, Senior Financial Consultant and Mandy Baker, Associate, both of Invertors Group Financial Services Inc. to their monthly public meeting to give a presentation about estate planning and its complexities. “Things you don’t know, you don’t know... is our theme says Don Behan. Nobody wants to make the tax man the beneficiary of their estate”. Simple
them. Live entertainment will be provided by The Wire Choir Jazz Trio For the dinner, guests will find their seats under the giant garden tent, at tables graced in white linens and sparkling glassware, where they will dine on no less than six courses. Each chef designs their own course featuring a local seafood ingredient, that will be expertly paired and served with a BC wine or craft beer. At the end of the evening, Ambassador Shuttle will be available for complimentary rides home within Comox and Courtenay.
concepts and strategies will be presented on how to reduce taxes and structure an estate, along with the importance of properly prepared Wills and Powers of Attorney’s. Don Behan and Mandy Baker, both Certified Professional Consultants on Aging, are co-hosting the information session with S.O.S., at the Lower Native Sons Hall on Monday, April 7th, 2pm to 4 pm. The meeting is open to the public, and is free of charge although a donation to help with the cost of refreshments is always appreciated. For more information call Jennifer at S.O.S: 250-334-2321.
Comox Valley Scotiabank MS Walk coming up Sunday, April 13 Lace up for someone you love and join the fight against multiple sclerosis at the Comox Valley Scotiabank MS Walk on Sunday, April 13th at 10 am. The MS Walk is the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada’s largest national fundraiser with more than 160 walks across Canada. The Comox Valley Scotiabank MS Walk will take place at the Courtenay Airpark - providing a safe, scenic, wheelchair and scooter accessible route with three walk distances to choose from - 3, 7 and 10 km. Dogs on leash are welcome to attend and we will have dog bandanas for sale for $5 each. Arrive early and enjoy coffee, hot chocolate, a snack, entertainment and fun; after the walk stay for a hot lunch, music, recognition announcements and draw prizes! The Royal Canadian Air Cadets 386 Komox Squadron Band will provide a rousing lead off for the walk. Register in advance online at www.mswalks.ca or by calling 250339-0819. Register as an individual or connect with friends, family and co-workers and start a team. A team should be comprised of four or more participants, including a team captain. TeamMS perks include a team photo, team captain support, and public recognition for your team and, if applicable, the company or
local business your team represents. So far, these local businesses have a team participating in the Comox Valley Scotiabank MS Walk: Canadian Tire, Shoppers Drug Mart, Scotiabank Comox branch, Courtenay Pet Centre, Orca Marketing Group and HUB International Barton Insurance Brokers. Registered walk participants receive a pledge package and access to online fundraising tools to raise pledges prior to the walk. Raise a minimum of $125 in pledges ($35 for children 12 & under) and receive a walk t-shirt and day of event lunch. Raise $250 or more and receive additional fundraising rewards or join the Mission First Club and receive a tax receipt for 10% of the pledges you raise. Last year, Comox Valley Scotiabank MS Walk participants raised $37,654.82! Proceeds from the Comox Valley and Port Hardy Scotiabank MS Walks stay with the North Vancouver Island Chapter of the MS Society of Canada. Our Chapter serves communities from Bowser to Port Hardy, including Gold River, Tahsis and the northern Gulf Islands. We provide local programs and services to people affected by MS including information, support, advocacy and referral services, the Equipment Provision Program, the Special Assistance Program, the Comox Clinic and self-help support groups in the Comox Valley and
Participants enjoyed last year’s Walk for MS in the Comox Valley Campbell River. Our Chapter also makes a significant annual contribution to MS research - $11,330 in 2013. Multiple sclerosis is an unpredictable, often debilitating disease of the central nervous system (the brain and
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Marriage Commissioner The Vital Statistics Agency, Ministry of Health, is looking for an individual to serve as a Marriage Commissioner for Courtenay. The individual will perform civil marriages within their community on behalf of the Agency. For information and an application form please visit our website at: www.vs.gov.bc.ca/marriage
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Sports and Recreation
Comox Valley Echo Friday, April 4, 2014 B5
BRIDGE NEWS Comox Valley Duplicate Bridge Club Congratulations to Jack Bradshaw and Bob Dugas on their 70% game on Thursday, March 27th! Their names will be first on our new plaque to commemorate big games. Our next monthly lessons will be on the 3rd Thursday of April (April 17th), and then will be suspended for the summer; but will start back up again in September. Don’t forget to register at playbridge@shaw.ca so that we have enough handouts for everyone! The Monday, March 24, 2014 results: 1. Jack Bradshaw - Carole Bradshaw 2. Slava Simice - Barrie Turnham 3. Glen Parsons - David Proctor 4. Richard Grant - Cathy Wolfe Our Club Championship game on Thursday March 27, 2014 results: 1. Jack Bradshaw - Bob Dugas 2. Charles Hodson - Lorraine Hodson 3. Arlene Petersen - Carole Bradshaw 4. Tim Kennelly - Sharon Feduniak Our club is located on Nordin Street across from the Comox Mall under the newly renovated Museum and Art Gallery. Thursdays at 12:30 we have FREE 20 minute information sessions before the game. We also offer guaranteed partnerships, so if you’re visiting or your regular partner is away, make sure you come out to play anyway! If you don’t have a regular partner, I’m sure you’ll meet one.
Our Website is www.cvdbc.com and our email is playbridge@ shaw.ca For more information, please contact Linda Marinus at (250) 338-2544. D’Esterre Duplicate Bridge Results for Tuesday, March 25 (24 pairs): N/S - 1. Phil Sanford and Maureen Olafson; 2. Diane McKinnon and Joan Erickson; 3. Betty and Tom Thomsen; 4. Carole and Jack Bradshaw; 5. Jean Tait and Harvey Piercy. E/W - 1. Sharon Feduniak and Howard Cohen; 2. Dianna Rickson and Evelyn Ware; 3. Ramona Ruf and Patti Weldon; 4. Julie Tuepah and Pat Pantuso; 5. Lynne and Dick Sangster Results for Saturday, March 29 (17 pairs): N/S - 1. Denise Holst and Carole Ante; 2. Ann Cook and Jean Tait; 3. Penny and Doug Poole; 4. Lynne and John Godfrey. E/W - 1. Evelyn and Keith Ware; 2. Glenda and Peter McGrath; 3. Trish and George Kirkwood; 4. Jeanette Baron and Tom Dugdale. Friday Duplicate Bridge Results for March 28 (11 1/2 tables) 28th March 11 1 /2tables N/S - 1. Jean Tait and Ann Cook; 2. Gary and Fran Priestma; 3. Chuck and Lorraine Hodson; 4. Jim and Joan Boase. E/W - 1. Dave Robinson and Mary Ann Aikman; 2. Frieda Home and Dorothy Branch; 3. Lyall and Maureen Ashbaugh; 4. Grace Whetter and Wendy Peddie.
Moguls will be one of the featured events at the BC Freestyle Championships from April 3-6. Photo: BC Freestyle Ski Association
BC Freestyle Skiing Championships here Over 150 freestyle ski athletes will descend upon Vancouver Island this week to participate in the BC Freestyle Ski Association’s Provincial Championship, hosted by Mount Washington Freestyle Ski Club at Mount Washington Alpine Resort from April 3 to 6. The event features three days of competition; competitors, 12 years of age and older, will compete in mogul, slopestyle and dual moguls during this grand finale event of the 2014 Timber Tour. Super Youth athletes, ages 7 to 12, will be judged separately in three events including moguls, big air and slopestyle. The competition starts on Friday and is open to the public. “Freestyle skiers in BC participat-
ed in three events on the 2014 Timber Tour, stopping previously at Apex Mountain Resort, Tabor Mountain, host of the 2015 Winter Games Prince George, and Silver Star Mountain Resort,” explains Camille Douglas, Executive Director of the BC Freestyle Ski Association. “Our athletes saw additional competition at the BC Winter Games Mission, so they are well poised to show off their development and awesome skills!” “Mount Washington is excited to be hosting BC’s best up and coming Freestyle skiers this week,” says Don Sharpe, Director of Business Operations and Marketing for the resort. “We’ve been busy preparing the mountain to welcome athletes
from across the province.” The Mount Washington Freestyle Club (MWFC) is reporting that athlete registration numbers are strong for the year-ending event. “Several athletes from the Yukon are traveling to Vancouver Island to join their BC counterparts at the Provincial Championships,” notes Lee Pond, MWFC President. British Columbia hosted several provincial and national freestyle skiing events in 2014 thanks to the dedication of our freestyle club volunteers, host mountains and generous partners! BC Freestyle Ski Association and Mount Washington Freestyle Club gratefully acknowledge the ongoing support of Hosting BC and ViaSport.
Gala ‘Olympic theme’ celebration for mountain sport society The Vancouver Island Mountain Sport Society (VIMSS) invites you to an Olympic Celebration of a different kind, a celebration that supports emerging Vancouver Island athletes while offering a social evening in Courtenay at the Curling Club. The Olympic celebration will take place Saturday, April 12, and features an opportunity to compete in some extraordinary new sports that will be put forward to the IOC. Guests will have some fun throughout the evening by competing in the “new” events to win special medals for their efforts. To show our support for these young people and the quest that they are on, the theme of the night is red and white. As always, VIMSS will be sure to put on a great event to support our emerging athletes. VIMSS has funded over 70 athletes with the funds raised since its inception ten years ago and has helped nearly 50 athletes with their training and travel expenses as they compete and represent BC and Canada at competitions around the world. The goal of the society was to have one of our Island athletes compete at the Games in 2010. Funded athletes Mathieu Leduc, Darcy Sharpe, Carle Brenneman and Cassie Sharpe were all very close to going to Sochi in 2014. Braydon Luscombe, also a fund recipient, was in Sochi at the Paralympic Games. “The annual spring gala event is our
M
who compete in the mountain sports of Alpine, Nordic and Freestyle Skiing, snowboarding, adaptive snow sports, biathlon and mountain biking. The Society proudly recognizes the athletes who have received grants and have represented their Vancouver Island communities locally, nationally and internationally. F or more information on the VIMSS funded athletes, click here http://www.vimountaincentre.com/about-us/ vimss/funded-athletes/ .
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Tidemark Theatre Wednesday, May 7th Showtime: 7:30pm
Braydon Luscombe, Paralympian, was a former fund recipient biggest fundraising event of the year and we strive to combine fun and fundraising,” said VIMSS Chair Karen Bonell. “In addition to providing support to mountain sport based athletes from Vancouver Island, VIMSS also works diligently all year long to provide programs and services that will enhance access for everyone to the moun-
ARE YOU READY? Photographers At Painter’s
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tain environment”, continues Bonell. “VIMSS Olympic Celebration” starts at 6:00 p.m. on April 12. Tickets, $50 including dinner and a glass of wine and are available by emailing events@vimountaincentre.com VIMSS is a not-for-profit association that raises funds for emerging amateur athletes
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B6 Comox Valley Echo Friday, April 4, 2014
Brian Rice Toyota Atom A Chiefs Finish Season with Gold 2013-2014 Season the Atom A Chiefs worked all the way to the finals of Division 2 Island Championship, it was a hard loss for them but ended the season with an outstanding performance at the Victoria IH Classic Championship going 3-0 in
Sports and Recreation
round robin play putting them in the gold medal game vs. rival Sooke. The team was down 4-1 in the gold medal game and these kids brought their never give up attitudes and finished with an exciting 6-5 win taking home the gold medal.
Les Norman and his fellow Knights Templar won the costume prize
Jolly curling fun at ye men’s open bonspiel
The Comox Valley Novice All Star team had a great tournament recently and went 4-0 at the Sooke Breakaway tournament.
buoyed by the late-night antics of lead Dave Bastock, defeated the local Jack Holden rink in an extraend final that had the gallery buzzing. On both Friday and Saturday evening, guests were overwhelmed with appys and seafood. Thrifty Foods graciously provided a cornucopia of treats ranging from wings and bruschetta to marinated salmon and prawns, all served up by head icemaker/resident bon vivant Cody Hall. The B Event (AKA sandbaggers’ flight) was sponsored again by ABC Printing; the final had plenty of rocks in play and plenty of action. In the end, Ron Schmidt and his rink (Randy Baert, Harvey Jenkins, Buck Briggs) soundly thrashed Campbell River’s John Lapointe and his band of Merry Men. Mr. Lapointe is requested to please return the fork he “borrowed” from the olive dish. No utensils! With many out-of-town teams (and some local ones) availing themselves of the adjacent RV parking, the castle was under siege throughout the weekend. Campbell River’s Kevin May was at the center of it all and was singled out with the prestigious “Spirit of the Spiel” award, but there were many fine gallants who fed the great atmosphere both upstairs and on the ice (you look awfully cold out there in that kilt, Mr. Bill).
The 2014 Royal Lepage Men’s Open Bonspiel was a smashing success as dozens of teams descended on the Comox Valley Curling Centre from March 14 to 16. The Medieval theme brought out some fine costumes and a whole (Came)lot of shenanigans. The spiel’s A Event final, sponsored by Assante Wealth Management, was a tight and nervous affair. When the dust settled, the Cote rink from Campbell River stood victorious. Norm Cote and his team (Ross Thomson, Jade Jensen), perhaps
Comox Valley Minor Hockey Association Midget House Division concluded its season on March 11th with a Final Playoff Game for the Division Playoff Championship. The Final was won by Red Team 2 ‘Hamilton Logging’ in a fast intense game against Regular season leaders White Team 3 ‘Destination Fitness”. The score which was 6 to 2 did not reflect the quality of play and skill displayed by both teams. Hamilton Logging’s win spoke well of Division competitiveness in that the Final was won by a team which had been a low seed in the Regular Season standings, while the defeated team was the dominant leader in the Regular Season standings. Division Competiveness was also confirmed when Midget Team 4 ‘Contour Dental’ and Midget Team 8 ‘Dairy Queen’ both low seeds during the regular season made it to the Division Semi Finals. It was been a fun year for Midget House which also hosted a very successful 16 team Home Tournament in December with visiting teams from all over Vancouver Island, which was won by Playoff Champs Team 2 ‘Hamilton Logging’.
(Continued on page B10)
PUBLIC NOTICE Comox Valley Compost Education Centre Closure The Comox Strathcona waste management (CSWM) service would like to inform residents that the compost education centre located at 4795 Headquarters Road in Courtenay is closed and will not be re-opening. A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone that supported the centre over its decade of operation. The waste reduction education program will now focus on community outreach throughout the CVRD. This program will still include a component of education on backyard composting along with various other waste reduction initiatives. For more information on waste reduction programs offered in this area, visit www.cswm/powerofr.
Happy 185th Birthday hddday hda ayy
William Booth!!
The compost education centre in Campbell River, located at 228 South Dogwood Street, will remain in operation. For contact information and hours of operation, visit: www.cswm.ca/composting.
We are celebrating at our THREE THRIFT STORES! On Thursday, April 10th!
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Comox Valley Echo Friday, April 4, 2014 B7
Sports and Recreation
LOCAL SQUASH CLUB PARTNERS WITH ST. JOSEPH’S FOUNDATION TO RAISE FUNDS If you ever walk into the Courtenay Recreation Centre on a Wednesday night, the first thing you’ll often hear is the sound of something being “smacked around”. Upon closer inspection, the prevailing sound is accompanied by two extremely sweaty and typically out of breath players moving in small quarters hitting a little squishy black ball, using a chess-like strategies to make a winning shot.
The game of squash heralds all the qualities of healthy living – the continuous nature of the game requires a lot of stop and start requiring both speed and endurance. Not unlike chess, squash requires players to be patient in their attack coupled with quickly thinking on their feet. Camaraderie and laughter is always at its best at the courts; many of us moan and groan about missed shots, while our opponents raise their
glasses and gloat about their winning drop shot. The Comox Valley Squash Club is home to over 200 players; a mixture of beginner and seasoned squash players. There are even a few well-done squash players! April typically marks the end of the season for most local players and the Comox Valley Squash Club is gearing up to host its traditional Easter Bunny Squash Tournament
from April 3 to 6, 2014. It’s known in the squash community as “the best Island tournament” and many players travel to enjoy the competition, great food and entertainment and the welcoming community of the Comox Valley. The squash club has partnered with St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation to raise funds to support the purchase of sleep over chairs for the Birthing Rooms at St. Joseph’s Hospital.
CODES COUNTRY LANES Bowling highlights from Codes Country Lanes: Monday AM Club 55 - Barb Lane 220, Micki McDonald 194, Barb Casey 185, Gloria Frederick 200, Bea Cucksey 176, Jack Casey 166, Arnie Auerbach 207, George Railian 239, Lynne Davidson 182, Ria Tjart 242. Monday PM Club 55 - Val Johnson 196, Rita Grill 184, Ben Braun 209, Grace Rodriguez 210, Bill Tower 194, Rick Kroeker 255, Margaret Moore 199, Lucille Smith 186, Bruce Ram 207, Arni Morrison 217. Tuesday Club 55 - George Andrews 181, Eve Andrews 199, Ed Schievink 121, Garry Pearson 111, Judith Munro 117, Allison Bennett 136. Tuesday Breakfast - Jane Wedge 171, Barb Pottruff 183, Shirley Mangano 234, Shirley Webb 197, Karen Anand 188, Audrey Batho 193, Laurie McWillis 223, Fran Patton 177, Mary Otter 163, Brenda Searl 184, Paulette Z 195, Joanne Douglas 220. Tuesday Mixed - John Graff 226, Wayne Couzens 184, Sandy Couzens 200, Duwanee Granneman 216, Peter Hauser 198, John West 256, Cindy Eckstein 183, ANDREW STUBBING 336, Ed Carefoot 215, Ann Mahavolic 209, Brian Booth 243. Wednesday Club 55 - NICK TJART 315, Ria Tjart 186, Gerry VanAchte 196, Grace Coulter 233, Betty Gilchris 199, Pat Ailles 196, Yvonne Melancon 218, Andre Melancon 237, Laurie Aucoin 256, Ken Scavarda 246, Lorne King 214. Tuesday/Wednesday Courtenay Recreation - Linda Christie 122, Carly Buchan 133, Brian Mitchell 127, Richard Major 134, Allison Bennet 152, Jack Errington 143, Tiffinee Nicoll 134,, Larry McCooey 214. Wednesday Mixed - Tim Patterson 203, Brian Booth 225, Paul Zorz 204, Sandy Nurse 237, Gary Coombs 200, Rick Granneman 220, Travis Webber 205, Eric McWillis 187, Tannis Pond 197. Thursday Club 55 - Rick Kroeker 228, Vera Winter 190, Kathy Lanyon 174, Arni Morrison 228, Bob Sharp 212, Bea Tomkinson 192, Vicki Bailie 208, Linda Meers 193, Ben Braun 248, Alan Edwards 194, Ivan Ally 218. Youth Bowling - Morgan Grout 85, Raylyn MacDonald 97, Lucien Rousseau 153, Devin Sorensen 75, Braydyn MacDonald 68. Thursday Mixed - Laurie McWillis 200, Candace McClellan 214, Vern Greenhill 260, Dave Stacey 207, Lorne Sutcliffe 206, Janet Butler 206, Jessica Giroux 233, Ross McWillis 210, Vern Greenhill 260, Laurie Aucoin 215. Friday Club 55 - Doris Cosman 199, Bert Brown 258, Ria Tjart 207, Roy Brekke 213, Arnie Auerbach 199, Joan Lucas 207, George Railian 204, George Sand 193, Anna Dlucry 214. Special O - Jamie Bennett 158, Dale Elderkin 166, Chris Gillis 199, Charis Hughes 131, Larry McCooey 195, Mike Thames 143, Penny Savin 193, Terry Daniels 178, Zack Z 141, Clayton Heid 202.
“St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation is very grateful to the Comox Valley Squash Club to have the opportunity to partner with this event” says Lynn Dashkewytch, Executive Director of the St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation. “It takes support from the community to keep the hospital on the cutting edge of equipment and patient comfort items.” There are many ways to get involved: • Support a local squash player and the Hospital Foundation by purchasing a raffle ticket to win great prizes – two tickets anywhere WestJet flies, a Whistler Golf package worth $1,300 and an original painting by Vancouver Island artist Maureen Maryka worth $600. Raffle tickets can be purchased at the Hospital Foundation or by emailing cvsquash@gmail.com. • Not sure you want to play yet? Come on out and enjoy this fantastic spectator sport. Squash is highly entertaining. It’s fast, fun and furious. You won’t be disappointed.
MERVILLE 15K ON SUNDAY
Darran Martin of the Free Lions contorts to take a shot on net in Comox Valley Sports & Social Club B Tier Indoor Soccer playoff action, with Subs Bench players Savannah Beirnes (left), Sam White and John Berry in pursuit. The Lions won this game to advance to the B Tier final, where they took first place with a 9-5 victory over The Ballsacs.
The seventh race in the Frontrunners Island Race Series Merville 15K - will take place on Sunday, April 6 at 11 am. The race will start and finish at Merville Community Hall, 1245 Fenwick Road, Merville, and is hosted by the River Runners. Runners can register on race day. Race day fees are $35 and $30 for students. Prairie Inn Harriers lead the Island Series club standings with 2884 points, with Comox Valley Road Runners second (1888) and Bastion Running Club third (1644).
Free Lions roar to top soccer spot in indoor league Sometimes soccer truly lives up to its moniker of ‘the beautiful game’ and the Free Lions put all kinds of pretty on display en route to their B Tier Indoor Soccer Championship. With some fantastic ball movement and great teamwork, the Lions sent a barrage of shots at the net in their 9-5 victory over The Ballsacs in the Comox Valley Sports & Social Club’s winter Indoor Soccer League. If not for a mix of stellar goalkeeping, a few posts and a number of shots just whizzing past the target, the score could have climbed higher. The Lions entered the playoffs as the top seed
with a 5-2 record and played like a team with numerous seasons under their belt. Meanwhile their opponent, The Ballsacs, entered as the third seed at 4-2-1 after putting together a solid first season in the league but couldn’t make it all come together in the final. The Subs Bench finished in third spot with a 7-3 win over Gen-Y, the TC Valley Collision Write-Offs nabbed fifth spot with a 6-2 win over Balls to the Walls, and The Offside wrapped up seventh overall with an 8-3 win over the Toepunters. The A-Tier of the 15 team league is currently in
their playoffs with Los Lobos (6-1), AFC United (6-1), Epic (4-2-1) and Blue Toque FC (4-2-1) the top four seeds shooting for first place. Registration is open until April 14 for the CVSSC’s Spring Sports Leagues, including the switch to outdoor soccer. Other popular co-ed leagues include both Beach Volleyball and Indoor Volleyball, Ultimate Frisbee, Flag Football, Slo Pitch and Kickball. More info can be found at www.comoxvalleysports.ca or by contacting Scott at 250.898.7286 and scott@comoxvalleysports.ca.
VALLEY GOLFING NEWS FIRST LADIES TUESDAY AT COMOX It turned out to be a bright and sunny day for the first Ladies Tuesday at Comox. Six teams came out to play a fun scramble, and the team of Nancy Newton, Mary Anne Aikman, Joyce Land and Jo Falco turned in the best net score. Second were Janice Nicklin, Marg Kelly and Marva Opperman, and third place went to Nancy Riva, Linda Callender and Monique Walker. Jo Falco won a KP, and also had the longest putt. After a delicious lunch at the Tee Box Restaurant, several draw prizes were awarded. We would like to thank our sponsors: Tee Box Restaurant, Gibby in the Golf Shop, Panago Pizza and Loonyrama for their support of the Comox Ladies Golf Club. Next Tuesday, our fun game will be a hidden partner format. We hope to see all the ladies and their guests at the club at 8:30 for a 9 a.m. start. On Sunday, April 6, the Ladies Opening will be held - a team scramble followed by a buffet dinner at the Tee Box. Please be there by 1 pm for the 1:30 shotgun start. On May 1, the Thursday Night Ladies League will begin. This league is open to all lady golfers, members and non-members. It is a 9-hole stroke-play format and prizes are awarded for low gross, low net and various KPs. Come and join us for a fun-filled night of competitive golf. For more information,
please visit our website at comoxgolfclub.ca, or call the Golf Shop at 339-4444. - Submitted by Linda Callender
CROWN ISLE LADIES START SEASON Crown Isle Ladies 2014 golf season got off to a Grand Start with April 1st fools day playing no jokes on us weather wise! We got off to a great start with 20 ladies signed up to play our first game of the season called “Best Nine Holes” We played all 18 holes but deducted half of our handicap from the front nine and half from the back nine. The winners in this event were: 1st low gross: Dee Horie 42 2nd low gross: Rosemary Smith 43 1st low net: Joanne Meyer 30.5 2nd low net: Sonia Thorpe 32.5 Birdies went to Joanne Meyer #7, Sheila Van Gisbergen #13, Helen Flynn #4, Karen Currie #1 We would also like to welcome four new members to our Ladies Club this year - Doris Ellis, Jean McCrea, Karen Currie, Kathy Thompson We all look forward to a wonderful season of golf with the anticipation of reconnecting with old friends and making new ones. - Submitted by Audrey Clark
April Golf Special Two can Golf for $79 +tax In 2012 Storey Creek was rated the #3 public course in BC and #1 public course on the Island as published by Inside Golf and the PGA of BC
300 McGimpsey Road, Campbell River, BC Pro Shop: (250) 923-3673 Toll Free: 1-866-923-3674
CARRIERS WANTED No collection required. Great exercise! Call Comox Valley Echo • 250-334-4734 or drop by 407-D 5th Street, Courtenay Courtenay Rt. 8105 – Kilpatrick, 29th - 27th, Moray Rt. 8106 – Kilpatrick, Anfield Centre (Walmart) Rt. 8130 – Cliffe (Between 19th & 10th), Riverside Lane, Beckensell Comox Rt. 1102A – Bolt, Anderton, Noel, Marten, Linshart Rt. 2102 – Harbour Wood Rt. 2118 – Comox Ave, Baybrook, Orchard Park, Mack Laing Rt. 2129 – Sylvan, Parry, Aspen, Idiens Rt. 2145 – Jubilee, Bolt, Heron Rt. 2153A – Olympic, Murrelet Substitutes: (May/14 to Oct/14) Rt. 2155 - 2300 – Murrelet Substitutes: (Jan/14 to May/14) Rt. 2113 – Buena Vista, Queens, McLeod, Richardson, McCullough Crown Isle Rt. 3120 – Monarch, Royal Rt. 3134 – Crown Isle Dr., Birkshire, Sussex Valleyview Rt. 3122 – Swan, Trumpeter, Sparrow, Valley View
Earn extra $$$$ for all that fun stuff that mom won't buy!
B8 Comox Valley Echo Friday, April 4, 2014
CARRIERS WANTED EARN $$$$$$$$ COURTENAY Rt. 8105 – Kilpatrick, 29th - 27th, Moray Rt. 8106 – Kilpatrick, Anfield Centre (Walmart) Rt. 8130 – Cliffe (Between 19th & 10th), Riverside Lane, Beckensell COMOX Rt. 1102A – Bolt, Anderton, Noel, Marten, Linshart Rt. 2102 – Harbour Wood Rt. 2118 – Comox Ave, Baybrook, Orchard Park, Mack Laing Rt. 2129 – Sylvan, Parry, Aspen, Idiens Rt. 2145 – Jubilee, Bolt, Heron Rt. 2153A – Olympic, Murrelet Substitutes: (May/14 to Oct/14) Rt. 2155-2300 – Murrelet Substitutes: (Jan/14 to May/14) Rt. 2113 – Buena Vista, Queens, McLeod, Richardson, McCullough CROWN ISLE Rt. 3120 – Monarch, Royal Rt. 3134 – Crown Isle Dr., Birkshire, Sussex VALLEYVIEW Rt. 3122 – Swan, Trumpeter, Sparrow, Valley View
No Collection Required Call COMOX VALLEY ECHO 250−334−4734 or drop by 407−D 5th Street, Courtenay
Comox Valley Echo Friday, April 4, 2014 B9
TEXT YOUR TIP ANONYMOUSLY!!!
Along with our 1-800-222 (TIPS) line, tipsters can report information via our secure WebTips application at www. comoxvalleycrimestoppers.bc.ca and now we accept anonymous tips via Text Messaging.
TEXT CVCSTIPS TO:
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Runs 2nd Tuesday of every month! Book your ads now with one of our Sales Representatives
250-334-4722
Week one of the Shoreline Orthodontics’ Tri-K triathlon training schedule is “in the books”. You have had a chance to get your equipment together, use it a couple of times and had a few initial training sessions. Moving into week two distances or the duration of workouts will increase. An important element of all workouts is a warm up and cool down. Be sure to include both in every session. Also of great importance is the need for athletes to maintain proper hydration. Water provides important functions within the body including regulating temperature, lubricating joints and transporting nutrients and waste. Staying hydrated while exercising enhances comfort, performance and safety. Dehydration leads to muscle cramps, dizziness, fatigue and heat illness. The greater the intensity and duration of the exercise the more important it is to drink. Two simple methods of estimating adequate hydration: 1. Large amounts of light colored, diluted urine probably means you are hydrated; dark colored, concentrated urine probably means you are dehydrated. 2. Weight lost is likely from fluid, so try to drink enough to replenish those losses. Any weight gain could mean you are drinking more than you need. When exercising at a high intensity for more than 60 minutes Sports drinks can be helpful. Fluids that supply 60 to 100 calories per 8 ounces help to supply the needed calories required for continuous performance. You are unlikely to deplete your body's stores of sodium, potassium and other electrolytes during normal training exercise. If you find yourself exercising in extreme conditions and over 3 or 5 hours (for example a marathon or Ironman) you may want to add a complex sports drink with electrolytes. While specific fluid recommendations aren't possible, most athletes can use the following guidelines as a starting point, and modify it to suit their fluid needs. Hydration Before Exercise • Drink about .5 liter, 2-3 hours before exercise • Drink .25 liter, 10-15 min before exercise Hydration During Exercise • Drink .25 liter every 10-15 min during exercise • If exercising longer than 90 minutes, drink .25 liter of a sports drink (with no more than 8 percent carbohydrate) every 15 - 30 minutes. Hydration After Exercise • Weigh yourself before and after exercise and replace fluid losses. • Drink 1 liter water for every 1 kilogram lost. Armed with information on hydration lets get to the weeks’ training schedule. It follows the same format as last week but, as mentioned, it increases the duration or distance. The suggested workout lengths are for beginners (on the second line) and intermediate (on the lower line) participants. Swims are in meters and runs and rides in minutes. Swim workouts can be broken up into manageable segments. Participants may want to use a combination run/walk for the runs over the first four weeks. With each outing, try to increase the time you run and decrease the walking time.
OFF or Weights
Swim 600 M 1000 M
Ride :45 1:00
Run :25 :35
Swim 600 M 1000 M
Ride :45 1:00
Good luck with your training. We’ll see you at the finish line!
Run :25 :35
B10 Comox Valley Echo Friday, April 4, 2014
Sports and Recreation
Medieval fun at menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s open â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;spiel
Reel Paddling Film Festival here April 10
(Continued from page B6) Saturday afternoon saw a hilarious break from the action with the always entertaining Skills Contest. Brett Friesen outdueled the other paladins in assorted â&#x20AC;&#x153;curlingâ&#x20AC;? events and rode away with first prize. One of these years, someone will find a way to get all 16 rocks into the house in two minutes..... The â&#x20AC;&#x153;utensil-freeâ&#x20AC;? banquet on Saturday evening had our lords and ladies tucking into turkey legs and racks of ribs, as Comox Valley Catering provided a sumptuous feast. With its salad-free menu, kingly portions, and gravy everywhere, that meal will long be remembered as an epic spread. In the Colonial Countertops C Event, the Peter Olsen rink (Jim Hogarth, Dwight Fulmore, Chris Holmes) ran roughshod over the field during the weekend. The team won five of its six games, including a final game vanquishing of the Jeff Pilon rink. As always, many teams dressed for the occasion. We saw monks, squires, merchants, a bishop, a musketeer (?!), and lovely ladies to spare. Taking the top prize was the rink of Les Norman and his fellow Knights Templar who were not shy about displaying their Crusader outfits both on and off the ice. Where can one even get chainmail these days? The D Event was sponsored by Tony Pisto at Scotia McLeod, who has been a longtime and very active curling supporter. In the final, team Carr-Hilton (Cliff, Jay Dzuba, Cody Hall, Tyler Somerville) vanquished a Brian Baltis squad that just ran out of miracles after having a fine weekend. Team Carr-Hilton had been reeling, but recovered nicely from its tight loss to Cote in the opening-game â&#x20AC;&#x153;Battle of the Gingers.â&#x20AC;? All in all, this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s spiel was another triumph. Kudos go out to all of our supporters and volunteers who made it possible. Excelsior!
The winners, from left to right, skip to lead: Val Schultz, Stasia Johnson, LeeAnne Alberti, Mare Michell, and missing Colleen Robson.
MICHELL RINK WINS LADIES CURLING CLUB CHAMPION TITLE As the curling season winds up there was a playoff for ladies club champion and qualification for the North Island playdowns in Port McNeil, B.C. The eligible teams in Tuesday, Thursday, and Monday night leagues, were Melanie Rait, Mare Michell, Barb Dixson, Sandra Gallaway, Mary Holden, Ellie Nicholas, Gloria Sandberg, and Deb Goodwin. On Tuesday March 25th the eight ladies teams played off in a single knockout competition. The final two - Sandra Gallaway and Mare
Michell teams - played off on Thursday March 27th. After a very close game the Michell team defeated the Gallaway team in an extra end. The Mare Michell rink: skip Val Schultz, third Stasia Johnson, second LeeAnne Alberti, lead Mare Michell and 5th player Colleen Robson have been successful at the North Island Playdowns and they advance to the BC Dominion playdowns in Richmond, B.C on April 16-20/14. The ladies league members congratulate the Michell rink on their achievements and wish them
Alberni Outpost is proud to host the 8th Annual Reel Paddling Film Festival in support of the BC Marine Trails Network in Duncan, Courtenay, and Nanaimo April 9, 10 & 11. The festival inspires more people to explore rivers, lakes and oceans, push physical and emotional extremes, embrace an outdoor lifestyle and appreciate the heritage of the wild places we paddle. The Reel Paddling Film Festival is a contest awarding films in 10 categories. The winners and other shortlisted films then tour more than 100 cities around the world, screening for an audience of more than 35,000 outdoor adventure enthusiasts and their friends and families. Alberni Outpost has been a huge supporter of the BC Marine Trails project for a number of years. They are donating 50% of the proceeds this year, which will be used for ground proofing and further work on the trails network. The Reel Paddling Film Fest will be in Courtenay April 10th, at the Stan Hagen Theatre. All showing times are 7pm and tickets can be purchase in advance for $12 at all Alberni Outpost stores and online at www.albernioutpost.com or at the door for $15. BC Marine Trails Network: http:// www.bcmarinetrails.org/
Return to Sender win social league volleyball title
A* Teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ryan Allester pounds a spike past the block from Just the Tip in Comox Valley Sports & Social Club A Tier volleyball action this winter. Return to Sender took first place over Amp TNT in the A Tier, while Show Us Your Tips won the B Tier.
Return to Sender has returned to champion status. The Comox Valley Sports & Social Club volleyball team is A Tier champion again with a decisive 3-0 win over challenger Amp TNT in the winter season finale. The team last won the A Tier title in the fall of 2011, but despite constant roster changes, has steadily been a contender behind the leadership of captain Daniel Kooman. The win caps an impressively perfect 15-0 season, in which the club only lost a single set despite a number of close calls. That set was lost to Amp TNT, and the re-match in the final fizzled in part due to their captain and setter, Taylor Thibeault, missing in action. Spike TV nabbed third place in the A Tier with a 3-2 win over Planet Volleywood, while Around the Block finished in fifth with a 3-0 win over the A* Team and Just the Tip finished in 7th with a 3-1
win over Set to Kill. In the B Tier, Show Us Your Tips emerged in first place with a 3-0 win over the Thrillbillies in the final. The win marked backto-back B Tier titles for the team and three of the past four. Strike Farce took third place with a 3-1 win over the Ancient Mariners, while Getting Tipsy finished in 5th spot by dispatching Served On Ice 3-0, and Net Assets took seventh spot with a 3-1 win over Bumplestiltskin. Registration is open until April 14 for the CVSSCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Spring Sports Leagues, including another season of Indoor Volleyball and the addition of Beach Volleyball to the lineup. Other popular co-ed leagues include Soccer, Ultimate Frisbee, Flag Football, Slo Pitch and Kickball. More info can be found at www. comoxvalleysports.ca or by contacting Scott at 250.898.7286 and scott@comoxvalleysports.ca.
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401 Ryan Road, Courtenay www.sunwestvw.ca s 250-338-1221 s SALES SUNWESTAUTO COM