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Volume 20, No. 31

Lawyers press on as Maple Pool Friends reveal who they are

By Philip Round Echo Staff

École Robb Road students, from kindergarten to grade 7, are rallying together to encourage the community to vote for the school in the MAJESTA Trees of Knowledge Competition.

Ecole Robb Road needs your vote as they drop down to fifth spot Elementary school is gunning for $20,000 outdoor classroom prize

By Michael Briones Echo Staff Ecole Robb Road students are encouraging residents, parents, and friends in the Comox Valley to help them make their outdoor classroom a reality. All they need is your vote - once a day until May 5.

The Comox school is participating in the MAJESTA Trees of Knowledge Competition and is one of ten finalists for the $20,000 outdoor classroom prize.

They’re competing against other schools from Alberta, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Ontario, and Quebec.

The school that garners the most votes wins.

The local parent who is helping in the

project, Natasha Taylor, said in its second week of voting, the school has dropped from fourth to fifth place.

“We need our community to support us,” said Taylor.

Comox Valley residents can vote daily and enter to win $10,000 from MAJESTA by visiting majestatreesofknowledge.ca from April 7 to May 5.

“We need to remind them to vote for Ecole Robb Road every day,” said Taylor.

“They don’t have to be connected to the school. Just vote for the school. The adult voters have a chance to win $10,000.” École Robb Road students, from kindergarten to grade 7, are rallying together to promote awareness in the community about their efforts to raise funds for their

outdoor classroom project.

Last Wednesday, the students held an exhibit of a variety of art works that portray what they want their outdoor classroom project to look like. They presented their vision in a variety of mediums that included photography, drawings and 3D multi-media art forms.

Some students donated their art to a silent auction. One hundred per cent of the proceeds will go towards the project.

The school plans to hold a different event every Wednesday until the voting ends. This coming Wednesday, the principal and staff will be camping out in the garden to draw more attention to their project. The school is also accepting donations for their outdoor classroom project.

City staff have now given marching orders to the municipality’s lawyers to press on with the Maple Pool campground case.

And legal counsel for the new party in the case, who is raising a constitutional Charter of Rights issue on behalf of a site resident, says she hopes to file her detailed pleadings with the court within days.

In a further move, many of the ‘Friends of Maple Pool’ who are opposing the City Council’s stance on the issue have identified themselves to avoid being seen as a group in the shadows - and are encouraging other sympathizers to join them.

As fully reported in Tuesday’s Echo, the City has issued a lengthy statement explaining its position and why it considers it is right to fight on, while the Friends of Maple Pool have produced a strongly-worded counter-statement of their own.

From the tone of both, it is clear the gloves are off in what could be a long and expensive legal battle.

The official process to get things moving was explained by the municipality’s chief administrative officer David Allen this week.

“Through our lawyer, the next step will be to write to the successful counsel for the new party (Lee Mayzes, who is raising the Charter of Rights issues on behalf of campground resident Greg Wesson) and to Mr. Ward (counsel representing site owners Jin and Dali Lin) to advise that we are proceeding,” he said.

“We will request that they file the necessary order of Mr. Justice Baird, and any responses and notices of Constitutional Question they propose, and advise that the City will be relying on its flood construction bylaw and related Provincial regulations in this respect.

“Once we receive their new or amended response materials, we will begin preparation of our reply pleadings and affidavits to respond to the Charter arguments and the flood hazard issues.”

The Echo understands this process outside the court could take some time, so any early resolution of the issue that has become a political hot potato is now unlikely.

However, Mayzes told the Echo on Wednesday she would be ready to file her pleadings with the court very soon, likely within days, to keep the matter moving from her side.

Meanwhile, so that people could see just who they are, the Friends of Maple Pool are keen to nail their personal colours to the mast.

(Continued on page 2)

Lest we forget New Courtenay streets to be named in honour of two WW1 soldiers

By Philip Round Echo Staff Two new streets in Courtenay are to be named in honour of two local soldiers who died on active service in the First World War, which started 100 years ago this year.

Developers of the Copperfield residential subdivision at the junction of Cumberland and Arden Roads have chosen to honour the family names of Corporal Robert Swanson and Corporal John Steele for two of the new roads accessing the properties.

City councillors endorsed the choice at their meeting on Monday, noting the developer had chosen them from names memorialized on the Sandwick Cairn but not yet allocated to any street in the municipality.

Ends April 30/14

Accounts of the life, times and service of the two men are recorded in the Lest We Forget memorial book compiled in the 1970s by Ruth Masters and displayed at Courtenay and District Museum. Masters spent years gathering what information she could about all those named on the war memorial.

Swanson was born in Nanaimo in 1895, and in 1916 enlisted with the newly-created 102nd Canadian Infantry Battalion - initially referred to as the Comox-Atlin Overseas Battalion. He sailed to Britain in June of that year, and then on to France in August.

He was promoted twice while on active service, and was awarded the Military Medal for gallant conduct in forcing the enemy back by “throwing bombs until he was absolutely

exhausted” so a block of Allied troops could move forward.

A few months later, a letter he sent was quoted by the Courtenay Review.

In part, it read: “The work I am doing is a little different from shoveling snow in Courtenay, and the snowballs I throw are harder. Of course, I don’t want to hold them too long, because they may melt - and instead of getting cold they get hot.”

He was killed in action on May 11, 1917 and is buried in a military cemetery at Vimy in France.

Corporal John Steele - whose family name appears to be incorrectly carved on the memorial cairn tablet, missing the final ‘e’ - was born in Inverness in 1878, and was part of a group of Scottish settlers who headed for Canada in 1884 when he was just six years of age.

His family initially went to the North West Territories, but John arrived in BC in 1900, working in logging camps before enlisting in the same regiment as Swanson - the 102nd Battalion - two days before Christmas 1915.

He embarked for Britain in June the following year and set sail for France on the same day as Swanson - August 11, 1916.

On October 8 he wrote to his brother, noting he couldn’t say too much because of the censors, but wanted to send “just a few lines to let you know I am well.” He added: “We have been on the front for some time and our losses have been rather heavy, but I am glad to say most of them will be back with us soon.”

He, too, had been promoted twice while in France, but was killed by a

heavy explosive shell in late October, just three weeks after sending that note home. He is buried in a military cemetery near Rouen in France.

A third shorter street in the Copperfield development will carry the name of another well-known local family that has made its mark on the community - Bickle.

The family was deeply involved with newspaper publishing on Vancouver Island for more than a century, including founding the Comox District Free Press, and also established and ran popular theatres in Cumberland, Courtenay and Campbell River. Several organizations and causes have benefited from bequests from the family over the years. pround@comoxvalleyecho.com

A2 Comox Valley Echo Friday, April 18, 2014

News

Comox Valley Weather

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Friday, 18 April Cloudy.

High 11°C.

Saturday, 19 April Cloudy with 60% chance of showers.

Low 8°C. High 10°C.

Sunday, 20 April Cloudy.

Low 7°C. High 12°C.

Monday, 21 April Cloudy with 60% chance of showers.

Low 7°C. High 13°C.

Tuesday, 22 April Cloudy.

Low 6°C. High 14°C.

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For the latest Comox Valley Weather visit: www.comoxvalleyecho.com

Taxes set to rise $33 for Cumberland residents

By Drew A. Penner Echo Staff Cumberland homeowners are expected to face a 1.5 per cent tax increase after council voted unanimously in support of first and second readings of the 2014 financial plan and tax rate bylaws April 14. This means based on an average family residential assessment of $259,401 taxes would go up $33 per resident.

“I think we’re pretty strong,” said chief financial officer Michelle Mason. “We’re trending towards having good stability.”

The financial plan is not set in stone yet and would still need to pass third and fourth readings.

The modest increase results from operating expenses under the document of $4.12 million and a budget for capital acquisitions of $2.49 million.

Tax rates for industrial (which represents $6.6 million in assessments) and business (which represents $40 million in assessments) went up to 8.6.

With $674,388 in capital reserves - up 34.7 per cent from last year - and a surplus of $3,617,248 left over from

last year the Village has a bit of wiggle room.

According to Mason there’s a lot of room for growth in the community, although with that growth will come additional costs.

“We need to probably start looking at figuring out how to replace all our infrastructure in a timely manner,” she said. “We’re in a net asset position.

“We’re not using debt as much. Of course we have debt on the books.”

Essentially what this means is future taxes won’t be required to pay for past expenses.

Dam upgrade big item This year’s budget forecasts some impressive construction for the community.

The Steven’s Lake Dam seismic stabilization program is the largest ticket item on the list of capital projects this year at $575,900, although the newer plan to buttress the dam with rocks the Village hopes to get for free from TimberWest is significantly lower than it would have cost to build a completely new dam, as expected.

There is $359,160 in place for vehi-

cle replacement.

Municipal infrastructure improvements are a big part of upgrades that will be taking place next year, under the proposed spending.

And the Village is embarking on a further inflow and infiltration reduction investigation process to the tune of $15,000 next year to figure out what else needs to be done to find out which pipes need to be fixed next.

There is also $440,000 to be used to acquire land for a new fire hall this year.

Extra money for wildfire protection There had been $10,000 set aside for a wild land structural protection unit trailer, which comes from the host community amenity fund - the $300,000 annual contribution from the regional district as a bonus for having the landfill in Cumberland’s back yard. But elected officials went further. They felt it was important to pitch in an additional $10,000 on top from the operating budget in order to properly outfit that mobile fire support system with the correct tools to get the job done.

“You can’t stop a wild fire,” explained fire chief Mike Williamson.

MP for Vancouver Island North, John Duncan, presents a cerfiticate of the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights to Comox Valley Transition Society executive director Heather Ney to mark National Victims of Crime Awareness Week.

Duncan says new bill to treat victims of crime better

By Michael Briones Echo Staff National Victims of Crime Awareness Week was celebrated across Canada last week.

With the theme “Taking Action,”

its aim was to raise awareness about issues facing victims of crime and the services, programs and laws in place to help victims and their families.

Among the many events that were organized during Victims Week was

Friends of Maple Pool (Continued from page 1) They include a number of wellknown businesspeople and citizens in the Valley, several of whom have offered their professional skills, labour or materials to assist the campground in any necessary improvements. And they are keen to note they come from right across the political spectrum.

Among the names are Mike Hamilton, Evelyn Gillespie, Bob Wells, Andrew Gower, James Clancy,

Brent Cunliffe, Ted Brooks, Tom Grant, Jeff Hartbower, Danny Zanbilowicz, Rudy Sanchez, Jean Rowe, Dennis and Brian Dineen, Jorden Marshall, Glen McInnes, Jack McLeod and Andy Whitaker.

Now that it appears there could be a long road ahead before the issue is resolved, the Friends say they will be setting up a website shortly to share information with the public and to receive further messages of support. pround@comoxvalleyecho.com

the free public presentation hosted by the Comox Valley Community Justice Centre. It featured North America’s leading gender violence educator, Dr. Jackson Katz, who focused on strategies for engaging men and boys in gender violence prevention, on the importance of collaboration with women and the vulnerable, the powerful role that bystanders play.

John Duncan, MP for Vancouver Island North, attended the event. He brought to light on Monday the Federal Government’s recent action to create the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights to give victims a more effective voice in the criminal justice system.

“We are proud to rebalance the scales of Canadian justice to ensure that innocent victims of crime have clear rights in our system,” said

“We would set up these sprinkler systems and ponds that are unmanned.”

When the fire goes through it goes through really quickly and it dies out and a lot of houses can be saved.

“Cumberland has places where it can happen,” he said. “It takes an engine to protect a house. We only have two engines. With the unit we can probably save six houses.”

Recreation has a high priority Recreation will get a huge boost over the next year in Cumberland, which has a significant number of families with young and growing children.

The trail network will get kiosks for $6,000. Cumberland Lake Park is in line for $16,100 towards the boat dock replacement and $12,000 for a water reservoir tank. The dog park would get $6,465 worth of upgrades and $20,800 would go to landscaping Village Park.

Bikers and skaters got a major vote in their favour at the meeting when councilors supported $27,000 for a jump park, $25,000 for skate park designs and $300,000 to be set aside for its actual construction. This repDuncan. “The new legislation introduced in parliament aims to ensure that victims are at the heart of our judicial system and that they have the right to information protection, participation and restitution.”

Duncan said that they want to make it known to victims that the government has heard them and are squarely on their side.

“Victims will have enforceable rights in Canada’s criminal justice system, will be treated with the respect and fairness they deserved and have a stronger voice,” he said.

Duncan presented a Canadian Victims Bill of Rights certificate to Heather Ney, executive director of the Comox Valley Transitional Society, which organizes the annual Purple Ribbon Campaign.

Ney said they were pleased to receive funding of $2,700 from the Department of Justice Canada to be able to realize their long-time wish to host Dr. Katz, who is recognized as one of America’s leading antisexist male activists and one of the key architects of the “bystander” approach to gender violation prevention.

During his visit in the Valley, Katz made a number of public presentations that included one at Mark Isfeld titled the “Macho Paradox: why some men hurt women and how all men can help. Katz also had a men’s leadership breakfast that was attended by over 60 leaders in the community.

“What he had to say and the challenges he gave to the community was well-received,” said Ney. The campaign, said Ney, is helping raise awareness on the issue of domestic violence and also in challenging the people to stand up against it.

“That is exactly what Dr. Katz’s message was,” said Ney. “He was rein-

resents a full year of money Cumberland receives for accepting the rest of the Valley’s waste.

Strategic goals were recognized with $32,000 for the Cemeteries Master Plan, $33,000 for the Heritage Structure Conservation and Management Plan and $136,275 for the Liquid Waste Management Plan, among other priorities.

Getting ready for future growth It’s all meant to prep the community for its future growth opportunities.

“With the development that can occur in Cumberland we have the potential to grow quite well,” Mason said. “With that brings a higher assessment base.”

All that vacant land would create more tax revenue once developed.

“That will bring us a higher value for property assessment,” she said.

“With that comes extra costs of course.”

How quickly this could happen is the big question mark in the scenario.

“The economy has sort of slowed down,” she said.

“It’s anyone’s guess now how it will move forward.” forcing what we’ve been saying in the last three years. Sometimes you have to hear it from a man, which is the unfortunate thing. But I think people were taking notes. He challenges leaders to be good mentors of healthy relationships and anti-gender violence for the youth in any community.”

The ultimate goal, Ney said, is to reduce the amount of domestic and family violence in the Comox Valley and in the world “by changing attitudes towards power and control.”

Final approval to waive blue box fee in Courtenay Final approval has been given to curbside garbage, yard waste and recycling collection charges Courtenay homeowners will pay with their property taxes this year.

As previously reported, the original plan for a total $163 annual charge for each single-family home is being reduced to just over $152. That’s because from May 19 the City will not have to cover the cost of blue box pickup, as it will be paid for from financial incentives offered to the municipality by Multi-Materials BC at least for this year.

At Monday night’s council meeting, a bylaw containing the revised figures, including a similar $11 credit for those in multi-family properties, was given final approval.

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Comox Valley Echo Friday, April 18, 2014 A3

News

All aboard to have a say on future of bus services

By Philip Round Echo Staff A second round of community consultation on the future of bus services in the Comox Valley will take place next week - and, appropriately, it will be hosted on a bus.

Comox Valley Regional District and BC Transit are using the Transit Future exhibition bus for a tour of the Valley starting on Wednesday (April 23) and running through to Saturday.

It will call at 11 locations, from Oyster River to Buckley Bay, over the four days and stay for between an hour and three hours depending on the site.

The tour will allow people to view the displays and complete surveys to give their opinions on everything from routes and bus sizes to fare levels and subsidies.

The Transit Future team will be travelling with the bus to answer questions seek feedback on the proposed transit network that has been developed following the phase one consultations.

The exhibition bus first toured the Comox Valley last summer, seeking public opinion in order to develop the region’s 25-year Transit Future Plan. During that first phase more than 1,700 people hopped on board the bus, many of them on Canada Day when the bus was stationed at Lewis Park.

The full program of stops next week is: Wednesday (April 23): 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Dunsmuir Ave (between 2nd and 3rd), Cumberland; 2-4 p.m.

I-Hos Gallery, Comox Road; and 5-7 p.m. Discovery Foods, Oyster River.

Thursday (April 24): 9-11 a.m.

Driftwood Mall, Courtenay; 12:301.30 p.m. Union Bay Post Office; and

3-5:30 p.m. Downtown Courtenay (4th and Cliffe). Friday (April 25): 9-11:30 a.m. Quality Foods, Comox; 1-3 p.m. Comox Centre Mall; and 4:30-6 p.m. Buckley Bay ferry terminal. Saturday April 26: 9-12 noon Comox Valley Farmers Market, Headquarters Road, Courtenay; and 1-4 p.m. Earth Week Festival, Lake Trail School, Courtenay.

The survey can also be completed online until May 9 at www.bctransit. com/transitfuture and then click on the ‘Comox Valley’ link to learn more and take part.

Decisions on the long-term shape of bus services will likely be taken regional district directors later this summer, so that the first steps in implementing any near-term changes can take place next year, budgets permitting. pround@comoxvalleyecho.com

REZONING OF INDUSTRIAL LAND WILL BE FOCUS OF PUBLIC HEARING

By Philip Round Echo Staff Proposals to amend the zoning of nearly eight acres of light industrial land in south Courtenay are to be the focus of a public hearing.

The vacant property, between Christie Parkway and the E&N railway track, is currently zoned ‘Industrial Light’ - an inheritance from the days when it was within Comox Valley Regional District’s jurisdiction.

Now Upper Island Developments Ltd. (UID) proposes to give it what is called ‘Industrial 2’ zoning, which adds several potential commercial uses to the land while deleting others.

Among the new possibilities would be a commercial laundry, auction centre, indoor entertainment facility, pet day care, printing and publishing operation, and even a school or radio station. Plenty of other activities already allowed on the land would remain, such as manufacturing, auto repair and servicing, veterinary clinic, and warehousing.

Uses now existing, but which would no longer be allowed if the change in zoning goes through, include garden nurseries, commercial greenhouses, wood processing, pet crematoria, and bed-and-breakfast operations.

UID’s ultimate idea if the new zoning is approved is to subdivide

the long narrow site into as many as 14 marketable lots, each around half an acre in size and all accessed from the old Island Highway via Marriot Road and Christie Parkway. The possibility would exist to link adjoining lots to create bigger sites for interested clients.

City planners support the proposal while noting that if the subsequent subdivision of the land proceeds, the applicant should be required to carry out some road improvements and also extend City sewer and water mains to service all the lots.

Council agreed on Monday the public hearing should be held on Monday, May 5 at Courtenay City Hall (5 p.m.). pround@comoxvalleyecho.com

LINES GOING DOWN: The painting of new road markings to create dedicated bike lanes, designated on-street parking stalls, and turn lanes with directional arrows continued along Fitzgerald Avenue in Courtenay this week. Because of the arrival of wet weather mid-week, there were expected to be some delays in completing the work, which also aims to improve sightlines at junctions and enhance pedestrian crossings. The project affects the stretch of the road between 8th and 21st Streets and is being funded mainly by the City, although grants towards the cost are being sought from the provincial government and ICBC.

BC’s cultural push results in $34.5k for friendship centre Future of $150k from feds for Wachiay remains in question

By Drew A. Penner Echo Staff The provincial government has infused a local aboriginal organization with thousands of dollars, just as it runs out of $150,000 in federal funding, at least for now. The Wachiay Friendship Centre Society in Courtenay was given $34,500 as part of the latest round of provincial grants under the BC Creative Spaces program to help further its screen-printing and northwest coast arts education.

“It just came in the mail,” said Michael Colclough, executive director of the friendship centre on Monday. “That’s for building a mezzanine floor in our building.”

Currently wet and dry labs have displaced

workers from two offices as the 35-week course, now sanctioned by School District 71, moves through its third year.

Meanwhile, the organization was told in early February by the Harper Conservatives it would lose $85,000 in annual funding for core operations and $70,000 for its Cultural Connections for Aboriginal Youth initiative.

Colclough is optimistic this funding can be regained, although he expects there will be a lot more paperwork involved.

“We wish we would have had more advance notice,” he said. “We can proceed without those funds for a little while.”

The local friendship centre provides support to elders in the community, aids families dealing with the affects of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, offers rental subsidies and referrals to offset housing challenges and runs an after school youth drop-in program, among other programs.

The drop-in program falls under the Cultural Connections for Aboriginal Youth banner, which equips students with employment readiness, healthy living and healthy eating compo-

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nents, and is currently at risk due to the loss in federal funds.

“We feel you have to have a healthy body to have a healthy mind,” he said, noting work-out sessions are held twice a week.

The friendship centre serves the 4,000 aboriginals in the Comox Valley and 7,000 in the Strathcona region. However, the majority of Wachiay clients are non-aboriginal people who they are happy to support, as well.

The youth program also helps teach aboriginal youth here in Courtenay a little more about their past.

“When you’re living in an urban setting and you’ve never lived on the reserve basically you’re disenfranchised,” he said. “You’re a wandering soul that doesn’t have any link to your community.”

Local artists Andy Everson and Andy MacDougal help teach the art program, the one receiving the new provincial funding.

“It’s open to any artist who wishes to screen print,” Colclough explained. “Eventually it’s going to be some sort of a social enterprise cooperative.” In total non-profit cultural organi-

zations, First Nations and friendship centres will share $804,000 in these provincial art infrastructure grants.

“Arts and culture organizations add vitality and expression to community life,” said community, sport and cultural development minister Coralee Oakes in a release.

“Arts infrastructure funding will enable great local organizations and First Nations communities to expand, renovate and improve their creative spaces. These practical investments will help British Columbia’s vibrant cultural life continue to flourish.”

So far the BC Creative Spaces program has awarded 41 grants to help arts and cultural organizations in communities throughout the province develop new spaces, improve existing facilities and either purchase or upgrade specialized equipment.

Other projects recently announced include $24,000 for the Evergreen Cultural Centre Society in Coquitlam, $21,000 for the Island Mountain Arts Society in Wells, $15,000 for the Stage North Theatre Society in Fort St. John and $13,000 for the Okanagan Symphony Society

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Beginning April 21 thru to June 27, 2014 construction crews will be upgrading sewer mains, roads, and sidewalks along Beaufort Avenue; mainly between Nordin Street and Comox Avenue. Non local motorists and pedestrians are encouraged to use alternate routes around the construction zone to avoid delays. Local residents and service providers will experience single lane alternating traffic between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 pm, and may experience delays from time to time. Emergency services will maintain unrestricted access thru the site, at all times.

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If you have any construction or traffic related questions or concerns regarding this project, please contact Knappett Industries at (250)390-3022, or info@knappettindustries.com We thank you in advance for your cooperation during this construction period.

A4 Comox Valley Echo Friday, April 18, 2014

Gardening

Top 10 plants for the spring garden

By Ellen Presley Anderton Nursery

Jamey Lauinger

Valley Succulent Specialty Nursery opens this weekend Whether you are looking for an unusual gift for a gardener friend, an indoor cacti or a succulent for your garden, Valley Succulent Specialty Nursery has hundreds (thousands) of succulents and cacti that will amaze and fascinate you.

Jamey Lauinger, the owner specializes in seeking out rare and unusual species of cold hardy succulents and cacti both locally and internationally and growing many of these species from seed.

This year the opening for the nursery is April 19th and 20th, from 9:00 am-5:00 pm.

The nursery is located at 2210 Anderton Road at the corner of Anderton and Ellenor Road (ferry road).

During the season, regular hours will be Friday 12 to 5 pm, Sat 1-5 and Sun 11-4 and by appointment.

Valley Succulent takes cash at this point.

For more information and to see the wide range of plants available visit www.valleysucculents. ca or Facebook Drop by this Saturday or Sunday and enjoy a complimentary coffee and get your name in the hat for the Grand Prize draw!

Tim e

Spring is such a wonderful time of year. After the dormant Winter, buds and blossoms begin to break forth. When planning your garden, make sure you indulge in some of the fantastic array of plants available. We often try to rush the season and head straight to Summer but don’t miss the magic of Spring.

For structure add some trees such as the Magnolia. There are many different types of Magnolia and one of the most stunning is the Star Magnolia. It is like fireworks bursting from the garden, each bud exploding in multiple petals. Two easy to grow varieties are the Award of Merit RHS, Magnolia ‘Leonard Messel’ which is a Lilac-pink and the showy white Magnolia stellata. Both are slightly fragrant, like full sun to part shade and are easy to grow.

At only 15-20 feet, they will suit most yards and the deer don’t nibble on them.

For a golden blaze of color most people know the Forsythia, but don’t overlook the Kerria japonica pleniflora (Japanese Rose). This plant forms a lovely bush of large fluffy, yellow pom-pom like flowers. It is a very vigorous grower, loves full sun or part shade, is disease and pest free and easy to maintain. As it grows to maturity (8-10’), the many branches arch in graceful sprays of yellow, creating rays of sunshine in your garden.

A definite must for any Spring garden is the hardy Ribes sanguineum ‘King Edward VII’ (Flowering currant). Beautiful clusters of tiny pink flowers attract the hummingbirds to your garden and later produce blue-black berries that feed other wildlife. It likes the full sun, moist but well drained soil, is easy to grow and the deer don’t eat it.

A charming little bush is the Berberis thunbergii ‘Golden Nugget’. It has attractive yellow leaves that start in the Spring with a hint of pink, maintain their wonderful color all Summer and then turn orange in the Fall. It also produces small berries which attract the birds. It is drought tolerant, deer resistant and will last in the garden for 20 years. Excellent border plant.

Forget-me-not is a wonderful Spring flower with tiny blue flowers, but it tends to reseed everywhere. For a more well-behaved

n to get into the Garde

Pulmonaria ‘Little Star’

Arabis caucasica variegata is a wonderful plant

A must for any spring garden is the hardy Ribes sanguineum King Edward VII

Japanese Rose

plant try Pulmonaria (Lungwort).

The darling Pulmonaria ‘Little Star’ has adorable freckled leaves with clusters of miniature nodding

!

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flower heads which start out pink and turn cobalt blue as they mature. This plant attracts hummingbirds to your garden and the variegation of the leaves really brightens up a dark area.

The Brunnera macrophylla ‘Looking Glass’ and ‘Hadspen Cream’ have small delicate blue flowers with a carpet of variegated foliage in shades of light green, cream and white. Great for the shade garden and rabbits don’t eat them.

For the sun, the fragrant Aurinia saxatillis ‘Basket of Gold’ or ‘Gold Dust’ adds sprays of sunshine along the garden path. This perennial Alyssum is easy to grow and

makes an excellent ground cover or use to cascade over rock walls.

It will attract butterflies but the deer will leave it alone. Plant in full sun and well-drained soil.

Aubretia is another great ground cover adding the Easter colors to the garden: mounds of deep pink and purple trailing over rock walls. Loving the full sun, this hardy plant is great for rambling throughout the rock garden. Give it good drainage and trim back after blooming.

Euphorbias have lovely form and texture. They vary in height and add interest and warmth to the garden. Euphorbia ‘Wulfieii’ is a great architectural plant. It will get up to 3 feet in a couple of years, is great as a cut flower, loves the full sun and is drought resistant. The dwarf Euphorbia ‘Polychroma’ (Cushion Spurge) only grows to 12 inches in height and width. They are all rabbit and deer resistant and the flowers (Bracts) are very long lasting.

It is hard not to fall in love with every plant, but the one that is amazing this year is the Arabis caucasica variegata (Wall Cress). It is outstanding. This plant has a wonderful white flower but the leaf is extraordinary. It is a serrated light green leaf edged in a creamy white. Great in the rock garden or used to edge your garden, Arabis are drought tolerant, deer and rabbit resistant, evergreen and fragrant. Give them good drainage and trim after blooming.

Make the most out of your garden by capturing all the seasons.

These Spring plants should get your gardening off to a good start.

Happy Gardening.

Comox Valley Echo Friday, April 18, 2014 A5

News

e For Som

Things,

You Still H ave All Day

A L L D AY G R I L L

795 Ryan Road Our full breakfast menu is available until 4pm every day

Comox Firefighters to donate more AEDS

Charis Hughes practices using her Worship Flags in preparation for Easter morning.

St. Peter’s plans community Easter celebration Local church relocates to the Comox Recreation Centre for Easter morning There is nothing like a great celebration!

And that is just what St. Peter’s Church in Comox is planning for Easter Sunday morning - a great celebration!

The service will open with a short dramatic presentation. Traditional hymns and modern worship songs will be sung - all declaring the good news of the Risen Lord!

The music is sure to be beautiful.

Young liturgical dancers have been preparing to share their gifts of worship and the children of the parish will be joining the festival.

St. Peter’s Church has once again decided to move their Easter Sunday morning service to the Comox Recreation Centre.

“Last year, we celebrated The Resurrection at the Comox Recreation Centre, and we were able to welcome many community members to come and join us,“ declares Jim Lyster, the Parish Priest. “We hope that many people will come and join us again.

Please know that you are very welcome.”

While there will be no formal nursery or Sunday School, families with young children will find a quiet play centre open during the entire service. Activity packs for children will also be available. Following the service, children will enjoy taking part in an egg hunt.

You don’t have to be Anglican to appreciate the joy of this Easter Sunday morning

service. All will find a warm welcome to discover the hope that is open to all.

Please take note that the service time is 1/2 hour earlier than usual. Easter Sunday Worship will begin at 9:30 am on April 20th at the Comox Recreation Centre, located at 1855 Noel Ave in Comox.

Other Easter Weekend Services will take place at St. Peter’s Church on the corner of Church St. and Comox Avenue. These will include a Contemporary Vigil on Saturday April 19 at 5:40 p.m. and a Prayer Book Resurrection Sunday Service at 7:30 am.

For more information, please call 250339-6416.

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) can strike at any timeduring work, while at church, or while visiting your local business. Fewer than 10% of SCA victims typically survive, but studies show that 30% to 50% would likely survive if CPR and AEDs were used within five minutes of collapse.

Communities across the country are responding by implementing Public Access Defibrillation programs. Public Access Defibrillation programs include both access to AEDS and training.

Comox Fire Rescue knows the value of AEDs as they carry AEDs on most of their emergency vehicles and also have one mounted in their fire station.

They are hoping to have more public access AEDs available in Comox, particularly in Comox businesses where many citizens spend a lot of time.

Their long term goal is to have an AED available in almost every business and public building in Comox.

Public access AEDS are very simple to use, maintain and do save lives!

Comox Fire Rescue is hoping many businesses will purchase their own AED. However they are also willing to cost sharing an AED for up to ten businesses.

A public access AED costs approximately $1500.00. The fire department has agreed that if a business were to donate half of this amount ($750.00) the fire department would cover the remaining cost and place an AED in the business. They will also provide both CPR and AED training to the businesses staff.

A public access AED located in your business can help to save the life of a valued customer, staff member or even yourself.

Please contact Comox Fire Rescue at firehall@comox.ca if you have any questions or would like to participate in this exciting project.

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Expanded City boundary scoops up more rural properties

By Philip Round Echo Staff Without fanfare, the municipal boundary of Courtenay has been extended to scoop up another part of the neighbouring regional district.

Last year the City made a well-publicized bid to annex more than 100 properties to the south of Courtenay, at that time all within rural Area A - and affected owners were surveyed for their opinions.

The results suggested views were split. Of the 72 who responded, 43 supported the idea and 29 were opposed - but a further 28 did not reply at all.

The land proposed for annexation included properties in an area roughly bounded by the E&N rail track and the estuary shoreline, between Fraser and Chinook Roads, along with two large blocks further west along Fraser Road, and a spur of properties in the Monaltrie Road and Park Lane areas.

When the City formally applied to the provincial government for permission to take jurisdiction of the area, they were told more work

needed to be done before the minister could make a decision.

But at the same time, Victoria approved three other annexations requested by the City - the Lannan Lands adjoining Crown Isle; Beaver Meadows Farms off Anderton Road; and the Baptist Church on Lake Trail Road. Each of those properties was in a single ownership, and all the owners supported the transfer, but the Province put the south Courtenay expansion on the back burner to give the implications more thought.

After many months of silence in public, the annexation was approved through a provincial Order in Council. That decision was listed with numerous others on a myriad of subjects in the BC Gazette, the official legal journal, and the City then informed the affected residents.

Because of the difference in property taxes levied by the Regional District and the City, a three-year transition period has been offered to phase in the increases. The City’s director of financial services, Tillie Manthey, confirmed to councillors last week that such a cush-

TAG DAY SUCCESS: Members of 1726 Canadian Scottish Regiment Royal Canadian Army Cadets celebrated a hugely successful ‘tag day’ on Saturday. Money raised during the event will help fund various cadet activities, as well as purchase new uniforms and more. Pictured collecting ion has been built in to this year’s proposed municipal budget.

And while homeowners in the area will each face a big bills for hooking up to a new public sewer passing through the area to get them off existing septic systems,

outside Walmart are three of the many involved at various locations in the Valley - from the left, Cadet Charlie Doll, Lance Corporal Alex Potts, and Master Corporal Jeremy Jensen-Smythe (Photo: Rick Yurkewich)

they will be offered financial arrangements allowing them to pay back the money over 15 years.

Courtenay’s director of development services, Peter Crawford, told the Echo this week that in the near future there would be further com-

munication with residents about the issues and opportunities now they were within the municipal boundary. pround@comoxvalleyecho.com

www.cvts.ca

A6 Comox Valley Echo Friday, April 18, 2014

News

Island politicians overwhelmed by loss of Jim Flaherty

By Drew A. Penner Echo Staff In the darkest days after Vancouver Island North MP John Duncan lost his Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development portfolio there weren’t a ton of friendly phone calls pouring in from Ottawa.

But finance minister Jim Flaherty did a bit of research, picked up the phone and implored him to keep his chin up.

“He just wanted to make sure that this was only a setback,” he said. “It made all the difference to me. And it changed everything. We were no longer cabinet colleagues - we were friends” Ultimately Duncan would be reinstated as a minister and given the role of chief government whip, and Flaherty would set the Canadian economy on course towards balanced budget land before he stepped down earlier this year.

But he died suddenly April 10, just days after resigning.

Duncan was devastated.

“This has been a very emotional and significant time for everybody,” he said the following day, describing the scene on Parliament Hill. “Everybody’s basically leaving the Parliament buildings. It’s very quiet. It’s good that we had a planned recess for the next two weeks. I don’t think anybody felt good about trying to proceed in a normal way with the Legislature.”

John Duncan has set up a book of condolences constituents can sign at his Campbell River office until May 2.

Flaherty served as a mentor to many politicians in Ottawa and was determined to keep the country on solid financial footing in the face of a global recession.

“Canada’s response to the Great Recession of 2008 served us so well it’s now a textbook example for the rest of the world and for us in the future of what to do when the global financial world is falling apart,” Duncan said, adding he will always remember the good times with Flaherty, too. “He crossed party lines and was a great human being and was a guy that liked to have fun as well.”

Green Party leader Elizabeth May worked with Duncan to promote an initiative to build a national establish a national missing persons DNA databank, an idea that sprung out of the search for a girl who disappeared just south of Courtenay in 1993.

When Flaherty put the long fought for idea in his last budget, May gave him a hug.

“Having it approved in this budget meant a huge amount,” she said. “I’m glad I had the chance to thank him properly.”

Flaherty even mentioned the Comox Valley girl, Lindsey Nicholls, in his speech. After all, the initiative was named after her.

Judy Peterson, the missing girl’s mother, was present for the ceremony and has been reflecting on Flaherty’s broader legacy in recent days.

“I now understand that many budget decisions are attached to very personal issues and I am so thankful that he understood how important the missing persons DNA databank will be for all Canadians,” she said. “Sitting in the House of Commons gallery and watching him announce funding for Lindsey’s Law was a surreal and very emotional experience. I wish I could have thanked him in person.”

James Lunney, MP for NanaimoAlberni, said Island residents have benefited from projects Flaherty was instrumental in supporting such as the Volunteer Firefighters Tax Credit and the Search and Rescue Volunteers Tax Credit.

“Jim was a prince and a man and everybody loved him,” he said. “He

Mary Lynn 250-338-8024

never let on that he was suffering.

He always had a smile. He was quite an amazing guy.”

Catherine Bell, who preceded John Duncan as MP for Vancouver Island North, said even though as an NDP member she didn’t agree with many of his policies she still had respect for Flaherty.

“I just feel so bad for his family,” she said. “They’ve lost a hard-working guy. I don’t agree with his politics, coming from the other side, but he didn’t make it personal. If there’s a legacy he can leave I hope it’s to inspire his colleagues in the House to follow in his footsteps.”

I-Hos Gallary has a new expanded counter that manager Ramona Johnson said will help customers while they look at jewellery.

Commercial pot ban now in force A Courtenay-wide general prohibition of industrial-scale medical marijuana production came in to effect this week.

City Council unanimously gave final approval to a zoning amendment bylaw on Monday that outlaws such facilities anywhere in the municipality, unless a proponent applies to rezone a specific site and council is then prepared to approve the move after a full public process.

The bylaw, which came into effect immediately, also prohibits medical marijuana production as a home-based occupation.

I-HOS GALLERY SET TO SHOW-OFF NEW LOOK THIS WEEKEND

By Michael Briones Echo Staff The I-Hos Gallery got a makeover this week.

Manager Ramona Johnson said she can’t wait to open this Saturday sporting their new look.

“We’re quite excited about it,” said Johnson. “It will be good.”

It’s I-Hos’ first renovation since it opened 18 years ago. One of the changes that customers will notice first is the expansion of the counter area where jewellery is displayed.

“Jewellery is our biggest seller,” said Johnson. “I wanted to have a sitdown area for our rings and our

bracelets because normally when people come to see or purchase them they can be standing for an hour.

Now they have an area to sit.”

The new display area will also create more space for staff to move while they take care of customers, said Johnson.

“The work area we have right now is quite small so when a lot of us are working here we bump into each other,” said Johnson. “Now it’s going to be set up so that each jewellery stand has its fully contained work station. So everything that person is going to need is going to be in the drawers below them.”

To accommodate the increasing

number of visitors an extra cash register has also been added.

Johnson said the old counter has been donated to the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Campbell River.

“We’ve used it for 18 years so it’s kind of nice to know that some one else is going to,” said Johnson.

“ReStore staff were quite excited to get it. So something old for us is something new for some one else.”

The gallery is owned and operated by the K’omoks First Nation. It features authentic Northwest Coast artworks from renowned artists that include woodcarvings, masks, clothing, prints, gold and silver jewellery, cards and books.

Comox Valley Echo Friday, April 18, 2014 A7

News

Lesley Chatman was among the Cumberland residents who provided input on the draft Official Community Plan

Public pitches in with particulars on OCP

By Drew A. Penner Echo Staff About 25 people attended a public hearing April 15 considering Cumberland draft Official Community Plan prior to the province getting to have a look at the final version of the vision and strategy document.

Councillors and staff listened as a number of people from Cumberland stood to make oral submissions at the evening session held at the Cultural Centre on Dunsmuir Avenue.

“I do have some concerns about the draft OCP and I felt like this was the last kick at the can,” said Royston Road resident Lesley Chapman, explaining why it was important for her to step up to have her voice heard. “I just wanted to bring those concerns to their attention to have them considered.”

A big issue she mentioned was around a new residential densification boundary which will designate winners and losers in terms of who can build secondary suites (i.e. carriage houses).

“They’re proposing intensification in the downtown core and not on the larger properties on the outskirts which are larger properties which would be more contusive to carriage houses,” she said. “Everyone could benefit from having an in-law suite to help their aging parent or help out a child or bring in a secondary

income.”

She also said she was concerned about the ability to remediate contaminated soil from an old firing range by the Japanese town site since it is set to be designated as a park.

Chatman added it would be good to have a bike lane from the Village to the lake.

“Right now we have a partial bike lane,” she said. “That would provide another level of safety and be a green mode of population.”

CAO Sundance Topham said it was encouraging to have a solid chunk of residents attend the public meeting “It was good to hear positive comments about the work that has been done,” he said, acknowledging the feedback was mixed - particularly in terms of the plan to build up the core. “There was some people who liked densification in the core and some that thought that should extend beyond the downtown area.”

In total seven members of the public spoke with comments during the meeting.

The OCP has already gone through first and second readings. Next council will review the minutes of the public hearing and decide whether to make changes or not.

After that the draft will be go out for a look-over by the province. If all goes well the document will be in place by June.

For now administration is celebrating the progress that has been

made so far.

“This is an important process,” Topham said. “I liked the fact that people felt there was a good level of engagement.

“People feel like they have had an opportunity to be heard.”

It’s good exercise for residents too, since a new zoning bylaw looms on the horizon once the OCP is finally approved.

Is this your photo?

This vintage photograph was found in a book donated to the 4R’s Education Centre book sale. If it’s yours, it may be claimed at the Comox Valley Echo front office during business hours.

City urges input as ‘Citizen Budget’ goes live As the City of Courtenay closes in on setting property tax rates for 2014, it has launched its new online Citizen Budget tool offering people the chance to give feedback on this year’s spending plans.

The survey is now available through the City’s website (www. courtenay.ca) and will run until June 30 - well after council tax notices have been mailed out.

It can also be accessed direct by logging on to http://courtenay.citizenbudget.com/ The City’s director of financial services and deputy chief administrative officer, Tillie Manthey, said it would allow the public to weigh in on expenses for various City operations and she hoped as many residents as

possible would make use of it.

“For this first year, we’ve set it up so respondents can rate their level of satisfaction with different budget categories,” she explained.

“It will give the public a chance to read descriptions of our services in a format that is much easier to understand than the traditional financial reports.”

However, the full financial reports are also available on the City website for those that want to see more detailed information.

Operating budget categories include protective services (police, fire, bylaw enforcement, building inspections, emergency measures); recreation, parks and culture; water and sewer services; transportation;

and waste collection.

Respondents are also being asked to list their top five important issues facing the city, to give staff and elected officials a sense of the public’s key concerns.

If the Citizen Budget tool proves useful, the City will look into expanding it for the 2015 budget year, said Manthey.

“We’d like to provide a tool in the future where citizens can simulate moving money around in the budget and see the implications of those choices,” she explained.

Council will use the results of the survey to gauge public satisfaction with the 2014 budget, and to help guide the budget planning process for 2015 and beyond.

TRANSIT future

Open Houses

CruisePlus Presents

Phil Reimer’s Ports & Bows Island Tour

We want to hear from you. BC Transit is working with the Comox Valley Regional District on the second phase of a 25-year future plan.

PHIL’S BEST-KEPT TRAVEL SECRETS ROLLED INTO A VISUALLY INFORMATIVE SEMINAR

A network was developed from your input in the first round of public open houses. The next step is to prioritize transit investments.

Everything you want to know about Cruising...

Thursday, April 24th, 2014

Visit the Transit Future bus at: 11:00 – 1:00 pm

Cumberland, Dunsmuir Ave. (between 2nd and 3rd)

Wednesday, April 23 2:00 – 4:00 pm

IHOS Gallery, 3310 Comox Rd

5:00 – 7:00 pm

Oyster River – Discovery Foods 2207 Glenmore Rd

9:00 – 11:00 am

Driftwood Mall

12:30 – 1:30 pm

Union Bay Post Office

3:00 – 5:30 pm

Downtown Courtenay, 4th and Cliffe Ave.

9:00 – 11:30 am

Comox – Quality Foods, 2275 Guthrie Rd

1:00 – 3:00 pm

Comox Centre Mall

4:30 – 6:00 pm

Buckley Bay Ferry Terminal

9:00 – 12:00 noon

Comox Valley Farmers Market, Fairgrounds

1:00 – 4:00 pm

Earth Week Festival, Lake Trail Community School

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Friday, April 25

Saturday, April 26

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Offer(s) available on select new 2013/2014 models through participating dealers to qualified customers who take delivery by April 30,2014. Dealers may sell or lease for less. Some conditions apply. See dealer for complete details. All offers are subject to change without notice. Vehicles shown may include optional accessories and upgrades available at extra cost. All pricing includes delivery and destination fees up to $1,665, other fees and certain levies (including tire levies) and $100 A/C charge (where applicable) and excludes licensing, registration, insurance, other taxes and variable dealer administration fees (up to $699). Other dealer charges may be required at the time of purchase. Other lease and financing options also available. "Offer available on the retail purchase/lease of any 2014 Rondo model from participating retailers between April 1-30,2014, upon proof of current ownership/lease of a competitive cross-over vehicle. Competitive models include specific VW, Toyota, Nissan, Mazda, Hyundai, Honda, GM, Ford and Chrysler vehicles. Some conditions apply, ask your retailer or go to kia.ca for complete details. °°Cash purchase price for the new 2014 Rondo LX MT (RN551E) is $18,560 and includes a cash savings of $5,000 (which is deducted from the negotiated selling price before taxes and cannot be combined with special lease and finance offers). Retailer may sell for less. AModel shown Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price for 2014 Rondo EX Luxury (RN756E) is $32,195. ^Highway/ city fuel consumption is based on the 2014 Rondo 2.0L GDI 4-cyl (M/T). These updated estimates are based on the Government of Canada's approved criteria and testing methods. Refer to the EnerGuide Fuel Consumption Guide. Your actual fuel consumption will vary based on driving habits and other factors. °The Bluetooth'9 wordmark and logo are registered trademarks and are owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. 1SiriusJ XM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of Sirius XM Radio Inc. and its subsidiaries.

Information in this advertisement is believed to be accurate at the time of printing. For more information on our 5-year warranty coverage, visit kia.ca or call us at 1-877-542-2886. Kia is a trademark of Kia Motors Corporation.

A8 Comox Valley Echo Friday, April 18, 2014

News

Remembering a gentle soul on special ride

By Drew A. Penner Echo Staff Upwards of 200 people longboarded, biked, walked, volunteered and more Saturday in memory of Ciaran Martin, a 16-year-old Black Creek longboarder who died after he was struck by a vehicle while riding. The first annual Cruise for Ciaran was led by a police escort along a triangular route through downtown, before heartfelt songs, passionate tributes and conscious hip hop greeted attendees at a life-affirming gathering at Lewis Park in the heat of the sun. “It means the world,� said his mother Jacquie Martin. “It’s a true testament to who Ciaran was.�

She says it was nice to go around to local businesses in the lead-up to the fundraiser and hear stories of how much of a mark such a gentle soul could etch on the Comox Valley in his few short years on the Earth. “He was just about being a hippie and having fun - and being free,� she said. “We had no idea he was so well known in the community.�

Ciaran was that kid at GP Vanier Secondary to whom no one seemed to harbour any ill will. He loved to bust out his hacky sac with friends or play music in the hall from a small stereo.

One of his recent favourite songs was “Wake Me Up� by Avicii, which has a line that goes: “Wish that I could stay forever this young./Not afraid to close my eyes./Life’s a game made for everyone./And love is the prize.�

And he had fallen hard for longboarding.

On Jan. 2 Ciaran was struck by a vehicle while longboarding on Macaulay Road in Black Creek. A few days later he died in hospital.

Amanda Tayor, 14, used to ride the bus with Ciaran to school. “My friend really, really liked to skateboard,� she said. “He was really cool. He wanted peace for everybody.

He accepted anybody as his friend.�

She served as part of the committee that organized the cruise. “A lot of people liked him,� she said. “He was famous across the whole school.�

Wesley Yates, 17, hung out with Ciaran every day at school, and went boarding with him a few times. When he heard the tragic news he and a buddy came up with the idea for the public ride.

The ‘Cruise for Cieran’ attracted over 200 young people “We thought it would be really cool if we had a huge cruise come through,� he said. “And so I set it up.�

Rebecca Cooper, 13, has fond memories of Ciaran. “He was really calm and happy all the time,� she said, adding with a smile, “and he ate all my cheese and bread.�

Her brother used to longboard with Ciaran and after she heard he had passed away she decided to volunteer with the cruise.

Ciaran’s mom wants to make sure kids everywhere do wear helmets and sign up to donate their organs. “You think you can’t live without your child, and you know you have to,� she said. “But you’re never the same.�

She also wants kids who knew Ciaran to feel comfortable to send her memories, photos or other well wishes, as it provides glimpses into the life of her son that she hasn’t witnessed. “I don’t think you ‘go through it,’� she said. “I think you absorb it and it becomes the new you.�

Ciaran Martin loved music, hacky sac and longboarding but was killed when hit by a vehicle while riding.

Photo by Kelda Robinson

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Comox Valley Echo Friday, April 18, 2014 A9

News

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 1-800-222-TIPS (1-800-222-8477). You don’t have to give your name and you could be eligible for a cash reward.

Comox Valley RCMP responded to the following incidents between April 7 and 14: On April 7th the Comox Valley RCMP were called to the parking lot at 757 Ryan Road in Courtenay to a report of a man acting suspiciously. A man was located in a white colored truck and found to have his genitalia exposed. The man was arrested and later released. This investigation is continuing. (2014 - 3888) On April 9th the Comox Valley RCMP were called to a report of an assault with a weapon at a residence on the 2100 block of Comox Avenue in Comox. The investigation revealed that an intoxicated woman went to her male friend’s home and an argument ensued and the man received a cut on his hand from a knife.

The woman was taken into custody and held for court. The woman also had a no contact order with the man. (2014-3955) Police received a report of a stolen chainsaw from a business on the 2200 block of Cliffe Avenue in

Courtenay on April 12th. The chainsaw was checked and found to be stolen from the Pilon tool store on the North Island highway in Courtenay. A suspect was identified and this investigation is continuing. (2014-4106) A theft of a Red/Blue/Black and White colored Kona Mountain bike was reported to police on April 12th.

The bike was taken from a residence on the 1000 block of Edgett road in Courtenay. (2014-4115) On April 13th police received a report of a theft from a locker in the men’s change room at the Aquatic center located at 377 Lerwick road in Courtenay. A wallet was stolen from the unlocked locker while the owner was in the shower. (2014-4171)

Statistics for the period April 6 - 13, 2014 Assaults 3 Thefts (All excluding Theft of Vehicles) 30 B&E (All types) 2 Cause a Disturbance 10 Impaired Driving Related 2 Total Files For Period 348

Gaered Malcolm PETRUK

DOB: 1972-01-21 180 cms, 100 kgs, Grey hair, Blue eyes

DOB: 1989-08-11 168 cms, 64 kgs, Brown hair, Brown eyes Warrants: Mischief Theft under $5000 Obstruct a peace officer Uttering threats Comox Valley File # 2013-10963

Warrants: Possession of a controlled substance 3 warrants from another jurisdiction Comox Valley file # 2013-1797

www.comoxvalleycrimestoppers.bc.ca

TWO YOUTHS FACING CHARGES FOR BREAKING IN AT MARK ISFELD Comox Valley RCMP have arrested two male youths for breaking in and stealing at Mark Isfeld Secondary late last month.

The school’s alarm was set off three times between March 25 and 30 that led RCMP to investigate. On each call, police found that someone had smashed a window in a door by the gymnasium entrance.

Once inside, police reported that the culprits smashed their way into

a vending machine and made off with an undisclosed amount of merchandise.

On March 30 at around 11:45 pm, the school alarm went off and police attended. A police dog was brought to the scene and was able to track down the two youths, who were apprehended just a short distance away from the school.

They had in

their possession several items of candy, pop and chips.

Both males were arrested and are now facing charges of break, enter and theft. They could also be facing charges of possession of stolen property. They will appear in the British Columbia Youth court on a later date.

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A10 Comox Valley Echo Friday, April 18, 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.

Canadian Publications Mail Agreement Number #0661538

Letters

Recreation and culture integral Re: Mayor Jangula’s comments about cutting culture and recreation budgets.

I would be remiss as a visual artist if I did not take the opportunity to comment on Mayor Jangula’s suggestion of cutting culture and recreation budgets as a cost savings measure.

Culture and recreation are an integral part of our community. No matter what part of the Valley you live in. So often we hear community leaders, elected officials in particular, speak proudly of the fact that there are more artists per capita in the Comox Valley than anywhere else. In fact it was partially because of this that we were selected as one of Canada’s “Cultural Capitals’ a few years ago.

That certainly brought about a lot of chest thumping and generated a great deal of positive spin that could be used by many to promote the exceptional lifestyle we all enjoy. Arts and culture, a great reason to live here, do business here, encourage people to move here and most importantly attract visitors.

Allocating sufficient funds for arts, culture and recreation is not just an expense. It is an investment not just for today or the next fiscal year but for the future. Our culture and recreation needs to be nurtured and added to, not diminished. It should not be seen as a cost saving opportunity but as an integral part of our infrastructure. If anything we should be allocating more money towards these activities that probably do more to improve the vitality of our community than anything else.

It is comments like Mayor Jangula’s that make every artist, artisan and all those associated with recreation shudder. It flies in the face of all that they are doing, the sacrifices they sometimes they have to make, to ensure this community remains a vibrant and attractive place to live, work and play.

No Mayor Jangula, culture and recreation are not something to be trifled with or marginalized, they are to a great degree what defines our community.

Joe Smith Comox Valley

LOSS OF UNIQUENESS OF PLACE As yet another box store comes to Courtenay at the Crown Isle mall in the form of Dollarama, another fast food McDonald’s outlet, and another Jiffy Lube, we witness the Comox Valley’s ‘race to the bottom’ and the one-of-a-kind character of our community being lost.

With decisions to site more cheap chain outlets here, is the goal to have the Comox Valley become so bland and impoverished that any trace of diversity in our communities eventually vanishes?

Box stores and large chain stores fail the definition of ‘economic development’ - because they pack a weak bang for the buck compared to other economic activity.

To measure the ripple effects of a new business, one needs to look ‘upstream’ to see how many supplier jobs the area would gain, and then look ‘downstream’ to see how many jobs would be created by the buying power of the people who work at the new business.

The upstream of a box or chain store creates very few jobs for the local economy (i.e., made in China) and the downstream effects are usually terrible. The retail jobs offered by such stores are often part-time, minimum wage, with no health care or other benefits.

Employees of these stores generally have small disposable incomes: after paying for bare necessities, little is left to stimulate the local economy.

Building this type of new retail space we’re seeing at Crown Isle just moves sales and low paying jobs around.

It doesn’t grow the economy on a long-term basis. And it mostly expands precarious service jobs, rather than attracting value-added family supporting jobs.

The failure of most box stores, chains and fastfood eateries to provide workers with a living wage, full-time or permanent part-time hours with benefits, often forces employees and their families to seek out the assistance of social programs.

These are funded by taxpayers and add up to a significant hidden cost that such stores bring into a community.

The opening of the ‘new’ retail space at the Crown Isle mall creates the false illusion that the regional economy is prosperous, never mind the closure of stores like Safeway that provides living wages, full time jobs and benefits to a significant number of people. One need only look at the lease, for rent or for sale signs spreading over our downtown cores to see there is confusion about prosperity.

Whose vision is being realized with this Crown Isle retail expansion - our elected City Councilors, Comox Valley Economic Development Society, Regional District, or land developers and paving contractors?

A patch of forest is down to make way for the cement monoculture. In the absence of unique development, what about the trees’ value as eco-assets, or the value of trails to the physical and mental wellbeing of residents? Other countries’ healthcare providers are protecting forests as an investment in community development. It is time to reprioritize.

We have two ways of voting - casting our ballots in the November municipal elections and with our wallets - if we have a choice, do we really need to shop and eat at these retail outlets?

S. M Smith Royston

Letters to the Editor

Why teachers may be forced into action Like all of you, teachers only want the best for their students.

Despite bargaining for more than a year with the government there has been little progress made at the negotiating table.

We have been waiting, very patiently, for the government to provide the necessary funding required for us to move forward in achieving a negotiated collective agreement.

Instead, they have attempted to remove, yet again, the important provisions for class size and composition and minimum levels of specialist teachers that the BC Supreme Court restored.

As a result teachers have voted 89% in favour of job action.

Local teachers concur with the comments made by BCTF President, Jim Iker, after our strike vote: “As teachers, we do not take job action, or even a vote on job action, lightly. We care deeply about our schools, our students, and their families. Many of us are parents or grandparents ourselves.

“BC teachers remain committed to negotiating a deal at the table. That is our goal.

“But once again, it depends on developments at the negotiating table. I

encourage you to reach out to your local MLA and tell them to work with us to get that deal negotiated at the table.

“I want to thank our parents for the work that they do with their children and their support of us.”

How you can get involved and help: • Talk to your child’s/grand-child’s teacher(s) about the supports they need to help our students succeed.

• Check out www.aFairDeal.ca where you can quickly and easily “Have your say” in a letter to the Minister of Education and your MLA. The site also provides quick access to a great deal of information on the issues around bargaining.

• Talk to friends, relatives, and others in the community about the importance of an agreement that is fair for teachers and that will provide better support for our students.

Five quick facts about any potential job action we may be forced into: 1. A strike vote is a normal occurrence during negotiations of collective agreements and helps apply pressure to both parties during negotiations. Our hope is that a settlement will be reached without job action being necessary.

2. Whatever happens next will depend entirely on progress at the negotiating table.

3. If a first stage of job action does become necessary, it will have no impact on students’ learning. Teachers will continue to be in classrooms, teaching, preparing lessons, and assessing students. We will continue participating in voluntary activities, writing report cards and communicating with parents.

4. If at some point talks stall or the government won’t make fair and reasonable proposals, rotating strikes would be the next step.

5. We’ve made a commitment that any full-scale strike will require another province-wide vote of the BCTF membership.

Be assured that BC teachers are strongly committed to reaching a negotiated agreement with government. We truly appreciate all the support we continue to receive from all of you to help us achieve this goal.

Respectfully submitted of behalf of CDTA Members by: Steve Stanley CDTA President Nick Moore CDTA Vice President

More Beefs and Bouquets To LUKE BLUE GUTHRIE, thank you for a fabulous show on the opening day of the Comox Valley Farmers Market. My daughter and I enjoyed your show with Elizabeth and picked up the groove. As the day ended we quietly walked away, you caught up to us and acknowleged our enjoyment of your performance. You gave us a CD, we are really grateful. You are a great musician and I hope your career continues for many years and is as rewarding as your simple gesture to us. Thank you so much. We shall always be a fan. Again THANK YOU. BIG BEEF to our elected representatives who have no money to hire an extra police officer but have $1.9 million for ongoing curling rink renovations, unlimited funds to continue litigation against Maple Pool and $400,000 for a train that at best stops here once a day and will probably take more of our residents shopping south Island than with bring south Islanders here.

To THE KIND PERSON who found my watch at Costco last week, THANK YOU, THANK YOU. I’m so happy to have it back.

MY BEEF is with our lovely Regional District and their brilliance in closing all the recycling drop sites on the Courtenay side of the damn river. Due to the fact the majority of the people who live in my region were so brilliant in voting against curbside pick-up for recycling, I now have to drive to Cumberland and visit either the dump or the garbage company (who kindly LOCK their yard on Sundays) or out to Comox to get rid of my recycling. You want us to recycle, provide us somewhere to do so that doesn’t cost 10 bucks in gas to get to. Oh and since the stuff has a recycle code on it how about somewhere to get rid of STYROFOAM. I AM SICK of seeing the cigarette butts on hospital grounds. Please stick your butt up your butt. Thank you. For criminals that

are supposed to do community service, this would be a good service, to pick up the butts.

ALMOST EVERY TIME I go to the lab at the hospital, it takes an hour to get a blood test. When I lived in North Van I went to a private lab and I was always in and out in five minutes. So sometimes the private is better.

ANOTHER BOUQUET to the city of Courtenay for posting costs of a number of municipal governments on their website “2014-2018 financial plan.” The Hospital taxes for Nanaimo ,Duncan, Penticton are very low. So low, there are no numbers shown. P2 funding. Comox Valley North Tax Numbers clearly show that we are paying much more for new P3 hospitals - how long we will pay - likely forever. Check it out - fact or fiction? The Courtenay website needs a fact or fiction page. CSRD taxpayers need some answers on P3 projects. How about it Courtenay Council - you picked the site?

THERE IS SOME CONCERN about P3 projects where the public funds private profit. So far, there is little concern about the C4 model for local government, but CVRD, Courtenay, Comox, Cumberland are taking huge profits out of the local economy. Just add up the reserve funds for each government - there is more than enough to fund future projects. There are some 20,000 residents who can not afford this C4 approach. Next November, vote for change.

BOUQUETS to the city of Courtenay for displaying the Chart comparing the taxes and charges in neighbouring communities.

As expected, the C4 model for local government is very expensive. Just add up the CVRD cost for Courtenay, Comox, Cumberland and it will be clear that CVRD cost are much higher that the single government models in the comparison - almost 3

times higher! Four members of Courtenay council are CVRD directors who approved the $67 million CVRD budget which lands on many residents who simply can’t afford the overhead.

I WOULD LIKE TO SEND a big bouquet of gratitude to the elderly gentleman who yelled at the driver bolting out of a parking spot in the Superstore parking lot. My daughter was visibly shaken as she didn’t see the car about to hit her and her newborn baby who was in his car seat carrier.

Her back was turned away as she was approaching her car. She has no doubt that she and her baby would have been hit had you not had the quickness of mind to yell at the driver who was apparently in too big of a hurry to watch out for pedestrians. A very grateful grandma thanks you!

MR. SPARROW NEEDS to clearly communicate the cost saving for North Island taxpayers who are directly funding 40% of the new P3 hospitals. How much less will it cost per taxpayer in comparison to a P2 project - taxpayers and the Province - the traditional approach. Mr. sparrow seems to be indicating that the Province is unable to manage the hospital project and costs. This project is peanuts compared to the Provincial budget - should we be worried about this as well? Let’s see the number to justify the P3, and benefits to North Island taxpayers.

Some transparency, please.

A BOUQUET to BC Hydro for finding enough Comox Lake water for the Kayak festival. It’s great that they will have no more stage 3 emergencies where Comox Valley residents are forced to have brown lawns and go to commercial car washes that use much more water. The CVRD have a done great job of encouraging all to use less water - we have done that. Now BC Hydro do your part. BC Hydro uses as much water in one day as Comox Valley customers use in 3 months. They control the reservoir.

Comox Valley Echo Friday, April 18, 2014 A11

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EXTRA SPECIAL THANKS to the lady in Tim Hortons drive-thru around noon on April 2. She paid for our coffee - we will definitely pay it forward. So thoughtful of you!

there are still people like you out there that do random acts of kindness! And kudos for teaching your daughter about that.

We need more people like you and your daughter in this world. So in closing, again thank you very much for your show of kindness.

Beefs

I WOULD LIKE TO SEND OUT Huge Bouquets of Thanks to all my wonderful family and friends for giving me the most amazing and somewhat overwhelming 90th birthday celebrations. I can’t thank you all enough for making it such a memorable occasion. Your cards, gifts and good wishes are something I will cherish for a very long time and I can hardly wait to start testing out each of your recipes. With love, Mom (aka Grama/ Jeanette).

Bouquets

A NICE LONG STRETCH in the chain gang to those vandals who steal

The Comox Valley’s First and Best Readers’ Forum Email to: echo@comoxvalleyecho.com

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decorative solar lights from the yards of citizens who try to beautify our neighborhood. One of these citizens is a widow and can ill afford to keep replacing her lights. The lights were found in a wooded lot not far fro where they were taken, smashed and destroyed. You know who you are, and you will eventually get your reward.

A HUGE BOUQUET to Heidi Sherman at the Driftwood Mall branch of CIBC for going above & beyond and to have the in depth knowledge to put together an extremely complex credit deal thank you!

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I DRIVE A KENWORTH on the Island Highway 5 days a week.

Truckers can see most everything that’s going on in a car that is passing. Every day I see several people talking and texting on cell phones while driving. Last Thursday a man in a Camry passed me northbound just south of the Tsable river. He held a document in his left hand between his index finger and thumb which he was reading, and the other three fingers held the steering wheel. On his right knee balanced his cell phone which was receiving the attention of his right hand while texting. As he passed me he drifted off to the left towards the median, and made the abrupt swerve/correction. On the Tsable river bridge he drifted off to the right towards oblivion, and again made the abrupt correction. He exited at the Courtenay ramp. The very next day, a 46-yearold distracted driver crossed the center line just east of Cathedral Grove.

She went head on into a couple in their 70’s. The elderly couple was airlifted to Victoria. She was airlifted to Vancouver. If they survive, their lives will never be the same again.

So to my pal in the Camry, this could never happen to you could it? This happens to other people, right?

That’s what she and all those people I see doing this every day thought.

It’s so not worth the gamble. Stop it!

MASSIVE THANKS to Dave from VI Pest Control. Was round to my house within an hour of me calling!

Very polite. I will definitely use him when and if I really do get bedbugs!

APPARENTLY, THE COMOX VALLEY Regional District has a Reserve Fund of $97,830, 013. Is this fact, or accounting fiction? Some studies show that local governments need to have at least 10% in reserves, but not more than 20% - this makes sense to cover emergencies and new requirements. This would be about $7 million minimum, $14 million maximum. So why are are local Directors so far off the mark in approving CVRD budgets that have 144% in reserves, at the expense of low income residents? Let’s see the answer in the CVRD Fact or Fiction website!

MANY BOUQUETS to former Finance Minister Jim Flaherty - a Great Canadian, who urged us to live within our means.

This week’s winner

IT’S VERY DISAPPOINTING that Courtenay Council approves budgets that they don’t understand. Of Course they can provide zero increase in taxes, without reducing services. They say they can’t find savings while they approve another $3.7 million going into a surplus fund which already exceeds well over 20% of the annual budget.

Councillors Ambler, Aglin, Theos, Winchester, are CVRD directors who approved a $4 million reduction in the CVRD budget by applying surpluses (profit) - why can’t they do this for Courtenay residents?

BEEF TO ICBC for a “clerical error� that cost $100 million. The president is in charge of the company and something like this should not have happened. There should have been safeguards, are there no checks? The president should be fired, so there will be accountability for NOT doing his job. How many other screw ups are happening at ICBC? When the president is fired there should be no compensation.

A BIG BEEF to the Comox Town Council for voting for changes to our Official Community Plan bylaws to facilitate their Vitalization Program for downtown Comox without public consultation. Unlimited height for buildings? Development fee rebates?

Reduced parking? Now is the time to speak up.

A BIG BOUQUET to all the people who stopped to help me after I fell on 5th Ave Friday night and split my head open. The 2 chaps who with their T-shirts held my head, the 2 women who called 911, the Ambulance men and my friends Gloria, Ken and Mary who waited at the hospital for me. YOU ARE ALL MY ANGELS ... I can’t thank-you enough.

I WOULD LIKE TO PRESENT a huge bouquet to Lisa Scheck and Brooklyn School for their inspirational work that the children undertook for the recent heritage fair. Such excellent work was created and so many of the Brooklyn children efforts were rewarded by being chosen to display their work in Port Alberni in the regional finals - such an achievement - well done Brooklyn - staff and children. Oh, and their ever encouraging parents!

INTERESTING that the Courtenay Mayor says the city is not a player in the dispute between newspapers and MMBC. Who is? Also interesting that the landfill minimum fees are going up 150%, because there is not enough garbage tonnage going into the landfill to fund the expensive overhead. Not the good folks who do a great job on site, but the good folks in head office. There are just too many of these good folks in head office and somebody has to pay the salaries and benefits. Local papers have reported on CVRD salaries and they are higher than neighboring municipalities. This is the user pay model supported by CVRD directors, who approve all budgets.

This week’s winner, drawn at random from submissions received up to Tuesday, is:

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BOUQUETS OF HAPPY LAUGHTER to the City of Courtenay for replacing the old playground at Martin Park. Our grandchildren were delighted to discover their old “not much fun� equipment had been replaced. We had a tough time getting them to leave.

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SOME 1,000 RURAL WATER customers aren’t too happy about unfair water rates, and thousands voted against CVRD roadside recycling-initiatives supported by Area Directors.

In 2011, our Area Directors were elected by acclamation, with a mandate to do what they think is right.

The only way to connect Directors with Electors is to vote, next November. Let’s hope that there are competing candidates in Areas A, B, C. It could be 10 years of disconnect, if the present team is back in by acclamation.

A HUGE BOUQUET to the lady and her daughter who when they left Tim Hortons and drove past my daughter and I sitting outside my husband’s office (Enterprise rent a car), turned around, came back into the parking lot and walked over to us with a box of donuts and offered one to my daughter and I. Thank you very much, it was a very nice gesture and we enjoyed the donuts very much. It is so nice to see that

HERE’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.

It’s not intended to hurt people or make unsubstantiated and libelous comments.

Names won’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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SENDING A BEAUTIFUL Spring Bouquet of flowers to Whitney at Shoppers Drug Mart, Courtenay. She was so knowledgeable, and friendly in helping me find the perfect skin care product and makeup. Now I’m glowing!

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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 ‘em coming!

WOULD LIKE TO HAND OUT a bouquet of skunk cabbage to the company responsible for the approval of tenants that occupy the Crown Isle Plaza. I was led to believe that this “new look� plaza was to reflect beautiful Crown Isle. Bring in new and unique local wares. Well as far as I can tell it neither looks nor feels special. Now a nasty rumor of yet another fast food McDonalds with the un-needed nor wanted oil change facility, and to add insult to injury ... get ready ... a Dollar Store! What is happening to this community? I guess it will always be the same. I foresee the death of 5th street as there are already empty stores that are an eyesore along with an empty weed lot that used to be the movie theatre. Crown Isle Plaza will become like every other sad little strip mall. If it weren’t for the now “environmentally friendly� drycleaners and the eye pleasing Thrifty’s it wouldn’t be worth stopping in. If I were a resident of Crown Isle and the surrounding community, I would be up in arms. When will the people get a say in what’s going on and how can we “shop local� if the rents are so high that they don’t stand a chance. We need diversity and change ... thank goodness for the farmers market and Sieffert’s Farm and the few remaining local stores that can still afford ever raised rents.

At least you know it stays in the community.

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A12 Comox Valley Echo Friday, April 18, 2014

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Based on a purchase price of $17,502. Includes Variable Throwback Pricing Incentive. $76 bi-weekly payments include $640 Throwback Pricing Incentive. Payments are based on 2014 Forte LX MT (FO541E), financing for 84 months. After 15 months, bi-weekly payments increase to $96. Throwback Pricing Incentive may be taken as a lump sum or to reduce the financed amount.&

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Based on a purchase price of $22,602. Includes Variable Throwback Pricing Incentive. $104 bi-weekly payments include $640 Throwback Pricing Incentive. Payments are based on 2014 Forte Koup EX MT (FO521E), financing for 84 months. After 15 months, bi-weekly payments increase to $124. Throwback Pricing Incentive may be taken as a lump sum or to reduce the financed amount.& Forte Koup SX Luxury shownU

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Based on a purchase price of $21,102. Includes Variable Throwback Pricing Incentive. $96 bi-weekly payments include $640 Throwback Pricing Incentive. Payments are based on 2014 Forte5 LX+ MT (FO551E), financing for 84 months. After 15 months, bi-weekly payments increase to $116. Throwback Pricing Incentive may be taken as a lump sum or to reduce the financed amount.&

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Extra ECHO

Comox Valley, BC

The COMOX VALLEY ECHO ❑ Friday, April 18, 2014

etc.

ECHO

Learn how to invest in your local community

Transition Town Comox Valley joins with the Comox Valley Community Social Planning Council to welcome Rupert Downing, Executive Director of the Community Social Planning Council of Greater Victoria to give an inspiring presentation on community investment.

Learn how you can keep your RRSP and investment dollars at work in your community. Please join us on Wednesday April 30th at The Zocalo from 5:30 -7pm.

Plan to arrive early, the presentation starts at 6 pm.

For more information www.communitycouncil.ca

Glacier View Lodge fund-raising at Chances Glacier View Lodge is hosting a fundraising event at Chances in Courtenay on April 30th.

Community members are invited to attend! Tickets are $25 and available from the Lodge Reception office. For more information visit our website at www.glacierviewlodge.ca or call us at 250 338 1451.

The Evening at Chances is in support of the addition of a dedicated space for the Adult Day Program at the Lodge.

The Adult Day Program is attended by 12 - 14 seniors each weekday.

The clients take part in social and cognitively stimulating programs that helps reduce the decline of memory and cognitive functioning. Over the past three years, the waitlist for the program has grown to a 7 month waiting time.

Maritime radio VHF/DSC course starting May 6 Cape Lazo Power and Sail Squadron’s Restricted Operators Certificate (Marine) course will run Tuesday evenings from May 6 to May 27, 2014 at Mark Isfeld Secondary School.

Classes start at 7 pm. The ROC(M) is required by anyone using a marine radio.

All new VHF radios are now equipped with the Digital Selective Calling (DSC) function.

If you received your ROC(M) card before the DSC function was available, you are encouraged to return and get the DSC endorsement for your ROC(M) card.

For more information contact Charles at 250-334-0225 or register on line atwww.capelazo.ca.

Vegan dine-out going to Osaka Sushi this month This coming Tuesday, April 22nd at 5:30 and 7:00, Osaka Sushi Restaurant at #6-450 Ryan Rd in Courtenay, will host this month’s Earthsave Vegan Dine Out. Owners Grace and Andrew have put together the following full service menu: Miso Soup, Vegetarian Bento Box with Tofu Teriyaki, Vegetable Tempura, Agedashi Tofu, Rice and Salad. Green Tea. The price for the dinner including taxes and tips is $20.

The evening is by reservation only to reserve call Bob at Earthsave ph. 250338-0751.

Harold Macy, Alison Orr and her father Brad Orr, excited to see the 99-year-old building go back to the community of Merville.

‘Stolen Church’ spirited to new home New owners donate 99-year-old historical church and manse to community

By Michael Briones Echo Staff The “Stolen Church” in Merville has been spirited back to the community, but this time with the blessing of the owners.

The former St. Mary’s Church that was originally built near the present Tsolum school in 1915 by a group of Grantham farmers for $200 was loaded onto a heavy-duty transporter and at press time was set to be moved adjacent to the Merville community centre, also known as the “Big Yellow Hall.”

It was an exciting event for the community because the small church is 99-years-old and will be a significant addition to Merville’s heritage and also an added tourist attraction.

When the Soldier Settlement Project was established in Merville in 1919 there was a need for a church to serve the many veterans and their families.

A group of Merville farmers and World War One veterans decided to take the Anglican church building and move it from its Grantham location to Merville.

They did it inconspicuously in the dark of night, skidding it up a gravel highway with a clee tractor.

Since then it had provided sanctuary for a small congregation until 2003 when it was de-consecrated and sold.

(Continued on page B2) The manse, which was the parish hall, has been moved adjacent to the big Yellow Hall.

B2 Comox Valley Echo Friday, April 18, 2014

Community

Earth Week festivities expand under new Coordinator Lois Gibbs taking on the US government over contamination in Love Canal in a scene from the film, A Fierce Green Fire

World Community screens Earth Day film on Tuesday Celebrate Earth Day, Tuesday April 22 with a World Community film screening at 7:30 pm in the Upper Florence Filberg Centre.

A FIERCE GREEN FIRE: The Battle For a Living Planet is the first big-picture exploration of the environmental movement.

This Sundance Film Festival pick shows grassroots and global activism spanning fifty years from conservation to climate change.

From halting dams in the Grand Canyon to battling 20,000 tons of toxic waste at Love Canal; from Greenpeace saving the whales to Chico Mendes and the rubber tappers working to save the Amazon; from climate change to the promise of transforming our civilization... the film tells vivid stories about people fighting - and succeeding - against enormous odds.

The film is divided into five “acts”.

Act 1, narrated by Robert Redford, focuses on the conservation movement of the `60s, David Brower and the Sierra Club’s battle to halt dams in the Grand Canyon.

Act 2, narrated by Ashley Judd, looks at the

new environmental movement of the `70s with its emphasis on pollution, focusing on the battle led by Lois Gibbs over Love Canal. Realizing that their families were at enormous risks for health problems due to the pollution, ordinary women took extraordinary actions to get the federal government’s attention.

Act 3 is about alternative ecology strands and the main story is Greenpeace’s campaign to save the whales. It is narrated by Van Jones.

Act 4, narrated by Isabel Allende, explores global resource issues and crises of the `80s, focusing on the struggle to save the Amazon led by Chico Mendes and the rubber tappers.

As we read the latest warnings about our changing climate, Act 5 of A Fierce Green Fire gives a context to these issues. Meryl Streep is the narrator for this section of the film.

This event is the kickoff to a series of events celebrating Earth Week in the Comox Valley.

Admission is by donation.

Everyone is welcome. For more information: 250 337-5412

New home for ‘stolen church’ (Continued from page B1) Harold Macy, who is involved in the restoration project, said from then on it has been called “The Stolen Church.”

About a year ago the old church and manse located on a property on Highway 19A about a mile and a half from the Merville hall went up for sale. Brad and Alison Orr from Alberta bought the property.

“We didn’t know what we were going to do with the buildings,” said Brad. “Our realtor Randy Devine mentioned to us there was somebody interested and that was Craig Freeman.”

The Orrs got hold of Freeman, who is secretary/treasurer of the Merville Community Association. Upon learning the deep significance of the two buildings to the community, the Orrs did not hesitate and generously sold them for a dollar.

“We got pretty excited about the fact that we could contribute and potentially donate it to them,” said Brad.

“These buildings have great amount of historical value to Merville and it would have been a shame if they were demolished, burnt or destroyed,” said Macy.

Freeman suggested the buildings be moved near the hall and get them rebuilt and reno-

vated.

“Once fixed up, these buildings will be available for smaller functions than the big Hall,” said Freeman. “The church has a stained glass window and high ceilings, making it perfect for an intimate wedding.”

The small church is turning 100 years old next year and the Merville group has formed a committee to lead the restoration project.

Transporting the old church to the hall did encounter some problems and was delayed a day. But once the move is complete, the committee has 60 days to build a foundation and lower the buildings. Then the work starts to bring back the old building to life.

“We will be doing quite a bit of renovation,” said Macy. “It’s going to be a good project for the community and we need to do it collectively. We will need help from the community in terms of labour, skilled trades and of course money.”

When the church was disbanded, several of the pews and other furnishings were distributed to the congregation.

“We have had offers to return the pews and other items once the church is done,” said Macy.

For more information and to make donations call Harold Macy at 250-337-5332 or email hqcreek@telus.net.

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Since the birth of the modern environmental movement started in 1970, communities all over the world have come together to celebrate Earth Day. This year, more than one billion people in over 180 countries will showcase the collective power of individuals taking action to celebrate and care for our life supporting planet.

In the Comox Valley, Earth Week 2014 will stretch from the usual one day/one place event to a wide range of events and activities over five days in numerous locations.

With the support of its enthusiastic new coordinator, Annie Andrews, Earth Week 2014 is blooming faster than the Spring crocuses eagerly popping up all over the Comox Valley.

Earth Week 2014 Comox Valley will include cycling tours, nature walks, wildlife education, art displays, films, workshops, environmental discussions and much more, throughout numerous indoor and outdoor venues in the Comox Valley!

People of all ages will have an opportunity to learn more about caring for, and enjoying our life-sustaining Earth and its ecosystems.

A Community Earth Festival will be held on April 26 at Lake Trail School with cycling and gardening demonstrations, kids’ activities, local food booths, music, nature education by local groups and businesses and more. The day’s activities are water proof as the booths and events can move indoors in case of rain.

Earth Week will kick off to an enthusiastic start April 22 with World Community’s 7:30 screening at Upper Filberg Hall of A Fierce Green Fire: The Battle for a Living Planet in which filmmaker Mark Kitchell captures the sweeping history of the environmental movement as both a cautionary tale and a celebration of citizens coming together.

Saturday’s culminating Earth Festival at Lake Trail School will conclude the week at 4:30 pm in the Lake Trail Theatre with a visionary presentation, Imagining a Green Sustainable Comox Valley, by Guy Dauncey, environmental author and Communications Director of the BC Sustainable Energy Association.

Dauncey will lead a discussion on creating and implementing a community vision that includes our well-being, a healthy planet and a sustaining world for our children (and their children).

Between Earth Day and Earth Festival there will be many other opportunities to participate in Earth Week with events like the Wednesday’s Wacky Wheely bike rodeo for kids, MARS Walk for Wildlife, Project Watershed’s Estuary Ride and the Keep It Living Art show at Comox

Valley Art Gallery.

Residents are encouraged to make their own celebrations as well, by going for a family walk, organizing a neighbourhood clean-up, planting a garden or taking actions to reduce waste and live more sustainably.

Earth Week Coordinator, Annie Andrews regularly updates the Earth Week calendar on the Transition Town Comox Valley website http:// transitiontowncv.org/earthday, for anyone wanting to keep up with the full roster of events.

The website includes Earth Week events, and links to register an event in the Earth Week program guide, have an information/ vending booth, or learn about ads and sponsorship opportunities.

The great news is there is still room for organizations, people, businesses and governments to get involved with booths, events, workshops.

Can we come together to create a better, more sustainable world? Could the Comox Valley be a leader in new ideas on energy conservation, affordable homes and neighbourhoods, sustainable food and farming? Can we create an economy that puts the well-being of people and environment first? Could we have a transportation system that gets us where we want to go without paving paradise and generate the energy we need without fracking our future? Yes, we can! See you there, Earth Week 2014 Comox Valley.

For more information visit the Transition Town website, click onto facebook.com/ CVEarthDay, call 250-331-9088 or 250-3380155.

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Comox Valley Echo Friday, April 18, 2014 B3

Community

Enjoy Easter weekend at the Filberg Park The Filberg Lodge and Park are hippy, hoppy, happy to be hosting the 2nd annual Easter weekend Bunny Trail event April 19 and 20.

Last year this same free family-event was a resounding success with over 4000 people (big and small) searching for ceramic bunnies on our Easter trail throughout the Filberg Park.

Everyone is welcome to come to the Filberg Park between the hours of 11 AM and 3 PM on Saturday, April 19 and Sunday, April 20.

There is no starting time so come when you can between 11 and 3 PM, take your time, bring a picnic and enjoy the park and Filberg Lodge. Pick up your Bunny trail map at the Lodge and start searching.

The bunny trail ends at the Tea house where you will hand in your map with all the bunnies marked and receive a small treat in exchange.

Comox Recreation is partnering with us to provide fun crafts for all ages at the Tea house.

Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park Association is a for-purpose charitable organization responsible for the care, maintenance, and management of the Lodge and Filberg Park.

Family-centered events are a wonderful way to introduce the next generation to this amazing place.

For more information visit www. filberg.com or visit our facebook page ‘FHLPA’.

COOKBOOK FUNDS HELP YOUTH TRAVEL TO CONFERENCE

Youth Project participants are excited about upcoming conference and are busy selling cookbooks to fund the trip

Phil Reimer, media celebrity, shares his ‘Ports & Bows’ cruising trade secrets CruisePlus Presents: Phil Reimer, former radio and TV celebrity who will take you on a ‘Phil Reimer’s Ports & Bows Island Tour’ as he visits Vancouver Island and showcases the best tips and strategies you need to know about sea and river cruising.

Learn about Northern Europe, the Panama Canal and the popularity of River Cruising as Phil takes you on a highly informative, visual journey sharing his 10-cruises-a-year knowledge.

Phil Reimer is a well-known media personality with a long history of working in radio and television as a reporter, producer and for over 22 years as part of the 6:00 p.m. news team on CBC TV.

Phil Reimer He has worked for CKNW with Frosty Forst, the number one morning show in Canada for over two

CVN hosts forum on the public interest in ALR, public forests and public parks Recent legislative changes to the ALR, the Forest Act and the BC Parks Act constitute a radical change in the conservation framework of British Columbia. The boundaries of green spaces, and public access to them, are being opened to short-term private industrial interests with broad management rights. Management of these areas and the public’s stake in them, and access to them, are being redefined, without public consultation.

Comox Valley Nature has for over 48 years carried out a broad variety of long-term citizen science and restoration projects monitoring bird and plant population trends throughout the valley. These data and the trends they represent have helped a number of agencies and non-governmental organizations provide a picture of

the environmental health of the Comox Valley. This work has also contributed to the preservation of green spaces and “protected areas” which are critical to the high quality of life enjoyed by residents, and which form the economic basis of the Comox Valley’s tourism and agricultural economies.

This important work has only been made possible by unfettered access to public Crown lands and by co-operative agreements with landowners and various ministries. It is therefore extremely important that the public understand what these legislative changes will mean for the long-term conservation and maintenance of the high quality economic and ecological environment, which we currently enjoy.

Comox Valley Nature will be host-

Take a walk with the Young Naturalists Join us for a walk in Mack Laing Park on Sunday, April 27th in Comox with the Young Naturalist Club. New families are very welcome. This event is FREE. For more information please email ynccomox@gmail.com.

ing an open public forum with representatives from various key local environmental associations (Strathcona Wilderness Institute, Friends of Strathcona Park, Comox Valley Conservation Strategy, Heathens, Comox District Mountaineering Club and Tsolum River Restoration Society), to discuss conservation implications and possible ways to react or adapt to the legislation.

This public workshop will be held this Easter Sunday April 20 at 7pm at the Florence Filberg Seniors Centre, 411 Anderton, Courtenay.

Comox Valley Nature is a non-profit society affiliated to BC Nature consisting only of unpaid volunteers.

CVN fulfills its educational mandate by hosting monthly lectures, organizing free weekly guided hikes for members, and a free monthly walk open to the public. The society also undertakes a variety of environmental projects.

Aside from its main activity as a non-profit, Comox Valley Nature also supports specialized groups ( Birding, Botany, Garry Oak Restoration, Wetland Restoration, Photography and Young Naturalists Club) all of which have separate monthly activities. Membership in BC Nature and Comox Valley Nature is $30 per adult and $40 for a family.

Comox Valley Nature will also be offering two free public walks for Earth Week at Mack Laing Park.

Tuesday, April 22 EARTH DAY 10:00am Public “Mack Heritage Laing Walk” Start at Filberg Lodge in Comox, via “Baybrook and Shakeside” and SUNDAY, April 27th, (“Mack Heritage Laing Walk” with The Young Naturalists Club. Start at Croteau Road Entrance to Mack Laing Park in Comox, via “Shakesides and Baybrook”. Both walks will be lead by Dr. Loys Maingon (RPBio) and are expected to take about 2 hrs.

Founded in 1966, it is one of the oldest environmental societies on the North Island. Meetings and lectures of the Comox Valley Naturalists Society are held on the third Sunday of most months at the Florence Filberg Centre, 411 Anderton, Courtenay.

Meetings and guided walks are open to the public, including children and youth. Lecture is free, though a donation from non-members is always appreciated. New memberships are always welcomed.

Anyone interested in this lecture or participating in CVNS activities can also contact us at the website http:// comoxvalleynaturalist.bc.ca/ or Loys Maingon (CVN President) at 250-331-0143.

Exciting Events coming to

decades, The Vancouver Sun, CBC News Network and many more media outlets.

He is sure to delight and inform you with his extensive background in cruising. Currently, he writes for Ports & Bows, a highly popular cruising column carried in newspapers across Canada and he can be found at: www.portsandbows.com.

Phil will be showcasing his Ports and Bows Vancouver Island Tour for three days which begins in Victoria, B.C. and ends in Campbell River.

The local schedule is as follows: · Thurs. April 24th - Anchor Inn & Suites - from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. · Thurs. April 24th - Crown Isle Golf Course - from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30p.m.

This exciting island tour is also a ‘Meet and Greet’ - a chance to speak with Phil after he showcases three key places to consider when planning a cruise.

Dave Frinton, owner of CruisePlus, will complement Phil and offer the best strategies to make the most out of cruising.

Everyone welcome.

Adission $10. CruisePlus clients are welcome as our guests at no charge.

Space limited so reserve tickets now and receive a travel credit. Call Judy or Lisa at 1-800-854-9664.

The Comox Valley Youth Project supports young adults with special needs during life’s transitions, promoting their independence and inclusion in the community. One of the highlights of their year is attending the annual Inclusion BC Conference, which this year will be held June 11-14 in Nanaimo.

The conference is an exciting opportunity for these young adults with developmental disabilities to attend workshops on topics such as self advocacy, employment, and wellness.

In addition, they will be presenting their own workshop about facing fears and challenges during the transition out of high school and into the ‘real world’.

Youth Project participants are raising funds for conference travel costs from cook book sales.

Throughout the year the Youth Project kitchen is a hive of activity as participants combine life skills and business lessons to prepare delicious meals and treats for staff and visitors at the Child Development Association.

The Youth Project has compiled some of their favourite recipes into a cookbook which is now available for purchase for $10 at the Comox Valley Child Development Association, 237 3rd Street, Courtenay and at Games and Grounds Coffee House, 239 Puntledge Rd, Courtenay.

Recipes are based on affordable and healthy ingredients. All proceeds raised will go toward registration and travel costs for the conference in June.

For more information about the Comox Valley Youth Project, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook. com/cvtyp, or view their award winning video about inclusion, produced

by Zac Whyte at www.cvcda.ca.

For information about the Inclusion BC Conference, visit www.inclusionbc.org/conference-2014.

The Comox Valley Child Development Association (CVCDA) provides services for children, youth and youth adults with developmental delays and disabilities including physical, cognitive, communication, social/emotional and behavioural needs. Family-centred services include assessments, individualized supports and intervention. For more information visit the CVCDA website at www. cvcda.ca or call 250-338-4288.

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Demo Day on Tuesday, Apr 22 12 noon 6pm

At Courtenay Motorsports

Don’t miss your chance to ride some of these GREAT models: CBR 1000RAE • Forza • NC750XAE • GL18000CE/CBE • VRF1200FDE • CTX1300AE

Saturday, May 3, 2014 Time: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m

PLEASE VISIT US IN STORE TO BOOK YOUR RIDING TIME – SLOTS FILL QUICKLY!

B4 Comox Valley Echo Friday, April 18, 2014

Sports and Recreation

Junior tennis lessons starting The Comox Valley Tennis Club is once again offering junior tennis lessons.

Brenda Dean will be coaching the juniors, as she has done for several years.

Lessons will be held at the Anderton Courts in Comox.

There are two seperate groups: - children ages 10-17 on Mondays 4-530 starting April 28-May 26 (or june 2 kept for back up day if it rains) - Children ages 7-9 on Wednesdays 2-330 on early dismissal days or 330-5 starting April 30-May 28 ( or June 4 kept back up day if it rains) The price of this is only $35.

Please register your child ASAP as spaces are filling up quickly.

Go towww.cvtennis.com/cvtc to register.

If you have any questions, please either phone Peter at 250 337 5793, or email at slimhag@gmail.com.

WE’RE THE TENNIS FRIENDLY COMMUNITY OF THE YEAR Tennis Canada announced Thursday the recipients of the 2013 Building Tennis Communities (BTC) Excellence Awards. These awards recognize communities, individuals, and partners who have exhibited excellence and dedication in working to grow the game of tennis and develop the sport into an important facet of a healthy community. BTCs are located in towns and cities across the country and have played a valuable role in promoting the game of tennis through the development of partnerships with local leaders and associations.

Comox Valley, led by BTC champion Brenda Dean, is being recognized as the Tennis Friendly Community of the Year. A true leader and promoter of tennis in Comox

Valley, Dean has a unique ability to connect people and get them involved in the community. She spends a great deal of her time building relationships with key stakeholders, and her tireless efforts are paying off as tennis in the community is growing as is the number of partners and supporters. Well-connected with the school district, city, tennis club, and recreation centre, she has also developed a great partnership with the Canadian Diabetes Association by promoting the organization at her events, which in turns increases awareness of diabetes and how tennis can be part of a healthy lifestyle.

Above, Brenda Dean with some local young tennis players.

Comox Legion Memorial Darts on April 26

Local chiropractor wins Island Race Series

Comox Legion’s “8th Annual Memorial Darts Tournament” is set for April 26.

Teams of 4 can be Male, Female or Coed.

Entry fee is $40.00 per team, restricted to 20 teams.

Deadline is Friday the 25th; you can reserve a spot by calling either of 250-339-2112 or 250339-9592 or by e-mail at dcwillington@gmail. com Check in up by 9.45, toe line is 10 am, lunch will be available.

Smitty’s Comox is offering 10% of their breakfast menu to participants in the Memorial Shoot.

The 33rd annual Vancouver Island Race Series came to a close this past weekend with the Sooke River 10km road race.

It was a beautiful sunny finish for the 360 participants and successful day for the Comox Valley Road Runners.

Crossing the line first with a time of 33:13, Derek Vinge took home the race gold medal and secured his title as the overall 2014 Male Champion.

Vinge has won the last three consecutive races; including the Comox Valley Half Marathon (1:11:59) and Merville 15km race (50:09), to edge out fierce competition from Nick Walker (Frontrunners Victoria).

“I have been working hard over the winter to stay in good shape and hoped to improve on my last years’ performance” stated Vinge.

“I guess I just peaked at the right time.”

He credited much of his success to

Derek Vinge is the Island Series overall winner

the support of the Comox Valley Road Runners and extra motivation from his training partner, Vince Brotherston, who also won the title of 2014 Male Masters Champion in the series.

In the female division Claire Morgan (Prairie Inn Harriers, Victoria) took the Women’s title, and Cheryl Davies (Bastion Running Club, Nanaimo) won the Female Masters’ trophy.

Now that the series is over, Vinge plans on switching his training focus to triathlon and the Xterra series.

He works with athletes of all abilities as a chiropractor at Fit Chiropractic.

“Regardless of the sport or skill level, we all have challenges and goals. I try to use my passion and experiences as an athlete to help people reach these goals.”

Vinge also instructs a free abdominal training class at the Lewis Center on Tuesday and Thursdays from 1:151:45pm. All skills levels are welcome.

Get in shape with Active Comox Valley’s Lending Library

By Dawn Stevens Active Comox Valley Coordinator Are you looking to try an exercise program but not sure where to start?

Now you can jumpstart your activity level for free with Active Comox Valley’s new lending library for all ages.

As part of ACV’s mandate to help provide free and low-cost activities to residents of the Comox Valley, a lending library has been set up with a choice of fitness bins of equipment to help incorporate activity into your day, either on your own or with friends and family.

It can be as easy as playing a pickup game of soccer in the park with

the kids, or strapping on some hand weights while going for a walk with a friend.

For those looking for a more traditional workout, strength and resistance equipment is also available, along with instructional DVDs and handouts to ensure proper technique and form.

The new media wave of exercising is also a great way to work up a sweat - ACV has two WiiSports consoles available for loan, including a WiiFit balance board.

It’s the perfect way for a family or large group to have fun, while getting fit at the same time.

Challenge yourself and your opponents to an energizing game of ten-

nis, golf, bowling, and even boxing!

Or shake it up on the dance floor by learning the latest moves to popular tunes with Wii’s Dance Revolution - moving your body has never been this much fun!

If you’ve been wanting to try Nordic walking, now is the time to try out some trekking poles - the new Nordic Walking bin includes two pairs of telescopic poles that can be sized to your liking, along with a pedometer to track your steps. Buddy up with a friend and be prepared to get your heart rate going.

The lending library also has snowshoes. If you have ever wanted to try snowshoeing here is your chance.

The lending library is free, howev-

er a credit card deposit is required in case of damaged or lost items - $25 for the exercise bins and $75 for the Wii Sports.

Items may be borrowed for a twoweek period by calling the Comox Valley Sports Centre at (250) 3349622, extension 233, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays.

Ask for the Family Picnic Bin (adult and child sized baseball gloves and baseballs, football, Frisbee, playground ball, and soccer ball), the Workout Bin (resistance tubing, weighted resistance ball, weights, jump rope, Total Body Toner DVD, and pedometer), the Nordic Walking Bin (two pairs of Nordic trekking

poles, two pedometers) or the Older Adult Bin (pedometer, light walking weights, and power walking and resistance exercises DVDs), the Snowshoe Bin (2 adult pairs and 2 children’s pairs) or the Wii consoles and Just Dance Revolution (included is Wii play and Wii sport and Dance revolution game).

Give it a try, your body will thank you!

The Active Comox Valley initiative began in September 2005, and is aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles and invigorating community spirit through physical activity.

For more information, visit www. activecomoxvalley.ca or call (250) 890-9116.

ARE YOU READY? COASTAL COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION PRESENTS SE

12TH ANNUAL BOYS & GIRLS GOLF TOURNAMENT

Photographers At Painter’s

May 2-4 2014

THURSDAY, 5TH JUNE 2014

HOSTED BY CROWN ISLE RESORT AND GOLF COMMUNITY Registration beginning @ 11:00 am | Shotgun start @ 1:00 pm $125 per player or $500 team

REGISTRATION Dust off those clubs, start practicing your swing and get your team registered now!

Register at BGCCVI, 250.338.7582 or email comoxvalley@bgccvi.com ћұұ2ĂñÄұÄĿÄùĦĝұ¨ù¿ұ¨¹ŪÝĿÝŪÝÄĝџ ћұұ ññұùÄŀұÙÝÓÙұÄùÄĖÓņѝұÒ¨ĝĦұē¨¹Äұ¨Ĭ¹ŪÝĂùұұұ ұ ¨ù¿ұ¿ÝùùÄĖұÙĂĝĦÄ¿ұ¸ņұEÄĦ+Pұ¨ù¿ұ ұ EĂùұ ø¸ñÄĖѢұұұ

Painter’s Lodge will be open soon and ready for another exciting year of events, hospitality and adventure.

First up is Photographers At Painter’s. If you love photography, this weekend is for you.

Learn from some of BC’s best photographers about how they shoot, what they see, and what makes a shot special.

WE’RE READY. FOR YOU.

WEEKEND ACCOMMODATION PACKAGES $329

SATURDAY EVENT PASSES $79 SUNDAY EVENT PASSES $65

Book Now:1-800-663-7090 | www.photographersatpainters.com

For sponsorships, volunteer opportunities, prize donations and further information contact BGCCVI, 250-338-7582 or email comoxvalley@bgccvi.com

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Comox Valley Echo Friday, April 18, 2014 B5

Your Kids Golf FREE! * Kids aged 10-18 * With paid Adult Membership

(250) 334-3060 • 5291 North Island Highway, Courtenay, BC V9J 1S7

Sports and Recreation GOLF NEWS HOW MANY CLUBS CAN

CODES COUNTRY LANES Bowling highlights from Codes Country Lanes: Monday AM Club 55 - Lois Curry 171, Sue Williams 176, Barb Lane 202, Barb McCuish 205, Sharon Prizeman 184, Ria Tjart 198, George Railian 190, Roy Brekke 215, Barb Casey 189, Anna Turcotte 229.

Monday PM Club 55 - Rita Grill 205, Pat King 197, Bruce Ram 198, Kelvin Davis 191, June Berry 189, Rick Kroeker 291, Shirley Evans 200, Bob Sharp 243, Rick Rodriguez 207, Ivan Ally 233.

Tuesday Ladies - Barb Randall 217, Paulette Z. 206, Joanne Douglas 218, Jane Wedge 207, Barb Potruff 272, Marilyn Shetterly 207, Laurie McWillis 204.

Tuesday Club 55 - Allison Bennett 132, Judith Munro 135, George Andrews 180, Ev Andrews 196, Ed Schievink 119.

Tuesday Mixed - John Graff 205, John West 215, Andrew Stubbing 285, Ed Carefoot 217, Bob VanNes 264, Peter Mahavolic 222, Anna Mahavolic 214, Brian Booth 260.

Wednesday Club 55 - Lorne King 246, Bert Brown 246, Kaela McLean 199, Andre Melancon 259, Aggie Aucoin 225, Pat King 195, Erin Robertson 172.

Tuesday/Wednesday Courtenay Recreation - Clint McColl 213, Larry McCooey 218, Clayton Heid 184, Patti Gove 131, Linda Christie 175, Carly Buchan 154, Cori Pagnoni 137.

Wednesday Mixed - Al Gavel 206, Tannis Pond 204, Barb Pottruff 227, Gord Pottruff 268, Paul Zorz 263, TOM NURSE 316, Brian Booth 239, Vicki Major 195, Wayne Wilson 208.

Thursday Club 55 - Bob VanNes 218, Bob Sharp 219, Bea Tomkinson 209, Rosemary Montreul 224, Ivan Ally 238, Marie Shultz 191, Rick Kroeker 280.

Thursday Mixed - Chris Roberge 270, Jen Roberge 182, Alfred Cyr 287, Lorne Sutcliffe 198, Anne Lavery 175, Vern Greenill 286, Heather Abraham 237, Josh Abraham 208, Anne Bodnar 256, Rick Granneman 227, John West 212, Rose Stenabaugh 221, Ed Carefoot 208, Laurie McWillis 230.

Friday Club 55 - Bert Brown 239, Rooy Brekke 233, Ken Olsen 205, George Sand 215, Joyce Unsworth 203, Ickle Brown 201, Nick Tjart 213, Jim Bennett 199, Trudy Olsen 189, Midge Girard 192, Flo Bell 171.

Special O - Morgan Bell 170, Larry McCooey 197, Chris Gillis 227, Leona Wagner 148, Zack Z 168, Meghan Williams 178, Melissa Knight 169, Mary Evans 154, Kim Burke 194, Sherri Lines 176, Clayton Heid 153, Mathew Strachan 195, Jamie Bennett 163, Chris Malboreuff 170, Sara Lariviere 147.

We were treated once again to another beautiful day of golf with no rain.

One of the highlights of our day is getting together after golf for coffee and soon we will be able to enjoy sitting outside on the lovely patio with its spectacular view of snow capped mountains and luscious green fairways that Crown Isle has to offer.

The ladies club would like to welcome another new member, Eileen Wallis; so happy to have your smiling face amongst us Eileen.

The game today was “three clubs and a putter� which a lot of us decided that’s probably all the clubs we really need to carry in our bags anyway!

The winners are: 1st low gross: Katy Macaulay 84; 2nd low gross: Judy Pouliot tied with Shiela Van Gisbergen 91 1st low net Peggy Quinney 68; 2nd low net: Liz Ellis tied with Janet Phillips 74 KP’s - Anne Sands #12, Judy Pouliot #4 Birdies: Pat Chalmers #7, Anne Sands #12, Audrey Clark #7, Peggy Quinney #12 Par 5’s: Brenda Barrigan #1, Peggy Quinney #1 The Crown Isle ladies Executive under the dedicated leadership of Katy Macaulay held their first meeting of 2014 today. We have an exciting eventful year coming up with a committed group of fun loving ladies making it all happen.

Please check the Crown Isle Ladies website for all the upcoming events.

- Submitted by Audrey Clark

MEET AND GREET On Saturday, April 12, the Comox Golf Club held its annual Meet and Greet 9-hole scramble tournament.

It was a beautiful day and 51 golfers turned out for this fun event.

The purpose of the Meet and Greet is to get to know our new members as well as to renew old acquaintances.

Ten new members were introduced along with our new General Manager, Keith Gibson.

Following golf, members were treated once again to a delicious meal prepared by the Tee Box Restaurant.

Results for the day: Team Low Gross 1. Tracy and Kathy Branch and Don and Karen Vanetta 2. Rick and Marg Siddall and John Delaney and Brian Hegg Team KPs Hole 5 - Ken and Joan Loga and Pat Schmidt and Bob Isaac Hole 9 - Tom and Pat Ailles and Gord Smith and Vicki Edwards Team Longest Putt Pat and Nancy Riva and Doris Ellis and Stan Potter - Submitted by the Comox Golf Club

BRIDGE NEWS Comox Valley Duplicate Bridge Club The next tournament is on May 2nd to the 4th in Qualicum. Visit www.unit429.com for more information.

The results of our regular game on Monday, April 7, 2014 were: 1. David Mosher - Howard Cohen 2. Pete Marinus - Linda Marinus 3. Arnold Thomsen - Betty Thomsen 4. Richard Grant - Milos Hajsky Our regular game on Thursday April 10, 2014 results: 1. Patricia Lowe - Roy Lowe 2. W Allen Hopwood - Lorraine Gargan 3. Bob Dugas - Arlene Petersen 4. Pete Marinus - Joan Lord 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, April 8 (18 pairs): N/S - 1. Betty and Tom Thomsen; 2. Carole and Jack Bradshaw; 3. Bob Dugas and Paul Bozenich; 4. Diane McKinnon and Joan Erickson.

E/W - 1. Howard Cohen and Harvey Piercy; 2. Lynn and Dick Sangster; 3. Gary Bishop and Carole Ante; 4/5. Patricia and Roy Lowe; 4/5. Marilyn Hannah and Lorraine Waring.

Results for Saturday, April 12 (18 pairs): N/S - 1. Jean Tait and Neil Jackson; 2. Betty and Tom Thomsen; 3. Diane McKinnon and Sheila Lockhart; 4.

Lynne and John Godfrey.

E/W - 1. Lys McCrone and Cynthia Tree; 2. Glenda and Peter McGrath; 3. Irene Smith and Betty Fountain; 4. Lynn and Dick Sangster.

Friday Night Duplicate Bridge Results for April 11 (10 1/2 tables): N/S 1. Jean Tait-Evelyn Ware 2. Harvey Piercy-Judy Morrison 3. Penny Poole-Doug Poole 4. Tom Dugdale-Lyall Smith E/W 1. Pat Cutt-Pete Harding 2. Bob Dugas-Irene Pearl 3. Bernice Blonarwitz-Darlene Allen 4. Roy Hagg-Keith Ware

COMOX LADIES On Tuesday, April 14, the Comox Ladies Golf Club played regular golf.

First low gross: Janice Nicklin (90); second Pat Everett (95); third was a tie between Nancy Newton and Louise Luster (96).

Low net: Brenda Good (74); second

BRITT HANSON (LEFT) OF KIDSPORT COMOX VALLEY presents Sue Finneron (right) of Finneron Hyundai with an award for the “Hyundai Hockey Helpers� program that benefits KidSport in the Comox Valley. Sue Finneron Hyundai has made great contribuPeg Runquist (78); third Yvonne Baker (79). KPs: Brenda Good, Louise Luster, Jo Falco and Yvonne Baker.

Yvonne also had the longest putt.

Chip-ins: Linda Broadbent, Janice Nicklin, June Fraser, Yvonne Baker, Brenda Good and Anne Patterson.

We would like to thank our sponsors: Panago Pizza, Playtime Gaming, Loonyrama, the Tee Box Restaurant and Gibby in the Golf Shop for their continued support of the Comox Ladies Golf Club.

Next Tuesday, we will be playing regular stoke play, but only counting the holes which start with T and F, which should be a fun round. We hope to see all the ladies and their guests at the club at 8:30 for a 9 a.m. start. Make sure to sign up before Monday at noon.

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

PINK BALL GAME AT They came out in droves at Glacier Greens to play the pink ball game in great anticipation until it was their turn to play the pink ball and that quickly turned into trepidation.

We went out in teams and took turns playing the pink ball which counted as the team score. We were very pleased to have a couple of guests join us today.

A great low gross score of 90 was the team of Irene Perry, Sue Powers and Rosslyn O’Rourke.

The low net of 77 was the team of Marie Israel, Wendy Dowe, Carmel Horochuk and Lynne Pringle.

KP’s #4 Lori Cameron, #15 Glenda Kinney.

Come on out next Tuesday and bring your best swing for Pin Day. - Submitted by Lori Cameron

Tuesday but was in good shape thanks to our greens crew.

Congrats to Ron Morrison on his Hole In One, Now here are the results: HCP 0-10 1st Low Gross Terran Berger 70, 2nd Mackenzie Osborne 74 c/b, 3rd Rob Borland 74 1st Low Net Steve Peters 68 c/b, 2nd Dave Brooker 68, Dave Osborne 69 Snips Hole #2 Mackenzie Osborne, #3 Bernie Johnston, #6 & #9 Jeff Edwards, #7 Doug McArthur, #15 HOLE IN ONE (POG) Ron Morrison HCP 11-17 1st Low Gross Phil Nakashima 80 c/b, 2nd Gilles Raiche 80, 3rd Wayne Ogilvie 81 c/b 1st Low Net James Rim 66 c/b, 2nd Bud Bryan 66 c/b, 3rd Nick Mykitiuk 66 Snips Hole #2 Keith Allan, #4 Tim O’Rourke, #7 Bud Bryan, #8 & #13 Gilles Raiche, #17 Roger Guinan HCP 18+ 1st Low Gross Glenn Horsepool 85, 2nd Richard Wand 86, 3rd Al Waddell 89 1st Low Net Ken Doll 66 c/b, 2nd Al Pasanen 66, 3rd Elmo Guinan 68 c/b Snips Hole #10 Gary Wood, #15 (POG) Richard Wand, #18 Gabe Tremblay Winners of the clubhouse improvement meat draw were Ty Wishart, Don Cruckshank, Mike Pollock and Ron Carter. Our returning snowbirds take credit for the good weather; I hope it continues. Thanks to all of you and welcome home. Remember, the clubhouse is open for breakfast.

Till next week see ya.

- Submitted by Ron Carter

came out to enjoy a day of great golf and prizes.

While the weather was stellar many of the scores that were submitted were less so.

However there were a few bright spots on the day-such as the free burgers and door prizes that were provided.

The big winners were Greg Koster (73) and Tyler Van Anrooy (75) who posted the two best low gross scores and Keith Lamond (67cb) and Clyde Levy (67) who recorded the best net scores.

In the low handicap division Dave Pye managed third low gross with a 81 while Damon Gaudet (69) and Kyle Stairs (72) took low net honours.

In the 11+ handicap net division Dave Pacholuk (68) was third low net with Ham Stewart, Emil Zapotoczny, and Rick Bono (all 69’s) sharing 4th place honours. Rich Sheldon with a net 71 rounded out the winners.

On the gross side for the 11+ Jim Buchanan took top spot with a gross score of 81 followed by Rick Dawson who won a count back against 3rd and 4th place Ken Cottini and Silvio Alberti.

Rob Heron followed with a 85 and Gavin Maclean and Ed Podetz both posted 86’s to take 6th and 7th spot respectively.

KP’s Emil Zapotoczny (can any body pronounce this guy’s name!) #3: Mike Watson #5; Greg Koster #10; Kyle Stairs #15; Ed Podetz #17.

Skins 11+: Jim Barr #2, Leo Lambert #4, Silvio Alberti #14, Earl Costello #11.

Pro-shop snips: Greg Koster #7, #18; Kyle Stairs #14; Silvio Alberti #14.

This Sunday is the ever popular 5 -man scramble. With the winning team travelling to Fairwinds for the Zone 6 scramble all expenses paid!

See you Sunday at 8:00 for 8:30.

MEN’S OPENING DAY AT On Sunday under clear blue skies a record 62 Sunnydale men’s members

COMOX VALLEY REGIONAL DISTRICT 2014-2015 SPORTS CENTRE ARENA BOOKINGS The Comox Valley Regional District is accepting booking requests for: 2014-15 ice season (September 2014 to March 2015) 6SULQJ LFH GU\ Ă RRU

HOLE IN ONE AT Saturday April 12th, 105 players had a great day at Glacier Greens.

Weather-wise it was sunny and dry, something we have not had for a few Saturdays in the past.

Some of the scores were good but some not so good. Played the white tees with tee times till 9:30 then a reverse shotgun. The course was punched and sanded on Monday and

tions in the Comox Valley “so all kids can play!� KidSport is an organization that helps school-aged children play organized sports. For more information or to apply for KidSport grants, please visit kidsportcomox.ca

Download booking forms at www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/rec or pick up at WKH DGPLQLVWUDWLRQ RIĂ€FH ORFDWHG DW 9DQLHU 'ULYH &RXUWHQD\ Three ways to submit your request: 'URS RII DW WKH DGPLQLVWUDWLRQ RIĂ€FH 9DQLHU 'ULYH &RXUWHQD\ )D[ (PDLO UHFERRNLQJV#FRPR[YDOOH\UG FD )RU LQTXLULHV DERXW IDFLOLW\ ERRNLQJV FDOO H[W

CARRIERS WANTED No collection required. Great exercise!

:ULWWHQ UHTXHVWV PXVW EH UHFHLYHG E\ 0RQGD\ 0D\ A meeting will be held Wednesday, May 14, 2014 at 6:30pm in the aquarium at the Sports Centre, 3001 Vanier Drive, Courtenay.

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. 2129 – Sylvan, Parry, Aspen, Idiens Rt. 2136 – Pritchard, Dogwood, Elm, Noel Rt. 2126 – Robb (between Pritchard & Stewart), Elm, Dogwood, Noel (between Pritchard & Stewart) Substitutes: (May/14 to Oct/14) Rt. 2145 – Jubilee, Bolt, Heron Rt. 2153A – Olympic, Murrelet Rt. 2155 - 2300 – Murrelet Crown Isle Rt. 3120 – Monarch, Royal Rt. 3134 – Crown Isle Dr., Birkshire, Sussex Valleyview Rt. 3122 – Swan, Trumpeter, Sparrow, Valley View

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Earn extra $$$$ for all that fun stuff that mom won't buy!

Costco gift certiďŹ cates not valid for these promotions. Valid daily through April 30.

Not valid for tournament or multiple group bookings.

www.CrownIsle.com 399 Clubhouse Dr., Courtenay, BC 250-703-5031

B6 Comox Valley Echo Friday, April 18, 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. 2129 – Sylvan, Parry, Aspen, Idiens Rt. 2136 – Pritchard, Dogwood, Elm, Noel Rt. 2126 – Robb (between Pritchard & Stewart), Elm, Dogwood, Noel (between Pritchard & Stewart) Substitutes: (May/14 to Oct/14) Rt. 2145 – Jubilee, Bolt, Heron Rt. 2153A – Olympic, Murrelet Rt. 2155 - 2300 – Murrelet 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 18, 2014 B7

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With two weeks of training under your belt you are well on your way to the start line of the Shoreline Orthodontics’ Tri-K Triathlon.

Last week’s article focused on the importance for athletes to maintain proper hydration. Water pro-vides important functions within the body. Remember hydrate before, during and after exercise.

This week we’ll look at nutrition To eat for optimal health it comes down to the following: •70% of your nutrition comes from carbohydrates, •25% of your nutrition comes from protein, •5% of your nutrition comes from fats.

That would mean your plate would be 50% fruit and vegetables, vegetables for complex carbohydrates and fruits for simple carbohydrates 25% grains, whole grain preferably, cereals, breads, rice and pasta 25% protein - lean, chicken, turkey, fish are examples The fats will come in the foods you eat so we don’t have to go look for them. Nuts and nut products like natural peanut butter and almond butter contain good fats.

To round out every meal, you guessed it, water.

Some people say that if you can follow the 80/20 rule you’ll do fine. That is eat well 80% of the time, the 20% gives you some leeway for special occasions.

Assuming your race is going to be done in around 90 minutes, you could opt not to fuel during the event, hydrate only. However, you should be looking to take on carbs prior to the race. There is differ-ing opinions on whether ‘carb loading’ works or not.

As a triathlete, your goal is to eat so your body can fuel itself through endurance workouts. That fuel comes from carbs. So it stands to reason that consuming quality carbs the day prior to the race is a good idea.

On race day here are some general rules.

1. Have a slow-burn carb breakfast three hours before the event 2. Sip on a carb drink for the hours before the race – probably stopping about 30-45 minutes before the start time and taking care not to over-fill your bladder!

3. For extra energy, take a carb gel around 10-15 minutes before the race start, (with a little water).

Week Three

OFF or Weights

Swim 700 M 1250 M

Ride :50 1:00

Run :30 :40

Swim 700 M 1250 M

Ride :50 1:15

Run :30 :40

Please note: The suggested workout lengths for beginners are on the second line and in-termediate participants on the lower line. Swims are in metres 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.

Good luck with your training. We’ll see you at the finish line!

&/2 %6%29 0%4 A great read for any pet owner.

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Runs 2nd Tuesday of every month!

Book your ads now with one of our Sales Representatives

250-334-4722

B8 Comox Valley Echo Friday, April 18, 2014

Thunderball basketball league action from Week 2 GRADE 4 AND 5 THUNDERBALL AT LAKE TRAIL MIDDLE SCHOOL In the second week of Thunderball, players learned important skills in the first half hour to be implemented in the game that followed. With full attendance the players learned the skills very quickly and did a great job of paying attention and trying to learn.

It was nice to watch such a young group soak up the instruction, led by Head Coach Blake Tobacca.

Then onto the games, which the players always look forward to.

The HEAT played the SONICS. The game was very fast paced with lots of fast breaks from both teams.

The players are learning to look ahead and pass the ball, as they are learning this is the fastest way to move the ball up the court. It is more and more looking like a team game as these young players develop their skills.

Some of these young players get exhausted quickly moving up and down the court so quickly; however this is good as they will eventually get in shape by just playing the game.

Team HEAT prevailed in this fast pace game with excellent shooting and defense; KYLE PAPINEAU was a star.

In the other game, the WARRIORS played the DANGLES. The Warriors displayed excellent passing to defeat the Dangles team. It was a beauty to watch all these young players passing the ball up the court to defeat the Warriors, and Ashlin Speed certainly lived up to her name. Great drives and great passing by Ashlin.

Her teammates are learning this is a team game and by including all players they can accomplish their goals together. Well done by all. Kudos to Max Lloyd for outstanding play.

WEEK #2 FOR THE GRADE 6 AND 7 GIRLS who played at G.P. Vanier.

This is a three team league of 22 girls who play round robin every week; all practice together completing various drills, and are treated much like a club program.

There are 8 keen coaches assisting with stations each week, and we should see all these girls improving tremendously over the next month. The players who so far have stood out are Julia Jungwirth, Angelique Kennedy and Kaylee Lasota.

GRADE 6 AND 7 BOYS WHO PLAYED AT VANIER: The SUNS vs the BULLS The Suns struggled to get rebounds, but coach Madison Naswell felt her team played well.

They were unselfish and really enjoyed playing together. They produced some good shots, especially the Trask brothers, but the bounces just didn’t go their way.

Meanwhile, Ian Rutledge cleared the boards and generally was a pain for the Suns dominating the inside play.

The NETS vs the SPURS Luke Yeo led the way for the Nets in a game in which everyone passed well, and all got involved in a lopsided win.

The Nets also pressed the Spurs early and this contributed to many easy layups. For the Spurs, Coach Tim Wilson focused on having good floor spacing, and keeping the heads up to see all the floor.

Cedric Rechsteiner has shown good improvement over the first two weeks, and Eric Jung worked very hard on defense.

The SKYWALKERS vs the THUNDER Coach Tony Edwards loved the way the Skywalkers hustled all over the floor, especially Paolo Toribio and Jeremy Knopp. Jordan Dennis was great in the fast break, and the whole team showed excellent passing.

For the Thunder Josh Garrett and Peter Greaves tried their best to hold back the Skywalkers, but they and their teammates were over run by a tenacious team defense.

The SONICS vs the PACERS Sunday’s game showed great defense by the Sonics, and from their defense many fast break baskets were made. The Sonics were down by 8 at half time, but then they revved up the pressure leading to many interceptions.

The rebounding by both teams was also superb, and all the boys showed lots of tenacity, especially Cedar Lloyd.

For the Pacers Thomas Demeo was a monster on the boards, and great hustle was shown by Joe Taylor-Harding.

No games during Easter weekend, and play begins again at Vanier and Lake Trail for all teams on Sunday, April 27th.

Sports and Recreation

Mt. Washington ‘Winter 2.0’ wraps April 21 Season pass holders getting 18% credit for next year

The Slush Cup serves up brain freeze on closing weekend!

In the end, Mount Washington received its wish. The snow fell fast and furious in early February and the mountain was able to re-open for Winter 2.0 on February 13th. Winter came back to Vancouver Island, better late than never, and was greeted by enthusiastic skiers and boarders.

Fast forward to the third week of April and things are wrapping up on Monday, April 21st with classic spring conditions and a snowbase hovering around 2 metres deep mid-mountain.

“Despite the challenges we faced in the first two months of our winter, things really turned around for us in mid-February,” says Brent Curtain, spokesperson for Mount Washington.

“The commitment of our staff was instrumental in making this season a success, even with the late start.

There were some great powder turns, lots of beautiful, sunny days and we were able to host some amazing events.”

In the final weekend of operation, Mount Washington brings back the popular Crush Slush Cup on Sunday, April 20. This can’t-miss event begins at 3:30 pm beside the Alpine Lodge.

To break the Slush Cup down simply: contestants dress up in something crowd-pleasing, then climb to

the top of a small mound of snow, then one by one they point their skis or boards towards a freezing pit of water! Most careen across the pit and crash in spectacular fashion, sending a wave of water over the crowd.

Others go for glory after hitting the big jump into the pit. Only a select few make it across and stay dry. Now you know why you can’t miss it!

As part of the wrap-up process to a rather tumultuous winter season, Mount Washington season passholders were promised a 100-day assurance back in January.

Once the mountain closes after the 21st, operating days will be at 82 days this season.

As a result, passholders are entitles to an 18% credit towards their 2014-15 winter season pass purchase.

More details will be sent to all season passholders this summer.

Speaking of summer, Mount Washington will be operating daily this summer beginning June 28, 2014.

Mile High Scenic Chairlift Rides, Alpine Action Packs, alpine hiking, dining, festivals and events will all be on offer.

The views and breathtaking panoramas of Georgia Strait, the Coast Mountains and Strathcona Provincial Park are as sublime in summer as they are in winter!

For more information on the last weekend of the season, webcams and the final weekend hours of operation, visit mountwashington.ca.

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