Comox Valley Echo - May 2, 2014 by Comox Valley Echo

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Volume 20, No. 35

Concerns voiced over cost of expanding Valley bus services By Philip Round Echo Staff

In some ways Markus is a typical Grade 5er. In other ways he’s on the extraordinary side.

TAKE THAT CANCER! Markus battles the evil alien invaders By Drew A. Penner Echo Staff In many ways Markus Yule is just an ordinary Grade 5 kid who likes playing video games Call of Duty Black Ops 2 and playing with Nerf guns. But ever since the doctors discovered two large tumors in his head the 10-yearold has been fighting a different kind of boss - evil cancer invaders. “It’s an alien - it’s not supposed to be in your body,” he said, explaining the way he thinks about the rigorous treatment process for a pair of tumour that popped up on in his head. ‘We’re like jabbing it with swords. It’s like jab jab jab jab jab jab!” This is new territory for the upbeat youth with heaps of per-

sonality. “The hardest thing for me has just been trying to go through this,” he said. “Because the treatment itself isn’t like anything I’ve ever done in my life.” At least 16 local women have agreed to donate their hair to Angel Hair for Kids which supplies wigs to cancer patients, while raising money for the Yule family. The May 6 event at Roots Salon on 5th Street in Courtenay at 4 p.m. will feature food for participants from Plates Catering and door prizes for the public from Derm Essentials and Sunkissed Beauty Bar, among others. “It’s amazing and it’s selfless,” said his mom Yvonne. “I know how girls are about their hair.” (Continued on page 3)

Markus is working on a comic book that will help other kids battling cancer.

Concerns about the cost of expanding local bus services in the coming years is being voiced by several Courtenay councillors. At Monday’s committee of the whole meeting, Coun. Starr Winchester said the most ambitious expansion plan would see a $100,000 annual increase in the share of operating costs Courtenay would have to cover - and that scale of increase would multiply in the years to 2018. That was, she suggested, an unsustainable rise that would not be welcomed by taxpayers, and more cost-effective ways of providing local bus services had to be considered. Councillor Bill Anglin said Transit services were an important part of the community, but key questions that needed clear answers were: Could they be provided more efficiently? and How should any ongoing subsidy be funded? He noted that over the past 15 years the number of hours buses operated on Valley routes had almost doubled (from 14,500 to 27,000), while the statistics indicated ‘boardings’ - the number of passengers - had more than tripled (from 182,000 to 578,000). He questioned some of the statistics, suggesting people who used transfers when changing buses would be counted as two boardings, but in reality would be making only one journey. And, he suggested, it did not necessarily follow that adding more hours or more routes would produce even better results. “Just because you build it doesn’t mean they will come,” he commented, noting an experimental service designed to serve CFB Comox to match civilian shift times had seen very little use. Statistics showed that some services passing through rural areas had only one or two passengers per run, and it might be a better use of the existing budget to switch some of those operating hours to improve urban services where potentially more people could use the buses. Anglin suggested consideration be given to consolidating the existing system before expanding in new directions at significant additional cost. At present, the total operating budget of Comox Valley Transit is about $2.5 million a year. Of that, just over 19 per cent is covered by fares, and a further 47 per cent by the provincial government through BC Transit. (Continued on page 2)

Canary in the coal mine Firebrand Cumberland councillor Kate Greening to quit politics By Drew A. Penner Echo Staff Cumberland’s most outspoken councillor - who ruffles feathers as a matter of course and takes great pains to make sure every “i” is dotted and every “t” is crossed - will not seek re-election this year. Kate Greening, a feisty woman who doesn’t mince words, revealed to the Echo she will not run in November elections, having tired of politics. “It’s a whole bunch of bullshit,” she said of the political game. “I’d rather be putting it on my garden than shovelling it.” Greening has built up a reputation as a canary in the coal mine over two terms as councillor, and further back as a member of the public. She fearlessly stands up

against what she sees as negative forces and runaway processes, although at times critics contend her actions are needlessly nitpicky or contrarian. “You can push anybody’s buttons that you want to,” she said, characterizing council as an Us vs. Them struggle. “You don’t think they push buttons?” Her announcement comes after weeks of public rebukes in council chambers culminated in a stern talking to from Mayor Leslie Baird after an off-handed comment during a vote she lost April 28, to which Coun. Roger Kishi took offence. “I please wish you wouldn’t do that,” Baird said, noting Greening has a right to speak but “not that way.” Kishi had called out Greening at their previous meeting for what he called “a personal attack on other council members” as Greening grew frustrated with

discussions around the Village’s potential involvement in a regional wastewater project. “We all have the right to our opinion and to make that known,” Baird said. “We don’t need the comments Kate.” Greening made a name for herself as a thorn in the side of Trilogy developer John Evans, who gained concessions from a previous council the last time an Official Community Plan was developed. Her vigilance in scouring documents has been monitored by Village staff, with a multitude of amendments she brought forward being incorporated into this round of OCP crafting. In her day job as a notary public in Courtenay Greening deals with wills, powers of attorney, subdivisions, development permits and more. (Continued on page 2)

Kate Greening goes through a zillion and one proposed amendments during an Official Community Plan public input meeting.

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A2 Comox Valley Echo Friday, May 2, 2014

News

Comox Valley Weather

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Friday, 2 May A mix of sun and cloud. High 19°C.

Saturday, 3 May Cloudy. Low 9°C. High 13°C.

Sunday, 4 May Cloudy with 60% chance of showers. Low 7°C. High 13°C.

Monday, 5 May Cloudy with 60% chance of showers. Low 8°C. High 13°C.

Tuesday, 6 May A mix of sun and cloud. Low 8°C. High 15°C.

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

Concerns voiced over cost of expanding Valley bus services (Continued from page 1) Almost all the rest comes from local government taxpayers in the Comox Valley - 13.7 per cent from the City of Courtenay; 12.5 per cent from Rural Areas A, B and C; 5.9 per cent from the Town of Comox; and 1.5 per cent from the Village of Cumberland.

Noting the Courtenay share amounted to $562,000 last year and was set to rise steeply if the most aggressive expansion plans are pursued, Coun. Manno Theos commented: “That’s a pretty tough concept for taxpayers to swallow.” But Coun. Doug Hillian was concerned a staff report prepared for the discussion only seemed to present the negatives of

the service. Reading it, he couldn’t see reference to the clear benefits a community derived from having a solid regional Transit system. He often heard comments about buses running near empty in the middle of the day, but he pointed out that buses had to be big enough to cope with the peak flows of passengers getting to and from

work or school, particularly on major routes. In any event, the proposed Transit Future Plan has suggested that there was a case for investment in some smaller buses. And as far as the size of the financial subsidy needed to operate the system was concerned, he noted there was no comparative figure for what it cost the public purse to keep cars and trucks on the road through all the infrastructure servicing and maintenance required. Hillian called for a balanced debate on the issue, asking people to recognize the benefits to everyone including motorists - of encouraging a multi-modal transportation system. The City’s chief administrative officer, David Allen, said the report prepared by Courtenay staff - extensively reported in Tuesday’s Echo - was an attempt to show there were related matters for elected officials to consider in addition to those set out in the draft Transit Future Plan. The impacts that might be felt by the City - both financial and practical - were outlined so councillors were aware of the implications, and there were negatives to the municipality as well as positives to the wider region. But Hillian suggested it surely must have been a joke for staff to put in the report that there could be issues of concern if more buses were scheduled to cross Fifth Street Bridge in future years. Senior engineering manager Lesley Hatch said buses were heavy vehicles running on just two axles and she was concerned to prolong the life of what was already an old bridge. No decisions were taken at Monday’s meeting, and during the hour-long debate no councillor highlighted the reference in the staff report to the fact Courtenay could, if it chose to do so, legally revoke its support for Comox Valley Transit and stop funding its share altogether. Discussions among elected officials from right across the Valley continued on Tuesday at a forum on the development of the Transit service over the next 25 years. Regional District directors representing all the local governments hope to come to some conclusions on the next steps by the late summer, so appropriate provision can be made in the 2015 budget. pround@comoxvalleyecho.com

Greening outside her Courtenay office.

Firebrand councillor Kate Greening to quit politics (Continued from page 1) “A typo can change the meaning of a definition,” she said, adding if her work has taught her anything it’s “Read the fine print!” And that’s exactly what she tries to do with Village business - case in point the Stephen’s Lake Dam project. The Village had expected it would need to build a brand new dam and brought on consultants to look into options for how to go about such a thing. When Rob Crisfield, Cumberland’s manager of operations, announced staff had been informed simply fortifying the walls of the dam with rocks called “buttressing” - was all that was needed for now (potentially saving the Village millions of dollars in the near term) the rest of council nearly cheered. But Greening was vehemently opposed to the plan, because the public notice had described a new dam and not a retrofit, and expressed concern that while there had been a specific dollar figure attached to the original plan there were only estimates provided for the buttressing. She also wondered if the change in language would disqualify the Village from borrowing money, despite the assertion from CAO Sundance Topham at the meeting that this was a minor and would not prevent the Village from tackling the project. “What the public thought was happening and what was really happening were two different things,” she said. “It didn’t say buttressing in any of the advertise-

ments. “They haven’t even started on it yet, so what’s the big rush?” Greening says her biggest successes so far have been seeing a new library arrive on the scene and helping push for a new skatepark in town. Bringing new life to the community is so important for a town that’s more than just home to the stereotypical hippies and loggers. “There’s a whole lot more than that,” she said. “It’s not that they’re just drunk on Lucky or stoned on grass - there’s the in between people too.” The straw that broke this particular municipal camel’s back was the seemingly shady flip-flop introduction of a new recycling program that put packaging producers in control of curbside collection with the help of a big cash payout. If a client had walked into her office with the contract presented to the Village by Multi Material BC she would never have allowed them to proceed, she noted. “I would have told them they were out to lunch,” she said, describing the plan as a “one-sided money grab that could hoodwink a bunch of people.” She had been pleased when council shut the idea down after careful consideration, with the mayor and CAO speaking strongly against the plan. Just weeks later, as Crisfield returned to work after being away during the vote, council voted to change their mind and vote to join up with the scheme - and collect a

sizable yearly payout. “Who needs this for four more years,” she wondered. “I wanted to see the contract.” But she got a call from Topham following a later council meeting at which she questioned an incorrect number in the agreement, which could cost the Village big in penalties under strict language in the deal, she says. “He just ranted,” she said. “If I would have been in charge I would have felt like firing him.” Topham says he talks to councillors all the time on many issues and was unclear which conversation she could have been referring to. Greening says she understands that her politics rub some people the wrong way but disagrees that she is disrespectful. “I would say I’m abrupt not rude,” she said. “I call it like I see it.” She is not ruling out staying involved in Cumberland affairs in some way. “On council you’re just one voice,” she said. “At least as a citizen you can sue.” And Greening says she hopes there will be others who will see the space she leaves behind and eagerly take up the mantle of Cumberland. “We’re all unique,” she said of the villagers she so passionately represents. “I just hope there’s people out there that will actually come out to council meetings and think about running.”

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Comox Valley Echo Friday, May 2, 2014 A3

News

Markus, who is part Cree was gifted a drum during a school ceremony, following a big surgery to remove the brain tumors in his head.

Ecole Robb Road still in fifth place; needs your vote

Mark and Yvonne Yule are thankful for all the community support as they help their son deal with brain tumours.

By Michael Briones Echo Staff

Markus battles the evil alien invaders (Continued from page 1) On Sept. 23, when Markus tripped mysteriously and hit his head while at school, his life changed. His dad Mark thought it might just be a concussion, but the doctors at St. Joseph’s General Hospital wanted to dig further. “He had started slurring his words,” he said. “They ordered a CAT scan and that’s when they saw it.” A billowing mass at the top of his head and one at the back confirmed suspicious that this was indeed cancer. “We kinda kept it from him,” said his dad Mark. “We told him he had lumps.” But once their son was admitted to hospital to deal with the cancer, they broke the life-altering news. “He took it like a champ,” Mark said. “It was like ‘Okay, this is my life.’” Or in Markus’s words: “The first time I heard it I was like ‘What?’” he said. “Ah darn it.” He had a biopsy and a major surgery so far that removed most of the cancer from the top of his head and some from the back - although the main line of attack has been radiation therapy. The whole process has taken on a life of its own and left Markus dealing with endless bouts of fatigue. His dad recalls the early days, where he would break down in tears at random moments when everything became so overwhelming. After all, the way he understood it, there was only about a 50 per cent chance the surgery would be successful. Yvonne was going through similar emotions. “This was pretty much our only chance,” she said, adding the support from YANA along the way helped keep them from getting too distracted by the realities of daily life. “They’ve been really taking care of us.” In fact, support has been coming from all corners of the Comox Valley, she noted. “We’re just really thankful to the people of our community,” she said. “They’ve given us the gift of being with Markus. How do you say thank you? Thank you just doesn’t seem enough. We’re forever indebted.” Markus has had to drop out of school just to stay on top of the rigours of facing cancer. “There are some times when I feel like I’m really down,” he said. “I feel really tired and I just don’t want to go anywhere at all, just lay on the couch, have a nap and do whatever I can.” He feels deep gratitude for how both his parents have pushed him

along the way. “I think it’s been very hard on them,” he said. “They do so much for me.” Without them he might miss meals or fail to take important medicine. “They’re my saviours,” he said. “I can’t live without them. If they weren’t here nagging me and all that stuff I wouldn’t be here right now, because the cancer would have over taken my body.” It’s been a strange process for a boy who should be joking around with his friends about simple stuff like TV shows (Abed is his favourite Community character btw). Instead he’s left with some of the most challenging concerns anyone could possibly face. “I just think about ‘How am I doing? How is the treatment going? Is it working?” he said. “That ‘s pret-

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There’s only three voting days left and students at Ecole Robb Road are doing everything they can to rally the community to help them in their quest for an outdoor classroom. The school is one of 10 finalists to win the $20,000 outdoor classroom price in the MAJESTA Trees of Knowledge competition. The winner is based on how many votes the school can get. At present, the Comox school is lying in fifth place. They’re up against schools from Alberta, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Ontario, and Quebec. The parent heading this campaign, Natasha Taylor said, they need to climb up to fourth or higher in order to win any extra money. “We can do this with everyone’s help,” said Taylor. The second place prize is $5,000,

ty much all I’m thinking about.” At this point things seem to have stabilized - he thinks he’s winning the war. Markus is already looking forward to future life away from the cancer monster. “I learned to ride my bike with a tumor growing,” he said. “So now I’ll probably be even better at biking.” He has plans to share his journey with other kids who will have to go down the same path, and has already begun working with an illustrator on a comic book that will help explain the treatment process to new cancer patients. “I want it to tell the story of how I went through cancer and how I beat it up,” he said, adding, “-and how I kicked its ass.” You can stay up to date with Markus’s progress on the Operation Iron Man Markus Facebook page.

third is $3,000, fourth $2,000 and fifth to 10th place will receive $1,000. There is an incentive for people to vote daily. Comox Valley residents can win $10,000 cash draw from MAJESTA. To vote, visit majestatreesofknowledge.ca until May 5. Ecole Robb Road has been hosting a variety of events every week since the competition started in early April. They were geared towards raising awareness about MAJESTA and also raise funds for their outdoor classroom project. This coming Sunday, the school will be taking part in the You Are Not Alone fundraising croquet event that will feature 20 to 30 mini-croquet courses. It will be contributing one of the mini courses and host a voting table for the Majesta Outdoor Classroom competition. It’s going to be held at Highland Secondary from 12 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 4.

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A4 Comox Valley Echo Friday, May 2, 2014

News

Courtenay to consider downtown development incentives, ideas By Philip Round Echo Staff

Snowbirds, donor rep Roger McKinnon, stained glass artist Jan Lindstrom and YQQ official at ceremony

Community pays tribute to Snowbirds at Valley Airport with stained glass The Canadian Forces have been a major presence in the valley for more than 70 years. The Snowbirds train at 19 Wing Comox each year prior to the start of air show season to familiarize the pilots with over-water maneuvers and challenging topography. As a result, Comox Valley residents are treated to impressive aerial demonstrations for about two weeks every spring. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The window is a great reminder of the long relationship that the Snowbirds have with the Comox Valley,â&#x20AC;? said Major Patrick Gobeil, the Snowbird Team Lead. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We get fantastic support here and appreciate that for a few weeks each year we get to call this area home.â&#x20AC;? Gobeil said putting their show together would not have been possible if they didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a place to practice. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We come here and we see a lot of progress in the last week and a half,â&#x20AC;? said Gobeil. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Without this place we could no do it.â&#x20AC;?

By Michael Briones Echo Staff One of the Canadian Forces icons, the Snowbirds, a popular and familiar sight in the Comox Valley every year, has been honoured with a beautiful stained glass window that now welcomes passengers to the Comox Valley Airport. The artwork, created by local glass artists Jan Lindstrom, depicts the Canadair CT-114 Tutor, the aircraft used by the Snowbirds demonstration team. It is nicely perched in the corner of one of the entrances at YQQ. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a fitting tribute to the Snowbirds. It was a donation from the Old House Hotel & Spa Mayorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Golf Charity Classic, whose owner Roger McKinnon said â&#x20AC;&#x153;is a wonderful way to recognize the contributions of the military to the Comox Valley and to acknowledge our appreciation for the spectacular display the Snowbirds put on for us each year.â&#x20AC;?

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Snowbird Tutor depicted in flight on stained glass panel

City staff are looking at the possibility of creating a series of incentives to give a shot in the arm to downtown Courtenay. Various ideas to revitalize the heart of the city have been doing the rounds for more than two years, but with local elections looming in November, councillors are keen to see more progress. The Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chief administrative officer, David Allen, told a committee of the whole meeting on Monday he planned to present a detailed report on options in the next few weeks. And he confirmed he was hoping to get some incentives and initiatives on the books within six to eight months. Staff in various departments have been working together on the ideas to improve the vibrancy of the area, he explained. The latest move follows progress by some other municipalities, including Comox and Campbell River, to boost development prospects in their respective downtown areas. Ideas being investigated for Courtenay include financial incentives, such as forgiving all or part of additional municipal property taxes on new downtown developments for periods of up to 10 years. Existing taxes levied on the value of the land would continue to be due in full. The cost of applying for development permits in the downtown core had already been reduced, Allen noted, but it might be appropriate to go further with changes to the much more expensive â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;development cost chargesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; (DCCs) for a defined area in a bid to kickstart new building by lowering the upfront cost of development proj-

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ects. The implications needed to be carefully weighed, he added, as development cost charges were a very significant contribution to the cost of servicing sites with sewer and water. But where such infrastructure already existed alongside a development site, there might be a case for reducing the fees to make new construction more cost-effective. Such ideas had to be targeted sufficiently to achieve strategic goals and deliver results that were in the longer-term interests of the community, he suggested. Other ideas being considered include financial help towards faĂ§ade improvements, supplementing a similar program run by the Downtown Courtenay Business Improvement Association; changing City procedures to speed decision making through greater delegation; focusing some existing municipal budgets for projects such as street improvements and signage in downtown; and working with others to bring more events to downtown Courtenay, especially in connection with the upcoming City centennial celebrations next year. Allen said some of the proposals had been discussed with the Comox Valley Economic Development Society, which was being helpful in researching what was happening and in particular, what appeared to be working - in other communities. Councillors welcomed news of progress on the issues raised by Allen, noting they were keen to see incentives that might encourage greater densification of the downtown area - perhaps with residential apartments above commercial premises - and, in particular, any program that might stimulate action on the former Palace Theatre site at Fifth and England. pround@comoxvalleyecho.com

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Comox Valley Echo Friday, May 2, 2014 A5

News

FortisBC advises residents to call first before you dig “Last year our crews responded to the least amount of third-party damage to our natural gas system compared to previous years,” says Turnbull.

By Michael Briones Echo Staff As the weather continues to warm up, with the sun regularly shooting its rays, those who love to garden are likely to start plotting their rose or vegetable gardens. That will mean digging and tilling of the soil to plant new seedlings, flowers and even trees. Digging even for just a small plant is a simple task. But if you’re not careful it can cost you thousands of dollars. FortisBC is reaching out to the community to warn the public to phone BC One Call first before you dig to properly locate underground utilities. That’s because if you hit and damage a natural gas link for example, you could be on the hook for the entire cost of the repairs. Last year, about 300 residents in the Comox Valley called BC One Call, but there were still five pipeline damages. According to FortisBC 99 per cent of the damage to its natural gas system is caused by third parties such as construction crews, contractors

and homeowners. Even the smallest damage could require thousands of dollars of repair work and force FortisBC crews to shut down service to other customers in the area. “Whether you’re planting a rose bush or installing a new fence, it’s important to call or click before you dig,’” says Ian Turnbull, Damage Prevention and Emergency Services

Manager at FortisBC. Before you put your shovel into the ground, FortisBC encourages homeowners to call BC One Call at 1-800-474-6886 (or *6886 from a mobile phone) or visit bconecall. bc.ca to get up-to-date information on the location of underground pipes and wires. The service is completely free and could save you

Planning framework for growth at Mt. Washington approved By Philip Round Echo Staff After more than two years of work, Mount Washington finally has an agreed planning framework to guide the future development of the mile-high community. At Tuesday’s meeting of the Comox Valley Regional District board, the necessary bylaw to adopt the Integrated Resort Community Plan was given final approval. It supercedes the older Official Community Plan provisions that used to guide development at the mountain settlement. In the Comox Valley Regional Growth Strategy, Mount Washington is designated as a ‘settlement node’ where growth will be encouraged, not just on land owned by the alpine resort company but also in the surrounding community. The new plan is the result of extensive consultations with existing residents, businesses and landowners as well as a survey of tourists visiting the resort. In addition to identifying appropriate land for future development, areas that should be protected or reserved for recreation or other uses within the area have also been mapped out in the IRCP. It also addresses key issues like the provision of community services and public infrastructure - even the importance of identifying locations to stockpile excessive snow until it can melt away safely. The plan recognizes that the future of Mount Washington is not only tied to the commercial success and expansion of the alpine resort but also in the area’s ability to grow as a true community. That ability will be dependent on the provision of certain essential community services, including fire protection, water and sewer, policing and security issues, solid waste disposal and telecommunications. Growth is not simply a question of making land available for new building and letting the market drive the pace, the plan notes, but working out how further development could be serviced in a practical

way. In addition to servicing issues, the IRCP also recommends that steps should be taken to identify an area within the ‘core’ area of existing settlement where a true village centre could be developed over time to give real focus to the community. And over the longer term it suggests more land could be added to the areas where residential and mixed-use development would be allowed on the mountain. But for the time being there are still plenty of undeveloped sites in and immediately around the exist-

ing settlement, which currently consists of around 650 homes, chalets, apartments and condos. The policies set out in the plan do not dictate an expansion of resort amenities or responsibilities. Instead, they allow for flexibility in future land use, as regards amenities, services and new development. The plan also delineates who is responsible for what - namely, which agent or body provides and maintains an existing service, and who would be providing and maintaining future services. pround@comoxvalleyecho.com

money. The next step is following safe digging practices such as hand digging and avoiding the use of mechanized equipment when working near underground utilities. Turnbull notes that FortisBC has seen a measureable drop in the number of incidents because the public is more aware of the BC One Call service.

FortisBC’s safe digging tips: 1. Call BC One Call toll-free at 1-800-474-6886 (or *6886 from any cell phone) at least three business days before you start digging, or open an e-ticket at bconecall.bc.ca <http:// www.bconecall.bc.ca/> . BC One Call will contact its members with underground facilities in the area and you’ll be provided with requested information at no cost. 2. Have all location information on site and refer to it during any digging. 3. Use the information to locate and mark lines and maintain the markings until digging is underway. 4. Hand dig first to locate and carefully expose natural gas pipelines, underground electrical wires and other utilities before using mechanical equipment like backhoes or augers To learn more about safe digging practices, visit fortisbc.com/digsafe. There is also a “how to” video at www.youtube.com/fortisbc

RON JAMES Courtenay Sid Williams Theatre

Thursday, May 8th @ 7:30pm “gut-bustingly, knee-slappingly funny” Ottawa Citizen Ticket Centre:

250 338 2430

THIS THURSDAY!

www.sidwilliamstheatre.com www.ronjames.ca www.shantero.com

r Take No Prisoners Tou

60th wedding anniversary celebrated Al and Vi Schnieder of Comox celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary on Sunday when they attended the dance of Br. 17 Old Time Fiddlers at the Fallen Alders Hall.

Oceania Cruises Informational Evening An Exclusive Invitation...

As one of the top producers for Oceania on Vancouver Island, we’d love the opportunity to demonstrate to you why our guests love Oceania and return to sail with them time and time again. Being known for their fabulous destinations, relaxed atmosphere, a focus on superlative food & wine, and their comfortable and richly classic ships, Oceania is a cruise experience not to be missed.

Please join us! The Beach Club Resort 181 Beach Side Drive, Parksville When: Thursday, May 15, 2014 at 7 pm Welcome & Registration: 6:40 pm – 7 pm Where:

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A6 Comox Valley Echo Friday, May 2, 2014

News

Shellfish Festival moves to Filberg, launches sales Celebration will raise funds for new NIC Aquaculture Technician Program On the heels of another sell out of the BC Chefs Gala Dinner, the Marina Park Shellfish Festival event is on the move after seven years in the park. The BC Shellfish Growers Association, Comox Business in Action (BIA) and Comox Valley Economic Development and Tourism are pleased to announce the launch of the Comox by the Sea Shellfish and Seafood Celebration, to be held June 21, at the stunning Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park oceanside grounds. “The core crowd-pleasing features found annually in Marina Park, including the shellfish producer tasting booths, chef-led cooking demonstrations, and competitions including the Best Chowder Contest and the Oyster Shucking Championship will still be included as fan favorites at this event,” said Roberta Stevenson, BC Shellfish Growers Association Executive Director, “For 2014 the expanded event will also include seafood producers, demonstrating the depth of the aquaculture industry in BC.” Salish Seafoods, Macs Oysters, Island Scallops and Greigs Seafood, are just some of the award winning producers who will be on hand presenting their products for attendees to taste. Add to this, unique interactive and informative displays including the opportunity to climb aboard a Department of Fisheries and Oceans boat, and other aquaculture educational displays, the event will provide insights into the science and importance of the aquaculture industry from a wide range of businesses, educational institutions and suppliers. “The Comox BIA saw this event as a key one to partner in,” said Edd Moyes, Chair of the Comox BIA Marketing Committee, one of the major sponsors, “The aquaculture industry is critical to the Comox Valley, and downtown Comox and the harbour is the industry, visitors and residents gateway to the sea. It was logical that we get involved to expand this event.” Nathan Fong, currently celebrating his 24th year on Global BCTV News with his “Saturday Chefs”, is an award-winning food stylist, an accomplished food & travel journalist, and founder of Fong on Food; Fong is confirmed to head-up the chef line-up this year, and will be on hand with other renowned chefs including Quang Dang, West Restaurant and Aaron Rail, Executive Chef in the Comox Valley. The event will raise funds for the exciting, new training initiative called the Aquaculture Technician Program, at North Island College,

which supports a holistic approach to aquaculture training; from species to systems. With shellfish and seafood tastings presented by top-notch producers, renowned chef cooking demos, interactive displays, plus a beer garden, live music and ocean themed kids activities, the event promises to celebrate the touch, tastes, and sounds of BC’s best shellfish and seafood products. Entry tickets are $15, with tasting booth ticket available online and at the event. Kids 10 and under are free! bcshellfishfestival.com for more details.

The Comox by the Sea Shellfish and Seafood Celebration, June 21, will feature renowned chef cooking demos, world class producers providing tastings of their products, and interactive aquaculture displays. Tickets are on sale now for $15 and available online at bcshellfishfestival.com

FA M ILY PA C K

S av i n g s

BC Wild Coho Salmon Fillets

Sunrise Farms Chicken Breasts

Previously Frozen $10.84/lb

On Sale

Per 100g

Paradise Island Random Cut Cheese Regular & Organic Assorted

We’re Wild about Salmon!

Dempster’s Whole Grains Bread

On Sale

or Healthy Way Bread Selected 500–600g

9Each9

On Sale

2 $5

Tri District Lunch Hosted by Campbell River RTA Retired Educators Thurs May 15 at Salmon Point. North of the Oyster R turn towards the water. $23. Pay by Wed May 7 at Blue Heron, 1775 Cx Ave, or Winds of Change, 357 5th St. by cheque or exact cash in envelope with name. Or mail to Kay Kennedy, 1786 McLaughlin Dr, Courtenay, BC V9N 5S3 Info: 250-339-6231

Seasoned, Boneless, Skinless Ice Glazed, Frozen 4kg Box Works out to: $2.95/lb, $6.50/kg

for

Bergen Farms Blueberries Unsweetened Frozen 8lb Box

On Sale

25% At Til l

9Each9

off

Olympic Yogurt

No Fat, Plain 650g or Krema Greek Style 500g Excludes Krema 0% Fat Varieties

On Sale

2 $5

Mary Lynn 250-338-8024

for

Specials in Effect until Tuesday, May 6th, 2014

s with u e t a r b Cele

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A7 Comox Valley Echo Friday, May 2, 2014

DEAL OF THE WEEK

News

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Scotch broom being busted at Goose Spit

Get out and bust that broom Comox Valley Broombusters planning community cuts Scotch Broom, that highly invasive plant with the pretty yellow flowers is about to start blooming. And that means community cuts are being scheduled. Join the Comox Valley chapter of Broombusters to get involved and learn how we can effectively stop broom in its tracks. Community cuts are: Saturday May 3rd from 9:30 am-noon - Piercy Greenway (access from Piercy Road / Galloway Place) Saturday May 10th from 9:30 am - noon - Northeast Woods (access along service road at the Torrence Road entrance) Community cuts are work parties where volunteers come together to cut broom in a specified area. Such collective efforts can be quite effective - a stretch of Ryan Road was full of broom last year and is now virtually broom-free! Community cuts are a good

way to learn proper cutting technique before cutting on your own. It is important to cut the broom right to ground level to keep the stock from re-sprouting. Only very small broom should be pulled. Pulling larger broom can disturb the soil which can stimulate the fallen seeds from previous years to germinate. Community cuts are also a great way to get to know your neighbours and your local parks, to pitch in and even have fun! Some volunteers like it so much that they even start to cut broom on their own, whenever they have a free hour or so, and take on a park or walkway in their neighbourhood. Further community cuts will be advertised on the Broombusters website. Visit our website www.broombusters.org, or contact Bev Agur at bevagur@shaw.ca for more information on Scotch Broom.

New volunteers are always welcome so come and join us and help to make the Comox Valley a broom free area! We have loppers and hand saws - all you need is your enthusiasm and a pair of work / gardening gloves. Why cut Scotch Broom? Unfortunately if left unchecked broom quickly take over, choking out native plants. Mature plants can produce over 20,000 seeds so it is important to cut the broom while it is bloom and before the seed pods form. Broombusters is a B.C. registered non-profit society dedicated to raising awareness of Scotch Broom and inspiring action. They work in partnership with Comox, Courtenay, Cumberland, and the CVRD and community cuts are held in areas that have been prioritized by the various municipalities. The cut broom is either hauled away or chipped on site.

Classic Cruisers present annual spring swap meet One of the first signs that spring is surely here in the Comox Valley, is the Annual Swap Meet at the Sports Centre at 3001 Vanier Drive. Members of the CVClassic Cruisers are looking forward to their event on Sunday, May 4th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The CVClassic Cruisers wish to express their gratitude and deep appreciation to Comox Valley Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ltd. for the sponsorship of the Swap Meet. We invite everyone to visit their stall at the Swap Meet and to enjoy the photos of past Dodge Chrysler cars. Public admission cost is $2 and children 12 years and under are free. The cost of selling your car is $10. There will also be a Show and Shine. The first 75 participating vehicles will receive dash plaques, and the fee

for this portion is a donation to our local Food Bank. All are invited to come and swap stories, parts, and chat while admiring some classy vehicles, motorcycles, and perhaps buy or sell your car. Stall rentals in sizes of 10 x 10 @ $10 and 10 x 20 @ $15 can be obtained from Yvon at yjsavoie@shaw.ca or telephone@250-898-9782. There will be greeters to direct you to the area of your choice. This Swap Meet is also about antiques and collectables, food and beverages at the concessions. Featured Vendors and Product demonstrations will be offering information and answer any questions. Thank you Walt, Fred, John, Blaine, Duane, Doug for you photos and Phil MacLaren, we appreciate your assistance and your wonderful sense of community!

FRACTURED & TORN RAINBOW May 15 | 7:00 PM

NAZARETH June 26 | 8:00 PM

In partnership with Comox Valley Community Justice Centre. Two provocative and moving one-act plays by local playwrights Robinson Wilson and Lori Mazey.

This legendary rock band from Scotland is back on tour with new vocalist Linton Osborne - with the blessing of original singer Dan McCaﬀerty, who recently retired due to ill health.

Member $15 | Regular $20 | Student $10

Member $49 | Regular $54

OTHER UPCOMING SHOWS

Pantuso Dance Groove 2014 | May 1 -3 Led Zepagain | May 7 Ron James | May 8 Hornby Island Blues Odyssey | May 10

Phone 250.338.2430 ext 1 Order online: www.sidwilliamstheatre.com Ticket Centre hours: Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 4pm Open 1 hour prior to show time 442 CLIFFE AVENUE, COURTENAY, BC

FAMILY FILM: The Rescuers Down Under | May 11 Triple Heat Dance - Oﬀ The Wall | May 22 - 24 Laurie Tinkler School of Dance: Dance Explosion | May 29 & 30 Valley Dance Centre’s Dance Mix 2014 | June 4 - 7

MEDIA PARTNER

A8 Comox Valley Echo Friday, May 2, 2014

Gardening

And now for something completely different ... By Ellen Presley Anderton Nursery

and will attract butterflies but not deer. Zone 5-9 Tender perennial

This time of year is beautiful with all the Rhododendrons and Azaleas blooming. The Camellias and Forsythia, the Magnolia and Cherry Blossoms are all making a show. And the show is gorgeous but don’t you sometimes want something that is unusual and not what everyone else has in their garden? Try a few of these beauties:

An interesting foliage plant this year is the Alternathera Tricolor. The leaves are a creamy/ pink/ green and are heat and drought resistant. Give it full sun or semi-shade and this plant makes a colorful tropical groundcover of 12-18 inches. The unusual texture is fabulous for your garden beds, in rockeries or containers, and mass planting. Give it a slow release fertilizer and it is maintenance free all Summer.

The Fremontodendron ‘California Glory’ (Flannel Bush) is a spectacular spring flowering evergreen tree. Every part is unusual from the lobe shaped dark green leaves with their interesting fuzzy texture to the glorious large golden yellow 3 inch cup shaped flowers. They are a Zone 8-10, so they will need some protection for the winter. They like a sheltered spot with gravelly poor soil and to be grown against a warm south facing wall. Think California with the watering medium to dry once established. It could grow tall if you let it (15-20 feet) but it tolerates pruning to control size and shape to fit your spot. It really is unique and is perfect for attracting butterflies to your garden. Prostanthera ovalifolia (Australian Bush Mint) is another tender perennial shrub that has very aromatic minty foliage and a prolific amount of delicate purple flowers this time of year. It can take sun or semi-shade and needs pruning back annually to keep its shape. Great choice for a container that you can bring in for the Winter. Our plants are 3 years old and the blooms are sensational - a bit of the DownUnder in your garden. It is a fast grower and loves well drained soil.

A little known but fascinating perennial is the Sanguisorba obtusa ‘Burnet’ (Japanese ornamental bottlebrush). This easy care perennial is great for the middle of the sunny border (2-3 feet) or used in containers. It prefers a moist site with full sun to part shade. The deep pink flowers look like miniature bottle bushes and bloom from early to mid-Summer. The texture adds interest to the border or used in mass planting or by the waterside. It can be used as a cut flower and is rabbit resistant. Zone 4-9

The Fremontodendron ‘California Glory’ (Flannel Bush) is a spectacular spring flowering evergreen tree A lovely plant for the garden is the Gaura. The name comes from the Greek word ‘gauros’ meaning superb. The unique texture of airy stems and delicate branches supporting butterfly-like flowers is perfect for the cottage garden. The Gaura lindheimeri ‘Ballerina Blush’ (Wand flower) is a dwarf variety (12-18”) with shell pink star-shaped fragrant flowers that bloom continuously from late spring to early fall. It likes full sun and good drainage. This drought tolerant plant is lovely when mass planted, great in containers, makes a good cut flower

Every year there are more and more outstanding varieties of annuals available. One lovely petunia, Petunia ‘Cha Ching’ was the 2013 winner of the greenhouse grower magazine Reader’s choice Medal of Excellence. This eye-catching petunia has ravishing cherry red blooms with a creamy-yellow star pattern. Stripes add a crisp bright look to your garden or container and this bold look is stunning. It is a quick grower, 12”-18”, and will mound in the garden or cascade from a container. Like most annuals, it wants well drained soil and to be fed every two weeks. Definitely a ‘wow’ plant for the garden. An amazing shade to part shade plant is the Fuchsia ‘Gartenmeister’. This vigorous upright shrub has regal dark bronze-red leaves which contrast with its vibrant clusters of deep coral-red tubular flowers. It will flower all Summer long and the hummingbirds love it. It performs best in containers and has a bushy habit that grows 1-3 feet tall. Zone 9-10 Geraniums are always a favourite. An old fashion variety that is rarely found is the Geranium ‘Sophia Dumaresque’. This robust

Primula veris (Cowslip) is the old fashioned Primula that was found in farmer’s fields throughout the countryside in Europe. It was nearly wiped out because of the change in agriculture practises. It is a very hardy species and easy to grow. It has upright 10”stems that hold nodding clusters of soft yellow bells that are really very fragrant - a real sweetheart for the part shade in containers and window boxes. It attracts butterflies, hummingbirds and is deer and rabbit resistant. Great for the woodland garden, by the waterside, edge of border plant or in open fields. This perennial received an Award of Merit from the royal Horticultural Society. Gardening is never boring. There are many unusual plants to play with every year. Try one this year for something a little different. Happy Gardening.

Petunia ‘Cha Ching’ Spanish beauty has stunningly beautiful leaves. Picture a green scalloped leaf edged with gold, purple and red. The decorative orange flowers are a bonus! It is great for baskets, borders, or containers. Like all Zonal geraniums you can take cutting and winter them over in the house.

th 1 M ot 1 Sho her ’s Day Coming, Sunday Maysho p ! p for M om where she loves to

An amazing shade to part shade plant is the Fuchsia ‘Gartenmeister’

! EW en Gard s Teavelrky

Sun Sat &1am 1 10-

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• Trees and shrubs: In full bloom; Rhodos, Azaleas, Ribes (Flowering currants), Cherries, and so much more. Come talk to our staff on how to plan your garden. • Perennials: Holy Cow! We have so many to choose from and the girls keep bringing more in. Incredible selection of both old favourites and the new and unusual. • Fruits and Vegetables: Time to get your fruit trees in: Apples, Pears, Cherries, Plums, Peach and many more. As well as Grapes, Kiwis, Figs, Raspberries, Rhubarb, Goji Berries & Honeyberries. The Vegetable starts such as Lettuce, Broccoli, Cabbage, Onions, and Kale are all ready to put in your garden for that head start to the season. Get them all in now and be eating fresh from your garden all Summer! • Annuals: Yes...most of them are out and ready to go for you early birds. Great time to start your baskets but watch out for frost and keep them sheltered from that icy wind. Baskets! Lots to choose from and for those who want custom basket...time to put in your orders.

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www.andertonnursery.ca

Comox Valley Echo Friday, May 2, 2014 A9

News

Comox Valley Presbyterian Church joins Comox’s AED program

Left to right, Firefighter Cam Dean and Captain Rob Stevens along with church members Rev. Jennifer Geddes, June Kuhn, Angela Hope and Bob Taylor.

BC initiative to improve internet access to rural sectors Dove Creek resident starts petition asking Telus to improve service By Michael Briones Echo Staff Remote and rural communities in the Comox Valley may benefit from a provincial initiative that’s aimed at improving high-speed internet access. Places like Hornby Island, Black Creek, Courtenay and Merville are eligible for the B.C. Broadband Satellite Initiative. The B.C. government is spending up to $2 million to make access to satellite-based high-speed internet more affordable for British Columbians in remote areas who don’t have access to traditional broadband Internet. “The Internet has opened up economic opportunities and really enhanced the quality of life we’re able to have,” Comox Valley MLA Don McRae said. “People need access to a fast connection to make the most of everything from information on health and education, to vital business services and recreational opportunities.” Residents who don’t have traditional wireless or landline broadband solutions available can receive funding assistance of up to 50 per cent of installation and set-up costs, to a maximum of $250. While this might be good news for some, it still doesn’t address the request of hundreds of people living in other sectors like Dove Creek and Forbidden Plateau for high-speed internet. Residents have been cam-

paigning vigorously for this in the last five years but to no avail. “There has been no change at all,” said Mary Murphy, who operates a music recording studio in Dove Creek. “It’s so debilitating. It’s not a luxury anymore. It’s a necessity. We ourselves have businesses and there are loads and loads of people out here who are trying to run businesses. There are children trying to do school assignments who have to live the area to get better internet connection. It’s just so terrible.” Murphy, who started a petition last year, said a Telus representative who met with residents at a standing room only meeting a few years ago told them basically “we are not a big enough community and there wasn’t enough money for them.”Murphy has also writing letters to North Island MP John Duncan, Comox Valley MLA Don McRae, the Comox Valley Regional District and Telus. She also appeared before the CVRD to express their concerns. “One of the reasons I started all of these is because I was so frustrated with Telus when they decided to install fibre optics cable up to Mount Washington,” said Murphy. “Besides their season of tourists, there’s hardly anyone living out there. If they’re getting fibre-optic high speed, I just thought that is most unfair, unfounded and totally not sensible.” There are around 160 homes in Dove Creek and according to Mount Washington strata stats, there are over 20 people that reside up there

year-round. The cables were laid along Piercy Road, which is not too far from Dove Creek Road and Forbidden Plateau Rd. Murphy said she doesn’t understand why they’re not allowed to access it. “I have not had one response from Telus,” said Murphy. “Not even a follow up phone call.” These areas have no phone company ADSL service and no other alternatives like Shaw, which cable network does not link to many rural residences. Telus did introduce in 2009 a new 3G+ over-the-air network using a wireless internet key with a USB connector to plug into the computer. Murphy said homeowners use a variety of internet device and regardless of what they are, users will get only between 3 and 18 gigs of download and it cost the same as an unlimited DSL. “We use a satellite and it’s so slow and sometimes the reception is bad,” said Murphy. “We have a recording studio and we’re talking about music files. Sometimes we get booted off and it’s so frustrating.” Murphy said the BC provincial satellite initial plan is good but she would prefer a high-speed fibre optic connection, as she believes it would be faster and a lot more efficient. Edwin Grieve, chair of the CVRD and director of Area C, said they have also been writing to Duncan and also to phone carriers to find ways to enhance internet service.

Comox Valley Presbyterian Church has partnered with the Comox Firefighters Association to add yet another automatic external defibrillator (AED) in Comox. This will be located in their church located at 725 Aspen Road in Comox. Chief Gord Schreiner states: “It is great to see organizations like this assisting us in our efforts to have AEDs available all over Comox. I am also very proud of our firefighters for their support of this important project.” Comox firefighters are hoping to have more and more public access AEDs available in Comox. 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! A public access AED costs approximately $1500.00. The Comox firefighters are willing to supply an AED to Comox businesses if the business agrees to donate half of this amount ($750.00). The Comox firefighters will cover the remaining cost and place an AED in the business.

They will also provide both CPR and AED training to the businesses staff. This is a limited offer as the firefighters only have enough funds at this time for ten units of which a few are already spoken for. Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) can strike at any time-during 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. Please contact Comox Fire Rescue at firehall@comox.ca if you have any questions or would like to participate in this exciting project.

Drinking Water Week kickoff at Farmers’ Market on Saturday Next week is BC Drinking Water Week, but locally it will kick off this Saturday (May 3) with an informative display - including a local watershed model and some free water-related giveaways -at Comox Valley Farmers’ Market from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. The event is being arranged by Comox Valley Regional District in partnership with the BC Water and Waste Association. “One of the best ways to celebrate BC Drinking Water Week is by thinking globally and acting locally,” said Marc Rutten, the regional district’s senior manager of engineering services. “You can act locally by valuing our water and understanding how to use it more sustainably. “A great way to do that is to attend the community event to learn where your water comes from and to ask

questions about this precious resource, our local infrastructure, and also about opportunities to take advantage of the 2014 water rebate programs.” The regional district is also encouraging people to go online to www. drinkingwaterweek.org/challenge and take the ‘Community Water Challenge’ - a province-wide contest that asks people to pledge to make simple changes in their daily water habits. Those who make a pledge are entered in a draw for water-themed prizes, the results of which will be announced on June 2 on the BC Drinking Water Week website. For more information about the Comox Valley water supply and other related programs, visit www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/water.

UADRA

ISLAND GOLF

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250-285-2811 • www.quadragolf.com • info@quadragolf.com 30 - 2010 20th Street

239,000

A bright patio home that shows well with new paint and carpet. Two bedrooms with an ensuite in the master and a large storage/laundry room. Open living room with vaulted ceilings. Comes with a garage and another parking space at the front.

OPEN HOUSE Sat. May 3, 11am-1pm

Rancher in Royston 4354 Briardale Road

PRICE REDUCTION

299,900

Hosted by Wayne McLoughlin”

301-178 Back Road

NEW PRICE $

89,900

First Time Buyer? 304-178 Back Road

Sunny southern exposure with marvellous mountain views. Adorable 1bedroom, top corner condo with elevator. Well managed complex with bright clean lobby & shared laundry - all with secure & convenient entry and access.

NEW PRICE $

10% down -approx. $444/mo. 25 yrs 5yr term 3.5%

319,900

Large 0.21 acre property close to beaches. This Rancher comes complete with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a sunken living room and large deck. Private large yard is fenced.

unit has been painted and is ready for you to move in. Two bedroom condo located centrally -great floor plan. mls 357998

111,900

10% down -apprvox. $547/mo. 25 yrs 5yr term

2158 Downey Ave

1826 Hawk Drive

This sparkling family home located in the centre of Comox is one of the few homes in this price range with an ocean view. Featuring a large lot with 2 gas fireplaces and an ocean view overlooking Comox Bay. Close to schools, the hospital and bus routes, this is a fine family home.

Looking for a three bedroom two bathroom elegant rancher in a central East Courtenay location? This could be the one. Master bedroom has walk-in closet with a three piece ensuite. Walk out to your private deck and fully fenced backyard. Added pluses are newer heat pump, hot water tank, roof in 2009, double garage and a new front door.

OPEN HOUSE Sat. May 3, 1:30pm-3:30pm

339,000

Hosted by Wayne McLoughlin”

Ocean Pacific Realty (e) waynemcloughlin@remax.net 282 Anderton Road, Comox

250-897-9189 (c) 250-339-2021 (o)

Wayne’s

quote of the week

A10 Comox Valley Echo Friday, May 2, 2014

News

K’ómoks First Nation and Britco celebrate economic partnership By Drew A. Penner Echo Staff

Guests got a glimpse of Canada’s history as dancers passionately wound their way around the fire in a counterclockwise motion.

Britco brought branded jackets as part of a ceremonial gift exchange. Melinda Knox, chief executive of the K’ómoks Economic Development Corporation, said this is all part of a larger growth process. “There are wonderful opportunities that we’re looking forward to,” she said. “We don’t want to continually be under the Indian Act. You get very little money. It’s just little handouts. So we’re looking at being progressive in

Elected Chief Rob Everson shakes hands with Britco executive Chris Gardner as part of a gift exchange.

Coming to Courtenay

business, how we can be part of the economy and sustainable.” Keeping politics separate from business is an important part of the KFN strategy, she noted. Kareem Allam, director of corporate social responsibility and aboriginal relations with Britco, said connecting with First Nations

ch 10 oi a c s fru es o sor it f m ted pi i es xe d

K’ómoks First Nation dancers moved fluidly around the open fire under the evening light pouring down into the Big House as a welcome dance was sung out in the Chinook jargon - a language once spoken by both indigenous and non-indigenous people up and down the coast. It was a prelude to a feast of elk, oysters and salmon all brought from close at hand - as part of a celebration of a new economic partnership between modular home builder Britco and the aboriginal group. The words of the song (“We’re so happy that you’re here we want you to stay”) mirrored the addresses given by elected Chief Rob Everson prior to a ceremonial gift exchange. “I’m really excited. I think this is the beginning of a great relationship,” he said. “We look forward to many years of prosperous economic opportunities for both the K’ómoks First Nation and Britco. “We look forward to doing business with you.” Under a Memorandum of Understanding KFN will have the controlling 51 per cent stake in the venture to Britco’s 49 - although the revenue sharing deals will vary depending on the specific project. “First of all let me say it’s a real honour to be on the traditional territory of the K’ómoks First Nation,” said executive vice president of Britco Chris Gardner. “It is an honour and a pleasure to be welcomed in such a rich and warm way.” The partnership could put the First Nation and the company in a better position to bid on work that will come up on projects such as the John Hart Dam and the North Island Hospitals Project, as well as a multitude of other construction opportunities along the North Island. “Tonight represents’ the start of a new partnership, a new friendship,” Gardner said. “When you a new friendship or a new partnership you’re starting a journey together. You don’t know where it’s going to go, but you’re starting off with the hope of possibility. “You can count on us. We will not let you down in this partnership.” The business deal comes at a time when economic activity on the reserve of about 115 status members has been growing. The I-Hos Gallery just completed a number of renovations and is getting enough traffic to need two checkout tills to alleviate lineups at times.

partners just make sense. “It’s the way of the future - 100 per cent,” he said. “It’s the way to do it. It’s the right thing to do. And it’s stupid not to.” Any company that ignores the aboriginal labour pool isn’t doing itself any favours anyways, he added. “You take a look at the fastest growing part of BC’s population - it’s aboriginal,” he said. “You can’t have a labour strategy for including workers if you’re not engaging First Nations.” Britco has eight First Nations partners across the province, and some, such as with the Lheidli T’enneh in Prince George have been particularly profitable. “Actually you know what? It’s been a phenomenal boon for us. We’ve done really well out of that partnership,” he said. “They’re bringing work to you. They have their own relationships that you don’t have. “The conversation within the business community is really changing a lot.”

CANADIAN ARTIQUES ROADSHOW

May 15th, 16th, 17th

The Next Generation

Coast to Coast Roadshow Tour Canada

Canadian Antiques Roadshow....Canadian Pickers....Pawn Stars Canada

Oil paintings, watercolours, prints, drawings , posters, lithographs bronzes, sculptures, dolls, toys, books, bibles, comics, sports memorabilia musical instruments, porcelain, china, pottery, ceramics, tableware, figurines Candlesticks, lamps, sewing machines, music boxes, old records, post cards war memorabilia, native art, ship wheels & artifacts, wood working tools small furniture, carvings, maps, movie memorabilia, silver serving sets

Not sure what it is or how much its worth no problem we welcome it all $20, Per item or three items for $50

What’s in your treasure chest or up in the attic ?

NOTICE SPECIALOFFER OFFER COURTENAY PARKSVILLE ROADSHOW SPECIAL ROADSHOWONLY ONLY As a result of the high price of gold we have invited global gold, Canada’s leading buyer of gold & silver to be apart of this event. The team will be paying cash on the spot for old, broken or unused gold jewellery, silver coins, coin collections, royal canadian mint sets if its gold or silver we buy it.

See theRoadshow Roadshow… Roadshow…Courtenay Courtenay Holliday Inn See you You at at the Parksville Holiday Inn Ballroom January 16-17-18th 9:00 AM –•7:00 PM Each May 15th, 16th, 17th 9:30am toDay 5:00pm. Each day.

News

Comox Valley Echo Friday, May 2, 2014 A11

Ten agreements needed to get rail restoration back on track By Philip Round Echo Staff An upbeat presentation on the future of the Courtenay-Victoria rail line appeared to reassure Comox Valley Regional District’s board on Tuesday. But in what was the most detailed public account yet of the service negotiations, restoration plans and business prospects, the president and chief executive of Southern Railway of BC, Frank Butzelaar, revealed ten agreements have to be signed to get the restoration of the 225-kms line fully back on track. They were not only with VIA Rail to secure a revived passenger service, but also with federal, provincial and local governments in order to release their respective shares of $20.9 million pledged towards the replacement of rotting ties, re-ballasting the track, and essential bridge repairs. One of those agreements will be with Comox Valley Regional District itself, which has reserved $392,000 as its contribution to bridge repairs, and will release the money only if every other contributor does the same. Tuesday’s presentation was in response to earlier concerns that the project might be in danger of collapse - concerns fed by a perceived lack of information being offered to the public by the line’s owners, the Island Corridor Foundation (ICF). Butzelaar said the ICF and Southern Railway, as train operator, were striving to get ratification at board level of the tentative VIA Rail train service agreement in May or June if possible, followed by the various government grant release agreements in June or July. All had been negotiated and lined up, but were regarded as tentative until signed off at board level. Assuming the necessary signatures were penned soon, tenders could be sought in August or September for bridge improvements; and in September or October for track infrastructure work. The target was to get the track improvements underway in October or November, with bridge repairs starting in February or March of next year. Although the scale of the work looked large - 110,000 new ties,

160,000 tonnes of ballast, and 9,000 replacement steel joints to link rails - he suggested the work from Victoria to Nanaimo could be wrapped by as soon as April next year, with new train services starting the following month. The track improvements would roll northwards as part of the same series of contracts, getting to Qualicum Beach by May and Courtenay by July if all went according to plan. There was, he assured regional directors, no intention of stopping restoration part way along the line all the work would be committed from end to end. But he accepted the sequence of dates and events he had outlined also had to be regarded as “tentative,” as they needed to get the ten legal agreements signed to ensure everyone was on board and contributing their share. He assured regional district directors that if the planned restoration work was done, the railway would be good for ten years of both passenger and freight services, offering great opportunities to build business on the Island. “Future business cases will have to stand on their own,” he said. “Proponents of services will provide the required railway improvements

and operational funds needed.” The key deal that had to be sealed first was the train service agreement with VIA Rail, which had offered to provide completely overhauled rail cars, with new engines, refurbished interiors and space to transport bikes. VIA was willing to see Southern Railway take on responsibility for running the passenger trains, tentatively offering to divert a maximum subsidy of $1.45 million in year one, said Butzelaar. As VIA’s national budget was only authorized by the federal government on a year-by-year basis, they could not confirm what would happen to the subsidies in the future, but a pattern had been established since 1990, which gave them confidence. Assuming all the restoration work was completed, Butzelaar said his company would take on the additional financial risk of running and enhancing services on the line. He noted Southern Railway was part of the family-owned Washington Group, which employs 2,000 people in BC in rail and marine operations as well as shipyards. More than half the workers are in the Victoria shipyards, which meant they looked forward to a long-term relationship with Island communities and its essential transportation links.

Southern had extensive expertise in railway operations on the mainland and through Washington Group’s Seaspan rail ferry and barge links to and from the Island, and offered freight customers smooth interchange with the networks of four giant North American rail companies: CP, CN, BNSF and UP. Southern already operated 28 locomotives and 785 railcars of their own, and handled 70,000 carloads a year. Among their 150 existing customers were several on Vancouver Island the top ones being Superior Propane (Nanaimo), Top Shelf Feeds (Duncan), and Catalyst Paper (Port Alberni). At present, the Island line effectively had a freight corridor only between Parksville and Duncan, but with the upgrades much greater potential would be realized. The aim was to build a sustainable railway for the long term, based on moving much more freight and maximizing inter-city passengers. In addition there would be special tourist and excursion trains, and possibly in the future a commuter rail service. Passenger services would be developed incrementally, with the first such trains running on the NanaimoVictoria stretch of line with an initial Courtenay service being offered on

Saturdays and Sundays. While all the schedules would be subject to adjustment based on experience and demand, the objective would be to enhance services to and from Courtenay by making the train station a transport hub, with excursion buses feeding to and from it to places like Campbell River and the Powell River ferry; and hopefully ski trains connecting with Mount Washington buses in winter. He assured directors there would be no lengthy and expensive studies to assess potential demand. They wanted to get on with providing trial train services and marketing them intensively to try to grow the number of passengers. It was in Southern’s financial interest - and the ICF’s community interest - to do so. “Local people know local demands,” he said. “We’re going to make sure it’s run well. We’re going to dovetail service with bus and ferry schedules. “Our initial schedule is a work in progress. It is our aim to expand and improve service as ridership dictates.” And for any directors worried about hidden costs and future demand on local taxpayers, he added: “We will basically underwrite this whole operation. “Because we will carry any financial risk, we are going to be very creative. Our goal will be to fill those trains to maximize revenue. “With local management and control be believe it is going to be a huge success, because we believe we will be able to tap in to new markets.” Acknowledging concerns expressed about whether the restoration was still going to happen - especially growing opposition to the release of money being voiced at Nanaimo Regional District - he asked people to keep the faith as they were so close to success. “If ever there was a project that required perseverance, it’s this one,” he added. CVRD board chair Edwin Grieve said the message of optimism in the face of doubts and delays was truly amazing. The regional board wished them well in getting the key agreements signed quickly, he added. pround@comoxvalleyecho.com

Legions ‘scrambling’ to hold National Day of Honour for Afghanistan vets Veteran Affairs late with plans for event announced by Harper; liquor licence woes in Courtenay By Drew A. Penner Echo Staff Local legions have been caught off guard by a late-breaking plan from Veterans Affairs to recognize Canadians who fought in Afghanistan with a National Day of Honour May 9, with one failing to obtain a variance to liquor rules that would allow them to invite the public to attend an event that day. The Courtenay Legion Branch 17 had hoped to hold a licensed open house, but a request to allow people who are not members inside the building was denied by the provincial liquor board. “We took our concerns to our command headquarters,” said Hap Hanson, president of the Courtenay branch. “They pointed out that we have to play by the rules. And that’s what we’re going to do until it’s settled.” This is just part of the confusion clouding the Harper government’s bid to recognize soldiers of the Afghanistan conflict with a special day on short notice, with critics characterizing the National Day of Honour as a partisan political move. For one, this liquor license frustration bubbled up more than two weeks before Veterans Affairs Canada even got around to announcing its final intensions for a day meant to mark the end of Canada’s combat involvement in the Middle East. Observers note that perhaps 100 Comox Valley residents took part in the Afghanistan War and multiple 19 Wing Comox members were accepted as part of a postwar mission in non-combat roles. At least one of these local Canadian Forces members lost their life and many suffer from post-traumatic stress. Ward Harrison, president of Cumberland’s legion, said Branch 28 won’t be doing anything to mark the day and isn’t aware of anything happening in the Valley. The Comox Legion is struggling to figure out what it should do if anything to commemorate the National Day of Honour, since it only received a memo about the Harper government’s intentions for the day from the Legion’s BC/Yukon Command on April 29. A BC/Yukon Command official said they got the word out as soon as they could, but that they were

waiting for instructions from higher up. Now it will be up to the Comox branch’s membership to decide if it’s too late to put something together to recognize the service of the 40,000 Canadians who served in Afghanistan. Scott Ferris, director of marketing and membership for the Royal Canadian Legion, said the organization has been pushing for details on the Day of Honour from Minister of Veteran Affairs Julian Fantino’s office since March 18, when the last Canadian Armed Forces troops arrived back on home soil. “From that time until now nobody knew what was supposed to happen,” Ferris said. “It was silence. It was grasshoppers.” Veterans Affairs declined to comment on the story and suggested contacting the Department of National Defence. Ferris stresses the importance to honouring veterans, although he questions the need to split veterans up into different categories based on the war in which they served. “This was an event that was created by the federal government. This never existed before,” he said. “It’s been very confusing. It’s been very frustrating.” Remembrance is what legions do, and so if a Day of Honour is to be held it should be done right, he added. “We’re really scrambling to make something happen,” he said. “We’re hoping that this day will be for all veterans.” The Courtenay branch reached out to the liquor board

CARRIERS WANTED No collection required. Great exercise! Call Comox Valley Echo • 250-334-4734 or drop by 407-D 5th Street, Courtenay Courtenay – Kilpatrick, 29th - 27th, Moray – Kilpatrick, Anfield Centre (Walmart) – 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 Mission Hill Rt. 5102 – Stafford, Dingwall, Valecourt, Cruickshank Rt. 8105 Rt. 8106 Rt. 8130

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a couple weeks ago to get ahead of the curve on planning an event. Because their license does not permit them to sell alcohol to anyone but their members they are not allowed to open their doors to the general public and were advised to run an unlicensed event or get a non-profit group to obtain a Special Occasion License. However, minors who are a guest of a legion member would be allowed to attend a licensed event “given the significance of May 9” a spokesperson for the province confirmed. Pat Stogran, a soldier who led the first Canadian battle group that arrived in Kandahar back in 2002, told the Echo in an interview he is furious with the government’s

approach to the Day of Honour. “It is a jug-f—k,” he said. “Nobody knows what is going on.” Through the event the government is taking another step to separate veterans into categories in the minds of Canadians in order to exploit this perceived difference financially, such as through the New Veterans Charter, he said. “Remembrance Day should be sacrosanct and sufficient for most Canadians to share in the healing,” he said. “Afghanistan veterans deserve to have their battle honour etched on the walls of the National Cenotaph in Ottawa and to stand shoulder to shoulder with veterans of all eras, peacekeeping included.”

The Corporation of the Village of Cumberland Notice of Intention to Close a Portion of Ulverston Avenue and Dispose of Closed Road Notice is given that the Corporation of the Village of Cumberland intends to close to traffic and remove the highway dedication of a 0.372 hectare portion, more or less, of Ulverston Avenue between Egremont Road and First Street shown outlined in bold on the sketch shown below. “Ulverston Avenue Road Closure and Disposal Bylaw No. 1004, 2014”, the bylaw closing the portion of Ulverston Avenue and removing its highway dedication, has been given first reading by Cumberland Council. Persons who consider they are affected by the bylaw will be provided an opportunity to make representations to Council at regular open meeting of Council on May 12, 2014 at 5:30 p.m. at the Council Chambers located at 2675 Dunsmuir Avenue or by delivering a written submission to the Village before or at the meeting on May 12, 2014 at 5:30 p.m.

The Corporation of the Village of Cumberland further gives notice of its intention to transfer the fee simple interest in the closed portion of Ulverston Avenue to the Board of Education of School District No. 71 (Comox Valley) for the purpose of consolidation with the immediately adjacent lands belonging to the Board of Education of School District No. 71 (Comox Valley). This disposition is subject to the adoption of “Ulverston Avenue Road Closure and Disposal Bylaw No. 1004, 2014” and the subdivision and consolidation of the lands. The consideration to be received by the Corporation of the Village of Cumberland for this disposition is (a) a 0.321 hectare parcel, more or less, upon completion of the subdivision and consolidation of lands located in the vicinity of Beaufort Avenue and Silecroft Road, and (b) undersurface rights through registration of a 559.6 m2, more or less, statutory right of way for existing municipal infrastructure. Copies of the proposed bylaw and agreements for the above dispositions are available at the Village office during regular office hours from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday except holidays, and online at cumberland.ca.

For more information, contact: Village of Cumberland 2673 Dunsmuir Avenue 250-336-2291 Box 340 cumberland.ca Cumberland, BC V0R 1S0

A12 Comox Valley Echo Friday, May 2, 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

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Letters

Teachers want a deal, not a fight Teachers have been forced into job action by this government for the reasons explained in our, “Why Teachers May Be Forced Into Job Action,” Letter to the Editor that was published in the Comox Valley Echo last week. We sincerely hope that Premier Clark will intervene and direct her ministers to settle our dispute like she did in the Vancouver Port Authority strike, after which she said: “You shouldn’t have a fight if you can get a deal. We got a deal instead. We’re delighted about it.” Let’s hope she follows her own advice instead of intentionally trying to provoke further job action in an effort to enable her government to introduce wholesale changes to education, to legislatively impose a contract, and to force teachers back to work under the threat of massive fines. It was recently proven in the BC Supreme Court that the government was trying do all of these things in the last round of bargaining with teachers. Teachers want a negotiated deal, not a fight. Teachers are asking for a fair wage increase that, at the very least, matches the increased cost of living in British Columbia. They are also asking for reasonable class size and composition limits so that every student can receive the 1 on 1 attention he/she deserves from a professionally trained teacher. Thank you for your continued understanding and support! Nick Moore Vice-President Comox District Teachers’ Association

THEY DO SPEND THE MONEY Re: “The environmental clown show” by Mike Bell, April 29 issue of the Echo. As I read Mr. Bell’s letter, I too, was reminded of a clownish show of sorts: a couple of years ago at the Canada Day parade down 5th St. in Courtenay; the sight of several persons draped in black crow costumes, flapping about ... but that is beside my point. Mr. Bell writes that mining “companies will not spend thousands of dollars on research without some assurances that they can develop a mine.” In fact; they have, and do, and will. Companies spend millions of dollars in this province alone, on risky exploration projects hoping to find a new mineral prospect (that are increasingly hard to find), without assurances that it will develop into an economically valuable deposit, much less a viable mine. And even if the economics of a discovered mineral deposit are promising, any number of factors (government policy, environmental , social licence, etc.) may come to the fore, perhaps after millions have been spent by investors, to quash the project. Anyone remember Windy Craggy? Len Gal Courtenay

Letters to the Editor

More bafflegab from city hall! The Friends of Maple Pool will have a website up within approximately one week. A primary function will be “fact checking”, i.e. clarifying false and misleading statements, statements, as they appear in the City’s media releases or on its website. We shall provide an accurate history and analysis of David Allen’s recent letter on our website. Meanwhile, we reply in abbreviated form. Mr. Allen cites a timeline on the City website. That timeline is both inaccurate and incomplete. The suggestion that the Lins have dragged their feet on submitting a proposal to the City is demonstrably and palpably false, and was rejected by the Supreme Court. The City claims credit for twice postponing the lawsuit.. But the appropriate question is why the lawsuit was not postponed for a third time, instead of proceeding in June of 2013. Two polar

opposite decisions were taken by the City and each was based on the same fact situation! In April 2013, the City’s engineering data was not available to the joint team and Council therefore voted to postpone the lawsuit; in June 2013 the City’s engineering data was still not available to the joint team and Council therefore voted to go ahead with the lawsuit. Two diametrically opposed decisions, each based on precisely the same fact situation! Mr. Allen says that waivers of liability by residents would just waive their legal rights, but not protect their safety. The City is shifting the goalposts. It has always argued that the City could face substantial liability. Now, City asserts a “nanny interest” in protecting the residents from the consequences of their own judgement. Mr. Justice Baird rejected the City’s safety argument, and noted that the residents do not want the City to protect them against the Tsolum River.

Mr. Allen claims that the City was informed by the Lins’ engineer that he had been instructed not to proceed with the rezoning application.” Engineers do not make legal decisions or decide for their clients on rezoning applications. Mr. Allen says that on July 17, 2013 the City provided “the most recent technical memos and floodplain elevations” to the Lins’ engineer, and that this information had only recently become available to the City. We don’t dispute those facts. They are true; but they are also grossly misleading because of crucial information which Allen has omitted. The City’s website states that Maple Pool “almost flooded in 2011”. Maple Pool did not “almost flood in 2011”; Maple Pool did not come close to flooding in 2011; the evidence that Maple Pool was never threatened with flooding in 2011 is clear and incontrovertible. Dick Clancy Courtenay

More Beefs and Bouquets US GALS at Hairpins Boutique want to send a massive bouquet of the most fragrant and colourful flowers to the kids at Queneesh Elementary school who stopped by our salon on Friday, April 24th with apples and treats. Your random act of kindness literally made our day. A very special thank you to Tricia Hart, the teacher with the boys, who not only spearheaded the visit to Hairpins, but was kind enough to thank us on Facebook. While our stylists did pay it forward by handing out tulips and apples to random people on the streets, we wanted to do something extra special and offer Tricia a free blowout. Please give us a call so we can set something up. Xox The Hairpins’ Girls CUMBERLAND COUNCIL continues to worry about leachate from the Cumberland landfill. Meanwhile, CVRD policy is to import hazardous waste and garbage from outside Comox Valley boundaries to increase Tonnage and profits. Bizarre? Even more bizarre and alarming is that the Landfill liability costs have gone from $4.4 million to $23.4 million in the past 3 years. Comox Valley Taxpayers will be footing the bill for this CVRD policy - and it’s a rapidly growing bill! CVRD cost and budgets continue to the rise - all approved by CVRD directors. AN OVER-SIZED bundled bouquet to the Town of Comox Yard Waste Collectors who hauled away the SUV-sized mound of over-sized bundles of hedge trimmings we had sitting next to the curb. Thanks for the extra effort. I JUST WANT to “echo” last week’s writer’s positive comments regarding the young boy who holds the pizza sign at the corner of Cliffe and 17th. I too think he rocks...and his energy makes me smile! Good job!! I COMPLAINED about slow service at St Joe’s lab because it is true. The staff are the best but the lab is set up wrong and it is administration’s fault. Nothing happens for the patient until the lab work is done. If they know there is always a line-up at certain times they should have more staff at that time. If you know of a time of day it is not busy, tell us and we will all be there at that time. Is there a problem with a hospital being efficient? If you went to a grocery store and they were always short staffed, would you keep going back and wait at the till for an hour? NOTHING AGAINST the Snowbird demonstration team; but who in the military thinks

that close formation flying under 5000 feet, over neighbourhoods, and schools, is a good idea? One mistake, and a Tutor jet will roll into Isfeld School within seconds, and kill 30 to 40 kids. A BEEF to the drivers who insist upon turning off Menzies onto 4th Street, going the wrong way through a now-one-way-only exit from 4th onto Menzies. The orange might-be-a Mazda, the red Toyota, the gray van (with mom handing a snack to the child), the white loud truck with no muffler. The do-not-enter signage and the new curve of the road make it so obvious that this is one-way out only. It is dangerous for you, for those driving behind you, for those coming up to the exit onto Menzies, for the residents and kids crossing the street, and simply inconsiderate to the residents who lobbied hard to stop fast vehicles and distracted drivers taking short cuts through our neighbourhood. Stop it. BOUQUETS to the Friends of Maple Pool. They need to run for office - they are problem solvers who won’t waste taxpayer dollars on lawyers. BOUQUETS to the staff at First Insurance in the Superstore Plaza particularly Colby, Tina and Cynthia. They were extremely knowledgeable, helpful and patient helping us with a complicated situation when we were registering an old motorcycle with no documentation from out of province. A BIG BOUQUET of colourful Spring flowers to the wonderful owners and employees of Serious Coffee on Cliffe Avenue. They are unfailingly kind, thoughtful and compassionate in providing our Comox Valley Hospice Society Grief Support group with private space to talk and share stories after our weekly walk. We wanted you to know that everything you do and the manner in which you do it makes a difference and helps the healing process! INTERESTING that the City of Courtney is not “awash in cash” - $23 million isn’t peanuts, but their neighbors, the CVRD, have a much bigger bank balance - they are hiring. Meanwhile, School District 71 is underfunded and laying off staff. What is wrong with this picture? IF YOU TURN OFF your TV and sit very quietly, you can hear a teacher whine. A HUGE BEEF to the ignorant and rude stu-

dents who do not obey the signals at Lerwick and Malahat, and walk down the middle of Malahat between Lerwick and Brook Place blocking traffic and swearing at drivers who honk or say anything. And a bigger beef to the staff member who stated: “It’s not our problem, they are not on school property.” FINALLY, A SMALL BOUQUET to Courtenay Council. Courtenay needs to withdraw funding from the Rural bus service which runs empty buses. The service needs to fit the 1% that use it - perhaps the private sector can meet rural needs, without 500% taxpayer support. We need public transit. But it has to be sustainable. TIME TO SHAPE UP! Here comes yet another letter about dog owners. I AM one, spend huge amounts of time every day playing/training with my dogs and they do dog sports which requires them to be off leash and in close proximity with other breeds of all kinds, in a behaved & controlled manner. Since returning from AZ/CA I have never met so many ill-mannered dog owners in six months. Twice on the trails (my dogs sense someone coming so I get them to come beside me and go way off the trail). . . the people get close, I explain that one of my dogs doesn’t like other dogs (she was attacked once while on leash three years ago and now does not trust dogs coming up to her face) and still, the owners let their large dogs come flying over telling me “they’ll work it out!” Another person said her standard poodle was attacked a year ago and is ‘getting over it’ - as her dog is off leash and I have picked mine up (s he is 32 lbs). Have been working with jumps at the farthest end of a field I can get and someone with two large dogs comes out of a trail, talking with a friend and doesn’t give a “rats-a—” about her one dog who came bounding across the field towards me and my dogs working. I put my reactive dog in the car and yelled at this person who totally ignored me or didn’t hear me and her dog left. My other dog just stands with hackles up and does nothing (she has been attacked twice in the past by the same border collie but has taken it in stride). Saw someone with four loose border collies at the Fairgrounds - heard a commotion in the woods (I was playing in the large field adjacent to the trails), then the four dogs come out of the trail - owner does nothing to call them to him when he spots my two - I quickly put two in the car and left. I shouldn’t have to constantly be looking over my shoulder - why do people not even care if there dog (or dogs) go bounding

over to someone else’s who are totally ignoring them and think it is acceptable for their rude dogs to hover over top of mine. Imagine how that must feel to another dog? And don’t you tell me I should leave my dog in her kennel or yard (I don’t have a yard by the way). I’ve spent a lot of time training a recall on my dogs - can’t you people even attempt to put yours on a leash if you know they are not likely going to listen or bolt? All of this is going to get ruined for everyone someday and like California, there is no where (except a dog park —— which can be very bad news) you can let your dogs off leash to exercise! Get a grip people and take responsibility! There is tons of space - give us some! I READ WITH INTEREST Mike Bell’s letter titled “The environmental clown show”. He comments about the federal and provincial governments policies of “do it first and consult second”. Our municipal government in Courtenay is no different. I and some of my neighbours attended a neighbourhood open house in regards to the supportive housing development plan that is proposed for 810 Braidwood Rd. I certainly felt sorry for the consultant who had to face the wrath of the people in the neighbourhood who showed up to discuss their anger and frustration concerning this development. Not one councillor was present which echoes the cowardly way this proposal was handled. Yes we supported the need for such a facility but placing it in a community with young families and many senior residents plus a high number of single females is a travesty. Any way you look at this, 30 units housing individuals that are marginal with many difficulties such as mental illness and drug addiction will create security problems for all the residents in the area. Not to mention the friends, possibly drug dealers etc. who will be hanging around even though they are not living in the complex. We are not only concerned, there was a general fear by those that attended. A far better location would be the old Re-Store building on Rye Rd. next to the car dealership. No immediate homes are in the area and the location is much better for the residents of the housing complex. The residents of our neighbourhood should not have to pay for the mismanagement of the shelter property downtown. Unfortunately we do not have any buddies on council who will support us. Take another look and stop this before it is too late!

WWW.NIC.BC.CA

Comox Valley Echo Friday, May 2, 2014 A13

University Transfer

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A HUGE BOUQUET to all of the students that participated in the Comox Valley District Heritage Fair in April. 36 students from local elementary schools were selected to go on to represent their school and the school district in Port Alberni this weekend at the Regional Heritage Fair. These elementary students put in hours of hard work and displayed their learning about Canadian heritage on their own time. It is disappointing to see that they have not been recognized for their accomplishments. A huge thank you to the amazing teachers that volunteered their valuable time to these events. We want to encourage our youth to participate in these type of events. We should be celebrating and encouraging their successes as they learn and share Canadian history. Good luck to the anonymous 36 students that are participating in the regional fair this weekend. Let’s hope your schools take the time to acknowledge you for your hard work and we wish you well as your represent your community this weekend in Port Alberni. Your community is celebrating your accomplishments and hope that you will participate again next year. A LARGE BOUQUET to Pharmasave Comox, Shoppers Drug Mart Comox, Target Courtenay, Thrifty Foods, Real Canadian Superstore, Walmart,and Costco. Without the generous support

Beefs

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send letters out to clarify the situation. Kudos to businesses that call you back when they promise to.

THE COMOX VALLEY has its share of angels. One of them came in the guise of a B.C. Hydro man who gave me first aid when I collapsed in the parking lot of the pub restaurant in Royston. You waited with me until the ambulance took me to hospital and reassured me with your calmness. Thank you for being with me; you were such a great comfort in my distress.

THE BC LIBERAL Government did not make life better for North Islanders by splitting the CSRD into the CVRD and SRD. The CSRD budget before the split was $47.2 million. The combined RD budgets for 2014 are $89.2 millions - costs to North Island RD taxpayers have risen 89% since the split in 2008! Thanks a lot BC Liberals - apparently our MLA made this happen. Will he fix it?

BOUQUET to the Cumberland Lodge and all the wonderful staff, from the Recreation Department to the residents, photographs and the great entertainer Mark Grant. You all offered us a lovely afternoon with coffee, tea, cakes, veggies and on top of it, a plant with watering can. Thank you so much, it was fun, and everyone was happy and sang along. - Your volunteers. I WOULD LIKE TO SAY “thank you”, with much heartfelt appreciation, to the management and staff of Central Builders, for giving me a retirement sendoff that I will remember for the rest of my life. The office staff and especially Val Bilow, really went out of their way to make my last day memorable. After almost 41 years in the building supply business, I have made many, many close friendships, but the people you spend almost every day with become like family, and that is something to cherish forever. Once again - thank you all from the bottom of my heart. - Gary (Redlight) Rawlings A NOTE OF APPRECIATION to the friendly and very helpful boys at the bottle and can recycle depot in Comox on Anderton: Such eager and smiling guys. It is a pleasure to use your services. A BIG BOUQUET to Paul Moon of Brian McLean Chevrolet, Buick & GMC Ltd. Paul was very professional and provided excellent customer service with my purchase of a certified pre-owned vehicle. Paul went the extra mile to keep this customer happy. Thanks Paul! GOOD TO SEE Galaxy Motors investing in Courtenay. Where will the storm water from yet another treeless, large paved parking lot drain? If Courtenay residents are fretting about liability for Maple Pool, they should think about the liability for potential flood damage cost for approving the Costco Ditch! BIG BOUQUET to the Downey family for bringing the Easter bunny to our old orchard neighbourhood. The kids were delighted! That was a Big Easter Bunny!

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I’ve spoken to say the project management company out of Ontario has already started making arrangements to bring in all their own people and equipment. Do we believe the political hacks who made an agreement without a requirement to hire locally or the valley’s own companies and workers that will give back to the local economy? Hey, it’s our tax dollars they’ll be spending so we should know what’s going on.

PLEASE ACQUIRE THINGS IN WRITING due to someone coming back and stating to you that no such thing was spoken of and that you misunderstood what they said, even when you did not. Actually it should be a norm that, that business should

This week’s winner

WONDERING if our CVRD directors compare services costs to other jurisdictions? For example, Nanaimo RD provides services to 146,000 people and their budget is lower than the Comox Valley Regional District. Directors approve all budgets -are Comox Valley taxpayers getting fair value for taxes and fees? A BOUQUET to all the supporters and volunteers that are working hard for the Cumberland Community Forest cause. People are coming together to raise money to prevent a large parcel of land from being clear cut. What a way to bring the community together for a worthwhile cause! A BIG BOUQUET of spring flowers to the couple on their bikes that found our Wheaton Terrier Dougal. Thank you for finding us! And Dougal says “thanks for the sleep over.” TO THE PEOPLE who don’t like BIG BOX STORES, I have only one thing to say...MOVE! I will admit Dollarama and McDonalds seem unusual for Crown Isle, but with schools near by and a Hospital coming I guess they see a reason for them. I personally would like to see Pier 1 and Homesense. Maybe one day?! When I was younger we only had downtown 5th Street for shopping, closed at 6 and closed on Sundays. I don’t think much has changed in those 47 years! Our family used to head for Victoria or Vancouver to do our shopping, or we would order through the Sears and Eaton’s catalogues. Thank goodness for Sears and Eaton’s in those days. Then when Lantzville built their big Mall we would shop there all the time. Now that we FINALLY have our own BIG BOX STORES, I NEVER shop in Nanaimo. I can’t even tell you the last time I did shop there... BECAUSE I don’t NEED to SHOP there anymore! So I would think that means the money IS staying in the Valley and it IS providing JOBS. Times have changed and will always continue to change. If internet shopping takes off, then there will be less stores and then less jobs, AND IF that time comes we will ADAPT once again! As for the trees, head north if you don’t like concrete! A LARGE BOUQUET OF APPRECIATION to Quality Foods in Comox for their generous support, as well as the many kind folks who

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Shelley Cecchin of Royston, 2 Classic Cheese Basket Meals from Dairy Queen. Winners, you may pick up your prize certificates at the front desk of the Echo, 407-D Fifth Street, during regular business hours. Thanks to everyone for the great submissions- keep ‘em coming!

bought hotdogs and baked goods or supplied a donation at our fundraiser for field studies on Saturday April 26th. Thank you from the Huband Park Elementary School Active Learning Class!

A LOT OF BEEFS about the CVRD - is this fair? Well - look at the facts. They are all in the financial reports. After the Comox Strathcona Regional District was spit in two in 2008, Comox Valley residents expected more efficient, more accountable Regional Government. In 2007, the governance personnel cost for the entire North island (CSRD) was $10, 258,556, In 2012 with half the territory, the CVRD personnel cost rose to $10,661,993. There were no efficiency gains - how about accountability? Who is responsible for this outcome? It would seem to be the CAO and CVRD directors who else?

HOW PROUD and excited the residents of Crown Isle Golf Community must be about the latest development at the Crown Isle shopping center. I can only imagine. Soon, after a long day on the golf course, residents and guests will be just steps away from fine dining at McDonalds, and can even have their oil changed next door at Jiffy Lube as they dine. After dinner, they can enjoy an exclusive shopping experience at the new Dollarama. Later, they can top off their evening with a scenic stroll down ritzy Crown Isle Boulevard....and check out the fine selection of used cars at yet another car lot, perhaps followed by an ice cream at Costco. All that will be missing is a cannabis store, a pawn shop, and tattoo parlor, but I’m sure the best is yet to come. BOUQUETS to Emcon for clearing rural road rights of way, making it safer for walkers and cyclists. Please make this an annual event. BEEF to the NHL. A pitcher for the Yankees gets a 7 game suspension for juicing baseballs. Brent Seabrook gets a 3 game suspension for just about killing David Backes. A BIG BOUQUET of spring flowers to Karyn and her crew from Gardenwise Design & Maintenance for making our gardens look so beautiful again this year. Karyn and her crew are always so pleasant and work so hard to get things done in a short amount of time leaving everything looking like days had been spent making the gardens so beautiful. Thank you again, your work is appreciated beyond words. BOUQUETS to the CVRD fact or fiction site - check it out. Transparency. They have about out one $million in the bank (your money) for each of the 93 services provided. Comox Valley taxpayers and consumers are paying for this many can’t afford to fund the Bank of CVRD. 93 services - how many do you use?

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A BIG BOUQUET to Michelle and the staff at the Superstore for helping the Comox Valley Midget boys Lacrosse team with their first fundraiser of the year. Bagging groceries over the Easter long weekend was a huge success! Thanks goes out to all the customers that helped the team with this fundraiser. It was good to see such great support to a local sports team. The boys had fun. Thanks to everyone for making this such a successful day! DON’T KNOW whether to hand out a beef or bouquet. The VIHA spokesman says there’ll be plenty of jobs for local trades and contractors during the new hospital construction but the trades people and suppliers

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A14 Comox Valley Echo Friday, May 2, 2014

POLICE BLOTTER Comox Valley RCMP responded to the following incidents betwen April 23 and 28: On April 22 police received a report of a theft from a vehicle while parked at the owner’s residence on the 2400 block of Avro Arrow Drive in Comox. The owner stated that another, unlocked vehicle, was entered first and the garage door opener was utilized to obtain entry into the residence attached garage. Once inside the garage another vehicle was entered and a computer and

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a woman’s purse were stolen. (2014-4505) The Comox Valley RCMP was notified about a stolen vehicle on April 23. The vehicle had been parked on the 900 block of Pines Drive in Comox. Through investigation a suspect was identified and located. He was arrested and held for court. (2014-4555) The Town of Comox reported two mischief complaints to police on April 23. It was reported that two separate bus enclosures had damage to the glass panes. Total of the broken glass panes is $1875.00. (2014-4570) On April 23 police responded to a complaint of a theft from vehicle. The vehicle was parked on the 2100 block of Piercy Avenue in Courtenay when this happened. The thief entered through the rear sliding window and once inside stole a stereo amp and sub-woofer. (2014-4585) A report of a stolen scooter was taken by the Comox Valley RCMP on April 25th. The owner reports that the

red 2010 Euro E-cycle was taken from a residence located on the 2500 block of Windermere Avenue in Cumberland on April 21st. (2014 - 4657) On April 26th police received a report of a stolen motor vehicle from a residence located on the 5700 block of the Island highway South in Union Bay. The vehicle is described as a pink colored Mazda 323 bearing BC plate 334WNF. (2014-4694) Police took a report of a stolen motorized scooter from the owner who lives on the 8200 block of Island Highway South in Fanny Bay on April 26th. The scooter is a white colored 50 CC Aprilla with BC plate U37283. (20144702) On April 26th police responded to a break and enter call at the Trousers clothing store located at 244 5th Street in Courtenay. A front window was smashed and 6 purses stolen. This investigation is continuing. (2014-4773) Police took a report of a stolen road servicing Grader on April 28th. The Grader was parked on the side of the road in the Cooke Creek area. The grader is valued at $10,000.00. (2014-4777) The Comox Valley RCMP responded to a report of a residential break and enter on April 28th on the 1600 block of Belair Road in Comox. The believed point of entry is an unlocked window. Once inside the thief stole several electronic items. This investigation is continuing. (2014-4794)

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.

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Man chopped chair into bits with meat cleaver, threatens woman’s life By Drew A. Penner Echo Staff Jesse Baker will have to do four more months in jail after he was convicted in an incident where he threatened a woman with a meat cleaver, chopped up her chair and called her a rat. Judge Peter Doherty also tacked on 18 months probation and a 10 year firearms ban in Courtenay Provincial Court April 17. After standing to hear his fate Baker spoke, noting he had barely slept for a number of days prior to the March 31 offences. “It got way out of hand,” he said, of the drinking, crack cocaine and marijuana fuelled reaction. “It was just a gong show.” On that day Comox Valley RCMP heard from multiple complainants who described loud thumping noises, four people inside a Courtenay apartment and a woman calling out the window for help. “You’re a rat and I’m going to kill you,” Baker said while holding the meat cleaver above his head, the court heard. Baker broke a chair into little bits with the tool but escaped before police could catch him. Officers arrived to find broken dishes on the floor and writing on the wall. Just after 10 p.m. Baker called police and gave himself up. He was arrested at McDonald’s without incident and spent 18 days in custody prior to sentencing. Baker was also ordered to submit DNA to a national database.

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By Drew A. Penner Echo Staff A 43-year-old Saanich man spent his 4/20 weekend with a criminal record after he received a conditional sentence and six months probation for pot possession in Courtenay Provincial Court April 17. Jason King must now pay a $100 fee to help victims of crime and is required to complete 40 hours of community service. “I thought it was kind of a trumped up charge,” he said, but added it could have been worse, since charges were dropped against his partner Susan Spinks. “I thought it was fair. I think it was great they dropped the charge.” On Feb. 2, the pair had been traveling through Union Bay towards Gold River when an officer pulled them over for having tail lights out on their trailer. When the officer approached their truck he noticed a strong smell of weed. King didn’t obstruct the police investigation, which turned up 591.6 grams of pot in a computer bag. King entered a guilty plea early. Spinks says the marijuana was for medical use, although she noted neither had yet gone to get an official license to partake for such purposes. “I’m relieved,” she said, after charges were stayed against her, but reiterated her belief in the use of pot as medicine. “I like to be independently healthy.”

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The COMOX VALLEY ECHO ❑ Friday, May 2, 2014

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Author, historian talks about ‘The Left’ in B.C.

How did B.C. come to be called the Left Coast? Is the province really teeming with radicals, and if so, who are they and where did they come from? Drawing on extensive primary sources, labour historian Dr. Gordon Hak tackles this question head-on, and locates the predicament of the modern NDP in this broader historical background. Gordon Hak will present an illustrated lecture on the successes and failures of the left in B.C. from the late nineteenth century to the present, at the Courtenay library, Wednesday, May 7 at 6:30 p.m. Dr. Gordon Hak, a recently retired Vancouver Island University history professor, has recently published The Left in British Columbia: A History of Struggle (Ronsdale Press, 2013).

Bursaries available for women in university The Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) in the Comox Valley will provide two bursaries of $1000 each this year. You should apply if you are a woman who has completed grade 12 in the Comox Valley and if you are beginning the second, third, or fourth year of a program leading to a first degree. The deadline for applications is May 31. For more information about how to apply: https:// sites.google.com/site/cfuwcv/bursaries

Mothers Day Garden Tour tickets on sale The North Island Rhododendron Society (NIRS) 19th annual Mothers Day Garden Tour takes place from 10AM to 4PM Sunday, May 11 at six gardens in central Comox Valley. Tickets that include admittance to all six gardens cost $10 and are available from Anderton’s Nursery, Art Knapp’s Nursery, Hidden Valley Nursery in Campbell River, Blue Heron Books and Home and Garden Gate. (A limited number of additional tickets will be available from each of the gardens.) One lucky visitor will win a prize rhodo in the free draw following the tour.

Art show and auction at Cumberland Elementary Cumberland Elementary is hosting an Art Show and Auction on Wednesday May 7 from 6:30 to 8:00 pm in our gym. Viewing of student artwork will be available throughout the school day on Wednesday. Every student will have their artwork on display and many pieces will be for sale through a silent and live auction that night. Please join us to see our wonderful renditions of artists such as Georgia O’Keeffe, Roy Henry Vickers, Emily Carr, Ted Harrison, Jackson Pollack to name a few and to pick up some beautiful original artwork for your home. All proceeds are being donated to the Cumberland Community Forest Society, so please come out to support our community.

Something as simple as a bicycle can empower change and economic improvement

Bicycles for Humanity New Valley chapter collcting bikes Saturday, May 3 for rural area of Uganda The newly formed Comox Valley Chapter of Bicycles for Humanity is collecting up to 500 used or unwanted bicycles, parts and accessories in support of the Karamoja Bicycle Initiative in north eastern Uganda. A bicycle collection day is being held at the Thrifty Foods parking lot in the Crown Isle Shopping Centre on Saturday, May 3 from 10 am to 2 pm. A second collection day is scheduled on Saturday, May 10 from 10 am to 2 pm at Shar-Kare in Campbell River. Bicycles for Humanity is a grassroots movement that was founded in 2005 by Pat and Brenda Montani of Whistler, British Columbia. Since its inception, B4H has grown to 80 chapters in 6 countries and has shipped over 75,000 bicycles to developing nations. Local chapter founders, Jane and Dave Hay, and Charlene and Brian Cebryk, are trying to improve the quality of life of villagers in rural Uganda by providing them with a means of transportation. Karamoja is located in north eastern Uganda that borders Kenya in the east and Sudan in the north. It is a rugged, largely savannah area that is covered by grasses and thorned plants and is characterised by a harsh climate and low annual rainfall. Since giving up their arms after nearly 20 years of war, the Karamajong, the people of the region, have returned to their traditional life of farming and herding cattle and goats. The Karamoja Bicycle Intiative led by former professional cyclist, Paul Sherwen, is

Women walking for several hours to collect water for their family can now make the trip in a fraction of the time. working with Bicycles for Humanity to improve the mobility of the Karamajong by delivering 25,000 bicycles to the region over five years. Something as simple as a bicycle can empower change and economic improvement in these rural villag-

es. Health care workers, who could perhaps see one patient while travelling on foot, can now see five or more patients. Women walking for several hours to collect water for their family can now make the trip in a fraction of the time. This gift of mobility also empowers students

and business people in their daily lives. Concurrent with the bicycle collection effort, B4H Comox Valley is also raising $15,000 to $20,000 in order to purchase a shipping container and pay for shipping to landlocked Uganda. (Continued on page B2)

B2 Comox Valley Echo Friday, May 2, 2014

What’s On

Champion fiddler and guitar wizard here for Fiddle Fest on Sunday Sunday, May 4th, is the 14th annual Comox Valley Fiddle Fest with a “knock your socks off” fiddle concert at the Big Yellow Merville Hall in sunny, downtown Merville. The headliners this year will be US Grand Fiddle Champion, Shane Cook, and Guitar Wizard, Quinn Bachand. When Shane, a Canadian from Ontario, won the US Grand National Fiddle Championships, the stunned organizers changed the rules for the next year so that only an American could be eligible to win the title. Shane “rates at the top of the short list of the finest fiddlers in the world today,” says the Canadian Fiddlers’ Hall of Fame. He has distinguished himself as a master of an array of fiddle styles ranging from Irish and Scottish to French-Canadian, Texan, and Bluegrass. He is one of Canada’s most highly awarded Canadian Old-Time fiddlers, a three-time Canadian Open National Fiddle Champion and a three-time Canadian Grand Masters Fiddle Champion. Shane now tours the world with the fiddle megagroup, Bowfire, and, in concert, he captivates audiences with his danceable playing that is as adventurous as it is technically thrilling. He has toured Canada, United States, Germany, England, China and Taiwan, has performed with several orchestras and has released 4 cds. Shane grew up listening to Canadian old-time fiddling and says he is most at home with Ontario’s danceable music. With his fingers flying as he practices his playing style, he grins, “I come from a family of fiddlers. It’s something I watched my dad do and I just followed in his footsteps.” Quinn Bachand is recognized as the “Young Lion” of the Celtic guitar (Daniel Lapp) and “Canada’s top Celtic guitarist” (Ashley MacIsaac). Quinn plays a range of styles that includes jazz and bluegrass, and his virtuosic playing is more than eye-catching fret-board fireworks. His unique harmonies, hard-driving strumming, inventive chord voicing and powerful rhythmic effects make even the most well-worn tunes seem new and exciting. A proficient multi instrumentalist, he is equally at ease playing Irish tenor banjo, claw hammer banjo, bouzouki, bodhran and fiddle. An in-demand sideman, Quinn has also toured nationally and internationally with well known musicians including Canadian fiddling icons Ashley MacIsaac and Natalie MacMaster. Together with Shane Cook, this dynamic duo will fill the Big Yellow hall on Sunday, May 4th, with foot stomping fiddle music that will raise your spirits to the rafters. The Big Yellow Merville Hall is right on the Old Island Highway, between Campbell River and Courtenay and is in the midst of the Stolen Church renovation which you can view at intermission. Doors open at 6:30pm and the concert will start at 7:00pm. Tickets at the door are $15.00 adult and $10.00 youth. This year’s Fiddle Fest workshops will be happening on Sunday morning

CELEBRATION SINGERS CELEBRATING 20 YEARS

US Grand Fiddle Champion, Shane Cook and afternoon at 2339 Seabank Road, Courtenay (near Seal Bay Park). Starting at 10:30am, there will be workshops in fiddle, guitar and bass with some jamming thrown in for fun. Doors open at 9:30am. FMI 339-4249.

Celebration Singers Choir proudly announces its 20th year of bringing joyous song to the Comox Valley. On Sunday, June 8th, the choir will perform their spring concert at the Sid Williams Theatre, sharing the stage with the Vanier Secondary School Choristers for several selections. The vivacious Jenn Forsland will conduct the choir with her usual flair for pulling out the very best of the choir. Pianist, Sean Mooney, will accompany the choir demonstrating his amazing ability to transform the sound of the piano into a multitude of instruments. The choir is pulling out all stops to sooth, amuse and rock the senses of the audience with uplifting spirituals, humorous madrigals, contemporary Canadiana and evocative world music. Audience members are bound to be inspired to tap toes, snap fingers, or hum along to several selections while others will tug at the heart or bring a

sigh to the lips. The choir has come a long way in 20 years. Originally it found its roots in the Universal Gospel Choir. Two members of that choir moved to the Comox Valley and missing the pleasure of singing, they decided to bring the Universal Gospel Choir to Comox for a performance in June of 1993. Joannie Chestnut urged the audience to start a similar choir in our community and so it began. Being small in size, only eight, they met in one another’s living rooms, then as they increased in numbers they met in church basements, and eventually school music rooms. Over the years they grew in size until today the choir numbers around 80. The choir has been fortunate to have a number of superb directors over the years: Liam Bishop, Jen Riley, Alan Webster, Robert Dueck, and now our own Jenn Forsland. Along with the years, and some other subtle signs of aging, the choir

has acquired the skills and ability of a trained and competent community choir. Over the years many members, hailing from Campbell River to Denman Island, have joined the choir for periods of time and in this 20th year the choir is calling all former celebration singers to join in the finale of the event. The choir will truly raise the rafters and share in the community spirit of song that is so thrilling. Past members are asked to visit the Celebration Singers website (www.celebrationsingers.ca) for details. Please register with your email under the Alumni tab to receive information regarding upcoming practice dates in May and for information regarding the musical selections. Tickets for the concert on June 8th, 7:30 pm at the Sid Williams Theatre are $14 for adults, $10 for youth and are available at the Sid box office or on-line at www.sidwilliamstheatre. com.

A Colourful Dozen North Island College Fine Arts grads present show tonight at Shadbolt Studio This spring twelve students will be graduating from North Island College’s Fine Art Program. What does a student do with a fine art diploma? Well, the dozen students have some answers for anyone who might be asking the question. One is going to Scotland to study the craft of fine furniture making in at the Chippendale International School of Fine Furniture. Five students are heading to Vancouver or further afield. All plan to continue studies; some at the mainland campus of Emily Carr, one student is studying linguistics, another is going into digital design, and another is pursuing art therapy studies. The remainder will continue to study at North Island College for their degree through the Emily Carr External Program that continues until the spring of 2017.

All the students agree that North Island’s excellent studio opportunities and personalized instruction from instructors who are practising artists has given them a firm foundation in studio and academic skills in preparation for achieving their future goals. As one student has put it, “The NIC Fine Art Program has provided me with an excellent opportunity to hone my skills as an artist and build my confidence as a creative problem solver. I believe it has given me what I need to do anything in life I set my mind to.” For anyone interested in seeing firsthand what the program offers students, the graduating students are showcasing their art work at the Shadbolt 109 Studio at the Courtenay Campus May 2 from 7-9 pm. The space will continue as a gallery Monday - Friday, May 5-23 from10-4pm. - NIC Fine Arts Grad class 2014

Fine Arts student grabs some quiet studio time

Bicycles for Humanity collecting May 3 (Continued from page B1)

Blues night at the Zo with Ice Blue and Teflon Dave Saturday, May 3 is Blues Night at Zocalo Café featuring guitarist Teflon Dave Spragge, right, and keyboarder Ice Blue Erik Eriksson. Both are members of the New Mother Earth, the Comox Valley’s finest Blues-Rock-Reggae band. Teflon and Ice will play a broad spread of the Blues from J.J Cale to Arthur

“Big Boy” Cruddup and the Incredible Jimmy Smith. Savour a delicious meal from Zocalo’s excellent menu while listening, and top it off with “the Best Coffee in Town” or a drink from the bar menu. Saturday Night Blues at the Zo goes from 7 to 9. Come on down. You’re going to like what you hear.

Once the container arrives at the nearest African port, organizations on the ground take care of the logistics to move the container from the port to the Ugandan village. One unique feature of the B4H program is that the shipping container is transformed into a Bicycle Empowerment Centre and becomes an integral part of the village. Doors and windows are cut-out of the steel container, a heat-resis-

tant roof is installed on top and the shipping container becomes a community-based bicycle repair shop. Five to six jobs are created as locals are trained in bicycle repair. In addition to bikes and money, B4H Comox Valley is also looking for volunteers to help support this initiative to change lives in Uganda. Further information is available at www. b4h-comoxvalley.org or on Facebook (Bicycles for Humanity - Comox Valley).

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etc. ECHO

Free pool party for teens Saturday night

The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) is opening the aquatic centre doors on the night of Saturday, May 3 for a free pool party for teens as part of the annual provincial Youth Week celebrations. The free swim is open to youth 13 - 17 years of age and will run from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. There will be games and prizes, plus the wave pool and slides will be open for a splashing good time. “It’s vital to recognize and support our youth and help build a strong connection between young people and their community,” said CVRD’s manager of recreation services, Jennifer Zbinden. “The free pool party allows them to come together and celebrate in an active way, and encourages them to engage in a continued healthy lifestyle.” For more information on the youth week pool party, and other upcoming events at the CVRD’s sports and aquatic centres, visit www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/rec.

Courtenay Rotary gets ready for book sale Mystery, military, history, cooking and nature books are some of the genres offered at rock bottom prices at the Comox Mall, May 7-9 from 9:30 AM to 7 PM. The sale continues on Saturday, May 10th from 9:30 AM 5:00 PM. Proceeds from past book sales have supported dozens of local community groups. Children’s books are hot items as are Collectible Books, Gardening, and best selling Fiction. Videos, CD’s, DVD’s, Travel and Foreign Language books are also among the many on offer. Come on out, stock up your library and help Courtenay Rotary help our community. For more information contact Dave at 250-339-0172

Comox Fire Rescue offers free training Comox Fire Rescue is offering FREE “Neighbourhood Emergency Preparedness Program” (NEPP) and CPR courses. Experience has shown that after a disaster, it may take three or more days for emergency services to reach many of the neighbourhoods and individuals. The NEPP program is designed to provide information, training and skills necessary for individuals and neighbourhoods to be self-sufficient after a disaster. FREE, NEPP programs are scheduled at the Comox Fire Station on May 16, and June 20, (two hour session 10 am to noon), Sessions are free. Contact the Comox Community Centre at 250-339-2255 to register. Recognizing and responding quickly to someone having a heart attack or choking can mean the difference between life and death. Comox Fire Rescue is also offering a FREE, CPR (A) courses. CPR A, AED covers the skills needed to recognize and respond to cardiovascular emergencies and choking for people age eight and over including performing one person adult CPR. Sessions also cover the use of public access Automatic External Defibrillators (AED). The FREE CPR (A) programs are scheduled at the Comox Fire Station on May 16 and June 20. Sessions start at 1 pm and are three hours in length. Contact the Comox Community Centre at 250-339-2255 to register. Contact the Comox Community Centre at 250-339-2255 to register. Comox Fire Gord Schreiner states: “I am so pleased that we are able to offer this important training to our citizens. Having more people training can save lives and make us a safer community”.

Schoolhouse Quilters celebrating with show The Comox Valley Schoolhouse Quilters’ Guild is celebrating 30 years with a Quilt Show this spring May 17, 18 & 19, Saturday and Sunday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Monday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Held at the Cumberland Cultural Centre, 2674 Dunsmuir (back door), Cumberland. Admission is $5.00 (12 and under are free). Join us for a Quilt Show, Quilt Raffle, Raffle Baskets, Guild Boutique, Merchant Mall and Cupcake Tea Room.

Myeloma Support Group meeting May 20 The North Island Myeloma Support Group meets Tuesday, May 20, 12:15 - 3:15pm at the Best Western Westerley Hotel, 1590 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay. We are a group of multiple myeloma patients, family members and friends who meet to keep up to date on the latest info about myeloma and to share positive interaction with each other. It is both fun and informative. Come for lunch at 12:15 PM (buy your own lunch), meeting starts at 1 PM.

Comox Valley Echo Friday, May 2, 2014 B3

‘Best Country Music Tribute Ever’ Evergreen Club Soup Kitchen Fundraiser The Evergreen Club presents the “Best Country Music Tribute Ever!” This show will be emceed by Ken MacLeod, the organizor of the successful Memories of the War Years: a Musical Tribute to Veterans, last November. This fund-raiser benefits the Sonshine Club’s Soup Kitchen. The kitchen operates weekdays at St George’s and feeds up to 200 people daily. The show will be a tribute to country music icon Merle Haggard and the first “Queen of Country Music,” Kitty Wells. The show features Dave Perry doing the Merle Haggard portion of the show and Doris Weislein as Kitty Wells. Dave Perry thrilled the audience last year with his rendition of George Jones’ He Stopped Loving Her Today (as well as being a standout lead guitar player.) Doris Weislein, a freeman of the City of Courtenay (former manager of the North Island Women of Native Ancestry Centre) delivers masterful renditions of the country queen’s songs. The remainder of the show is made up of some of the best numbers and talent of the five previous shows. Glen Hiebert, who was the star of the Don Messer Tribute, is guaranteed to keep your toes tapping with his renditions of Maple Sugar, the Crooked Stovepipe, Red Wing, and the Orange Blossom Special. Glen’s backup rhythm guitar player provides some excellent vocals of his own. Art McMartin and

The songs of Merle Haggard will be performed by Dave Perry

The songs of the great Kitty Wells will be performed by Doris Weislein Ed Medford also play a hot fiddle. Medford’s Steel Guitar Rag and Under the Double Eagle are other classics performed to the max! Bob Mainwaring on the steel guitar is

one of the Island’s top players and also plays a hot banjo in numbers such as The Ballad of Jed Clampett. Other top Valley musicians include Ray Ledoux on the electric bass and

Dave Gark on the mandolin and bones (Gark has played throughout the United States, including Branson, Missouri.) Irene Tomchick’s smooth voice on numbers such as Just a Closer Walk with Thee, are also highlights of the program. The show will also feature the fancy footwork of Fran Bergen, our par excellence nonagenarian clogger, and tap-dancer Harry Dickson. Miriam Piikkila, as Cousin Minnie Pearl, and George Bentham, as Boxcar Willie add their touch of comedy to the show. Lastly, the show will also feature 100 year-old fiddler Wat Stanton of the Valley Echoes! We hope you come out and support this fundraiser and enjoy all the talent involved in putting on this show. It will take place at Courtenay Recreation’s Florence Filberg Centre Conference Hall at 2 pm, Saturday, May 3. Tickets are $10 and are available at the Florence Filberg Centre at 411 Anderton Avenue Courtenay (and at the door if still available.) The past four concerts have been sellouts! FMI call 250-338-1000.

Check out all the ‘rock’ show stars Local gem and mineral clubs present annual show all weekend at Courtenay Legion hall Once again, the Courtenay Gem and Mineral Club, in association with the Parksville Rock and Gem Club, are bringing an amazing display of rocks, gems, and fossils to the community. We have been presenting our annual show to the community for more than 15 years. The show will be held this weekend, May 3 and 4, at the Courtenay Legion, Cliffe Ave, across from the Native Sons Hall. Admission is still only $2.00, with children under 12 free when accompanied by an adult. We are featuring displays and vendors of gemstones, crystals, local and imported fossils, jewellery, carvings, and vendors and craftspeople will be presenting related items for sale. Visitors can view and vote for favourite showcases of rocks and gems presented by rock clubs from all over Vancouver Island. The Vancouver Island Palaeontology Society will be on hand with a display of fossils and related paraphernalia. If you are looking for custom cut gemstones, nicely shaped and polished stones, custom made jewellery, energy crystals, beautiful fossils, carvings, or a great inexpensive lunch, come and visit us this Saturday and Sunday. The show opens at 10 am Saturday morning, and goes until 5 pm. There will be a wire wrapping workshop held Saturday evening for those who wish to learn a new hobby. Sunday the show once again opens at 10 am, and will be open until 5 pm. All visitors to the show will be eligible to win a prize during our

Plenty of fascinating displays planned for the annual gem and mineral show this weekend hourly draws. There will be a kid’s zone table for children to play and create and play. The Mine Shaft Café will be serving soups, sandwiches, hot dogs, and chilli, as well as various beverages to ensure visitors don’t go hungry. Please come out and join us this weekend, see the natural beauty that can be found from rocks and stones. For more info, contact Russell Ball, Show Coordinator, at 250 -7033444 This is a family friendly event, and all are welcome to attend.

Employment Opportunity

Community Services Manager The Strathcona Regional District is seeking an experienced and capable professional to fill the position of Community Services Manager. We value innovation and integrity and a cooperative team approach to problem solving. Join us in delivering progressive local government services in one of the most remarkable places in British Columbia. A spectacular natural setting, a sense of community and unlimited recreational opportunities make for a wonderful place to live and work. We require an exceptional manager to be responsible for delivering a wide range of services including community planning, engineering, building inspection, bylaw enforcement, parks, and other services in compliance with legislative requirements and in accordance with the needs of the Regional District Board, Chief Administrative Officer and various stakeholders. A leader and a key member of the management team, the Community Services Manager has the ability to engage with the public, problem solve and deliver. In addition to service delivery, the Community Service Manager provides financial, capital, and strategic planning and administrative best practises to the organization. The position manages and mentors a number of staff and provides strategic advice to the Chief Administrative Officer and Regional District Board. The successful candidate will have a degree in public administration, planning, engineering or a related discipline, with a minimum of five years of progressive management including two years of supervisory experience. Sound knowledge of provincial and local government legislation is required. A detailed job description, outlining the duties and qualifications, is available on request. This exempt position offers a competitive salary and full range of benefits. If you are interested in a challenging opportunity with a new local government, please forward your resume, in confidence, no later than 4:30 p.m. on May 14, 2014 to corporate@strathconard.ca.

301-990 Cedar Street, Campbell River, BC V9W 7Z8 Tel: 250-830-6700 - Fax: 250-830-6710 Toll-free: 1-877-830-2900 www.strathconard.ca

B4 Comox Valley Echo Friday, May 2, 2014

What’s On

‘Walk for Heart’ event Sunday helps fund cardiac care needs at St. Joe’s The Eighth Annual “Walk for Hearts” is being held Sunday, May 4 to raise funds for the Comox Valley Chapter of the First Open Heart Society (FOHS) of BC. All funds raised stay in the Comox Valley and will be targeted to help support Cardiac Care initiatives at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Comox. Our walk will take us around the airpark and back to the Filberg Centre. Walk as much or as little as you can. Registration starts 10 am at the Filberg Centrre (Courtenay), lower level Evergreen Lounge, with the walk starting at 10:30 am. Our group is a support group for anyone who has had a heart procedure, is about to undergo a heart procedure, or has any concerns with regards to problems related to the heart along with their spouses. For more information, and pledge sheets, please call: (250) 339-5349 or (250) 335-1751 A Heart Support Group for Our Community: The Comox Valley chapter of the FOHS “First Open Heart Society” of BC has been in existence here for over 10 years. We exist to provide a place where you can go or call if you have questions before or after your heart procedure. Whether you are the patient or a supporting family member, we will attempt to provide supportive answers. More than 55,000 Canadians die each year from Cardiac Arrests and other forms of Heart Disease; this is more than the number of deaths due to all forms of Cancer combined. We also raise funds in support of cardiac care initiatives in the Comox Valley and support the St. Josephs Hospital Foundation. To date we have raised over $40,000. All of the funds raised stay in the Comox Valley except for a small amount that is donated each year to the “Victoria Heart House”. Our Annual walk for hearts is our only fund raising effort and

World Labyrinth Day - Walk as One at 1 in Comox at the Kairos facility

Participants in last year’s walk had a great time

this year we are celebrating our 8th annual “Family Walk for Hearts” on Sunday May 4th, starting at 10:00 AM from the Evergreen Lounge at the Filberg Centre in Courtenay. We will walk/run/stroll/ along the river path to the airpark and around it and back. Last year we had a huge turnout and we look forward to a similar level of excitement this year. Some of the things that the funds we raise have done over the years: * Cardiac Holter Monitors for St. Joes

* Provided funds so that ICU nurses could attend a national cardiac care convention and bring back very valuable information related to cardiac care and developments. * Purchased books required for our local 8 week Heart to Heart program that is offered to all returning heart patients. * Assistance to Heart House in Victoria * Funds to assist in the purchase of equipment for the new Cardio Pulmonary Rehab centre in the Comox Valley. * And much more As a community partner with the new “Comox Valley CardioPulmonary Wellness Program” the majority of the funds raised will be dedicated to resources needed to sustain this program. Your help is needed & we encourage you to come out and walk. Heart disease is something we all seem to find ourselves touched by, whether directly or someone close to us. Come walk with us on Sunday May 4th

DRIVING SAFELY OR NOT DRIVING? A TOOLKIT FOR DISCUSSION Support our Seniors (SOS) will present a new, research based way of approaching the topic of driving safety and driving cessation in older adults at the May monthly meeting. Alexandra (Sasha) Jouk, M.Sc., a doctoral student at UVic, who is working in Clinical Neuropsychology and The Centre for Aging will be our presenter. She has developed a “Toolkit” that uses a DVD story to guide and assist family and caregivers in approaching the topic of driving safety and driving cessation. The DVD is the central part of the toolkit and is applicable to all types

of caregivers. The kit also includes a guidebook and information about community resources. The toolkit was developed based on needs identified in interviews with informal (family and friends) and formal (medical providers) caregivers of persons with dementia. In the presentation, Sasha will briefly provide background about the Toolkit, (titled Down the Road), then walk audience members through the sections of the toolkit. Audience members will be asked to fill out brief questionnaires before and after the session to help evaluate

the toolkit for research purposes. Hard copies of the toolkit will be available for participants. SOS welcomes all seniors and people who care for and about them to attend this presentation. After our presentation we will have a break for refreshments and visiting, followed by our second hour when we talk about ongoing SOS projects and issues of concern to seniors. SOS meets Monday, May 5, 2-4pm, in the Lower Native Sons Hall. Free, but donations appreciated. FMI Jennifer 250-334-2321 or Sheila 250-335-2246.

The sixth annual World Labyrinth Day will be held on Saturday May 3. At 1 pm in each time zone around the world, people will be walking a labyrinth to create a wave of peaceful energy moving around the planet. You are invited to ‘Walk As One at 1’ at The Labyrinth at Kairos, 1955 Richardson Avenue, Comox. Join the Mystic Valley Voices at 12:30 pm as they lead in chants, and then at 1 o’clock will lead the walkers into the labyrinth. In the past, a variety of events were held at over 100 locations worldwide, including the Ellipse in Washington, D.C., public parks, churches, a maximum-security women’s prison, and many private labyrinths. Countries joining the celebration include: the United States, Canada, England, the Bahamas, France, Spain, New Zealand, China, South Africa, Australia, and the list grows every

Let’s talk about Homelessness at the Philosophers’ Café Come to the Philosophers’ Café. Once a month a speaker will introduce a theme for discussion, and then all who attend can join in respectful conversation, or just sit back and listen. You are welcome to propose topics and introduce them at future Cafés. Themes should be of broad interest and national significance, and have an element of controversy to them. The Café has become very popular in Campbell River. At the first event just 12 people came out to drink coffee and chat about “What to do about the senate?” The numbers grew, forcing a move to a larger venue. Now 30 to 40 people regularly attend. There have been 5 Cafés so far with topics such as “Tough on Crime versus Smart on Crime” and “How to pay for an aging society.” The Café is hosted by Peter Schwarzhoff. “I’m here mostly to listen.” said Schwarzhoff. “Each eve-

Roadshow coming to check your treasures By Amy Luccianio Roadshow Staff Writer The Canadian Artiques Roadshow’s Vancouver Island tour is hoping to uncover the next million-dollar treasure during its stop at the Holiday Inn in Courtenay May 15-17, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. We never never know what will come through the door at our antique roadshow events. In Prince George a couple showed up with an old duffle bag but it was what was hidden inside that took our appraisers_ breath away: a Stradivarius violin made by a member of the Stradivari family during the golden period of 1770. A Stradivarius dealer in New York City valued it at a cool million dollars. An offer was made for $800,000 and the violin is now in a personal collection in NY. In PEI, a lady brought in a vase said to have belonged to Queen Anne of Scotland. However, the little tag on the bottom that read Made In China confirmed it was a $19 vase from Walmart. In Saskatoon an elderly gentleman came in with a child’s red wagon full of what he claimed was gold nuggets. Our gold appraiser quickly determined the rocks where just that but the wagon was built in 1918 by the Renaldo Brothers and was in excellent condition. The man was offered $700 but he declined, saying he would have no way to take his gold rocks home. To help people sell their gold and silver jewelry and coins, we’ve brought in Global Gold, Canada’s leading gold and silver buyer. People usually have a few hundred dollars coming to them from the sale of their gold or silver items but show organizers in Brandon were shocked when a man walked in with a dolly loaded with three cardboard boxes full of gold and silver coins. Mike Scotsman, the current owner’s grandfather, had found most of the coins while working at the Brandon municipal dump for 33 years. He’d come home each day and put a few coins in a glass jar.

He’d tell family members that someday they’d all be rich, rich and then he’d break into a big belly laugh. Among the 102 pounds of coins, appraisers discovered 21 U.S. silver dollars that had a rare mint mark from the San Francisco Mint. These alone are worth $800s apiece. Mike was right when he said someday the family members would be rich, so bring in your coins and gold jewelry and Global Gold will pay you cash on the spot. The appraisals of antiques and treasures cost $15 per item or three items for only $40, with proceeds benefiting local food banks. If you can’t make the Courtenay Roadshow, other tour dates include the Quality Resort Bayside in Parksville May 12-14, the Ramada Inn in Nanaimo May 9-11, and the Anchors Inn in Campbell River May 19-21.

Have your treasures appraised at the roadshow

www.comoxvalleyecho.com 2014

coming Tuesday, June 4 10

year. While the origin of the labyrinth is unknown, labyrinths have been found all over the world dating from earliest antiquity. Once popular in the Middle Ages, labyrinths have been experiencing a resurgence in popularity. The World Wide Labyrinth Locator, www.LabyrinthLocator.com, an online database, lists over 4,300 labyrinths around the world. World Labyrinth Day is a project of The Labyrinth Society, a non-profit organization founded in 1998 by a small group of dedicated labyrinth enthusiasts. Linda Magnuson, Keeper of The Labyrinth at Kairos, is a member of The Labyrinth Society. For information on the World Labyrinth Day celebration at The Labyrinth at Kairos, call Linda at 250339-6573 or email Linda@ KairosGuestSuite.com.

Betty-Anne Juba (Kim Sleno Photography) ning the conversation has been fascinating. Everyone brings a different perspective and I love hearing every contribution to the discussion.” And now the Café will come to Comox. On Wednesday, May 7 at 7PM at the Comox Quality Foods Cafe, the public is invited to join in a free, hour-long conversation on the theme “Can Homelessness be Cured?” Homelessness is a concern across Canada and in the Comox Valley. What can be done? Our presenter will be Betty-Anne Juba, one of the founders of the Comox Valley Affordable Housing Society. As with each Café, Juba will have just 10 minutes to introduce the topic, and then the floor is open for 50 minutes of discussion. When: May 7, 7:00-8:00PM Cost: Free Location: Comox Quality Foods Café (in the solarium) 2275 Guthrie Road, Comox, BC V9M 4G1 More Info: Peter Schwarzhoff rigoletto@shaw.ca (250)778-0333

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s On

Comox Valley Echo Friday, May 2, 2014 B5

even designed for ocean crossing. Although conditions were trying, these young men achieved results of which this nation can be proud. We should not allow the sacrifices of these young men to be forgotten. Without their contribution, the freedom that we take for granted could have been lost. Let us remember the Ships, Officers and Men of the Royal Canadian Navy lost during the Battle of the Atlantic as well as 752 personnel of the Royal Canadian Air Force, 1700 personnel of The Canadian Army, and 70 ships of the Merchant Navy lost between 1939 and 1945. They will not be forgotten.

said, would roll on a wet blotter, and were uncomfortable and often wet below decks. In heavy seas, the mess decks where the crew lived could have several inches of water slopping around. This resulted in constantly wet clothing and bedding, (hammocks). Food was prepared in the galley aft and had to be carried forward along the open upper deck to the mess deck, forever resulting in cold meals. Sailors of the Merchant navy faced many of the same perils as those of the Navy, but had their own problems, including sailing on ships full of high octane gasoline or ammunition. Some of the vessels used were not

Halifax Harbour in 1941

Public invited to Battle of the Atlantic ceremony in Marina Park Sunday, 04 May 2014, marks the 69th anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic. The Comox Valley Branch of the Royal Canadian Naval Association will again commemorate this occasion with a Memorial Service at its cairn in Comox Marina Park at 1:00 pm. The public, and all Naval and Merchant Marine veterans, are welcome to attend. There is an informal gathering at the Comox Legion upon completion. BATTLE OF THE ATLANTIC The first Sunday in May each year commemorates the end of the Battle of the Atlantic, the longest, most unforgiving campaign of World War II. It is to those Sailors of the navy and merchant marine who sailed on the stern and unremitting waters of the Atlantic, into the dangers of the enemy that we owe so much today. An iced-up Corvette From September 3, 1939 through May 8, 1945 a continuous flow of war materials was maintained Atlantic in 13-14 days, while the between North America and The slow convoys took 16-17 days. United Kingdom by the convoy sys- Between the threat of enemy submatem. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fastâ&#x20AC;? convoys could cross the rines, and the unpredictable weather

of the North Atlantic, each trip could be a nerve wracking experience. Many of the escort vessels were Corvettes, small vessels which, were

The HMCS Alberni Memorial Wall, one of 54 plaques with the names of the crew of HMCS Alberni and U480 which is in the main exhibit hall lobby.

Special open house Sunday at The Alberni Project museum display set up in the Tribute to Canadian Women of WWII main exhibit which will run from May 1 May 20. During TAPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Year of the Veteran residents of the Comox Valley are encouraged to loan or donate items not only related to their familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history in WWI and WWII, but also items of interest from veterans of more modern service to Canada. These will be part of the exhibit during the remainder of 2014 or can be donated to become part of the permanent exhibit at TAP. The 4 May event is open from 11-4 at the Comox Centre Mall Blue Arch Entrance. TAP is free to the public (families encouraged to visit) and wheelchair compatible. Sorry, no large scooters please. Light refreshments will be donated by Salsbury Houseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chef James Derry. For more information on the TAP Society or to volunteer contact TAP museum at 250-339-4322 .

In keeping with The Year of the Veteran in the Comox Valley and to commemorate the Battle of the Atlantic TAP (The Alberni Project HMCS Alberni Memorial and Exhibit) will be hosting a special open house at its main exhibit facility in the Comox Centre Mall on Sunday 4 May. The first Sunday in May has been designated by the Federal Government as the day when Canada remembers the efforts made by Canadians who served during the longest battle of WWII. The open house will provide the community the opportunity to visit TAP before or after the Royal Canadian Naval Associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commemoration at the Naval Memorial Anchor at the Comox Harbour at 1:00 pm. The month of May will also pay tribute to veterans of the Canadian Forces and Royal Canadian Navy in particular with a variety of special guest displays and interactive kiosks located in the hallway in front of the TAP museum. There will be a small Mothers Day

3rd Annual â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Croquet for Y.A.N.A./Drive One for your Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Event and Grad Carwash at Highland Looking for a fun family event while supporting local non-profit Y.A.N.A. and the Highland Grads? Then the third annual â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Croquet for Y.A.N.A.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; event at Highland Secondary School in Comox on Sunday May 4th is the perfect fit! The event will include the popular annual â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Croquet for Y.A.N.A. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;, a silent auction, the opportunity to test drive a new Ford vehicle, and a Highland Grad Carwash and Barbeque. Christopher and Wendy Smith kindly initiated â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Croquet for Y.A.N.A. (You are Not Alone) local non-profit group that helps families cover the cost of out-of-town accommodation and expenses while a child is receiving medical treatment outside of the Comox Valley.) The Smiths started hosting the event two years ago, the day after their wedding! Chris lost his wedding ring somewhere on the croquet pitch and still has not found it saying â&#x20AC;&#x153;... it must still be honeymooning!â&#x20AC;? Although the Croquet for YANA event has been successful, the Smiths understand that business owners can be overwhelmed by requests to support charities. So they began to explore ways to add to the charity event but lessen the blow to the business community by combining a number of charities under one tent. This year the Smiths are partnering with the Highland Secondary Grad Executive to help with their Grad fundraising. The Smiths believe the concept of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Croquet for YANAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;/Drive One for the Community is all about giving local business â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;exposureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; for their charity efforts. Each supporting business is given a plot of land on the croquet field to advertise themselves any way they want but they must also add a croquet â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;holeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; with a start and end and at least 5 wickets. Just like mini golf, tickets are sold, by donation, to players wanting to play the various creative holes. Players are encouraged to wear colourful costumes and decorate or dress their mallets. Croquet equipment is all provided by the Smiths and no experience is necessary! The activity is suitable for all ages and last year croquet players ranged in age from 5 to 90. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is a win win,â&#x20AC;? said Smith, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Local businesses get to interact with the community and the community gets a fun event to enjoy and most important Y.A.N.A. gets much needed support.â&#x20AC;? Apparently a number of businesses are going the extra mile this year staffing their creative croquet holes with greeters to add instruction and encouragement to players.

Highland Secondary Principal Lyneita Swanson said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Her school and students are pleased to be involved in this noble community fundraising event kicking off Y.A.N.A. week in the schools. A Y.A.N.A. spokesperson (Hugh MacKinnon) gave accolades to the

Smiths for their community leadership and sponsorship of this event and encouraged participation and thanked in advance support for Y.A.N.A. Smith concluded by saying, â&#x20AC;&#x153;A small community working together can accomplish amazing things, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

lot prior to the event which starts at 12 noon Sunday May 4th. For more information contact Chris Smith at 250-339-1860, Highland Secondary at 250-339-5525 or the YANA office at 250-871-0343. And, remember, in the Comox Valley, You Are Not Alone!

come together on Sunday May 4th at 12 noon and support Y.A.N.A., recognize the businesses that support our community and make some memories!â&#x20AC;? Tickets, by donation, will be available at 11 a.m. at pre-registration table by the Highland parking

PUBLIC NOTICE of

ALTERNATIVE APPROVAL PROCESS notice to electors within

COMOX VALLEY RECREATION COMPLEXES SERVICE AREA Bylaw No. 327 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; â&#x20AC;&#x153;Comox Valley Recreation Complexes Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 327, 2014â&#x20AC;? At its March 18, 2014 meeting, the Comox Valley Regional District board of directors proposed to adopt Bylaw No. 327 being the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Comox Valley Recreation Complexes Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 327, 2014â&#x20AC;? that would enable the CVRD to borrow $1,900,000 (one million nine hundred thousand dollars) over 20 years to perform capital upgrades to the Comox Valley curling centre. In general terms, Bylaw No. 327 authorizes the CVRD to carry out the planning, study, design and construction of works and facilities in connection with the capital improvements to the Comox Valley curling centre. Works will include building upgrades as well as mechanical upgrades and replacement. Other capital improvements may be performed, as required.

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The curling centre project will: â&#x20AC;˘ Improve access to the facility â&#x20AC;˘ Ensure that a curling facility is available to the residents of the Comox Valley; â&#x20AC;˘ Add an estimated 30 years of life to the CVRD curling centre; â&#x20AC;˘ Provide a multipurpose year round facility with curling as its main focus; â&#x20AC;˘ Replace existing mechanical and electrical equipment with energy HIĂ&#x20AC;FLHQW HTXLSPHQW DQG â&#x20AC;˘ Provide seismic upgrades to the existing structure. Borrowed funds will be paid back through tax requisition which is estimated to be $0.0138 per $1,000. For a property assessed at $300,000 the tax levy impact for the curling centre project would be $4.14 per year per household. This amount would be in addition to the $103.32 that the same property currently pays for the Comox Valley recreation complexes service. The CVRD may proceed with the adoption of Bylaw No. 327 if fewer than 4,737 electors (10 per cent of the total number of electors within the CVRD, excluding Denman and Hornby Islands) within the service area sign and submit elector response forms opposing the CVRD boardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s adoption of the said bylaw. Otherwise, if 4,737 or more valid elector response forms are received, the CVRD board must obtain the assent of the electors by way of referendum before proceeding with the bylaw. Elector response forms are available on the CVRD website and at the &95' RIĂ&#x20AC;FHV DQG PXVW RQO\ EH VLJQHG E\ HOHFWRUV RI WKH &RPR[ 9DOOH\ recreation complexes service area. In order to be counted, forms must be received in hardcopy at the Comox Valley Regional District RIĂ&#x20AC;FH DW &RPR[ 5RDG &RXUWHQD\ % & 9 1 3 )D[ DQG HPDLO submissions will not be accepted. Deadline for submission of original signed elector response forms: 4:30 p.m. on June 13, 2014. Additional informatLRQ PD\ EH REWDLQHG IURP WKH &95' RIĂ&#x20AC;FHV GXULQJ UHJXODU RIĂ&#x20AC;FH KRXUV 0RQGD\ WR )ULGD\ H[FOXGLQJ SXEOLF KROLGD\V IURP WKH GDWH RI WKLV QRWLFH XQWLO -XQH FDOOLQJ RU E\ visiting: www.comoxvalleyrd.ca. James Warren &RUSRUDWH /HJLVODWLYH 2IĂ&#x20AC;FHU

B6 Comox Valley Echo Friday, May 2, 2014

Sports and Recreation

The Mare Michell rink with their bronze medals

Bronze Medal for the Michell Rink Comox Valley Curling Club’s Michell rink brings home the Bronze Medal from the Pacific International Cup in Richmond. The club curling season usually finishes by the end of March, but these deserving Comox Valley ladies had their sights set on the Pacific International Cup (PIC); a prestigious event in Richmond, BC, from April 16-20th. In order to qualify for the PIC, the five person Michell rink (Val Schultz, Mare Michell, LeeAnne Alberti, Stasia Johnson and Colleen Robson) first won their home club ladies championship by stealing a point in the extra end of the final, and then with Melanie Rait coming to the rescue sparing in the Lead position, battled their way with a final decisive victory over the Campbell River ladies champions with a tournament record of 5 wins, 0 losses at the North Island playdowns in Pt. McNeill. Being the 15th anniversary of the PIC, the event promised competitive curling, as well as exciting fundrais-

ing and festive opportunities. A silent auction helped raise money for the PIC’s official charitable organization, Spinal Cord Injury BC, and curlers were treated to a banquet and a “funny money” casino night. But if you asked any of the 150+ curlers, committee organizers, participants and supporters from the BC teams to the International teams ranging from Alaska all the way to Australia, they would tell you that the most amazing experiences came from sharing in the laughs, camaraderie and sportsmanship of the event. The Pacific International Cup provides a competitive venue for club curlers dedicated to grassroots curling, and the Comox Valley’s Michell rink were able to represent the Comox Valley Curling Club, the Comox Valley, and the whole North Island by bringing home the Bronze medal. Off to a shaky start dropping their first 2 games, the girls quickly rallied by winning 5 of their next 6 games including a nail-biter of a tie-breaker game against Cloverdale to earn a

spot in the semi-final against the team from Golden Ears (Maple Ridge). Although this proved to the be the end of the road for the Michell rink, the end of the road landed them a Bronze medal with Silver going to Golden Ears, and the Gold being awarded to the South Island’s Cowichan Rocks. The ladies of the Comox Valley’s Michell rink had an amazing and unforgettable time, and would like to thank their sponsors: End of the Roll-Comox Valley and Canadian Tire Courtenay for their incredible generosity, the Broughton Curling Club in Pt McNeill for hosting the North Island Playdowns, Brazen Sportswear for their help and speedy service, and all their friends and supporters from the Comox Valley Curling Club. For more information about the event visit www.picup.ca

BRIDGE NEWS Comox Valley Duplicate Bridge Club The Eric Hyde Club Championship will be held on June 2, not on May 19th as previously announced! Please come out and play in this tribute to one of our founding “fathers”. We are holding a fundraiser on June 21st for Alzheimer’s Society of Canada. The Longest Day will run from 6:30 a.m. till 10:30 p.m. with games being held throughout the day at the Lion’s Den in Comox. You do not need a partner. I’ll be publishing a schedule in May with the game times. Plan to attend! Linda has a donation sheet at the front of the room for the next 2 months. Our goal is to raise $5000.00. Let’s see how close we can come! The results of our regular game on Monday, April 21, 2014 were: 1. Dianna Rickson - Barbara Morris 2. Sharon Hysert - Glen Parsons 3. Allister Gavel - Linda Marinus

Work starting soon on artificial soccer pitch Contracts can now be signed to get work started on building an artificial soccer pitch below Vanier School in Courtenay. Comox Valley Regional District’s board formally approved the signing on Tuesday. Courtenay company Leighton Contracting (2009) Ltd. secured one of the contracts with a quote of $562,551 for site preparation, drainage and fencing works; while another, for a total of $435,000, went to Richmond-based AstroTurf West Distributors Ltd. for the synthetic turf and its installation plus an additional shock/drainage pad under the pitch to prolong its life and pro-

vide a safer playing surface. As previously reported in the Echo, the aim is to get all the work done over the spring and summer so the synthetic pitch can be brought in to use for the fall season. A start on site is expected in just over a week’s time. The project is a joint endeavour of Comox Valley Regional District, School District 71, the City of Courtenay, and Comox Valley United Soccer Club. The soccer club has raised $400,000 through its own efforts towards the cost.

4. Doug Irvine - Cynthia Tree Our game on Thursday April 24, 2014 had these results: 1. Arlene Petersen - Carole Bradshaw 2. Patricia Lowe - Roy Lowe 3/4 Dianna Rickson - Sharon Hysert 3/4 David Mosher - Lorraine Waring Our club is located on Nordin Street across from the Comox Mall under the newly renovated Museum and Art Gallery. We 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) 3382544.

Fountain and Barb Morris; 5. Howard Cohen and Sharon Hysert; 6. Lorraine Waring and Lorraine Gargan. E/W - 1. Irene Smith and Doug Poole; 2. Roy Hagg and Keith Ware; 3. Irene Pearl and Trish Heyland; 4. Jeanette Baron and Tom Dugdale; 5. Art Morgan and George Law; 6. Wendy Peddie an Grace Whetter. Results for Saturday, April 26 (20 pairs): N/S - 1. Jean Tait and Mavis Olsen; 2. Tom Dugdale and Jeanette Baron; 3. Evelyn Ware and Denise Holst; 4. Sheila Lockhart and Dianne McKinnon. E/W - 1. Glenda and Pete McGrath; 2. Lynne and Dick Sangster; 3. Patricia and Roy Lowe; 4. Bernice and Lloyd Snyder.

D’Esterre Duplicate Bridge Results for Tuesday, April 22 (31 pairs): N/S - 1. Phil Sanford and Maureen olafson 2. Arole and Jack Bradshaw; 3. Bernice and Lloyd Snyder; 4. Betty

Friday Night Duplicate Bridge Results for April 25 (13 tables) N/S - 1. Del Christensen and Kim De Crane; 2. Denise Holst and Betty Fountain; 3. Karin Franzen and Daphne Welsh; 4. Phil Sandford and Maureen Olafson. E/W - 1. Dick and Lynne Sangster; 2. Keith and Evelyn Ware; 3. Gary and Fran Priestman; 4. Roy Lapp and Joan Lord.

Fireworks for season opening at Saratoga Speedway By Terry Guest After 6 long months of snow and lots of rain, this Saturday, May 3rd, marks the beginning of the 2014 Saratoga Speedway race year. 2013 saw lots of new records set in both car counts and in fan counts, with 2014 looking to be no different. The 2014 race schedule promises to bring even more action packed race nights, with the addition of more Drifting, Drag Racing, and the first ever Saratoga Speedway Drive-in move night. Opening night will feature every class that is local to the Speedway = The Crash to Pass cars, Hornet cars, Bomber cars, Roadrunners, Figure 8’s and the I.M.C.A Modifieds will all be competing for double points on the night, which will all be capped off by an amazing Firework show to kick off the 2014 year. The Monster Trucks will make their first appearance of the year on the May long weekend. The Crash to Pass cars, Hornet cars, Figure 8’s and Roadrunners will accompany them on Saturday night, with Sunday night seeing the Bomber cars and I.M.C.A Modifieds joining the action. Last year the Drifting class was introduced to the Speedway, and within the first few nights, they made an immediate impression wowing the crowds with some amazing drifting abilities. The first 3 rounds of drifting will take place May 10th, 24th and 31st. Our annual Car tossing competition will be taking place on June 7, which last year saw 45 feet be the winning toss; The Roadrunners,

Crash to Pass cars, Hornet cars, Bombers cars and the I.M.C.A Modifieds will join the fun on the 7th. The Wilroc Sprint cars will make 3 appearances on the 2014 season, with the first being on June 21st, accompanied by the Dwarf cars, Bomber cars and the I.M.C.A Modifieds. The 6th annual Bikini Contest will be held on July 5th. Brooke Bella from Courtenay took home the win in last year’s contest and will be looking to repeat as this year’s winner. The first ever Motor Home jump will also take place on the 5th, accompanied by the Crash to Pass cars, Hornet cars, Roadrunners and the Figure 8’s. Big Rig Highway Thunder will make its return on July 19th, which last year saw a full field of beautiful Big Rigs hit the track. The Crash to Pass cars, Hornet cars, Roadrunners, Figure 8’s and a car rollover competition will accompany the Big Rigs. The final appearance of the Monster Trucks will be held on August 2nd and 3rd, with the usual line up of Crash to Pass cars, Hornet cars, Roadrunners and Figure 8’s joining them over the weekend. The crowd favorite Crash to Pass Boat Race will take place on August 16th, which is the only one of the year. The Island Mini Stocks will accompany the Crash to Pass cars, Roadrunners, Figure 8’s and Hornet cars that evening. The first ever Saratoga Speedway Drive-in Movie night will be held on August 20th, which is a Wednesday night. The proceeds from the movie night will go towards a local

Let’s take steps together towards good health. Get moving with Comox Valley doctors! The Comox Valley Division of Family Practice invites you to join local doctors and Mayors Larry Jangula and Paul Ives for a short community walk. All ages and abilities are welcome – bring the whole family! Walk with your Doc is an annual event celebrating daily movement for better health. Members of the Comox Valley Division of Family Practice are participating in 3 walks in our communities. Participants receive a free pedometer to count their steps. Snacks and refreshments will be available for all Comox and Courtenay participants. Walk with Your Doc Details: Courtenay: Wednesday, May 7, 2014 Check In: 12:00 pm, Walk Starts: 12:15 pm Location: Simms Millennium Park, Courtenay Participating doctors and clinics include: Courtenay Medical Associates: Drs. Chow, McFadden, Thompson Courtenay Medical Clinic: Drs. Crowe, Swanson Southwood Medical Clinic – Drs. Bell, Emmott, Tura, Williams Valley Care Medical Clinic: Drs. Galik, McLaughlin, Tancon Comox: Thursday, May 8, 2014 Check In: 12:00 pm, Walk Starts: 12:15 pm Location: Marina Park, Comox Participating doctors and clinics include: Comox Medical Clinic: Drs. Anderson, Fehlau, Howard, Potter-Cogan Highland Medical Clinic: Drs. Davyduke, Johnson, Nel, Shoesmith, Wilson Seacove Clinic: Dr. Ostry Dr. John Fitzpatrick, Dr. Minnie Ho Denman Island: Wednesday, May 7 Walk Starts: 11:00 am Location: Denman Island Community School Participating doctors include: Drs. Malthouse, Scruton, Tetz, Wilson Do you live in the Comox Valley and want a doctor, but can’t find one? Come to the Walks in Comox and Courtenay and learn about the work the Division is doing to improve access to family doctors. Division representatives will be there with information on family doctors currently accepting patients and to get your feedback on primary health care in our community. If you cannot make it to the event, but would like to speak with someone from the Division of Family Practice, please call 250-941-5640.

Black Creek fundraiser, with the movie to be determined at a later date. The annual Canadian-American Demolition Derby will return August 30th and 31st. Team Canada took home the title last year, and you can bet the local boys will be looking to keep the title for team Canada this year. The Island Mini Stocks, Figure 8’s, Hornet cars and the Roadrunners will join the festivities over the weekend. Finally the year will be finished with yet another amazing Firework show, and the Championships for the Crash to Pass cars,

Hornet cars, Figure 8’s, Roadrunners, Bomber cars and the I.M.C.A Modifieds to all be awarded. The focus for the 2014 season is to limit the smaller nights and make more exciting, action packed nights for all the fans to enjoy. For all information on the Speedway please feel free to visit our new website www.saratogaracing.ca, for all information regarding ticket prices, upcoming events and to see the full schedule. On behalf of everyone from the Speedway, we hope you all had a great winter, but let’s start racing!

In a triathlon the transition is the place that you go to switch from one sport to the next. In order to get from one sport to the next as fast as possible you will need a plan. Triathlons require a lot of stuff towel, goggles, bike, shoes, race number, bathing cap etc. etc. All of this gear will be in transition, which is little more than a 5' x 3' space, so you have to make the most out of it. A successful triathlon is based on preparation. Most triathletes get nervous before a race. By laying out your gear, in order of use, the day before the triathlon you can mentally prepare for the race. Once you have gone through the race, in your mind, you will be confident that you have everything you need and can put that aside and be worried about more important things on race day. Like looking good for the photo as you cross the finish line in 1st place. The Shoreline Orthodontics Tri-K triathlon does not pre-assign your spot in transition. Try to choose a spot at the end of one of the racks. This will let you quickly locate your bike and give you more room to transition. If your bike does end up in the middle of a rack, note the location so you won't waste time finding it when you come down from the swim. If you're a spectator, watching a transition area in a triathlon is a great time, but it can be a den of chaos for an athlete. At the Shoreline Orthodontics Tri-K triathlon, the transition area is located in the middle of the track, some 250 meters from the pool. There are specific entrances and exits for each sport -which ensures that all athletes move in the same direction within the same space. When setting up your transition place your helmet on your bike's handlebars and if wearing sunglasses place them inside your helmet. Make sure your bike is in the right gear for starting the ride and that the tires are properly inflated. Lay out a towel next to your bike place your biking gear towards the front and running gear towards the back of the towel. When you finish the swim you are going to make your way to your bicycle removing your goggles and swim cap on the way. Once in T1, you need to put your helmet and shoes on. Some triathletes wear socks, some don’t, it depends on how you have practiced. Make sure you have water and that your race number in its proper place. Once you've ready for the bicycle ride, walk or run your bicycle out of the transition area. There is a mount line, just outside of T1 where athletes are permitted to get on their bikes. If you get on the bike too soon, you could be disqualified. Know the rules for each race. The middle of the track and its immediate surroundings serve many functions: starting lines, spectator zone, transitions and finish line. That's a lot of activity for one spot and each time you come here its’ appearance changes. Depending on where you are in the race, there may be many bicycles on the racks when you leave for the ride but few when you return, or vice versa. This is why you really need to know where your gear is and how to get to it fast. As you enter Transition 2, your body's been working extra hard. The less you need to think about, the better off you are. To get ready for the transition, try biking in a lower gear on the last couple of hundred meters or so of the ride. This will help prepare your legs for the faster stride of the run, making it feel less awkward. It would probably help you to remember again where your gear is, since your bicycle is no longer marking your spot. Be sure to get off of your bike no later than the dismount line. Once you reach your station, rack your bike and remove your helmet. Change into your running shoes, hat, and water Your running shoes should be sitting on your towel, with the tongues and straps up and loose so your foot slides in easily. Be sure you're standing on the towel so you don't have any dirt or gravel to contend with on the run. Take each foot out of your cycling shoe, if you're adding socks do so at this point, then place foot in the running shoe. Lace up, put on your hat and grab any water that you may want to take and off you go! You wouldn't need to physically train as much for the transitions as you do for the sports, but you'd be wise to practice it. Pick a routine that works best for you, and stick with it on race day. Transition times vary based on your preparation. The cycle to run transition should take somewhat less time than the swim to cycle transition, in part because you don't have the run to the track. In this weeks training plan there is a Brick, changing from one sport to the next without a break. It will give you a chance to try your transition as well.

Week Three

OFF or Weights

Swim 900 M 1600 M

Ride :55 1:00

Run :40 :50

Swim 900 M 1600 M

See you at the finish line!

Brick Ride/Run :100/:15 1:15/:15

Run :45 :50

Comox Valley Echo Friday, May 2, 2014 B7

9 & Dine is Back at Sunnydale!

•$20.00 plus gst •includes 9 holes of golf and your choice of meal from the grill menu, or the daily special. •Monday-Friday 3pm-6pm •Book tee-times at the pro-shop

(250) 334-3232 5291 North Island Highway, Courtenay, BC V9J 1S7

Sports and Recreation GOLF NEWS FIRST PIN DAY AT CROWN ISLE It started out with nice golf weather and continued throughout the day, but there was still lots of whining going on at Crown Isle Ladies Day! The winners in today’s round are as follows 1st Low Gross: Dee Horie 82 2nd low Gross: Raelene Robertson 84 1st Low Net: Marsha MacKinnon 69 2nd Low Net: Anne Sands 71 1st fewest putts: Dee Horie 29, 2nd lowest putts Linda Forman 30 Kp’s: Hole #4 May Mitchell, Hole #12 Selma DeHaas Birdies: May Mitchell #8, Dee Horie #12, Selma DeHaas #12 Par 5’s: Janet Phillips #1, Marsha Mackinnon #1, Judy Aldcroft #15 As a reminder, our “gently used golf clothing sale” is set for Tuesday May 20th from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm and Wednesday May 21st 9:00 am to 2:00 pm We will be located in the Crown Isle Ladies Locker Room, so come on out ladies and join the fun, proceeds go towards junior golf. - Submitted by Audrey Clark

REGULAR GAME FOR COMOX LADIES On Tuesday, April 29, the Comox Ladies played a regular game of stroke play. First low gross: Nancy Riva (91); second: June Fraser and Linda Callender (100); third: Nancy Newton (101). First low net: Patti Harris (76); second: Brenda Good (77); third: Marg Kelly (79). KPs: Barb Buchanan, Linda Verdenhalven, Suzy Venuta, Jean Kirby. Anne Patterson had the longest putt. 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 Match vs. Par. We hope to see all the ladies and their guests at the club at 8 for an 8:30 a.m. start. Make sure to sign up before Monday at noon. Our Thursday Night Ladies Golf is starting Thursday, May 1 at 5 pm for 5:30 shotgun start. This league is open to all lady golfers, members and non-members. Please call the Golf Shop at 339-4444 to sign up your group. We encourage all ladies and their friends to join us every Thursday evening for a fun 9-holes of golf followed by prizes, food and fellowship. - Submitted by Linda Callender

STABLEFORD SCORING AT GLACIER GREENS With long pencils in hand for Stableford scoring, Wendy Dowe and Leslie Hauser tied for first place with 51 points at Glacier Greens ladies day. A tie also for low putts were Ellie Nicholas and Glenda Kinney with 30. Lorraine Courtemanche claimed the KP on the 4th hole and Leslie Hauser on the 15th. Starting Thursday it is Summer rules and all games to be entered in computer. Some of us were hoping for some “Afflack Duck” rules to be incorporated but there is no official word on that. Mother’s Day is quickly approaching, cast an eye on Bill’s well stocked pro shop for some great ideas. See you next week for a regular game but counting the odd holes minus half your handicap for awards. - Submitted by Lori Cameron

GLACIER GREENS MEN AVOID THE RAIN Saturday April 26th at Glacier Greens was cool, breezy, sunny with some cloudy periods but no rain. 89 players participated with the course in good shape and reasonably dry with

greens in good shape thanks to Wayne Wood and this greens crew. There were some good scores as follows: HCP 0-11 1st Low Gross Stan Mills 71 c/b, 2nd Rob Borland 72 c/b, 3rd Mac Osborne 72 1st Low Net Chris Kalnay 67, 2nd Bill Todd 68, 3rd Dave Osborne 69 Snips Hole #1 Darrell Fieber, #3 Dave Osborne, #14 Chris Kalnay, #15 Ron Morrison HCP 12-17 1st Low Gross Karl Cameron 78, 2nd Bill Village 83 c/b, 3rd Wayne Ogilvie 83 1st Low Net Robin Houlgrave 68, 2nd Ted Sauve 70, 3rd John Pringle 71 c/b Snips Hole #2 Al Murray, #4 Ted Sauve, #8 Keith Allan, #9 Adrian Haut, #18 Wally Berger HCP 18+ 1st Low Gross Gabe Tremblay 87 c/b, 2nd Al Waddell 88 c/b, 3rd Peter Leskovich 90 1st Low Net Gary Macgregor 65 c/g. 2nd Art Trto 65 c/b, 3rd Hank Fortin 65 Snips Hole #4 & # 16 Al Pasasen, #8 Glenn Horsepool The Shoot Out is now full. Winners of the Club House improvement meat draw were Jasmine (bar staff), Ken Grant, Brenda Livingstone and Ron Carter (again). Next week hopefully the Spring weather will get better. Remember the Club House is open for breakfast. Till then, see ya. - Submitted by Ron Carter

SUNNYDALE LADIES ENDURE A COLD DAY Although we had anticipated sunny, warm weather 32 Sunnydale women endured a cold Tuesday Ladies Day on April 29th. Regardless of conditions, Lys McCrone and Carolyn Walker were not affected, and both shot Gross Scores of 94. Lys was the Low Gross Winner for the day on a count back. The low gross field was rounded out by Judy Berkley who shot 95 and Sharon Littler who posted 100. The Low Net Winner was Pat Peden with a score of 75. Penny Wagenstein was the second Low Net winner on a count back with Fran Shaw and Vicki Bombini with scores of Net 76. The lowest # of putts for the day was 29 and again there was a tie between Sherry Harrison, Becky Kenner and Lois Westbrook. Carolyn Walker won the prize for Longest Putt on # 9. Maylene Friesen won a gift Certificate from Cappuccino Grande Café for the 2nd shot KP on Hole #5. Gremlins interfered with the skill prizes for KP’s on Hole #10 and #15 so instead Norma Rankin and Teri Sleigh won draw prizes of sleeves of balls courtesy of Rob Speer Pro Shop. Doris Squire was the recipient of a golf towel sponsored by Earl Costello of Royal LePage. Sherry Harrison received a Chip In pin for Hole #6 for her first time chipping in on Ladies Day. This Sunday, May 4th is the official 2014 opening of the Sunnydale Ladies Club with a 9 Hole Scramble, Spring Meeting and late Lunch. We are all keeping our fingers crossed hoping for warm, sunny weather. - Submitted by Vicki Bombini

NEW SPONSOR FOR SUNNYDALE MEN’S EVENT Sunnydale Men’s Club has a new sponsor for the “Race to Bear Mountain”. Roy Creek Logging (Jon Huisman) has stepped up to sponsor a year end prize of 4 rounds of golf and two nights accommodation at the Bear Mountain Golf Resort near Victoria. Our year-long Midland Tools Cup, sponsored by Midland Tools in Courtenay, has completed Week 3. On Sunday, 44 eager players showed up under threatening skies. Come on out and have some fun next Sunday morning - 8:30 am start; sign up by 8:00 am. Sunday, April 27th Results 0 - 10 Low Gross 1st Greg Koster 71 cb 2nd Mitch Carr-Hilton 71

COASTAL COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION PRESENTS SE

12TH ANNUAL BOYS & GIRLS GOLF TOURNAMENT 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

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

Two Comox Valley runners finish in top 100 at TC10K By Michael Briones Echo Staff Two Comox Valley athletes finished in the top 100 among the over 11,000 participants at the annual Times Colonist 10K on Sunday morning. Finishing in 20th place overall was Vince Brotherston, who crossed the finish line in 34 minutes and 52 seconds. The member of the Comox Valley Road Runner topped the 45-49 men’s age division that had a total of 304 runners. The 25th edition of the popular run was a three-peat for Kip Kangogo, who won in a blistering time of 30 minutes and 11 seconds to add to his titles from 2010 and 2012. The native of Kenya, who hopes to represent his adopted country in the marathon at the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics, was running his first race as a Canadian citizen. Jane Murage of Kenya, who hopes to represent her formidable running nation in the steeplechase at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games and eventually the Rio Olympics, successfully defended her women’s championship in 33:55. The other Comox Valley runner that did really well was 14-year-old Torin Halvorson, who placed 61st overall with a top class time of 37:52. The Grade 10 Mark Isfeld student placed seventh in his age group for men under-19. “I’ve been training all year for this,” said Halvorson at the finish. “The course felt pretty good but it was a little bit slippery and there were a few hills I wasn’t expecting. I think it’s a great event - I’ve been doing it every year since I was eight.” Thousands of runners spilled over the Belleville Street finish line with faces lit up with the elation of achieving a personal best time or anticipating relief that the agony was finally over. Many trained months just for this event and didn’t care about their time. Others viewed the

0-10 Low Net 1st Kyle Stairs 69 2nd Lou Watkins 70 11+ Low Gross 1st Wally Pettigrew 78cb 2nd Sylvio Alberti 78 11+ Low Net

Torin Halvorson, 14, a Grade 10 student at Mark Isfeld, finished 61st overall at the TC10k but placed seventh in his age group, completing the distance in a top class time of 37 minutes 52 seconds.

event as a way to measure their running fitness. Light showers kept the runners cool as they worked their way around the scenic course, but B.C. Ambulance Service reported no serious casualties. Victoria police blocked off streets along the course and later reported no problems. Victoria Mayor Dean Fortin stood at the finish line and applauded the participants. “We have 12,000 people running this race. It’s amazing to see them feeling good about their personal bests and celebrating whatever they can do,” he said. - With files from Time Colonist

1st Emil Zap 65 2nd Ken Cottini 66 KP’s were won by Ron Pinke, Ken Cottini, Jules Urban, Viking, Larry Ferguson. The winners received their choice of a $5.00 credit in Rob Speer’s Pro Shop or Sunnydale Clubhouse.

B8 Comox Valley Echo Friday, May 2, 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 MISSION HILL Rt. 5102 – Stafford, Dingwall, Valecourt, Cruickshank

No Collection Required Call COMOX VALLEY ECHO 250−334−4734 or drop by 407−D 5th Street, Courtenay

Comox Valley Echo Friday, May 2, 2014 B9

2014

coming Tuesday, June 4 10

B10 Comox Valley Echo Friday, May 2, 2014

Sports and Recreation

BMX RACING STARTS AT REBUILT COAL HILLS The 2014 Coal hills BMX Season is now underway after a rebuild and break in the weather with many eager bmxers ready to roll on. Saturday April 19 saw race 1 get underway with local and out of town racers hitting the newly resurfaced track and ready to give it all. A total of 56 racers from Victoria, Nanaimo and Oceanside BMX tracks with our local racers had a great day and all enjoyed the new track. Results are: Strider - 1st Kailee Botrokoff, 2nd Noah Kerluck, 3rd Elliot Purich, 4th Harlow Yochim, 5th Reece Dixon 17-20 Girl Cruiser -1st Aleasha Wiebe, 2nd Ally Churko, 3rd Janel Church 26-30 Cruiser - 1st Dylan Church, 2nd Andrew templer, 3rd Ron Botrokoff, 4th Evan Yaretz 5& Under Novice - 1st Jeremy Purich, 2nd Jett Yochim, 3rd Bianca Sorg 7 Novice - 1st Mathew Hutchinson, 2nd Dane Kerluck, 3rd Myra Green, 4th Nathan Cox 7 Novice - 1st Jason Sekulich, 2nd Brayden Dixon, 3rd James Odarich, 4th Blake Robbins 6 Intermediate - 1st Maddex Yochim, 2nd Peyton Oconnell, 3rd Brailyn Webster 7 Intermediate - 1st Justin Yaretz, 2nd Issac Temple,r 3rd Austin Salt, 4th Thomas Sorg 9 Intermediate - 1st Jack Christian, 2nd Sean Queenan, 3rd Macklin Johnson, 4th Koen Oconnell, 5th Oliver Sorg, 6th Iain Petersen, 7th Arland Berry 11 Intermediate - 1st Ally Churko, ,2nd Adicus Bird 3rd Samuel Kuzma 9 Girls - 1st Hannah Green, 2nd Janel Church, 3rd Peyton Yochim, 4th Lauren Churko, 5th Avery Yochim, 6th Haley Tufts 10 Expert - 1st Quinn Webber, 2nd Evan Yaretz, 3rd Euan Henderson, 4th Jacob Sorg 16 Expert - 1st Yuriah Kaska, 2nd Zack Fieret, 3rd Hayden Fieret, 4th Aleasha Wiebe, 5th Jasper Petersen, 6th Eric Cox 9 Novice - 1st Hayden Botrokoff, 2nd Caleb Armitage, 3rd Anna Purich Race 2 April 26 Striders - 1st Noah Kerluck, 2nd Elliot Purich, 3rd Reece Dixon 17-20 Cruiser - 1st Aiden Webber, 2nd Aleasha Wiebe, 3rd Evan Yaretyz 31-35 Cruiser - 1st Andrew Templer, 2nd Brody Yochim, 3rd Paul Simard, 4th Sarah Paddock 5&under Novice - 1st Jeremy Purich, 2nd Jett Yochim, 3rd Jordon

Spring Gun Show at Fish and Game By Gail Eggiman

1st time racers Eric Cox and Reese Dixon Paddock, 4th Harlow Yochim 7 Novice - 1st Dane Kerluck, 2nd Brayden Dixon, 3rd Jason Sekulich, 4th Samuel Johnson, 5th Reid Watson, 6th Jamesd Odarich, 7th Natan Cox, 8th Cohen Beaton 7 Intermediate - 1st Justin Yaretz, 2nd Issac Templer, 3rd Austin Salt, 4th Maddex Yochim, 5th Brailyn Webster 9 Intermediate - 1st Jack Christian, 2nd Sean Queenan, 3rd Macklin Johnson, 4th Arland Berry, 5th Caleb Armitage, 6th Iain Petersen 11 Intermediate - 1st Quinn Webber, 2nd Evan Yaretz, 3rd Adicus Bird, 4th Emma Erickson 9 Girls - 1st Peyton Yochim, 2nd Lauren Churko, 3rd Avery Yochim 13 Expert - 1st Aiden Webber, 2nd Lukas Ferguson, 3rd Hayden Fieret, 4th Nathan Simard 16 Expert - 1st Dayton Raps, 2nd Yuriah Kaska, 3rd Zacl Fiere,t 4th Aleasha Wiebe, 5th Eric Cox

Great job by all riders and remember racing this Saturday, sign up 10-10:45 am.

The Courtenay and District Fish & Game Protective Association will hold a Spring Gun Show on Sunday, 4 May from 9am until 2pm. Admittance is $3 for men 19 and over and women and youth are free. Food and beverages will be available while you view the latest in firearms and associated equipment. It is a buy, sell and trade show with an assortment of new to

antique. The show is a great opportunity to find a starting firearm for a novice hunter or an upgrade for the more experienced. More and more young people and women are expressing interest in the shooting sports and this could be the opportunity to find an economical firearm. Several shows are held throughout the year on Vancouver Island. Anyone interested in Gun Show information, please contact Al Lapp at 250-338-5982.

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Game Readyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; football camp offered Comox Valley and Vancouver Island football players from age 12 to 17 can learn skills from CFL pros at the Game Ready football camp May 17 and 18 at Bill Moore Park in Courtenay. Current and former CFL players will offer their coaching and leadership including two time Grey Cup winner Will Loftus and current BC Lion JR Larose. Players of all levels will be taken through a series of drills to familiarize themselves with the game of football and build on their current skill level. The Game Ready philosophy teach-

es youth leadership on and off the field and healthy decision making. Game Ready helps young men and women become mentally and physically stronger by creating a competitive, high intensity environment. This keeps youth focused and driven to become mentally and physically stronger than they have ever been. The camp runs from 10-3 pm both May 17 ad 18 at Bill Moore Park. Registration is $100 and includes all equipment except cleats. Call 250702-5515 for more information. Registration is at the Lewis Centre. - Comox Valley Raiders Football