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www.comoxvalleyecho.com Friday October 10, 2014
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Volume 20, No. 81
Costco case creates noise at council chambers Hillian’s request for a new staff report rejected 4-2 By Michael Briones Echo Staff
Black Fly, a film partially shot on Denman Island, got such a warm reception at the Vancouver International Film Festival it won a third screening.
Film shot on Denman hits festival circuit Islanders getting a screening Saturday night at Seniors Centre By Drew A. Penner Echo Staff When Jason Bourque wanted to find the perfect setting to capture the mystery and terror in a thriller film inspired by a real serial killer, he turned to Denman Island to lend its unique charm as a central, if anonymous, character. On the heels of dual sold-out shows at the Vancouver International Film Festival he will be screening Black Fly this Saturday on the Island as a thank you. “Because it’s so quiet on Denman we were able to really give it this really spooky atmosphere, this undercurrent of dread,” Bourque said. “I’m just very proud of what we’ve pulled off.” The majority of the movie was filmed in Maple Ridge and Langley, but because the story is set in the Gulf Islands these segments had to be placed in the broader context of — somewhere. Luckily, Jim McKeown, the second unit production coordinator who had worked on the budget, which successfully attracted $250,000 from Telefilm Canada, knew just the place. Originally from Port Alberni, he had fallen in love with Denman Island during his days in the Comox Valley. While shooting Foreverland he had spent five days on Vancouver Island, travelling through Coombs, Qualicum Beach, Cathedral Grove and Long Beach. But he knew Denman should be cast for the role of backdrop in Black Fly. “It was super special,” he said of the two days spent on Denman with a small crew. “What we got in terms of footage was fantastic.” They filmed at the Denman Island General Store & Post Office, Lone Pine Farm, Hilberry Farm, and nabbed beautiful scenery shots elsewhere in the process. “The locations really knocked it out of the park,” he said, noting the director of photography was so taken by the place that he was convinced Denman was the key ingredient that would push the film over the top into critical acclaim territory. “Every time he did a setup he was composing his acceptance speech.” Local residents were extremely helpful,
It turned a bit noisy at Courtenay council on Monday when councillor Doug Hillian brought back a controversial deafening issue. Hillian expressed concerns about the early morning noise coming from Costco that he says appear to contravene the city’s bylaw. He put forward a motion requesting a staff report on the measures that have been applied or that need to be taken to address and resolve the issue. “I am convinced it’s not just one individual,” said Hillian. “It’s a concern shared by the neighbourhood. I am also concerned that at one point we may once again have to answer to the ombudperson’s office regarding what we have actually done to address this. “My third concern is although in the past we have acknowledged that Costco has made certain efforts to negate the noise coming from their operation, when we hear concerns about horns honking and loud machinery operating at five in the morning it does seem beyond what could be reasonably expected.” While the majority of council understood Hillian’s intention, they could not find a good reason why another staff report would be necessary. Councillor Bill Anglin pointed out a report has already been done in the past on the steps the city have taken. He said there’s nothing new to add to it. (Continued on page 4)
Courtenay council endorses two breweries’ lounge proposals By Michael Briones Echo Staff
Jim McKeown, the second unit production coordinator, steered the film to Denman Island because of his personal experience there with some chipping in as extras, and even some of the animals made it into the movie. “At one point this horse really wanted to get into the picture,” he said. “Some animals they see you pointing at something and they just want in to get in front
of it.” Bourque, who wrote, directed and executive produced the film, remembers the wealth of eerie ambiance. “We shot on a property where the owner collects old buses,” he said. (Continued on page 4)
Courtenay council gave its support to the issuance of brewery lounge endorsements to two new microbreweries that will be opening soon in the city. Their endorsements of Gladstone Brewery Company and Forbidden Brew Corporation will now be forwarded to the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch, which will review council’s resolution to determine if all the regulatory criteria have been met and that it would not be contrary to public interest before approving licences. Gladstone hit a hurdle in their application last month when the Downtown Courtenay Business Improvement Association rejected their plans to provide food at their lounge area using a food truck, which it claims contravenes city bylaw. The DCBIA’s opposition led council to delay making a resolution on Gladstone’s application until the owners can come up with an acceptable solution. Gladstone has come up with a suitable plan and confirmed to the DCBIA that they have made an agreement with two food establishments to provide food for their patrons. The DCBIA indicated to council they agree with the plans and supports Gladstone. Council has posted notifications in the local newspaper and on its website regarding the two lounge endorsements applications. Both businesses appeared to have the full support of the general community as comments and inputs were lacking. Gladstone’s brewery lounge would be located in the city’s downtown core on 244 4th Street. It will be within 350 metres of various social and recreational facilities and public buildings including restaurants, pubs, the Sid Williams Theatre, the Comox Valley Art Gallery, and Courtenay City Hall.
Director Jason Bourque found the perfect shots on Denman Island
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