Comox Valley Echo - November 7, 2014 by Comox Valley Echo

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COURTENAY, BRITISH COLUMBIA • November 7, 2014

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VOL. 20, NO. 88

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.COURTENAY, BC. NOVEMBER 7, 2014

ECHO

NEWS Comox Valley Weather

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Friday A mix of sun and cloud. High 10°C.

Saturday Rain. Low 7°C. High 8°C.

Sunday Sunny. Low 5°C. High 10°C.

Monday A mix of sun and cloud. Low 5°C. High 10°C.

Tuesday Cloudy with 60% chance of showers. Low 5°C. High 10°C.

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

Noxious gas led to evacuation Water boil advisory lifted at Valley RCMP building BY MICHAEL BRIONES Staff Writer

The Comox Valley RCMP Detachment was evacuated for about twenty minutes due to noxious vapors inside the building. Media liaison Don Sinclair said it was sewage gas that stemmed from muriatic acid that was poured down the drains by plumbers. who were working on the pipes. “I don’t know if they knew it or not that it causes vapors — hydrogen sulfide gas,” said Sinclair. “We didn’t know that so we called

the Courtenay fire department because there was smell. We were then told to get everybody out. So we evacuated the building.” The Courtenay Fire Department sent in crews with breathing apparatus and gas protectors to make sure that the levels of gas was safe. It’s not healthy to breathe sewer gas. Fans were brought in to ventilate the building. “We waited for about twenty minutes,” said Sinclair. The building was fully staffed when the event happened at around 2 p.m. But Sinclair said, fortunately there were

“Thank you to all those in the Comox Valley that so generously gave of their time and resources to the Child Development Telethon last Sunday, where over $85,000 was raised to assist over 800 children in the Valley.”

I don’t know if they knew it or not that it causes vapours - hydrogen sulfide gas.” CST. DON SINCLAIR Comox Valley RCMP

no prisoners inside the jail cells. “If something like that happens, there’s a contingency plan,” said Sinclair. “We would take them out of the cells and put them in cars and we’ll even transport them to the sherrif’s cells in Courtenay or take them to Campbell River.”

The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) and Island Health have lifted the boil water advisory effective immediately. Following daily testing and regular monitoring of the system since the advisory was put in place on October 27, the CVRD and Island Health are confident that the water quality of the system is now safely within drinking water guidelines. This summer river inflows to Comox Lake were extremely low, resulting in low water levels in the lake and streams. Recent heavy rainfalls caused the inflows to increase abruptly, scouring the river beds that had been dry all summer and washing silt and debris into the lake, causing the lake to become highly turbid. Over the last week, the lake has been flushing itself with clean water and the turbidity levels have gradually decreased. The water quality is now back to acceptable levels. The water that supplies the Comox Valley water system originates in Comox Lake and is taken from the Puntledge River and delivered to approximately 41,000 residents. Those areas affected by the boil

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water advisory were the City of Courtenay, the Town of Comox, and the Comox Valley, Arden, Marsden/Camco, Greaves Crescent, and England Road water local service areas. Island Health guidelines recommends the following after a boil water advisory has been lifted: • Flush all water-using fixtures for one minute. • Run cold-water faucets and drinking fountains for one minute before using the water. • Drain and flush all ice-making machines in your refrigerator. • Run water softeners through a regeneration cycle. • Drain and refill hot water tanks set below 45 C (normal setting is 60 C). • Change any pre-treatment filters (under sink style and refrigerator water filters, carbon block, activated carbon, sediment filters, etc.). For up-to-date information and resources on the boil water advisory, visit www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/boil.

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.NOVEMBER 7, 2014

Full house for Cumberland election debate BY DREW A. PENNER Echo Staff Cumberland was served up a hearty plate of democracy this week as more than 200 Villagers packed the Cultural Centre to listen to potential future councillors give their pitch for why they should represent the community, during the Nov. 3 All Candidates Meeting. The meeting kicked off with candidates giving a little spiel about why they should sit on council for the next four years. The middle portion of the evening consisted of community members asking the candidates questions on everything from communication styles to plans for parkland. If you wanted to ask a question that would be answered by each and every possible councillor you had to write your name down on a strip of paper and put it in a mason jar corresponding to the topic you were interested in asking about, such as Infrastructure/Build Environment or Environment. Sporting toques and hoodies that affected the colour spectrum from forest greens to earthen browns, attendees eagerly anticipated the responses of the candidates. This was as typical a Cumberland event as you’re going to get and no political event in the community has attracted this many participants since people packed council chambers to discuss the Draft Official Community Plan. Since then the draft has been eliminated from that document, having come into force this summer, and bestowing praise on that community plan and the process that surrounded its creation was a popular

I look forward to the opportunity to serve another term as Village councillor and to continue the work of making Cumberland a healthy, sustainable community.” ROGER KISHI Incumbent candidate

refrain among candidates. Colin Failler started off a little unconventionally, cutting his introduction short to remind people his tenure on council would be less about him making speeches and more about him voting on behalf of residents’ interests. Failler said he’d make sure the community was a safe place to life, adding he would look for real solutions instead of throwing money at problems to try to solve them easily. Marking a bit of a contrast, Steven Royer described some of his own personal accomplishments as a way to show he could tackle community issues. Royer pointed to his history in property management in Cumberland as evidence he could work on policy matters in the community, although at times he didn’t answer questions directly, and stressed mentorship for youth is important. Incumbent councillors Roger Kishi and Gwyn Sproule expounded on their experience dealing

The meeting had a real warm, comfortable Cumberland feeling to it and included clapping and even some knitting at the hands of a couple attendees.

More than 200 people attended the All Candidates Meeting at the Cultural Centre.

Cited his history in property management as evidence he could work on policy matters in the community, and stressed mentorship for youth is important. STEVE ROYER

with the nuts and bolts of policy creation week in and week out in recent years. Both have gained a reputation for working towards consensus on council and both have served on community boards, such as the Comox Valley Regional District and the St. Joseph’s General Hospital board. “I look forward to the opportunity to serve another term as Village councillor,” Kishi said, “and to continue the work of making Cumberland a healthy, sustainable community.” Coun. Gwyn Sproule reinforced her desire to promote greenspace initiatives in the Village and to work on the zoning bylaw, which will be one of the first things tackled by the new council. But they are up against stiff competition from new faces, some aiming to represent more youthful

Reminded people that his tenure on council would be less about him making speeches and more about him voting on behalf of residents’ interests COLIN FAILLER Cumberland candidate

interests in the community, which has a large population of young families. Jesse Ketler admitted she doesn’t have any political experience but says

she does have the skill set to do the job, since she has worked on environmental issues on the other side of the table, creating solutions and devising strategies to promote positive change for communities. The 37-year-old mother of two won applause from the audience when she charged that Cumberland needs younger representation on council. “I really feel like I’m in touch with that 25-45 age demographic,” she said. “I’m at the school every day, twice a day, with my kids. “I also want Cumberland to be ahead of the curve.” Sean Sullivan, a local

Cumberland candidate

musician, said he is the best person to represent the community because he is working on Dunsmuir Avenue as a contractor almost every day and probably knows more than half of the people attending the meeting personally. “A big important issue is the Cumberland Community School Society, and I’d like to see core funding for that as well as building the skatepark and expanding our recreational base for children,” he said, adding wastewater and sewer would also be top of mind.

Continued on page 6)

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.COURTENAY, BC. NOVEMBER 7, 2014

Downtown, homelessness, amalgamation BY MICHAEL BRIONES Staff Writer Residents packed the Comox Recreation Centre Monday night to hear the candidates for Town of Comox mayor and council answer questions on a variety of community issues. The five candidates for school trustee also took part in the all-candidates forum organized by the Comox Town Residents Association that was streamed by My Tech Guys. The only candidate who was missing was council hopeful Kathleen Bell. The two-hour get to know your candidates event ran smoothly and almost on time. There were no fireworks or heated exchanges. They were cordial and respected the time allotted to each candidate. Moderator James Taylor did well to control the floor and the flow of questions. But because of time constraints, there were still a lot of people who were not able to ask questions. After a brief introduction, the two mayoral candidates and 10 council hopefuls answered questions

Comox council candidates answer questions for residents who packed the Rec Centre on Monday night for an election forum that touched on a myriad of issues. They include downtown revitalization, homelessness, amalgamation, deep water intake at the Comox Lake, banning woodstove and boat parking at the Marina. One of the major concerns is the revitalization of the struggling downtown area that has empty business spaces, lack of local buyers and has parking issues. Incumbent mayor Paul Ives said that the Town of Comox is not unique as

many other communities in the province and across the country are having to deal with big box retailers. “Certainly our residents will go where it’s more convenient,” said Ives. “Our incentives plan, our parking relaxation as well as having more people living downtown should start to bring more customers downtown. Certainly the festivals and other events put on by the BIA and other organizations will be part of that. Certainly, we’ll carry on with the work that we’ve

done and continue to improve what we can with our amenities point of view.” Incumbent councilor Ken Grant said he has been involved with the Business in Action Group downtown in the last nine years and had implemented programs. “But I think at the end of the day is to get more density living around near downtown,” said Ken. “Once people get in cars and they start to drive, they drive to the big boxes. If we can get them to live down-

town walking to the shops, I think that’s the key to success for our downtown.” Homelessness was another concern raised by residents. Candidates were asked how they would approach this issue. Incumbent councilor Hugh MacKinnon said it’s unconscionable for everyone to deny that there’s a homeless problem in this valley. “I think people are fed up with talk of what to do and would like to see some action,” said MacKinnon.

“I would support council, even making donations to Care-A-Van, which is such a wonderful service to the homeless in this valley as a starting point for at least doing some action rather than just doing talk.” Candidates were asked whether they are in favour of amalgamation. Majority indicated they support the governance review the Comox Chamber of Commerce is hoping to conduct if it gets 10 per cent approval from the electorate. CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.NOVEMBER 7, 2014

Comox forum CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

Don Davis said he is in favour of keeping taxes low in the Town of Comox but is not convinced amalgamation will accomplish that. “The 1999 study showed that it would cost the smaller communities more money, so why would we want to take on Courtenay and Cumberland’s debts?,” said Davis. Mayoral candidate Tom Grant said he would like to see the results of the chamber study if it gets support from the community. “As Ken has mentioned, information is power,” said Grant. “Right now we don’t know what would happen to us if we amalgamated. Whether we would save money, whether it would cost money, there’s per capita debt that has to be taken into consideration. Are we going to amalgamate Area B? And once we start to amalgamate Area B we’re going to start taking care all of their roads. If we amalgamate Cumberland, well, I don’t know what we’re going to do there.” For residents who were unable to attend the forum, you can view the whole event at the My Tech Guys Inc. website: http://www.mytechguys.ca/web/

Trustee candidates asked about conflict of interest Three married to teachers BY MICHAEL BRIONES Staff Writer The five candidates for school trustee for the Town of Comox introduced themselves to the public but hardly had a chance to really answer questions at the all-candidates forum held at the Comox RecreComox candidates for school board trustee have at it ation Centre on Monday. Incumbent Peter Coleman is battling to hold his post against would recuse myself from the to ask any of the trustee hopefour younger opponents Jeany question,” she said. fuls any questions about school Della Siega, Tonia Frawley, MacDonald and Della Siega issues, you will have a chance to Chettie MacDonald and Mer- agree with Starkey. do so at the public trustee forum edith Starkey. MacDonald cited as an ex- slated to take place on Monday, Three of them are married to ample, superintendent Sherry Nov. 10, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 teachers, which led one resident Elwood, whose husband is also p.m. at the Best Western Westerly to ask about potential conflict working for the school district. Banquet Room in Courtenay. of interest and how they would “I think she does a very good The Comox District Teachers’ deal with it. job of being neutral,” said Mac- Association , in conjunction with Starkey said there might be Donald. CUPE 439 and the District Parquestions that may have an imThat was the only question that ent Advisory Council, is hosting pact on teachers’ salary or hir- was asked. Coleman and Frawley the event. ing practices. didn’t get a chance to address any All trustees are invited to “If there’s a perceived re- concerns. speak and the public is invited to al conflict of interest there, I For those who weren’t able attend to help inform their deci-

sion on who to vote for in the upcoming civic school trustee elections on Saturday Nov. 15. The format of the forum will not be a traditional town hall style. Instead, candidates will be given up to two minutes to address the public. Then it switches to a “world café style” where each trustee will be sitting at a different round table and the public can choose which trustee to go and talk to. There will be a moderator at each table and the public will have the opportunity to ask questions to trustees in a more intimate setting. After a set period of time, the public will be asked to move to a different table where the process will be repeated. It is hoped that the public will be better able to hear the trustees that they are able to vote for using this style.

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.COURTENAY, BC. NOVEMBER 7, 2014

Get your dog a tag

City spokesdog Jake is encouraging all Courtenay dogs to get licenced.

Are you a dog owner in the City of Courtenay? Dog licences for 2015 are now available from Courtenay City Hall. All dogs over the age of six months living in the city must be licensed. The fee for a neutered male or spayed female is $5 annually. For unneutered males or unspayed females, the fe e is $25 annually. Licences expire each year on December 31 and must be renewed annually. To get your license, bring your payment to Courtenay City Hall, 830 Cliffe Avenue, and provide your name, address and phone number, as well as your dog’s name, breed, colour, and gender. For first-time licencing, please bring proof of spay/neuter status from your veterinarian. Revenue from the dog licence program helps fund the City’s contract with the SPCA; and by having a dog licence, it will be easier to reunite you with your fuzzy friend if he or she goes missing. You’ll also avoid an “unlicenced dog” ticket, which starts at $100 for a first offence. For more information, visit www.courtenay.ca/dogs

Full house in Cumberland Continued from page 3 He also pledged to get up to speed quickly on procedural matters and all the other components of the learning curve. The specter of Trilogy CEO John Evans hung over the meeting, as the businessman became a frequent punching bag for candidates drawing on his legacy of promoting a larger than life vision of development in the community. Cumberland was swept up in the dream of a large commercial/residential project near the interchange that has not yet proceeded. Some candidates seemed unfamiliar with the realities of the agreements that have been put in place. Kishi seemed to win points by reminding the public that he had been part of a council that said “No” to further concessions to Trilogy in recent years. Coun. Gwyn Sproule said she was a lone voice fighting some of Trilogy’s advances in the first place.

Michael Walton said he’s against rampant development as much as anybody but said he leans towards a balanced approach, pointing to the lack of jobs in the community for youth. “I used to live here,” he said. “But I had to move away to find work. “I’m really hoping that my grandchildren don’t have to move away.” Roger Albert agreed that bringing economic development to Cumberland has to be an important part of the community’s future. “We might try to attract mediumsized employers who pay well. That would be a start,” he said. “The tourism sector is obviously important for Cumberland, mainly centered on mountain biking and subcultural events. We need to encourage those. We also need to support existing businesses, or at least not discourage them.” Albert said dealing with policy issues is something he’s more than a

little familiar with, having helped guide North Island College and the Courtenay art gallery along in the past. Meiko Matsumoto, a 32-year-old teacher who lives in Cumberland said the meeting was really helpful as she tries to decide who to vote for. “I just wanted to be informed,” she said. “I’ve always wanted to get more involved in the political process.” She wants to see programs for youth in the community that can add stability for the children, and is passionate about the environment, and was interested to hear how the candidates addresses those sorts of issues. But like many other attendees, she hasn’t made her selections yet. “I still don’t really know who I’m going to vote for,” she said. “I think I have a lot more research to do, but it was really good to hear what the community had to say.”

Visit us online: www.comoxvalleyecho.com

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.NOVEMBER 7, 2014

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BY MICHAEL BRIONES Echo Staff School District 71 has established a new partnership with Thompson Rivers University that will see the creation of more outdoor education and adventure programs in the Comox Valley. An agreement has been signed and is considered to be a major deal that will benefit not only the students but also teachers. Thompson Rivers is considered a leader in post-secondary degrees and certificates in outdoor education and adventure programs in North America, if not the world. The district principal of education and technology Rob Moore, district’s health and safety principal Paul Berry, and Gord Campbell from the Tribune Bay Outdoor Education Centre were credited for helping forge this partnership. The plan is to start introducing new programs next spring. Comox Valley teachers will get the opportunity to gain training and earn accreditation on courses provided by Thompson Rivers University. They can achieve these through pro-d days and weekends. Once they’ve become certified, teachers then can deliver those courses here. Students will be eligible to receive dual credit courses in a variety of outdoor experiential education courses such as outdoor travel skills, backpacking, and introduction to paddle sports, canoe and sea kayak touring, whitewater kayaking, rock climbing, avalanche and ski touring. Assistant superintendent Tom Demeo informed the board that this is an exclusive partnership between SD71 and Thompson Rivers University, from the areas north of Nanaimo and out to the West Coast. “We’re the only provider of this dual credit,” said Demeo.

All adventure courses will be offered here in the Comox Valley.

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.COURTENAY, BC. NOVEMBER 7, 2014

Comox Centre Mall to host Christmas Village auction Proceeds will benefit the Boys and Girls Club, plus Child Development Centre BY MICHAEL BRIONES Echo Staff

Christmas time is here. This year’s Christmas Village Silent Auction will be held at the Comox Centre Mall. It will feature gingerbread houses and teddy bear packages that people can bid on.

The annual Christmas Village Silent Auction will be moving to the Comox Centre Mall this year. The Comox Business Improvement Area took over the popular event, which executive director Mary Ruth Harris said was a major scoop for the town. Last year it was held at Crown Isle and attracted over 80 participants. It featured around 30 gingerbread houses and 50 teddy bear packages. Around $14,000 was raised for the Boys and Girls Club. H a r r i s to l d Co m ox council that the three-week event will start on Nov. 27 and run until Dec. 18. Last year, the Christ-

mas event, which is now in its 13 th year, attracted 12 schools that toured the village. But by having the event at the Comox Mall, they’re expecting that number to grow this year. “We won’t have scheduling issues that we had at Crown Isle, so we would be able to accommodate many more entries as well as many more schools coming through,” said Harris. “That’s because we don’t have to work around events of another organization.” The Comox Mall is supporting the event, helping with the decorations and turning the mall into “Christmas central,” said Harris. People who come to the Christmas Village can bid on the gingerbread houses and also the Teddy Bear

Winter Hours at Dear Friends of Comox Valley, Some of our customers have asked us why we at Furniture are closed on Saturdays, and we thought that since the days are getting shorter, and there will be other changes to our schedule, this might be a good time to give a brief explanation. We are a Christian family that keep the Sabbath rest from sundown Friday until Sundown Saturday, which is why we are closed on Saturdays. It also means that with the shorter days arriving, we will be closing earlier on Fridays (3pm). We are however open on Sunday from 11am to 5pm. Our winter hours are going to be in effect from November 7 until March 1 and are as follow… Open Sunday: 11am to 5pm Open Monday to Thursday: 9:30am to 5:30pm Open Friday: 9:30am to 3pm Closed Saturday

We are very grateful and thankful for your understanding and continued support, Sincerely, Mark, Ana, Kerry & Michael Tardif.

Photo by Van's Portraits

We won’t have the scheduling issues that we had, so we would be able to accommodate many more entries as well as many more schools coming through” MARY RUTH HARRIS Comox BIA

packages. The money raised from the silent auction this year will be shared by the Boys and Girls Club and the Comox Valley Child Development Association. The annual auction, said Harris, also coincides with the town’s 2014 Christmas in Comox, which kicks off with lighting of the Comox Christmas tree on Nov. 28. As well, the Filberg Lodge and Park will be holding its unique Christmas event.

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.NOVEMBER 7, 2014

SECURITY

RCMP beef up security for November 11 Across the country, Mounties arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t taking any chances to protect us from terrorism BY DREW A. PENNER Echo Staff

An officer stands guard outside Crown Isle.

Times are changing. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re changing with the times, because we want to make sure that where we go people are safe.â&#x20AC;? CST. DON SINCLAIR Valley RCMP spokesperson

Armed and plainclothes officers will attend Remembrance Day events across the Comox Valley, as the local detachment amps up security protocols in the wake of the deaths of two military members â&#x20AC;&#x201C; including a former 19 Wing employee â&#x20AC;&#x201C; which some authorities characterize as acts of terrorism. Local police say they have no choice but to bring more firepower to this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Nov. 11 ceremonies. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Times are changing,â&#x20AC;? said Const. Don Sinclair, the Comox Valley detachment spokesperson. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re changing with the times, because we want to make sure that where we go people are safe.â&#x20AC;? A l re a d y r u l e s h ave changed for the RCMP Auxiliary Constable program in response to the perceived security threat from ISIS sympathizers. Those members are no longer allowed to go out on patrol alone. But Sinclair says the weapon, holster and ammunition pouches the public will see on RCMP officers during Remembrance Day events is a throwback

Every time there is a change in the environment it requires us to assess the threat and respond appropriatelyâ&#x20AC;? CRAIG CALLENS RCMP Deputy Commissioner

Increased security. RCMP have been upping measures at local events. to the garb sported during 1980s festivities. However, the events in Quebec and Ottawa that shocked Canadians have brought a sense of urgency to those interested in revamping police protection policies. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always the risk of something happening,â&#x20AC;? Sinclair said, acknowledging the Parliament Hill shooting was a tipping point in setting of recent planning decisions. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We want to make sure nothing like that happens in our town.â&#x20AC;? Residents may be more familiar with the RCMP

dress uniform worn in the Stripped Sam Browne style â&#x20AC;&#x201C; that doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t include a lanyard, pistol, holster, or pouches. The new policing regime was on full display at a recent RCMP event held in Courtenay at Crown Isle where multiple armed officers scanned the horizon lined with golf course homes for any nefarious action, pistols at the ready. Another officer stood guard at the door of the resort building. A similar response can be expected at the upcoming Remembrance Day

events, as police say you can never be too careful. â&#x20AC;&#x153;An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,â&#x20AC;? Sinclair said, adding the local detachment doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get extra funding to put these security measures in place. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not getting any additional money to do this.â&#x20AC;? Deputy Commissioner Craig Callens was at the Crown Isle event and said increasing security measures is an important part of ensuring public safety as Canada ramps up its fight against ISIS overseas. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Every time there is a

change in the environment it requires us to assess the threat and respond appropriately,â&#x20AC;? he said, in an interview with the Echo. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I can give you my absolute assurance that that threat has been considered and that there are operational plans in place across the province in RCMP and non-RCMP jurisdictions to make sure that the Remembrance Day ceremonies can be carried out safely.â&#x20AC;? Callens urged members of the public to take part in events on November 11. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I would encourage all community members to come out and show their support and their remembrance as we honour those who have given their lives in service to our country,â&#x20AC;? he said. Officials say a canine officer and other resources will be deployed on Remembrance Day.

Jungian Dreamwork presentation by local Jung Society, tonight at NIC The Comox Valley C. G. Jung Society will host a presentation entitled â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jungian Dreamwork: Creative expressive approaches to working with Archetypal Imagesâ&#x20AC;? by Registered Clinical Counselor and Jungian training candidate,

Joel Kroeker on Friday, November 7. One hundred years ago, psychologist Carl Jung developed techniques to access our unconscious mind by analyzing dreams and by using active imagination. Jungian analysts

have explored dreams and used active imagination through visual art-making, movement and dance, but there have been few uses of sound to work with dreams. This experiential presentation will illustrate

various approaches to working with dream images through the use of music and the expressive arts, and will introduce a new method called Archetypal Music Psychotherapy. Joel Kroeker, MA, MMT, is a Registered Clini-

cal Counselor and Music Therapist with a practice in Victoria, who worked as a singer-songwriter for a decade and has produced three award-winning albums. He is also a Jungian Psychoanalyst training candidate at the Jung In-

Last Day Open

stitute in Zurich. The presentation will be in Room 203, Tyee Hall, North Island College at 7 pm on Friday, November 7, 2014 at a cost of $20 at the door, or $15 for Jung Society members. Memberships will be available.

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.COURTENAY, BC. NOVEMBER 7, 2014

ECHO

OPINIONS

Find the ‘druids’ you’re looking for If your uncle left you waterfront property in Comox with the stipulation that it be used to mentor your children in the values of the natural world what would you do? If “do gooding” is the act of visiting this property, reading the will and bringing this to the attention of others in the community then I am guilty. The spate of letters recently to the papers are ugly and disrespectful. They cast aspersions on those that would save the house and are designed to obfuscate the issue like a jedi mind trick in star wars “these aren’t the droids you’re looking for”. If you haven’t been to the Mack Laing property yet then I suggest you go take a look. There is a reason some would dissuade you from looking at the “Droids”; the house and the setting is spectacular, right at the mouth of Brooklyn Creek with a 180 degree view of the harbour with Comox Glacier in the background. As the recipient of the property, go take a look at the house yourself, take your kids with you and take a look at the will, the intentions of Mack Laing (visit the website: www.macklaingsociety.ca). You may discover that indeed these

are the Droids you’re looking for. Fred Newhouse Director, Mack Laing Heritage Society

We have been knocking on doors in Area B, in support of Rod Nichol. Many residents have said that they will vote in this election. There are 2 advanced poll dates for voting at the CVRD Board Room. Are the CVRD prepared for thousands of advanced poll voters? Will there be parking available? Unlike the 6 Area B residents who showed up for the Area B public meeting to review the Rural OCP, residents have said they want change and will vote. Let’s hope it is not a difficult process. Phil Harrison Area B

To people of voting age: stop letting life roll over you and exercise the power that you already have. Decisions get made by those who show up, so get out and vote. Most people spend hours each day in front of their TVs but won’t spend 10 minutes a week participating in the systems that govern every aspect of their lives. Ask yourself this: whom does

COMOX VALLEY ECHO An independently owned and operated newspaper published by Echo Publications at 407-E Fifth Street, Courtenay, B.C. V9N 1J7 Phone 250-334-4722 Fax 250-334-3172 Classifieds 250- 334-4215

apathy benefit? You don’t like the present system? Get behind the efforts of Fair Vote Canada and other citizen groups promoting electoral reform. Most of the world’s democracies have proportional representation -- a much fairer system than ours, which only works in a two-party system. With PR, every vote counts and you get the government you deserve. Throughout history, ordinary people have managed to bring about significant and lasting change. But it’s only brought about by those who believe in the possibility. Democracies perish when people stop caring. Marusha Taylor Courtenay

Circulation 250-334-4734 E-mail: echo@comoxvalleyecho.com Publisher Dave MacDonald Editor Debra Martin Advertising Manager Keith Currie Office Administrator Deb Fowler Circulation Manager Hedi MacDonald Production Manager Ryan Getz All material herein is protected by copyright. Reproduction in whole or in part is not permitted without written authorization from the publisher. Canadian Publications Mail Agreement Number #0661538

The Comox Valley Social Planning Society works with organizations and citizens dedicated to developing a healthy community through the promotion of social, economic, and environmental well-being. The mission of the Society is to promote social planning as a process for developing a healthy community in the Comox Valley. For 2014/2015 the Society is focusing on home-

lessness and affordable housing issues in our community. As part of that mission the Social Planning society sponsors brown-bag lunches which bring together agencies in the Comox Valley who provide support for various activities related to the physical, emotional, and financial well-being of all citizens of the Comox Valley. The Brown Bag lunch on Tuesday, October 28 focused on how agencies and clients are affected by homelessness in the Comox Valley. As well as the usual agency attendees, candidates vying for council seats in the Comox Valley were invited and several came and participated in the discussion. According to the Canadian Homelessness Research Network (2012) homelessness describes the situation of an individual or family without stable, permanent, appropriate housing, or the immediate prospect, means and ability of acquiring it. It is the result of systemic or societal barriers, a lack of affordable and appropriate housing, the individual/household’s financial, mental, cognitive, behavioral or physical challenges, and/or racism and discrimination. Most people do not

choose to be homeless, and the experience is generally negative, unpleasant, stressful, and distressing. The exact numbers are difficult to pin down, however it has been estimated that there are up to 300 people in the Comox Valley who are homeless and 3,000 people at risk. Those at risk include women and children leaving abusive relationships, youth leaving foster care, p e rs o n s w i t h m e n ta l health and/or addiction challenges, workers in low-wage, part-time, temporary positions. Agencies at the brown bag lunch reported on children in school without adequate food or clothing, adults unable to fill in forms for social assistance because of lack of functional literacy skills, youth leaving foster care with no job or housing prospects, friends couch surfing with friends because their jobs don’t pay enough to afford decent rental housing, single moms who have moved five times in one year because of inadequate and expensive housing options. All present agreed that a coordinated Comox Valley effort will be necessary to bring about viable, affordable, and appropriate solutions for the challenges faced by our neigh-

bours and friends in this community. One of the steps in getting that coordinated effort could be to have the Comox Valley Regional District create a regional service that supports finding the resources to actually build and maintain affordable and supportive housing options. In order to create that service there needs to be community agreement that tax dollars will be used to support it. The question on the ballot on November 15 is one way of gauging the community’s willingness for this. The question is: How much annual property tax would you be willing to pay to reduce homelessness in the Comox Valley: $0, $5 per year on a $300,000 property, or $10 per year on a $300,000 property. The Comox Valley Social Planning Society encourages all citizens o f the Comox Valley to participate in the upcoming election and show their support for action on homelessness and housing affordability in this Valley. Submitted by Pamela Munroe Treasurer Comox Valley Social Planning Society cvsocial planning.ca

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.NOVEMBER 7, 2014

BEEFS & BOUQUETS A HUGE THANK YOU to John and Dan from Avril Homes. Any concerns I have had were always quickly dealt with and their attention to detail and customer satisfaction is commendable. Word of mouth is the best advertising and I certainly can’t say enough about how much I appreciate their professionalism. THE SALVATION ARMY wishes to send a huge bouquet of flowers to our local Canadian Dispatch Riders. The Pidcock homeless shelter was grateful to receive a Brand New Kitchen Aid, 2 boxes of wool socks and 10 sleeping bags. The Salvation Army also received ten mattresses that will be well received by our friends who are seeking shelter and a warm place to sleep during the Extreme Weather Season. Thank you for your very generous gifts. You are a blessing to our Valley. THE UPPER ISLAND RIPTIDE U14 Girls soccer team would like to extend a huge “Premier League” thank you to the kindhearted and soccer-loving CVUSC coach, Tony Dickson, for sharing his team’s prime turf time with us on Thursday nights! There are only so many time slots to go around, and everyone wants access to the new turf field, so this is a HUGE benefit to our team’s training and development into 2015. You are AWESOME Tony! What’s that saying? There’s no “I” in team? If you see Tony out and about, please shake his hand and comment on his generosity. GENUINE APPRECIATION and thanks to Eddie of Norman’s Fencing for the great construction of my new fence. He went out of his way to ensure my property was secured in short order after the windstorm of 21 October partially destroyed my fence. The new fence will never need replacing again. Eddie worked through down-

THE COMOX VALLEY’S FIRST AND BEST READER’S FORUM Email to: echo@comoxvalleyecho.com pours and driving rain to complete the job. Well done! SENDING BEAUTIFUL thank you Bouquets to 5th Street florist, Freedom Now Yoga, Extreme Runners, Fitness Etc., Edible Island, Shoppers, Sure Copy, Desi at Roots Salon, preLoved Fashions, Birham Yoga, Sudhana’s Healing Solutions, Avon, Epicure and Doterra Oils, Scentsy and Airbonne. Our open house was a great success - Courtenay Curves Women’s Fitness Centre. CONGRATULATIONS Mountainaire Avian Rescue for making it to the semi-final round of the Aviva Community Fund Idea contest. Voting for the next level starts again on December 1st. I hope everyone will take the opportunity to help MARS gain a share of the fund for a much needed new flight pen. Register to vote at www.avivacommunityfund.org. The eagles will thank you. I WOULD LIKE TO SEND a BIG beef to our current regional district representative. He is totally convinced that water meters are the only answer. Research in Salmon Arm shows that only 10% of the cost of metered water comes from the actual use of the water and 1 liter of water costs only about 1/20 of a cent. Most of the cost of water meters comes from administration and other fixed costs that never go away regardless of use. He doesn’t listen to his constituents and I hope he is NOT re-elected. A VERY LARGE BOUQUET for the removal of a very large tree! What music to my ears this morning to hear that chain saw roaring away on the Base’s woodland path! I found three

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men and a small backhoe slaving away. Wonderful! It seems that the old adage “The squeaky wheel gets the oil” does work. Could my Friday’s (31st) rant in this column have done the trick? The whimsical log “chairs” you created are a delight! Many sincere thanks from walkers, dogs and stroller-pushers, a happy day indeed. CVRD LANDFILL liabilities have gone from $4 million a few years ago to $45 million. If a rural septic system replacement cost went from $12,000 to $120,000 in a few years it would be unaffordable, and unacceptable to most. Vote for directors who will seek alternatives to “state of the art, unaffordable garbage dumps”. Vote for change this month. MY HUSBAND AND I are delighted to finally have an excellent Chinese Food restaurant in the Comox Valley; the recently opened New Creek Café in Cumberland. We lived on the lower Mainland for over 20 years and were lucky to have many good Chinese restaurants to choose from. We were very disappointed to not find any here in the CV of that calibre. We enjoyed the fabulous Halloween Parade on Dunsmuir and ordered 3 dishes to take home. They were all delicious with beautifully fresh ingredients and generous portions. We will be back - over and over, I suspect! A BEEF to the government of British Columbia for not clearly informing us that if you get the flu, are under the age of 65, and have not had a flu shot, you will probably not get prescribed Tamiflu, a drug which can stop the severity and length of the illness. I AM WRITING from

my perspective of a retired policeman and avid cyclist. Whenever I see a young mother or father cycling, towing a small fragile bike trailer occupied by their treasured, irreplaceable toddlers, I shudder thinking what could happen with a micro second of inattention by a driver. I have voiced my concern on occasion only to be given the impression that I should mind my own business. If they only realized how little protection these trailers provide if hit by a vehicle. Sadly, it is only a matter of time before there is a tragedy. Then there will be some prohibitions put into place. I hope the first victims will not be from the Comox Valley. A BIG GIANT BOUQUET to everyone at Rice Toyota. I purchased a used Toyota Rav4 from Rice Toyota. This is my second used vehicle purchase from them. I got a great deal on the vehicle and I was again very satisfied with the fast and friendly service of all the sales and services staff. I was extremely pleased with my purchase as I have always maintained that Toyota’s are a great product and Rice Toyota is great dealership. Not long after I purchased the vehicle it started to have mechanical issues. I brought it back to Toyota and they checked it out for me. Unbeknownst to the Toyota staff and me the computer module needed replacing. This was to cost me a substantial amount of money that I did not have as I am a single parent and find it difficult to make ends meet at the best of times. I did not need to beg or plead or argue or make a fuss, Rice Toyota covered the entire repairs. I am extremely thankful and grateful that they took such good care of me. I would recommend purchasing a vehicle

from this great dealership any day. They are honest and truly care about great customer service! Thanks again and again and again. A VERY LARGE BOUQUET to all the new candidates who have put their names forward to become Courtenay’s councillors. There seems to be a common message from all these new candidates, namely stop the lawsuit against Maple Pool and seek a solution that is fair to the owners. Do away with the right of all Councillors to attend any meeting in Canada at our (tax payers) expense, and streamline the process of allowing reputable developers to get on with their projects as long as they meet reasonable zoning regulations. It’s time for a change in city council and the new candidates take a much more reasonable position than members of the old guard. MANY PATCHES OF PUMPKINS to Shamrock Farms for supplying Valley View Elementary with pumpkins for our annual pumpkin run. Students were more than pleased with the many little pumpkins and one ‘very large’ giant pumpkin. They got outside, did their run and donated to the ‘we scare hunger’ food bank campaign. Way to go Shamrock Farms for supporting this school event. You rock! LOTS OF FLAT TIRES and traffic violations to those cars who fail to stop at stop signs around town. Yes, I’m talking to you! The ones in the Costco parking lot. The ones in the Thrifty parking lot. The ones turning right off Royal Vista onto Crown Isle. Many of the cars don’t even slow down! If the city installed a camera and pointed it toward Royal Vista,

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BEEFS & BOUQUETS Continued from page 11 tions to pay for that camera in one day! One of these days, there’s going to be a really bad accident there there certainly has been lots of close calls. Wise up drivers and follow the basic rule of driving - STOP AT STOP SIGNS. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE who helped mother after she fell and broke her hip. Thank you to the ambulance staff, emergency room staff and, in particular, to Medical Student Dan, Life Support staff, Campbell River Hospital staff and Dr. Crosby who performed the surgery and provided care, to the third floor staff in St. Joseph’s Hospital, Dr. Fitzpatrick & Dr. Green for their care and support, to

THE COMOX VALLEY’S FIRST AND BEST READER’S FORUM Email to: echo@comoxvalleyecho.com the Red Cross who have provided equipment, to VIHA staff who is providing ongoing care and to the staff and residents of Abbeyfield who have helped mother integrate back into life in her home. Thank you to friends who have visited mother. Blessings to each of you we know mother’s recovery from the fall is thanks to all the care and support she is receiving. My sisters and I are most grateful. MY NEW ORANGE KITTEN and my whole family want to send bouquets of purrs and kitten kisses to the young couple who so graciously let me have first dibs on the orange tabby kitten at the SPCA on October 29. I had meant to be there when the SPCA opened and I couldn’t find my keys! I had sent an email the evening before asking them to hold the orange tabby, but they can’t do that unless adoption is approved already. When I finally got there 15 minutes after they opened I was heart broken to see my little orange tabby, who I’d been waiting for by daily checking the website for weeks, in your arms! I couldn’t hide my disappointment. You two were so gracious to let me have him, his new family is so in love and he gets more attention and love than any kitty could ever hope for. May karma be on your side for a long time!! IF YOU ARE IN SEARCH of awesome customer service, head to Rainforest Outdoor Living! Justine behind the counter is always a huge help with a wonderful smile. But Graeme takes the cake ... this guy knows how to make sure you are taken care of. He will go above and beyond to make sure the job is done right and you are completely satisfied.

We hired Rainforest to put in an in-ground pool. They contracted John Nybo, a pool architect. John proved to be worth his weight in gold. He spent long hours in our backyard, was present to oversee every fine detail and treated us like we were royalty. He also owns and operates Red Wagon Coffee outside of 19Wing Comox Base. After working with these two gentleman, we have renewed faith that there are still people out there who care about doing a great job! THANK YOU COMOX FIREMEN for giving the Hallowe’en trick or treaters hotdogs. Great community spirit. THANK YOU RUDY for curing my planters fascitis. Used to be woken up with excruciating pain in my foot in the middle of the night. I would have to sleep sitting up in a chair. Now I sleep comfortably in my bed until breakfast time. Serendipity reigned. After being on the supplement for my foot pain for three days my scalp fungus disappeared. Being curious I googled health benefits of the supplement. I found out there are 29. My friend is going to take it to get rid of the inflammation that causes her pain from Parkinsons disease. Another friend is taking it to open up new pathways in her brain. She is a stroke victim. Three of my friends are going to see Rudy as they have planters fascitis. CONGRATULATIONS to the many candidates who have stepped up to run for Courtenay council. It would seem that this interest has been sparked by the obvious need for change fuelled by the many debacles that arose over the last three years. I would submit that

those issues are only the symptoms of the real problem. That problem is that for some time now the city hall administration has been theoretically making the decisions for the city. This was accomplished by the fact that when a decision was required council would task the bureaucrats with gathering the pertinent information and suggesting a proposal and then the council would take the easy way out and rubber stamp the results without doing any further due diligence. Unfortunately but predictably the easy way out breeds sloppiness and sloppiness eventually, in order to protect itself, abandons transparency and treats any requests for outside consultation with contempt which leads to such decisions as taxpayers donating 70 thousand dollars to a fairy tale never to be built bridge and the Maple Pool mess. The decision voters must make is do we make a conscious decision to purge our current council of those who perpetrated this culture and elect a slate of leaders, not just followers, or do we fate us to another four years of management by crisis

Room is ready for a record turn out on November 12th or 15th.

A BEEF with the priorities of the CVRD administration. In Area B, Rural residents say they want decent roads with a safe place to walk or cycle. Most want reasonably prices for water, free of stage 3 restrictions and boil water advisories. Some want be able to subdivide their property. All want to remain rural. Most are concerned about bureaucracy and value for fees and taxes, and representation Most say they will vote for change - doing that will be a Huge Bouquet for Democracy. There are over 14000 rural voters areas A, B, C let’s hope the CVRD Board

MANY HAPPY MEALS, to McDonald’s Restaurants; especially because of a delicious Angus Burger that I devoured today. Not to ignore the delicious lip-licking apple pie; not cold not hot, just delicious and not, thank God, smothered in sugar (like another fast food restaurant). All this sugar gets all over your face and hands and down your front - yuck. Thanks Mcdonalds, for the great lunch today!

THIS WEEK’S WINNER, DRAWN AT RANDOM FROM SUBMISSIONS RECEIVED UP TO TUESDAY, IS: Gord Babiuk of Courtenay wins two 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!

THREE HUGE PILES of beef and manure to the three teenage boys from Blue Jay Place that decided it would be fun to steal our basketball net on the night of Thursday October 23rd at 11:30pm and then roll it down the hill on Hawk Drive. It was badly damaged and will cost us $400 to replace, which is money I don’t have. I am a single mother on a limited disability pension, with a ten-year-old son. It took us many, many hours to put our brand new portable net together, which resulted in me re-injuring my back. I hope you’re proud of yourselves for causing us so much stress over something that was meant to be a fun pastime for the two of us. Luckily, there are some angels in our neighbourhood as well. By the time I made it out of the house to figure out how I was going to get it back up the hill by myself, some wonderful, kind soul(s), who must’ve seen us trying to put it all together, had brought it right back into my driveway where it belonged.

I’M SO TIRED of the annual Christmas creep, where Christmas items are showing up in stores and flyers earlier every year. Why can’t

HERE’S HOW IT WORKS! Our weekly feature, Beefs and Bouquets, is intended to be a light-hearted forum for you, our readers, to express brief views on issues and events in your lives.It’s not intended to hurt people or make unsubstantiated and libelous comments.Names won’t be published with the beefs and bouquets; however, we do need your full name, mailing address and tele-phone number for verification purposes.Each week someone will win a 2 Classic Cheese Basket Meals from Dairy Queen. Have

we enjoy Thanksgiving and Hallowe’en first, and maybe even Remembrance Day before we get down to the business of Christmas. What’s the big rush? Can’t we enjoy the individual holidays without blurring them together?

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.NOVEMBER 7, 2014

ECHO

etc. GLOBE ON STAGE AT THE RIALTO Recorded at London’s Globe theatre, six Shakespearean plays are coming to the Rialto this winter. The ﬁrst is Henry V playing on Saturday, November 8, at 10 am. Shakespeare’s masterpiece of the turbulence of war and the arts of peace tells the romantic story of Henry’s campaign to recapture the English possessions in France. But the ambitions of this charismatic king are challenged by a host of vivid characters caught up in the real horrors of war. Tickets on sale now at the Rialto: adults and youth $14.99, seniors $12.99, children $9.99. Purchase all 6 for a 10% saving. FMI: (250) 338-5502 or visit landmarkcinemas.com.

CUTTINGS EXPERT AT RHODO EVENT For its November meeting Tuesday, November 11, the North Island Rhododendron Society (NIRS) will feature Ken Webb, currently a NIRS director and a western vice-president for the American Rhododendron Society. Webb, who founded the Victoria Rhododendron Society Propagation Group, is a well-known expert in developing

plants from cuttings and will speak on this and other propagation subjects. NIRS meetings are held every second Tuesday of the month in the Comox United Church hall, 250 Beach with doors opening at 7pm and the meeting starting at 7:30PM. Refreshments are served and

UNION BAY COMMEMORATES REMEMBRANCE DAY WITH SERVICE, SHOW

Val and Ida Cheaney of Courtenay with one of the first ‘I Will Remember’ lawn signs sold to help support local 189 Port Augusta Sea Cadets.

CHANGING ROLES OF WOMEN TOPIC The next meeting of The Comox Valley Family History Group will be held on Nov 11, 2014. Featured will be a presentation by Pam Moughton entitled “FROM PETTICOATS TO TROUSERS” about the changing roles of women on the home front in WW I, the Great War. This interesting topic will be offered on Remembrance Day, also the 100th anniversary year of the First World War). The location is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints -1901 20 th St. Courtenay. For inquiries call Marlene at 250-3343080.

Local museum sells lawn signs for Sea Cadets In this season of the flood of political signs there is one more choice to make to put on your lawn this fall as an alternative. The HMCS Alberni Museum (The Alberni Project Society) in the Comox Centre Mall has announced the support the local Sea Cadet program (189 RCSCC - Port Augusta) by donating 10% of the sales of their “I WILL REMEMBER” lawn signs in preparation for Remembrance Day. The signs, which are printed on weather resistant coreplast, are designed to be reused year after year for Remembrance Day or any other time of year. The signs come in two sizes (27” x 18” for $30 or 18”

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x 12” for $20) which are designed for lawns, apartment balconies or commercial window display. The field of poppy design was developed by TAP to represent all those who sacrificed and served in times of war, including those who stayed behind to run the farms and factories, teach the children, repair the planes or push the paperwork. Available in English or French, the IWR designed merchandise is available on other items at the museum’s Foot Locker Gift Shop which supports The Alberni Project’s Museum. The Museum is open year round Tuesday through Saturday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. There will be special

Union Bay will again commemorate Remembrance Day at the cairn in the old school yard. The ceremony will begin with a Fly Past at 11:40 (weather permitting) followed by refreshments (a soldier’s trench lunch) and a Show in the old school Activity Room. The theme of our show marks one hundred years since the beginning of World War One. On August 4, 1914 Fred Brown, Post Master and Telegrapher, at Union Bay received news over the wires that Canada had declared war on Germany. The mainly British settlers were very patriotic so many young fellows were anxious to serve in the Canadian Expeditionary Forces, many in the 102nd North British Columbians. A battalion of soldiers was stationed at Union Bay. The Officers lived in the big house at the bottom of Russell Hill; the recruits lived in tents on the ball field. Newspapers promoted the War with: lists of men who joined, Canadian victories, free maps of Europe with battles highlighted: Passchendale, Vimy, the Somme. The whole town got into the war effort. The port was busy loading coal for overseas; many of the foreign ships were painted grey as camouflage. The women formed the Red Cross, knitting and sewing for the soldiers, holding teas, raffles and concert to raise money. Come to our show and see skits and hear the popular songs of the day. In our collection we have a set of coloured Post Cards with war songs brought home by Ron Pratt’s father from the First World War. We will be projecting them so everyone can join in the singing. Hope to see you there. November 11 at 10:40 at the Cairn followed by the Show. Admission by donation.

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.COURTENAY, BC. NOVEMBER 7, 2014

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.COURTENAY,BRITISH COLUMBIA. NOVEMBER 7, 2014

2014

ELECTIONS

City of Courtenay Candidates Phone: 250-334-3458 • jkambler@yahoo.com

JON AMBLER - Mayoral Candidate Jon Ambler for Mayor: a proven leader. My proven leadership experience shows I can create an effective municipal leadership team, one that can tackle the issues and actually get things done. As Carl Jung famously said: `You are not what you say you will do, you are what you do.” I believe that to be the Mayor you must be a leader, one that forms teams, establishes goals, and gets results. If elected I would turn the new Council into

an effective team that can work together to achieve our shared goals. Courtenay Council would be guided by “the four E principles”: we would govern ethically, effectively, efficiently and economically. A leader must also build relationships: I would reach out to Comox, Cumberland, the Electoral Areas and the K’omox First Nation, as well as to higher levels of government. Courtenay’s voice and concerns must be heard! If we have strong relationships then we can work together to create solutions that transcend boundaries. Finally, it is time for some positive, optimistic and

LARRY JANGULA - Mayoral Candidate I have been honored to serve the citizens of Courtenay as their Mayor for the past three years. I think most constituents are clear on what I stand for. If re-elected, I will continue to work hard to end the Maple Pool lawsuit and find a collaborative, long term solution to ensure the safety of their residents. I have always been committed to maintaining fiscal responsibility - keeping business and residential taxes down. I will conduct the people’s business transparently and openly whenever possible.

I will concentrate my efforts and the efforts of council on the municipal core mandate and maintain a focus on those duties and responsibilities first and foremost. I will respect you, the taxpayer, in my decisions at City Hall. It is imperative to me to maintain our City’s infrastructure consistently, thereby avoiding an overwhelming financial burden on our taxpayers in the future. The current condition of our 5th Street Bridge is an eyesore and I will make it a priority to have it refurbished.

citizens to make Courtenay the best place to live in the Comox Valley now and in the future. I strive to consider each issue based on the facts at hand. I always examine how each decision will affect the community as whole; both now as well as the future. Having our grandkids living here strengthens my resolve to promote sustainable growth for our community so that our children and our children’s children can live and work here too. Affordability is a key message I hear when speaking to people in the community. Finding value in each dollar

TERRY CHANEY - Candidate for Council I am Terry Lee Chaney ( hence the TLC for Courtenay Council ) and I have been charged with the task of trying to convince the good people of Courtenay to cast their vote for me on Nov. 15th - all in 250 words of less! Having lived here for over 30 years - with the love of my life - I can certainly say with confidence, this is one of the best places to live on this planet. Yes, I absolutely want to stop the Maple Pool lawsuit and help the Lins. Yes I care about our numerous environmental issues, want more green space and parks, different priorities for spending, a council that can work together and much more!

All these things are pretty basic, and easy to agree with in principle. It’s how we achieve these things that is usually where people of good intent and heart, disagree. I see different points of view and perspectives as an opportunity to explore more options - and to ensure a good outcome for our rapidly growing community. So there we sit, reading the 250 words or less, looking for the issues that matter to us. Unless you are fortunate enough to know someone personally - most of us who vote rely on what we hear from friends and family, what we read , and then cast our votes. Many of us don’t vote, and to all these people,

DAN DOERKSON - Candidate for Council Dan`s character is summed up in his election slogan “common sense, hard work and straight talk”. Dan is a man who knows people, he knows the issues of this city, and he knows how to work hard and efficiently to get things done. Dan and his wife Linda have lived here in the valley for just over 10 years. He has two sons who live and work with their wives in the Edmonton. Dan and his wife have raised and mentored many young people over the years and still mentor and assist with Korean students who come to Courtenay to experience Canadian life and to upgrade their English skills.

Dan has spent the majority of his life serving his family and his community. He served 28 years as a police officer in Edmonton until retiring as a homicide detective in 2004. Unable to stay retired, Dan started his second career as an Investigative Community Coroner within the B.C. Coroners Service. Again his experience as a caring and listening people person made him a valued employee. He retired from the BCCS in 2014. The bottom line is that Dan`s extensive experience in dealing with people over the years has developed in him an ability to see the core issues within the larger general

ERIK ERIKSSON - Candidate for Council I continue to believe I will make a positive contribution on City Council if I am elected. I am retired and able to devote the time, energy and experience required to properly fulfil the responsibilities of office. My experience in serving the community in a number of areas will be a valuable asset. I am currently the President of the Comox Valley Youth Music Centre, a director of the Walk of Achievement committee and Treasurer of the Celebration Singers Community Choir. I have served the community as Vice-President of

the Comox Valley Food Bank Society, board member of the Economic Development Society and the Comox Valley Community Foundation, Chair of the Sandwick Transition Advisory Committee and I have previously served a term as Courtenay City Councillor. My interests include umpiring for the BC Premier Baseball League, music, sports and fitness and RVing with his wife Beverley. In the 34 years that I have lived in Courtenay, with all my community involvement, I believe I have developed a strong sense of where our citizens want our City to go.

MARCUS FELGENHAUER - Candidate for Council Hi I’m Marcus Felgenhauer and I hope to represent you as a Courtenay City councillor. My wife Sandy and I came here twenty three years ago on holiday and decided there wasn’t a better place in the world to live. We have owned several successful businesses in Courtenay and I have enjoyed a great career on the financial side of the automotive industry. I have been a long time volunteer at the Therapeutic Riding society and currently sit on thier board of directors. It is the insight in to a wide spectrum of our community members finances as well as a desire to continue community service which has

creative municipal leadership. This is important to our business and recreation communities, our arts and culture community and to those that care about our environment. The Mayor must be the champion, the cheerleader and the ambassador for the City of Courtenay. We have a great City, let’s say so! Democracy is having a voice and a choice: I encourage you to vote and choose what is best for our City. You have a choice.

Phone: 250-897-6749 • ljangula@shaw.ca I will continue to work hard for affordable and supportive housing in our community. Although the Braidwood housing project is not the final solution to the problem, it is an important and positive step in the right direction. I am committed to successfully seeking the provincial funding necessary to see this project completed. I have been proud to have served you for these past three years. I value your vote and would be honoured to serve you for another term as your Mayor. Phone: 250-334-8484 • billanglin@telus.net

BILL ANGLIN - Candidate for Council It has been a privilege to serve all of the citizens of Courtenay over the past three years and I look forward to doing so again over the next term. Our City has grown from a small town to a centre of both economic and cultural opportunity. We have had to chart a new course to ensure that we stay relevant and progressive in dealing with our citizens. It never happens as fast as you would like, but the foundation has been laid and I look forward to building the organization to respond to our citizens over the coming term. It’s all about balance, weighing the needs of our

given me the passion to run for city council. Here is what I Stand For: RESOLVING MAPLE POOL WITHOUT FURTHER LEGAL ACTION. With the information I have today I cannot believe we can not come up with a collaborative solution to this issue which benefits the residents of Maple Pool and the citizens of Courtenay. KEEPING YOUR TAXES DOWN: As a city councillor I would look at each expenditure with respect for your tax dollars, too many of us cannot afford ever rising taxes and fees.

is important, not just in what we do but also how we do it. I’ll continue to work finding ways to do things better. I’d like to thank everyone for their support over the past three years and if re-elected I’ll keep working hard on your behalf”

Phone: 250-703-0190 • tichaney@telus.net may I say - your local government creates and directs everything from a community plan to low cost housing projects, the parks you enjoy and love, to the stores you shop in and where they are located. Isn’t that all worth casting a vote for those who work on all this? We still live in a small enough community to be able to make the effort to meet and communicate with candidates, to decide for ourselves who we think would be best for the job! I am having a meet and greet at Michael’s Off Main 355 4th Street on Nov. 7th from 4 - 6 pm. I can be reached at tlchaney@telus.net. I hope you will consider me for this job! Phone: 250-898-8518 • danlinda.doerkson@gmail.com problems. He truly knows how to cut through the politics and to get things done. Some of the significant issues Dan would like to see addressed are the Maple Pool legal action (stop it), helping the homelessness, current and future traffic flow issues, downtown revitalization, less urban sprawl and doing our best to keep taxes from rising or at least kept at a minimum. Please get out and vote on November 15th and I would truly appreciate it if I was one of those you vote for.

Phone: 250-334-3306 • erik@eriksson.ca Maple Pool, housing, traffic, fire service and governance are some of the issues that have recently come to the fore. I know I can make a positive contribution, working cooperatively with the City Council, in resolving those issues and I am asking the people of Courtenay for the opportunity.

Phone: 250-334-3482 NO MORE EMPTY LOTS IN DOWNTOWN: I would like to propose a bylaw which would require property owners to redevelop empty lots in the downtown core or turn them into temporary parks. As your city councillor I hope to help make Courtenay a city where business, arts, culture and human compassion all thrive. Thanks Marcus

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.COURTENAY,BRITISH COLUMBIA. NOVEMBER 7, 2014

2014

ELECTIONS

City of Courtenay Candidates

DAVID FRISCH - Candidate for Council My vision for Courtenay is to build a vibrant, progressive, and prosperous community. This includes a vibrant downtown core with mixed residential and commercial zoning which will reduce urban sprawl, lower infrastructure costs, increase the tax base, relieve pressure on rental rates and provide support for local businesses. We need to focus on creating jobs and economic expansion by growing markets that support our existing agriculture, aquaculture, fisheries or tourism industries. We should reach out to and welcome apparel manufac-

turing, information technology, solar energy and health care services as viable opportunities to expand our local economy. As a small business owner in the construction industry, I am aware of the challenges faced by builders and developers large and small. We need clear, fair and consistent rules that allow developers large and small to plan with greater certainty. I have taken an active interest in community planning and events since my college days at NIC. I helped to organize and participated in road and mountain bike

DOUG HILLIAN - Candidate for Council I’m Doug Hillian, a 35 year resident of Courtenay, employed in public safety and human service management, with a history as an active volunteer in the life of this community. I’ve had the privilege of serving on Council since 2009 and believe I have established a reputation as an independently-minded team player who works across differences to get things done. I remain motivated by a commitment to public service and a deep love for this community. I have collaborated with Council colleagues, staff and

citizens on many positive initiatives while advocating to maintain services within a responsible fiscal framework. Courtenay is well run by excellent staff, among the most liveable communities in the province. Still, there is much to be done, particularly on our housing challenges. I know people want us to get these issues right and will continue working for solutions. I support our initiatives on downtown infilling and improving City business practices. We must also keep working to address climate change, promote multimodal transportation solutions, restore the estuary and

GEORGE KNOX - Candidate for Council I am a retired communications technician, married with 3 kids and 8 grandchildren, and have been a resident of the Comox Valley for the past 35 years. I have served my community as a volunteer firefighter, area school trustee, member of the provincial and regional library boards, soccer and baseball coach, and scout leader. I enjoy hiking and fishing in our great outdoors, exploring our beaches and parks, and spending time watching my grandkids play sports. I am a caring and compassionate individual who wants to work with like-minded community members to build a strong and vibrant community for all. I offer the voters of Courtenay the opportunity to elect a fair and open minded individual who will actively listen to all perspectives

and make choices that represent the needs and desires of our citizens in a fiscally responsible manner. Some of the current issues of concern to me that I would work to resolve include improving the city’s permitting process so that is timely and fair to ensure we do not drive development and local builders away, resolving the Maple pool tenancy issue in a way that is respectful and fair to the tenants and owners, and address parking and traffic problems associated with the new hospital, the Comox Valley Aquatic Center, and North Island College. I am also passionate about our environment and will work hard to encourage responsible development and protect our community and province from both local threats as well as larger pro-

REBECCA LENNOX - Candidate for Council Planning for the - Future Caring for Today

consensus seeker. One of her major strengths is bringing people together and finding common ground.” -Megan Griffiths - Owner, Hairpins Boutique

Phone: 250-338-3638 • frisch.david@gmail.com races, back country mountaineering and fundraising events for charity. I served on the executive of Boards of various community groups. Courtenay is my hometown. My wife, Chantal, and I cannot imagine raising our two boys anywhere else. Over the years I have tried to give where I can, to leave things better than I found them. As a councillor I would like the opportunity to work for all of the families in this city. Learn more at www.davidfrisch.ca or call 338-3638

Phone: 250-334-0693 • dhillian59@shaw.ca co-operate with our regional neighbours. If re-elected, I will continue working with you to build our community, provide needed services, keep taxes affordable and protect our environment and quality of life. My pledge is to offer a reasonable and progressive approach while remaining responsive and accessible to all citizens. Thanks for the privilege of serving and for your continued support. To find out more, please check my website at www. doughillian.ca and on November 15th vote Doug Hillian.

Phone: 250-334-8879 • geosher@shaw.ca vincial ones such as the current drive to build heavy oil pipelines and increase diluted bitumen tanker traffic on our coast which negatively impact the environment our ability to enjoy it. In regards to Council appointees to the Regional District, I believe that these should be democratically elected, and not simply appointed at the sole discretion of the Mayor. My pledge to voters is to pro-actively work for the citizens of Courtenay as a fellow citizen who will always take the time to meet and listen to your concerns, and represent your interests in a fair and transparent manner. If you are looking for a citizen-focused candidate committed to building a strong, fiscally responsible and equitable community, then please vote for me on November 15th, and “Let GEORGE Do It!” Phone: 250-650-5582 • rebeccajlennox@gmail.com Rebecca is my choice for Courtenay Council Make her yours on November 15th. - Courtenay Councillor Ronna-Rae Leonard

Elect Rebecca Lennox For Courtenay City Council • Your right to be heard • Accessibility to gainful employment • Progressive growth of our local economy • Protection and preservation of our green space “Among many skills she is a great listener and skilled

“Rebecca Lennox has stepped up as a woman of strength, commitment, and caring. Rebecca strikes the right balance, bringing fresh enthusiasm along with sharp practicality to represent the diverse needs and interests of our whole community. She inspires confidence that Courtenay has a bright future with her leadership.

STU MACINNIS - Candidate for Council My name is Stu MacInnis, I was born and raised here in the Comox Valley and graduated from G.P Vanier in 1998. If elected I want to bring a new perspective to the council table,I’ll be a voice that is fair, reasonable and inclusive. I’ll work for the residents of Courtenay, to help our community grow and prosper. I feel I have the responsibility and ethics to represent the residents of our community. If elected I will act as a conduit for the residents of Courtenay, I want the residents of Courtenay to tell me which direction they want our community to go,

and as a member of city council I will do all I can to make the policies to get us there. We are blessed to live in one of the most beautiful places in the world, I would like to ensure that is the case for years to come. I believe a balance can be struck between development, and the nature that makes our community so incredible. It’s terrible that the fate of the Maple pool residents is still in question, if elected I’ll do all I can to ensure the legal action against Maple Pool and it’s residents is stopped.

MANNO THEOS - Candidate for Council I would like to extend a warm thank you to all my supporters for the trust and confidence you have in me over my 12 years on council. As I go door to door your friendly smiles and encouragement has been very inspiring. I have listened and heard your message loud and clear. END the Maple Pool lawsuit and find a solution that let’s at risk people live in a place where they are happy and productive. I AGREE. It’s time to end the Maple Pool court case and work with business leaders to ensure safety for the people living at Maple Pool.

Many people also want to see the Braidwood housing project continue moving forward. I believe you want results and are tired of study after study and administration costs. This council has worked hard to make the Braidwood housing project a reality. I’ve enjoyed working with this group of experienced council members, led by the passion and commitment of Mayor Jangula. It was refreshing having the strong new voice of Bill Anglin at the table. On Saturday Nov 15 ensure your voice is heard. You can vote at either the Florence Filberg Centre or

There will be bumps along the way and disagreements, but if we come together with open minds and honest compromise our community can become something truly remarkable. On November 15 vote for Stu MacInnis “A new voice for our community, your voice on city council”.

Phone: 250-703-0463 • mtheos@shaw.ca Queneesh school next to the new hospital. Your vote makes a difference.

Phone: 250-792-1945 • votebobwells@gmail.com

BOB WELLS - Candidate for Council My Tech Guys owner and “Extreme Geek” Bob Wells is running for Courtenay City Council. “The City suing Maple Pool to evict its residents motivated me to run. I am concerned the City believes it can work in good faith with Maple Pool while pushing forward its lawsuit against them. This is a defining moment in our City’s history that requires a significant change in council to stop the lawsuit. Instead, our community should be working towards a real solution in partnership with all stakeholders,” says Bob. “A vote for me is a vote for change and for the residents of Maple Pool.”

Phone: 250-218-1735 • stumacforcouncil@hotmail.com

Bob is best known as owner of the award winning My Tech Guys Inc., a local technology company employing 15 people. Bob has also worked tirelessly for organizations like CYMC, YANA, Child Development, Habitat for Humanity, MusicFest and Rotary. He has proven to be an effective leader, not only creating effective policies and procedures, but by holding everyone accountable for their actions. His positive management style has resulted in winning several awards including BC’s Top 40 Under 40, BC Fastest Growing Company and the Comox Valley Small Business of the

Year. Bob has given the Keynote address at the Sauder School of Business International Business Conference, as well as being a guest speaker for High Schools and other organizations the Comox Valley. “I am confident my experience, passion and energy makes me the best candidate for Courtenay City Council. I have a proven record of successful leadership and working towards a better community. Vote for me on November 15.” FMI go to www.votebobwells.ca or call 250-792-1945

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.COURTENAY,BRITISH COLUMBIA. NOVEMBER 7, 2014

Phone: 250-334-2664 • starwin@shaw.ca

STARR WINCHESTER - Candidate for Council I have served on Courtenay Council for 21 years, including 6 as Mayor. I was born and raised in Courtenay and have an extensive business background, retiring after 34 years in the banking industry. Seniors are a vital part of our community, they contribute significantly to our economy, therefore we must continue to provide them with the amenities they deserve. Supporting youth activities has always been a priority to me. We are a community rich in arts and culture and I’m proud to say I have always been supportive

of this vibrant sector of our Community. Holding the line on taxes is crucial during these challenging times. Without major industry, we have a limited funding base. Taxes directly affect our standard of living, in particular citizens on fixed incomes and pensions. Looking ahead, I’d like Council to seriously look at engaging our Community to help us create a vision for the old Field Sawmill site. This site has been an eyesore for 8 years and could become a community asset. I’m proud to be endorsed by former Mayor Ron Web-

ber who states “Starr has served our City with a strong resolution and a compassionate nature. She is a strong advocate for the City and the whole Comox Valley. Her experience working with government at all levels is a great asset to Courtenay.” I am proud and grateful to live in such a beautiful community and vow to continue to contribute an open minded, energetic and positive presence to Courtenay Council.

Phone: 250-334-1580 • mcboldt@telus.net

CLIFF BOLDT - School Trustee I am running for school trustee in Courtenay because of my strong support for public education in our valley and the province. As a retired teacher and past president of the provincial retired teachers of BC, I am alarmed by the needless attacks on public education. For over 30 years, Victoria has been reducing its financial commitment to public education. In the last 12 years alone, funding for public education has gone up 16%, while funding for private schools has gone up 49%. That’s just plain wrong.

The silence from our school trustees has been deafening! Underfunding is a problem because BC has a serious taxation problem. Tax cuts have been paid for by underfunding public education. Citizens are willing to pay more taxes if the money goes to improve services. School trustees must have high expectations of students and teachers. School trustees must work with teachers, students, parents and support staff so that students can do their best.

School trustees need to engage and involve teachers, students and parents, to get the facts out to the community and get the community involved in deciding what is best for our students. Elect Boldt, November 15 and be guaranteed a stronger voice for public education. http://electboldt.wordpress.com/

Phone: 250-338-6858 • jcaton@shaw.ca

JANICE CATON - School Trustee As a parent, grandparent and a strong advocate for public education I understand the need for a strong viable public education system, but in my 9 years as a trustee I have seen a serious shift in the funding of public education. Resources have become scarcer, schools require upgrades, teachers need to be supported in classrooms, and parents need to believe that their tax dollars are contributing to optimal learning in their classrooms. But that is not what we are seeing in 2014. I believe that the lack of sustainable and predictable

funding is the most critical issue facing Boards today By not knowing from one year to the next what funding will be available to serve students, Boards are finding it more difficult to ensure that we can continue to provide the supporting resources for students. We must end the chronic underfunding of our most vulnerable learners. Our students and staff deserve to have learning and teaching environments that have all the resources and supports needed to be positive and effective. Parents need to know that school districts will have the resourc-

es needed to support all students. Government needs to recognize that dollars invested in education are critical to moving ahead. I have been an outspoken critic over the lack of funding and I will continue to speak up and address this issue by working together with other districts and our educational partners to insist on accountability from the Government and the provision of predictable and sustainable funding.

Phone: 250-338-7332 • gamba99@shaw.ca

DONNA GAMBACORTA - School Trustee One of the most critical issues facing the district today is equality from school to school and student to student. We need to expand our programs such as the Valley View Elementary/Berwick program. I would like to see this brought to some of our other elementary schools and have them partner up with Glacier View Lodge, Casa Loma and Abbeyfield House. Also with PACs fundraising and bringing so much to our schools, I would like to see this shared equitably. Some schools have an affluent neighbourhood to do

their fundraising in, and that just doesn’t seem fair to the children of less affluent neighbourhoods. One possibility is to have a fundraiser link on our district website so that each school can reach the whole community. Another way to bring equality to our district is to ensure that there is a cohesive working condition between parents, teachers and other support staff, administration, different ministries and the board. I feel that to make sure every child in our district is being given every tool possible to have the best educational experience,

we need better communication between all partner groups involved. I believe we have an amazing district that is being recognized nationally for some of our innovative projects and I would like to keep going forward, helping to create critical-thinking, global citizens who are prepared for the future.

Phone: 250-334-1843 • jordknox@hotmail.com

JORDAN HUBER - School Trustee I am 36 years old and mother to four boys. I am invested in the public school system now, and for years to come. I believe that advocating on behalf of students and the education system is critical, and if elected this would be a key priority for me. I see public education as an important equalizer in society. It gives children from all walks of life an opportunity to learn, grown and succeed as caring and productive members of society. I believe the school board needs to advocate for these values and this is something I am committed to. All chil-

dren deserve access to a quality education to enable them to follow their dreams and contribute to our city, our province, our country and our planet. As a trustee I will make this my number one priority. I will put our kids first by advocating strongly for them, and do whatever is in my power as a school trustee to build and support the best public education system possible. In order to achieve this goal it is going to take a strong board to lobby for adequate funding and supports for our children. I am committed to building just such a board by bring-

ing my passion and dedication to this important work to help ensure that every child has access to a quality education and in the process build a better and stronger society for all of us. Please vote Jordan Huber for School Trustee and put students first.

Phone: 250-338-4216 • aaarober@shaw.ca

ALEX ROBERTSON - School Trustee I care about public education and believe it is fundamental to our identity as Canadian citizens. Here are some of the beliefs that I will bring to my role as school trustee, should I be elected: -The fact that we attract a large number of international students shows that our school system is already recognized around the world as one of the best. -Public education must include a broad spectrum of subjects, including a strong focus on academics that does

not neglect the vital nature of the arts. -The students of today will be the inventors, musicians, entrepreneurs, artists, athletes, and business leaders of tomorrow. What is shown to them at school will foster their interests and ultimately drive the economy. Many of the students will also advance our wonderful cultural environment through their artistic endeavors. I have seen an outstanding commitment by all stakeholders to maintain the high level of achievement by all our students. They have achieved this by donating extra time

and personal resources. The ability to do more with less is close to the breaking point. All citizens must stand together to prevent further financial erosion of public education. I will ensure that I advocate for all members of the system. I will meet with the stakeholders and listen to their concerns. I will ask questions so that I can be well informed, and work hard to defend the system. I will make sure I do this in a firm, yet respectful manner. Please visit my Facebook page to correspond with me about the issues.

Marg Grant Vote

For Comox Council

“We’ve got the basics, now let’s streamline our vision for an even better tomorrow.” Advanced Poll Nov. 12 | Election Nov. 15 marggrant.com

| 250-650-4999

marg.grant5@gmail.com

Authorized by Financial Agent Marg Grant

MY PRIORITIES, WITH YOUR SUPPORT INCLUDE: • Providing a positive investment environment which will create employment opportunities for all Courtenay residents. • Seniors are a vital part of our community and contribute significantly to our economy. We must continue to provide the amenities they deserve. • Our youth are our future. Supporting youth activities has always been a priority to me "Starr can be counted on to be an active and effective Councillor" Former Mayor Ron Webber

Authorized by Starr Winchester, Financial Agent Ph: 250-334-2664 • email: starrwin@shaw.ca

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.COURTENAY,BRITISH COLUMBIA. NOVEMBER 7, 2014

2014

ELECTIONS

Village of Cumberland Candidates

ROGER ALBERT - Candidate for Council Hello, my name is Roger Albert and I’m running for a council seat in Cumberland. My family and I moved to the Comox Valley 31 years ago when I started teaching at North Island College. We moved to Cumberland in 2002. Some of the most important issues in this election are 1) respect for the Official Community Plan ensuring that our zoning bylaws permit implementation of the OCP. 2) The need for more local health and social services. It would be great to start a real conversation about what to do about homelessness, mental health and addiction

issues in Cumberland. 3) Cumberland’s place in the Comox Valley. I believe that I have the knowledge, skills and experience to bring to Cumberland Council a balanced perspective. I taught at North Island College for 29 years. I have a lot of board experience. I know how to work with strategic plans and program evaluations. I’m the author of the 2014 Comox Valley Quality of Life report for the Comox Valley Social Planning Society. One of my favourite gigs at the moment is quiz master for the Cumberland Forest Society’s twice yearly Trivia

COLIN FAILLER - Candidate for Council I have lived in the Comox Valley since 1997 and in Cumberland since 2011. I have seen great changes and decided it is time to be a part of the future of the Best Place on Earth. I live, work and recreate in the Village and want to see those things that we all hold dear remain in place while advancing towards the future and the inevitable growth that will follow. I support local business and the people that own and run those vital operations, while welcoming new business to supplement our daily needs. As a mountain biking enthusiast and avid outdoors-

sistent quality of water coming from Allan Lake and later found that the current level of water treatment does not meet VIHA guidelines.” If elected, Ketler would push for improved water treatment and sourcing. “This is an important issue that affects the health of every citizen in Cumberland” asserts Ketler. Other initiatives that Ketler supports include increasing ecotourism for biking as well as increasing the amount of green space in Cumberland. “We have such great resources here, our outdoor recreation, our unique boutique shops, our colorful heritage, and most of all our people”. Please support

ROGER KISHI - Candidate for Council I am Roger Kishi, and I am seeking re- election as Councillor for the Village of Cumberland. I am pleased to have played a part in the many accomplishments of the past few years. From the revision of Cumberland’s Official Community Plan, the Village Park Master Plan, which includes the off- leash dog park, new playground and soon to be designed skatepark, and the Host Community Agreement for the Comox Valley Waste Management Facility that calls for an annual $300,000 amenity payment for 20 years and $3million for upgrades of Cumberland & Bevan Roads.

We have a strong history in Cumberland, challenges in the present, and some great opportunities for the future. I want to work to address the issue of affordable housing & homelessness, and we can begin in Cumberland. That means working with others to come up with ideas for more affordable options for those who are facing homelessness. Our growth of young families is a benefit as well as a challenge, but with an engaged community and progressive Council, we will be up to the task.

STEVEN ROYER - Candidate for Council After literally running all over the Comox Valley for over 35 years, Steven Royer has decided to run with a different approach. He will be seeking election for a Cumberland council position. “I see the people of Cumberland seeking a community that is very passionate about the Village Spirit and cares about improving Cumberland’s expectations to become a place that cares about the environment as well as keeping the culture and business vibrant. I will keep this Village strong!” Steven Royer is a believer in supporting the business

night. In fact the next one is the night before election day. We must protect forest lands around Cumberland and I’m doing my part to ensure that that happens. On November 15th I’d like you to vote for me, but whatever you do, VOTE. We get the governments we deserve! Thank you.

Phone: 250-702-7371 • cfailler@yahoo.com

man and family man I see a need to protect the adjacent forest and watershed while encouraging expansion of the trail system for use by the growing population. Protecting our water supply and improving the infrastructure that carries it will be key. My main goal in the next four years is to ensure economic growth for our cherished Village while maintaining the quiet, comfortable lifestyle we all enjoy.

JESSE KETLER - Candidate for Council Jesse Ketler grew up in Powell River but has lived in a number of different places including the NWT, Chile, Panama and Scotland. “Of all the places I have lived, nowhere has felt more like home than Cumberland, and there are few places better to raise a family”. Jesse earned her undergraduate degree at Vancouver Island University in Nanaimo and worked as a phytoplankton analyst and a fish health biologist for many years before pursuing her Master’s degree in Integrated Water Resource Management from McGill University. “When I moved to Cumberland I immediately noticed the incon-

Phone: 250-703-1894 • rogeralbert@shaw.ca

community and keeping Dunsmuir Ave. a vibrant place for locals as well as tourists. He wants to improve the way events are organized and make sure they run successfully, securely and fairly to all residents and event organizers. He is concerned about streetscapes and would like to see multi pathways but also keeping within the Village theme. As a resident for the last 40 years in the Comox Valley, Steven Royer wants to give back to his community by running as councillor for Cumberland.

RE-ELECT DOUG HILLIAN Your candidate for Courtenay City Council It has been a privilege to serve you since 2009. If re-elected, I will continue to offer a reasonable and progressive approach to the issues we face while remaining responsive and accessible to all citizens. For more information please visit

DougHillian.ca Authorized by Pam Munroe: dpmunroe@gmail.com

BUILDING COMMUNITY TOGETHER

Phone: 250-898-9085 • jesseketler@hotmail.com your community and vote on November 15th. Jesse can be contacted via email at jesseketler@hotmail.com or through her Facebook page “Elect Jesse Anne Ketler to Cumberland Council”.

Phone: 250-336-8458 • rkishi@outlook.com We can build on making Cumberland a strong & healthy community by recognizing our past, dealing with the present and planning for the future. On November 15, vote Roger Kishi for re- election as Councillor for the Village of Cumberland. Join me on Facebook, or contact me at: rkishi@outlook.com

Phone: 250-400-5052 • stevenroyer66@shaw.ca He wants to keep the Village unique and successful for all residents, so they are happy to have a comfortable lifestyle and live in the best village on Earth! Steven can be reached at stevenroyer66@shaw.ca.

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.COURTENAY,BRITISH COLUMBIA. NOVEMBER 7, 2014

2014

ELECTIONS

Village of Cumberland Candidates

GWYN SPROULE - Candidate for Council I am seeking a fifth term on Cumberland Council. I enjoy serving on council and want to continue to work with others during Cumberland’s fascinating transition from historical coal mining town to recreation hub. I am working to extend the trails network and enhance recreational opportunities for all residents, especially for youth. I have long been a supporter of the Skate Board Park project. I am a founding member of the Comox Valley Land

Trust and the Cumberland Community Forest Society. I teach local history and plant use to the general public as well as work as a teacher on call in the school system. I am seeking to promote Cumberland’s light industrial lands in order to diversify the tax base, which is mainly residential at present. I believe Cumberland’s most pressing concern is how to finance upgrades to our water and sewage treatment systems. I am ready to embrace the many positive changes happening in

SEAN SULLIVAN - Candidate for Council I am a carpenter working and living in Cumberland and have the distinct pleasure to be able to help restore some of Cumberland’s stunning heritage buildings, both business and residential. It’s extremely vital to protect and promote this incredible heritage and at the same time, to support the growth that has welcomed and made space for new residents. It is necessary for council and the village to reconnect with the businesses in Cumberland, and create easier ways for businesses to

make improvements, and promote the downtown core. As a perennial volunteer and musician, I have been actively engaged in sustaining and supporting the cultural life of our community. I am very active and consider our forest, parks and recreation facilities to be another of our Villages greatest assets. Continuing the tireless efforts to preserve and protect our natural environment in Cumberland is also paramount. Continued investment to improve our schools and recreational infrastructure

MICHAEL WALTON - Candidate for Council My name is Michael Walton and I want to serve as Cumberland Councillor. My wife Marianne Bell and I have deep roots in the community with four generations of our family residing in Cumberland. I want to be a Councillor to help ensure the visions contained in the community documents like the Official Community Plan and the Cumberland Lake Park plan become realities. I am a retired lawyer and negotiator whose clients included individuals, unions and businesses. As a sole

practioner I was also a small business owner. I am used to going to meetings prepared and ready to look at issues from all sides and to offer insights and ways to move forward. I lived in Cumberland when I apprenticed with the Campbell River Local of the Carpenter’s Union and also have 15 years experience as a tradesperson. In many negotiations the lessons I learned on a construction site were as important as the ones learned in the lecture hall. The largest issue we face over the next four

F O R P R O G R E S S I V E , D E D I C AT E D , V I B R A N T L E A D E R S H I P

“I have had the honour to serve the Town of Comox as Mayor for the last 6 years (and as Councillor for the previous 6 years). I am asking the residents of Comox for the privilege to continue serving as Mayor of Comox in the upcoming election. ” For more information on important issues that have an effect on the future of Comox please visit my website or call 250-897-2557 with any questions you might have or if you need a ride to the polls courtesy Ambassador Shuttle Service .

Make your vote Count for Comox November 15, 2014

@paulrodneyives

Authorized by Garry Murdock, Financial Agent • Ph: 250-338-0105 • email: garrym1@shaw.ca

Phone: 250-336-8165 • gwynsproule@gmail.com Cumberland and my record of openness and cooperation, along with experience and in depth knowledge of local issues, will prove very valuable in the next council.

Phone: 250-897-9333 • islandsean@hotmail.com will lead Cumberland to a prosperous future. If elected, I look forward for an opportunity to return the favour to the Village that has provided with with so much.

Phone: 250-400-5327 • votewalton@shaw.ca years is the infrastructure deficit. My skill set will be useful in stewarding the Village through this difficult period. Go to Elect Michael Walton - Facebook page for more information.

20 www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.COURTENAY,BC. NOVEMBER 7, 2014

2014

ELECTIONS

Phone: 250-871-4760 • Cell: 250-897-2093 • tom.grant@tomgrantformayor.com

TOM GRANT - Mayoral Candidate I’m excited to announce that I’m running for Mayor of Comox. Why am I seeking this office? Primarily because I love this town and care greatly about the future of Comox. As a business owner and long time resident of the Valley I have always considered myself very fortunate to be able to take an active part in the life of the community in my work here and my four terms as a Comox Councillor. But I believe greatly that it is time for change; it is time for improvement; and it’s time to explore new directions. I’m confident I can bring you those things.

Town of Comox Candidates

I think Comox is a great town. The greatness of a town can be measured in many ways. One measure is the quality of the lives of our citizens. And it’s a good life. We have parks and beloved walking trails, we have the seashore. We are well served by an up-to-the-minute recreation centre, a new and modern library, two museums and a community art gallery. Our volunteer fire department, in my opinion, is the best in the country. But, all is not rosy. There are things that could be done differently - and better - and sooner, rather than later. You can ask any citizen what we can do better and you

Phone: 250-339-9109 • Cell: 250-897-2557 • paulives@shaw.ca

PAUL IVES - Mayoral Candidate During this election campaign, I have spoken to many residents and businesses about a number of issues related to the future growth and prosperity of the Town of Comox. Chief among those concerns is long-term viability of the downtown core. Over 10 years ago, the Town partnered with landlords downtown to bury the hydro lines and make the downtown more pedestrian friendly. Recently, Council under my leadership has developed an incentives plan ($50,000/year for 3 years) to provide tax exemptions and permit fee reductions for mixed use projects such as the Lorne Hotel project.

We also reduced business tax increase to 0% for 2014, streamlined building/development permit applications, and set aside almost $50,000 toward capital projects in collaboration with Comox BIA members. Next steps will involve more public consultation on the Lorne Hotel project, a BIA façade improvement program, and ongoing pursuit of funding for Marina Park enhancements. By implementing recommendations contained in our Official Community Plan toward modest densification of our downtown core, and continuing to put adequate funding into infrastructure, we will seek to achieve sus-

When the kids were young my wife passed away and suddenly I was left with a choice, move back to where our family was or stay and raise the kids as we discussed. When the fog lifted it was clear, the three of us were staying, Comox was our home. I’ve raised two great adults and now fortunate to be able to watch my two grandchildren grow here too. Life has been good in Comox, this community supported us when we needed it and now I have the time, energy and proven experience to help move Comox toward the future. It’s my time to give back. I want Comox to grow in a way that will enhance our lives. I want that growth to be part of who we are

DON DAVIS - Candidate for Council I take great pleasure to announce that I will be standing for election as Councillor for the Town of Comox. I would like to thank everyone who has supported me, it is that encouragement that has led to my decision to run. I have continued to attend Council meetings and I am up to date on current issues. I have always felt that the key to good governance, at the local level, is public participation. I was quite concerned with Comox Council’s recent decision not to allow a delegation. It should not matter what the topic, if citizens feel passionate enough about something to bring it to

as a community. I don’t see a whole lot wrong with Comox but there is work to do and we can always strive to be better. When things are going smoothly is not the time to sit back and put our feet up. If you believe in good governance as well as protecting and improving our quality of life then please consider me, Russ Arnott, to be your voice on council. I’m experienced, I’m accountable and I listen. On election day you’ll find me at the top of your ballot and with your support I will be successful in my election bid.

Phone: 250-339-2257 • kathleen.n.bell@gmail.com

KATHLEEN BELL - Candidate for Council “I am excited about the opportunity to serve the people and families of Comox,” said Bell. “I will bring a variety of real-world experience and creative idea generation to council. I have a proven track record of successful market programming and business growth, and I feel I could lead Comox in a direction that is focused on families, invests in future generations and provides vital growth opportunities for business and residents alike. I know I’m not alone in saying that I am tired of having to leave the place that I love to live for most everything from shopping to recreational activities with my children - this must change!.” Bell has worked in marketing in the private sector and in not-

tainable growth and prosperity, while at the same time keeping taxes affordable for residents and businesses alike. My leadership style has always been based on the proven ability to bring diverse interests and opinions together toward a consensus, and while it takes time to yield results, it’s vitally important to the Town that we continue to work together - it’s not enough to say the right thing, but also to do the right thing. It’s my firm belief that Town of Comox is a better place to live, work and play - the best is yet to come!

Phone: 250-218-2001 • russarnot@gmail.com

RUSS ARNOTT - Candidate for Council --I’m Russ Arnott and I am running for the position of Councillor, Town of Comox. Campaigning gives me a chance to knock on doors and meet as many folks as possible as I walk through-out Comox, since I am asking for your vote I try my hardest to get out there and ask for it personally. There have been various comments and suggestions with one recurring question; “why are you running for office?” My response is that Comox is my home and it is my time to give back. About 18 years ago my family and I transferred here with the Coast Guard. We planned to raise the kids here and retire here. We settled in and enjoyed our new community.

will likely get similar answers; answers that boil down to the same thing. People will say they love the place and it’s leisurely pace, but it’s also stagnating. Where are the pubs? Why isn’t there a shoe store, or a men’s clothing store? How come the Marina is a dead zone? What’s happening with the Mall as business after business closes? Now is the time for leadership so we as a community can really do something about the issues that are important to us all. We will do it together if you elect me mayor.

for-profit cause marketing. She sits as a board member for a medical supply company and currently she is the Head of Marketing for SUBWAY Restaurants in Canada. It is this real-world experience and expertise that motivates Bell’s decision to enter the race for Council. “In speaking to many residents in town, they made it clear that we need to challenge the current thinking and approach to the community. This is where I feel that I can offer leadership” Bell said. “The spark for new, fresh thinking is there; I want to light a fire under this town!” Bell has a team of supporters backing her new ideas for the Town of Comox and is constantly looking for more. She plans to

campaign primarily using social media in order to minimize her environmental impact, and it will also allow her to have ongoing conversations with voters, but she will also take part in campaign events she is organizing. Bell grew up in Drumheller AB, was educated in Nova Scotia at St. Francis Xavier University and has resided in Toronto since relocating to Comox. She lives in Comox with her husband Kris, son Lucien (7) and daughter Elliot (5). For more information, visit facebook.com/kathleen4comox or email her at Kathleen.n.bell@gmail.com

Phone: 250-339-0505 • Cell: 250-702-2876 • dondaviscampaign@telus.net the attention of Council, they should be given the right to be heard. I believe that there should be more public consultation on a number of matters. If the community does not connect with Council the broader perspective may not be reflected in decisions. While on Council I was always sensitive to concerns of citizens. When neighbourhood issues were raised I attended first hand to become aware of the circumstance. I provided answers to questions and tried to get support from town staff to deal with those issues, wherever possible. As a Councillor this is a practice that I will continue to adhere to.

In my 34 years in Courtenay, with all my community involvement, I believe I have developed a strong sense of where our citizens want our City to go. I am retired and able to devote the time, energy and experience required to do a good job.

Keeping tax increases to a minimum must become a priority. Our community needs to be run the way we should run our homes. We need to have the bills paid, put food on the table and make sure the roof does not leak before we take a vacation. There are a number of infrastructure issues such as aging water mains and crumbling sidewalks that must be dealt with. As always I am available should anyone have questions or suggestions. Please contact me at 250 339 0505, cell 250 702 2876 or at dondaviscampaign@telus.net.

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.COURTENAY,BRITISH COLUMBIA. NOVEMBER 7, 2014

2014

ELECTIONS

Town of Comox Candidates Phone: 250-287-1797 • unityken@shaw.ca

KEN GRANT - Candidate for Council Ken Grant seeks Fourth Term on Comox Council Ken Grant led the charge to break the 4% annual tax increases and in fact, helped get taxes to a 1.1% increase for residential and 0% for business in 2014. Ken was also instrumental in getting the Comox infrastructure upgrades program going while still keeping taxes at a reasonable level. Parks and recreation are an ongoing priority for Ken. With the completion of Rec Center addition his focus is now on the upcoming Marina Park. Working with Council, Ken introduced and was in-

strumental in pushing through the Downtown Comox Incentives Program, at no cost to taxpayers. Ken has represented the Town of Comox on the Comox Downtown Business Association Board for nine years and is a strong supporter of the Down Town Vitalization Program. He is a strong supporter of Thursday Street Markets and the Comox Walking Trails brochure development. 13,000 brochures were handed out in the first year alone. Watch for the Trail Ways Program coming in the spring of 2015, another ongoing vitalization initiative for Main Street. Ken has been working with staff to de-

velop marked walking trails throughout Comox. If re-elected, Ken will continue working on these issues with the rest of council and staff using a team approach to keep Comox as the wonderful community we are all proud of. “I am thankful to the citizens of Comox for the support you have shown me over the past nine years and if re-elected I will continue to work hard to keep Comox a great place to live.”

Elect

ON NOVEMBER 15TH

Tom

VOTE!

Grant for Mayor

“I am grateful and proud to live and serve in such a beautiful community!”

CITY OF COURTENAY COUNCILLOR

November 15 - ReElect Starr! Authorized by Starr Winchester, Financial Agent.ph250-334-2664:starrwin@shaw.ca

Visit Tom's Campaign Headquarters in the Comox Center Mall or call Tom directly at

250-897-2093 tomgrantformayor.com

VOTE

ON NOVEMBER 15

TOM GRANT For Mayor of Comox 8am to 8pm Advance Polls Nov 12th Comox Rec - 1855 Noel Ave

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.COURTENAY,BC. NOVEMBER 7, 2014

2014

ELECTIONS

Town of Comox Candidates

MARG GRANT - Candidate for Council It has been my pleasure to serve my community in a wide variety of ways, but this election is more than the candidates, it’s about You. You’re looking for leadership - - The kind of leadership that comes from recognizing strengths in others and encouraging them to share their wealth of knowledge. As I talk to you at the doors one message is loud and clear - - you are concerned for the future of your town. You are concerned about the Lorne Hotel site. You question why we have a sleek contemporary building that not only blocks our waterfront vista, but belongs in Vancouver. You’re concerned about losing our Comox identity. You’re proud and protective of the natural beauty of our forests,

parks and sea and want this to be reflected in the downtown landscape and buildings. We’re Comox. You’re proud of it and you want your children and grandchildren to be proud of it too. You see your town as a reflection of who we are. And you’re right. You don’t want cement and glass . You want uptown facilities with Comox appeal. And apparently your concerns do not end there. Eleven years ago our world changed. It changed when our new Airport became a reality and introduced Comox to the rest of Canada. As a result we are growing and changing, but are the vacancies on Comox avenue and in the mall evidence of growth? Obviously not. They speak of a serious problem and demand our immediate attention. We know

HUGH MACKINNON - Candidate for Council It has been an honour to serve two terms and I hope I have earned the faith and trust of Comox citizens. I see being a councillor as a full time job and giving back to our community that has been so good to the MacKinnon family. Again, I am accepting NO donations to my campaign so as not to be beholden to any group or individual. I have attempted to bring a non-politically affiliated, open-mindedness to council doing homework on issues, considering all sides and listening with respect to fellow councillors, the mayo , and citizens before arriving at a

decision. As a moderate, I have promoted compromise at times when issues reflected varied opinion and have demonstrated respect and dignity which has led to consensus and resolution of issues I am proud of Council’s achievements - keeping taxes affordable, lower than many similar sized communities, supporting our local business community, cross-government agreement to secure NorthEast Woods as a park, Ray Crossley Youth Achievement Awards which I initiated, continued support of our library, Rec. Centre and Pearl Ellis gallery and museum beyond core services.

believe my insight will be a valuable contribution to the decision making on Comox Council. I suggest the key to a vibrant Comox is finding ways to market our natural environment as the home base that supports the technology and light industries that can generate stable wealth in the community. We need to encourage and expand the services provided to support 19 Wing, Search and Rescue, the hospital, and the residential community. We need to protect the best of Comox and grow with a clear vision of a vibrant and re-

RE-ELECT

CATON, Janice

the business community must be strong if our town is going to survive. You see a need for continuing the recreation opportunities, marina changes, you say you’re overtaxed and can’t afford more.” and the list goes on. The important message is: You Have Spoken. I am listening. Also we must listen to each other and determine the path that will define Comox as our home and a destination for generations beyond our own. We’re Comox. We’re better and we’ll prove it together.

Phone: 250-339-0661 • mackinnons6@shaw.ca I have defended when appropriate- NEIGHBOURHOOD CONCERNS. I support PLANNED DEVELOPMENT WITH EARLY PUBLIC INPUT COUNCIL NEEDS A VISION THAT IS SHARED BY ITS PEOPLE. OUR STRENGTH IS NOT JUST OUR SPECTACULAR GEOGRAPHY BUT OUR PEOPLE AS WELL. Through my parents and as an ex- Base brat I was taught to love my country and community, give back and be bold with my dreams. I ask Comox residents to consider re-electing Hugh MacKinnon because I have a solid track record, a vision and a Big Heart for Comox, our Town. Phone: 250-890-0737 • imoul@shaw.ca

IAN MOUL - Candidate for Council I have knocked on a lot of doors and listened to the concerns of many of the residents of Comox. While there are numerous opinions I have certainly heard about how much people love living in Comox. As an elected Councillor for Comox I will work to maintain the small town friendly neighbourhood feeling. I will work to address the concerns about the need for growth to fill the empty stores and bring new vibrancy into the downtown core. For my whole career I have strived to balance the protection of the environment with the needs of people. I

Phone: 250-650-4999 • marg.grant5@gmail.com

GAMBACORTA, Donna

For School Trustees for the City of Courtenay • Experience / Leadership / Knowledge • A proven track record of advocating for students, parents and staff • An understanding of the need for a strong public education system that is fully funded and sustainable proudly endorsed by Al Pullin, retired SD 71 Administrator & Ron Webber, former Mayor, City of Courtenay, former Honorary Colonel CFB Comox 407 Squadron& freeman of the City Authorised by the re-elect campaigns of Donna Gambacorta and Janice Caton

silient future. Please vote for me, Ian Moul, and I will work to make this happen. For more information about me, my values and what I offer see www.ianmoul.ca

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.COURTENAY,BC. NOVEMBER 7, 2014

2014

ELECTIONS BARBARA PRICE - Candidate for Council I’ve lived in my Comox home for over 30 years and with my late husband, raised 2 children here. By profession, I’m a land use planner. I’ve been active in the community for over 25 years, serving on dozens of boards - health, the environment, transportation, the economy. I’m now Vice-President of our regional association for local government. You can rely on my 6 years of experience elected to Comox council and 12 years elected to the Regional Board to bring stability, security and affordability to our home town.

Town of Comox Candidates Phone: 250-339-4037 • Cell: 250-702-4194 • bprice30@shaw.ca

Community is made up of many pieces. You have to involve everyone to make it work . For me, job one is having strong public participation as we make decisions that affect us all. That’s the way I see us supporting neighbourhoods, encouraging affordable housing that is a welcome addition, and creating linkages to connect our green spaces. Our community is formed from the past, the present and the future. I will champion our heritage as the foundation of our future - just as we work towards a new role for St. Jo-

MAUREEN SWIFT - Candidate for Council Since first being elected as a Comox councillor in 2011, I have learned a lot about local government. I have been open-minded and respectful of diverse interests and opinions. I promised thoughtful and principled decision making and I am proud to stand by my record. In my role as a councillor I have served on the Advisory Planning Commission and as a representative of Comox on the Regional District Sewage Commission. I have also been the town appointee to the Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park Association. In addition to my work on behalf of the town, I also sit

seph’s hospital. Adapting is an important part of the future, as we rise to the challenges of climate change. I promise to be responsive today to save major expenses tomorrow. It would be a privilege to represent you again. To continue working to make neighborhoods better, our downtown dynamic, and our community stronger for us today and for future generations. Re-elect Barbara Price - Number 7 on the ballot.

Phone: 250-339-1211 • Cell: 250-702-1619 • swiftforcomox@gmail.com

on the Board of the Comox Valley Hospice Society and I am pleased to report that after many years of hard work, our first hospice beds will be open in the Spring of 2015. I would be honoured to continue to serve as a councillor and if re-elected my priorities would be to work for continued fiscal responsibility with fair and affordable taxes. I support the enhancement of the Marina Park facilities and would like to see better connectivity between the downtown core and the waterfront. I will continue to support initiatives that contribute to a lively and economically viable town center. The continued develop-

ment of trails and greenways are also an important part of what makes Comox such an enjoyable place to live. I have the time, the interest and the energy. I work well as part of a team and am interested in finding workable solutions. Be part of making our community the best that it can be by coming out to vote November 15th! I can be contacted directly at: swiftforcomox@gmail.com 1-250-702-1619

Email: lonfield@shaw.ca

VIVIENNE WEBSTER - Candidate for Council Vivienne has been active in her community since arriving in the valley in 1980, volunteering for such organizations as: Comox Valley Family Life Association, S.A.V.A. (Sexual Abuse Victims Anonymous), this was when sexual abuse did not happen and so the organization operated under the radar. Also on the Boards of the Foster Parents’ Association, both regional and provincial, for many years as well as the Comox Valley Women’s Centre. Vivienne is able to work pro-actively as a team member, who has an open mind and a nonjudgmental attitude. She believes in public service, as

well as civility and a willingness to listen. Vivienne is very interested in preserving the shoreline, increasing greenspace, affordable housing, and public safety, as well as encouraging business and tourism. Some of us remember when Comox was a fishing, farming and logging community. Now, with fishing and logging all but gone, shops closed and young families left to find work, the shopping mall is very empty. Vivienne thinks that we must work harder to encourage small business to open again in Comox, bringing more vibrancy into the community.

ON NOV. 15th RE-Elect

JANICE CATON School Trustee for the CITY OF COURTENAY

• Janice brings her experience and knowledge as a parent, grandparent and trustee with her and fully understands the challenges and difficulties currently facing our students, parents, staff and school district. • Experienced, dedicated with a strong 29 year record of supporting the students, staff, parents and the educational community of the Comox Valley. • Continues to advocate for a strong public education system that is fully funded and sustainable that would not only address the current class size and composition issues, but will also lead to a stable and viable education system that supports the needs for all students. “As a retired school administrator in School District #71, I am pleased to fully endorse Janice Caton’s bid for re-election as school trustee. From my many experiences of working closely with Janice on educational issues, I know her to be a hard-working, honest person dedicated to providing a quality education for all students and maintaining a positive work environment for teachers. Your vote for Janice on November 15th will ensure that the our students and teachers in School Al Pullin District #71 are well served.” School Administrator, Retired Comox Valley School District

Caton, Janice This advertisement authorized by the campaign to elect Janice Caton 250-338-6858

✔

Vivienne believes in sustainability and keeping agricultural land safe from development. High density housing must be considered, including laneway housing, basement suites, tiny homes etc. We must work harder to keep the young people from moving away because of the lack of affordable homes and jobs. Vivienne can be reached at (250)339-6835 or email: lonfield@shaw.ca, or websterviv@gmail.com , on facebook and her website is lonfield.wix.com/viviennewebster. Please vote for her on November 15th.

Re-elect EDWIN GRIEVE Area C Director Working with People www.edwingrieve.com Meet the Candidate! 'Keep it Simple' supper @ Merville Hall

Sun Nov. 9 Support Edwin - $20, Seniors/Teens $10, kids free Mac 'n' Cheese, local sausages, music, 5-8pm Wine & cheese with Eddy G' Wed Nov. 12 Coastal Black Winery, Endall Rd. Black Creek 4-6pm Authorized by Janice Swanson, Financial Agent swanson@shaw.ca

24 www.comoxvalleyecho.com

FRIDAY.COURTENAY,BRITISH COLUMBIA. NOVEMBER 7, 2014

2014

ELECTIONS

Town of Comox Candidates Phone: 250-339-1004 • pcoleman@sfu.ca

PETER COLEMAN - Candidate for School Trustee COMMITMENT PETER COLEMAN For SCHOOL TRUSTEE FOR COMOX EXPERIENCE Veteran of the Royal Canadian Navy, and formerly teacher and administrator in both the K-12 and the postsecondary education systems (BCIT & SFU). Currently Board Chair in SD71.

conversations.

Service on vital Board committees in SD71: Finance, Property, Teacher Professional Development. Initiated the Board/Graduating Student lunches to allow trustees to hear student concerns in face-to-face sessions. Dedicated hundreds of hours to listening to the concerns of parents, students, teachers, administrators, and other citizens both in meetings and in individual

INDEPENDENCE Not affiliated with any special interest group.

Phone: 250-218-5580 • jeanydellasiega@gmail.com

JEANY DELLA SIEGA - Candidate for School Trustee Vote me, Jeany Della Siega, for school trustee. I

input will bring out the best resolutions. I want to serve

for them. I will help build and maintain our school

have a vested interest in this community because of

and support our community in its work of improving

system so that it reflects our local priorities, values and

my children attending schools here and my grandchild

student achievement. I want to be a part of that voice

expectations. Comox, I am your voice.

eventually attending. I want to be a voice for all of the

that advocates for our public educational system by

educational partner groups involved in making our

working with my involved community. I have a lot of

schools the best that they can be. I understand that

pride in how Comox residents care for our students.

our community wants to be heard and wants a change.

Comox residents need someone who is willing to bring

I believe that a plan of action that involves everyone’s

their concerns forward and be a positive spokesperson Phone: 250-339-1917 • frawleyzoo@telus.net

TONIA FRAWLEY - Candidate for School Trustee Through the many years of being a PAC and DPAC chair, I have been invited as a parent rep to sit on various SD71 committees. The opportunities to attend district workshops has allowed me to see first-hand what our teachers and support staff are learning and contributing to outside of school hours. The many, many meetings I have gone to has shown me what issues our district is up against inside and outside of the classroom. I understand the struggles that our students face as my own children have made their way through the public school system. We need strong advocates to stand up

collectively and be heard by the provincial government to create a more viable option for addressing the needs of ALL the students in our district. I believe it takes a community to raise a child not just a parent, not just a teacher and not just a mentor. Relationships are essential in communicating effectively with all partner groups. I have worked very diligently on my relationships with students, parents, teachers, support staff, administrators, and senior management as well as past and present trustees. I listen very carefully and respectfully while being empathetic

Phone: 250-703-6110 • chettiemacdonald@gmail.com

CHETTIE MACDONALD - Candidate for School Trustee My name is Chettie Macdonald and I am running for School Trustee in Comox on November 15th. I am a local business woman who has two children in our public education system. I have a background in the service industry, insurance, and finance. I was born and raised on Vancouver Island and have resided in the Comox Valley since 2001. I have a strong connection to, and understanding of, the issues facing our area. My platform is simple. If elected, I will be a trustee who is present, approachable, and accountable. I will be

and aware of any and all questions and concerns that any person has for me. I consider both sides during discussion or debate. I respect difference of opinions and maintain a measured and objective point of view. I possess the skills necessary to be elected to the Board of Education. I am ready, willing, and capable to step into the role of school trustee. I have the ability and desire to participate as an effective and efficient board member representing Comox.

a trustee with a consistent presence at school functions and PAC meetings, in order to have an informed understanding of the issues that each of our schools faces. I will be a trustee who is approachable, as I believe that everybody in a community is a stakeholder in its public education, and I want to foster open and honest dialogue with the people I serve and represent. Finally, I will be accountable to the people of Comox to ensure that their public education system does the best job possible to meet the needs of all learners from all backgrounds.

I believe it is the moral imperative of a school trustee to be an outspoken advocate for the most important stakeholders of our school system: our children. If you would like to learn more about my views on specific issues facing our schools today, please visit my Facebook page; Chettie Macdonald for Comox School Trustee or you may email me at chettiemacdonald@ gmail.com.

MEREDITH STARKEY - Candidate for School Trustee

Phone: 250-702-7050 • meredithstarkey@gmail.com

I am Meredith Starkey and I hope you’ll consider me for school trustee. I believe my passion for public education, my vested interest from having both a teacher and a child in my household, and my experience as a planner for a large public entity would be an asset to the Board and the District. I am deeply concerned about the chronic under-funding of, lack of commitment to, and outright disdain for public education in BC. To remedy this, I would like to see the incoming school board adopt a social justice

those in the know, and a skill set to facilitate sound decision making through effective collaboration with partner groups. I’m very keen to hear from you and can be reached at meredithkstarkey@gmail.com, or via Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Starkey4trustee.

perspective, declaring education as a right for every child and a vital social good for society at large. Within this framework, my priorities for the incoming school board are to restore respect for teachers, expand student participation on the board, and advocate to keep education public and to fund it properly. Please see the Comox Valley Echo online or my Facebook page for more detail on my platform. I am not an expert, and I do not have all the answers. What I offer is a willingness to listen and learn from

ON NOVEMBER 15TH

VOTE!

www.comoxvalleyecho.com

ON NOVEMBER 15

VOTE

GEORGE KNOX for Courtenay City Council

I will: Streamline Building Permits Rescind the Maple Pool Lawsuit I am passionate about the Environment

"Let GEORGE Do it" Questions? Reach me at (250) 703 3463 or geosher@shaw.ca

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.COURTENAY,BRITISH COLUMBIA. NOVEMBER 7, 2014

2014

ELECTIONS

Regional District Candidates

WAYNE ANDERSON - Candidate for Area A Director Courtenay small business lawyer Wayne Anderson has announced that he is running in the CVRD Area A election for the office of Director. “I will be running on a responsive representation platform. There is not much disagreement on which are the most important issues in this Area. My candidacy is an offer for fresh, energetic and responsive representation to the voters of this Area to move their agenda forward with renewed vigour. “I have spent 30 years representing the interests of my clients effectively and professionally. Since moving :

: t d e o d d

Phone: 250-871-8771 • Cell: 250-650-1223 • wayne@wayne-anderson.com

the Comox Valley four years ago, my record of volunteer service to this community includes: - Pro bono legal counsel to the Union Bay Historical Society, owner of the Union Bay Post Office and Museum (4 years) - Director and President of the Sid William Theatre Society (3 years) - Member of the Courtenay Rotary Club (3 years) “Now I want to focus my skills and energy on those matters the voters of Area A have told me they care most about.”

area enjoys many recreational opportunities in the north while supporting a substantial aquaculture industry in the south. A plan is needed that clearly shows which parts of Baynes Sound should be kept for recreational and conservation use and which areas will continue to support our shellfish industry. I will continue to support the parks and greenways plans put in place during my tenure. This includes moving the new Royston to Cumberland trail and the Denman Island Cross Island trail forward. I will take the sewers for Royston and Union Bay to

of the CVRD, South Sewer Project, DFO, BC Shellfish Growers Association and Islands Trust. I recognize a loss of communication between government and the people it represents. As your representative I will provide a monthly update and regular opportunities to meet. My commitment is to ensure Area A’s unique concerns and needs are promoted. As a Director of Friends of Baynes Sound Society (FOBSS), I developed an educational website, helped organize FOBSS’s first biologist-guided family beach walk, Market Day booth, and annual photo contest. I have also

y @

there. We all know our public school system is financially stressed, and that more provincial dollars are not likely to be forthcoming in the near future. But we can and must use those dollars differently, or many of our schools will simply disappear. And we can be more innovative with international education to resource and enrich our programs. During my 30 years working as a research astronomer, I addressed about 2000 school classes of all ages, from all over the province. What struck me repeatedly

the island schools. We still have a great deal of work to do to make the island schools more responsive to community input and sustainable in the face of declining enrollment.” Sheila passionately believes in supporting the achievement of every child. Her son, a graduate of Vanier High, is taking time to travel and work after one year and North Island College and her daughter, also a graduate from Vanier, received her BA in Medieval History from the University of Victoria last June and is now working in Cambridge England. “I’m especially interested in making sure our vulnerable children have the same opportunities and resources. We need to strengthen support for students who aren’t thriving. I have a special

JIM GILLIS - Candidate for Area B Director Jim Gillis Director Area B Running for a Third Term Area B Director Jim Gillis announced he will be seeking a third term. “I will be championing the Regional Growth Strategy (RGS), protecting the Area’s rural lifestyle and putting 100% support behind the environment,” stated Gillis. “Without the RGS we would have growth without a plan. We need to ensure that 90% of the growth is in the city, town and village with some growth in the CVRD development nodes” Gillis believes, you need a plan to build a house and a plan to create a livable community.

I am a long-time resident of the Comox Valley and a past Director of Area C. I am, once again, seeking a seat on the Regional Board because I believe strongly in accountability and transparency in government and wish to represent area B residents. I will ask the tough questions and work hard to get answers that you, the taxpayers, deserve. My concerns include: 1) the importance of following the approved Regional Growth Strategy plan to maintain our rural lands and sensitive habitat, 2) Regional District budgets, 3) the high cost of planning compared to other jurisdic-

interest in student mental health as well, as my daughter struggled with anxiety and depression. Sometimes I didn’t think she’d make it through; the supports we provide at school and through community partnerships are essential to students and familiesl” Sheila brings a strong financial understanding and a deep knowledge of effective governance and planning practices to the Board of Education. Her previous Board experiences include a NWT Regional Health Board, Vancouver Credit Union Board, Hornby Island Advisory Planning Commission, the CV Economic Development Society, Hornby Island Residents and Ratepayers, Hornby Community School, and other appointments.

Phone: 250-890-0161 • Cell: 250-218-1384 • jimgillis@shaw.ca

Gillis feels, Our major economic driver is the environment. “ People flock to the Valley to take advantage of our rural lifestyle and the myriad of outdoor activities such as; fishing, sailing, hiking, kayaking, cycling and walking in our magnificent local parks. Lifestyle and our environment is what sells in the Comox Valley. Let’s support it, promote it and protect it”. We must work together with all of the communities in the Valley. I have worked with some great people over the last six years and we have seen steady progress. The shovels are in the ground, the foundation is being

ROD NICHOL - Candidate for Area B Director

was that the most enthusiastic students often came from small schools that enjoyed a high degree of parental involvement, and where learning was a very social activity. The only thing more important than education is attitude, and by melding a positive attitude into education, we can achieve better schools and better outcomes. All of this is a big challenge for trustees, teachers and parents. I ask for your support on November 15 towards this goal. I can be reached at 250-335-1047, or chrisaikman@shaw.ca , or on Twitter @chrisaikman2 . Phone: 250-897-1892 • woodmcdonnell@shaw.ca

SHEILA MCDONNELL - Candidate for Area A School Trustee Sheila McDonnell announces candidacy for Comox Valley Board of Education Trustee Area A, Baynes Sound, Denman and Hornby Islands. Incumbent Sheila McDonnell is pleased to announce that she will be seeking re-election as the School District 71 Trustee for Area A, having served since being elected in a by-election in spring 2010 Sheila has strong ties to Area A, having been a fulltime resident of Hornby Island for over 16 years, and now living part-time in Courtenay. “I’ve been honoured to represent Area A as Trustee. I’m really committed to the benefits our rural community-based schools provide and have enjoyed my work as liaison to Royston Elementary and

been a public speaker on environmental issues, volunteer instructor in youth cross-country skiing at Mount Washington, outdoorsman, and active Royston School volunteer. I am committed to creating and protecting recreational areas and ensuring that pressure by industry does not take priority over long-term environmental health. My aim is to ensure that planning meets the specific needs of our area. I am ready to listen to you, communicate your concerns and act on your behalf. Phone: 250-335-1047 • chrisaikman@shaw.ca

CHRIS AIKMAN - Candidate for Area A School Trustee I’m a Hornby Island resident, with one foot in Comox. As such, I hope to represent the concerns of Area A residents (Hornby & Denman Islands, and Fanny Bay to Royston) as an effective school trustee. Inspiring our children and grandchildren to find their roots and wings so they may thrive in a fast-changing world: that is the job placed in the hands of our terrific teachers. Making sure that our teachers have the tools and support they need to do that incredible work: that is the job of the school trustees. And there is work to be done

the next stage building on the funding the province has provided so far to assist with the challenge of improper septic treatment in many of those areas. We live in special area with a wide range of natural amenities, cultural activities and economic opportunities. I will continue to build on my experience to deliver results for the area.

dan@danlisch.ca

DAN LISCH - Candidate for Area A Director In 2001 Shannon and I moved to the Comox Valley; our two girls were born here. To preserve our cherished Comox Valley lifestyle we need elected officials committed to environmental protection, consultation, carefully planned and controlled growth in rural areas, and reconnection with the people represented. Formerly the owner of a small custom boat building business, I am now a stay-at-home Dad and woodworker. I appreciate the challenges of small businesses and concerns of single salary families and fixed income seniors. I have been attending meetings and following issues

For more information about Wayne Anderson go to: www.wayne-anderson.com

Phone: 250-335-1275 • bruce@brucejolliffe.ca

BRUCE JOLLIFFE - Candidate for Area A Director I have served the Baynes Sound - Denman/Hornby Islands Electoral Area (Area ‘A’) for six years and hope you will give me the opportunity to serve another term. I bring commitment, experience, and an understanding of the diverse needs of the many communities making up Area ‘A’. I have a record of making informed balanced decisions. My priorities include putting in place a “Baynes Sound Coastal Plan” that will properly address the concerns raised about the long term integrity of Baynes Sound. Late this summer I received agreement from the CVRD Board to put such a plan in place. The

built and our new hospital will open in 2017. We have brought our solid waste environmental responsibilities into line with the Ministry of Environment and will have a state of the art facility for the next forty years. With the support of our Electoral Area Directors we have catalogued from the Oyster River to Chef Creek over 125 public access road ends to the ocean. Park leases have been increased from 10 to thirty years. Interconnecting trails created and stairs built so local citizens can walk in their community and access the ocean.

Phone: 250-792-0676 • rodnichol@shaw.ca • rodnichol.ca

tions, 4) the inequality in water costs for Regional District residents, and 5) the antiquated handling of waste within the Regional District. I am a retired decorated member of the R.C.M.P. and have enjoyed postings throughout BC, YT, AB, QC, and ON. My first introduction to the Comox Valley was in 1978, when I was transferred here as an R.C.M.P. dog handler. My wife and I quickly fell in love with the area. So, while enjoying adventures in northern BC, Yukon, and Tahsis, we maintained property

here. Our dream of making the Comox Valley our permanent home was fulfilled in 1993 when we returned here to raise our two young sons. Since 2000, we have lived in Area B near Seal Bay Park, where I enjoy simple pleasures such as bird watching, beach walks, kayaking, raising mason bees, and gardening. For positive change in our community, please vote for me on Nov. 15th. Contact me at rodnichol@shaw.ca, or 250-792-0676, or visit me at rodnichol.ca

26 www.comoxvalleyecho.com

FRIDAY.COURTENAY,BRITISH COLUMBIA. NOVEMBER 7, 2014

2014

ELECTIONS

Regional District Candidates Phone: 250-338-2720 • jamderij@telus.net

JAMES DERRY - Candidate for Area C Director A message to the voters of Comox Valley Regional District C. Many residents of Area C are upset over how the present CVRD board has dealt with pertinent issues such as water meters, real estate property improvement, and increasing taxes. Controversy with developers, local food production, and environmental matters has many scratching their heads. Access to information on these matters can be slow or difficult to obtain, such how as the Settlement Expansion Areas will affect them. Can we tolerate any more lapses in transparency with

our Valley’s economic sustainability, pat answers for questions on the Official Community Plan, unnecessary referendums on garbage collection, or wasted tax dollars for duplicated services? No. Is it time that we elected directors who will work on solutions rather than giving a pat answer or delayed response? Yes. I won’t promise I can fix all of the issues that many of our residents are concerned about. Campaign promises are too easy to forget after the election. Although I lack the years of experience of being a director and

Phone: 250-337-8558 • Cell: 250-218-1385 • edwingrieve@shaw.ca

EDWIN GRIEVE - Candidate for Area C Director Area C Director and CVRD board chair Edwin Grieve faces re-election this time. Born and raised in the Comox Valley, Edwin is known as a friendly, helpful hardware salesman and for his involvement in music and organizing community events. As a volunteer, he chairs the annual July 1st Celebrations, was a Musicfest director, organizes the Simms Park Summer Music Program, and helps produce the Child Development Telethon. In addition to his other accolades Edwin was declared a Freeman of the City of Courtenay before he got into politics. Once elected, he put his people skills

taking credit for the positive advances that the CVRD has accomplished, I cannot take blame either for the mistakes. My experience working in private industry, government, and self-owned small businesses and sitting on the boards of not for profit societies has given me a skill set to take on the challenge of representing the residents of Area C. And that is why I ask for your vote on Saturday, 15 November.

and slogan ‘working with people’ into action, introducing the concept to the Comox Valley Regional Board, which quickly recognized his talent and elected him chair. “6 years on the board and my 4 years as chair have taught me a few things,” said Grieve. “In order to move forward on the issues and projects facing the region, elected officials need access to the best information, and also be willing to talk openly and honestly with one another in an atmosphere of respect and decorum.” Co-operation, not confrontation, is the best way to get good decisions, he adds. “Although we may not all

agree on every issue, there needs to be the feeling that everyone has been heard and their opinions validated. This is “Working with People.” This is what I believe in.” For Edwin’s views on issues facing the Comox Valley, visit his website www.edwingrieve.com and ‘Re-elect Edwin Grieve’ on Facebook.

Phone: 250-703-1228 • bushido8@shaw.ca

IAN HARGREAVES - Candidate for Area C School Trustee My name is Ian Hargreaves and I am running for election as School Trustee for Electoral Area “C,” Puntledge-Black Creek. I am a retired teacher who has lived in the Comox Valley for 31 years and taught primarily at Ecole Puntledge Park and Miracle Beach Elementary. During that time I got to know both communities well and feel that, if elected, I will be able to make a positive contribution to the School Board on their behalf. I believe my experience participating in numerous community events, as well as a number of instructional leadership roles at the provincial, district and school level will be a valuable asset. As an educator I came to the District as a Special Education specialist

and was involved in the development of the provinces Special Education Core Curriculum as well as other Curriculum areas. I participated in the integration of special needs students, the developed Social Justice and Diversity materials and was a Social Justice Associate for the British Columbia Teacher’s Federation. In addition to my classroom teaching, I participated in the development of a local First Nations Curriculum package, The Legend of Queneesh, served on numerous District committees and as a “computer helping teacher” supported the development and implementation of district and school strategies for the integration of technology.

Phone: 250-218-6330 • parentsoutsidethebox@gmail.com

PAULA SELBY - Candidate for Area C School Trustee Paula Selby seeks re-election as Area C School Trustee for SD71 Paula has been an Area B resident for 36 years and has served one term as School Trustee. She has a son Jace who attends Huband Elementary and she is an involved parent at his school. Paula first found an interest for PAC life while her son attended Aboriginal Head Start. Paula has been representing the Board of Education at the table of the SD71 Aboriginal Education Council “I have been privileged to be the Board Representative on the AEC for the past 3 years...I admire the work of the AEC.”

Before coming to the Comox Valley I worked for a number of years in the private sector on the development and management of programs for multiply handicapped children and adults and was Executive Director of a non-profit society for individuals with communication disorders. I have long had a deep, abiding passion for education and know I can make a positive contribution to the work of the board; listening to and addressing the many issues and concerns facing our schools today. I look forward to being your representative on the Board for School District #71 and in representing the interests and concerns of the Puntledge-Black Creek area communities.

Paula has been a parent rep at Huband Park Elementary PAC, as well, as served at the District Parent Advisory in the role of Secretary. In her role as Trustee for Area C Paula has appreciated attending PAC meetings at Miracle Beach, Arden and NIDES and brought concerns from those school communities to the Board table. Paula notes that she became interested in the role of trustee because she thought being an involved parent would make things work for Jace. She feels that she has the time to commit to being an involved trustee and she would like to work on behalf of all students in the Comox Valley.

Paula has been involved with the FORCE, and has attended the Summer institute on Child and Youth Mental Health. Her training in Horticultural Therapy sees gardens at schools being a very positive trend. She works with the LUSH Valley Food Round table and is active in promoting the upcoming World Food Week. In her term as Trustee Paula has seen the benefit of caring parents and teachers working together to create positive learning opportunities for students. “I believe that supported education creates the best chance for all students to be successful!”

FREE ICE! For Flying Canoe Liquor Store Members & Sports Teams!* *with purchase

Tickets now available for Blues Jam and Dinner at the Flying Canoe Nov.7 & 8 with wrist band - $65 per person per night or $120 for both nights

Coors Light 24’s

Molson Canadian 24’s

Yellow Tail Merlot 750ml

Luksusowa Vodka 750ml

Sushi Nights at The Flying Canoe Tuesday-Saturday 5pm-9pm

come down and get the most AMAZING Sushi in the Comox Valley by Chef Ky!

Ask for Omakase and leave it in Chef Ky's hands to create a unique platter just for you!

33.49

10.99

22.99

Nightly Dinner Specials Sunday Roast Beef and all the fixings

Monday Pasta night

Tuesday Schnitzel night

Friday Saturday Wednesday Thursday Chef Prime Rib n Fish n Date nite ~ specials Yorkshire Chips Charceuterie changes puddings plate to weekly share

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.COURTENAY,BC. NOVEMBER 7, 2014

On November 15 Vote for Responsible Representation Sustainable Development Fiscal Responsibility Preserving our past, Planning for our future James Derry for Comox Valley Regional District C Director www.facebook.com/jamesderry2014 2014.james.derry@gmail.com

VOTE . . . FOR A CHANGE

James Derry

Marcus Felgenhauer Councillor City of Courtenay TEAM PLAYER • LEADER

COMMITTED

What I Stand For: • • • •

Resolving ‘Maple Pool’ in a fair and equitable way, without further legal action. Keeping Courtenay a vibrant community for all to enjoy, from youth to seniors. Maintaining the quality of life and the natural beauty of the City of Courtenay. Making the City of Courtenay even more financially responsible to you, the taxpayer.

I am part of the community. Sandy and I made this our home 23 years ago. I am committed to the growth of this community in business, quality of life and our natural surroundings.

Call me! I welcome your thoughts.

250-897-9652

ATTENTION! IMPORTANT NOTICE: I chose not to participate in the election questionnaire in this section of the Comox Valley Record. I feel strongly that the complex nature of the questions do not lend themselves in any way to a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ format. If you would like to discuss any of the questions with me, please call 250-897-9652 or email mfelgenhauer@hotmail.com. Thanks, Marcus Authorized by Joy Porter electmarcus@gmail.com

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Time For Uke will be playing at Zocalo’s Café on 5th Street in Courtenay, this Sunday, November 9th 2:00 to 4:00. Zocalo’s on Fifth Street in Courtenay will be filled with the harmonic sounds of singing and ukuleles when Time For Uke plays on Sunday, November 9th 2:00 to 4:00 pm. Time For Uke has been playing a variety of venues around the valley for the past four years. Often seen and heard performing at local seniors’ facilities such as Casa Loma, Glacier View Lodge and Berwick, this group of eight musicians is delighted to be able to share their music with a Sunday afternoon crowd at Zocalo’s Cafe. Check out their website at Time4uke.weebly.com. With their wide range of performing musical Members of this singing playing group are almost all retired elemen-

1025 Comox Road, Courtenay 250-338-7761

28 www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.COURTENAY, BC. NOVEMBER 7, 2014

It’s ‘Time for Uke’ Sunday tary music teachers from SD71. They have come together for the joy of making music and sharing their love of songs and harmonies. This afternoon concert will consist of two sets and will include some of the group’s favourites like ‘Lullaby of Birdland’, ‘Glory of Love’, and ‘Blue Skies’. There will be a couple of non-singing selections like ‘Alley Cat’ and ‘Song of the Islands’. To round out the sets, well-known Canadiana like Gordon Lightfoot’s ‘Did She Mention My Name?’ will delight audiences. So drop by Zocalo’s on Sunday, November 9, enjoy a beverage or a bite to eat, and sit back and listen to some great music by Time For Uke.

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.NOVEMBER 7, 2014

INDIGO JAZZ AT THE ZOCALO TONIGHT Indigo Jazz will warm up the Zocalo Café this Friday evening from 7 to 9 pm. Indigo Jazz comprises Dale Graham on vocals, John Hyde on bass and Rick Husband on guitar. The trio’s tasty rhythms and savoury melodies are the perfect complement to the café’s dinner specials, sweet treats and fine wine, beer and liquor. Ad-

mission is by donation. This week’s show sees the trio warming up for their larger-format quintet appearance next week - check www.georgiastraightjazz.com for information on the November 13th appearance of the Indigo Jazz Quintet.

BLACK SPRUCE BOG AT THE WAVE TONIGHT Prince George-based roots rockers, Black Spruce Bog, drive up to the Waverley Hotel in Cumberland on Friday November 7, on their debut album tour of Vancouver Island. Black Spruce Bog is a five-piece electric acoustic posse of friends who truly enjoy spending time and creating sound with each other. Their chemistry floods off the stage and makes it nearly impossible not to jump, dance, tap and at the very least grin big. They’ve been working

hard on their first LP,“Confluence,” and are excited to offer it on vinyl, CD, and digital download. Learn more and listen at BlackSpruceBog.com. Join Cumberland Village Works and Tinshack Creative in welcoming Black Spruce Bog to the valley for their first visit. Tickets available online and at the door. www.CumberlandVillageWorks. com for details. Friday November 7, Waverley Hotel, Cumberland. Doors 9:30, tickets $10 advance, $15 at the door.

Great grad fashion show Nov. 10 at Isfeld Mark R. Isfeld Secondary School will showcase all the latest fashion trends during their annual Grad Fashion Show. This runway event is being held on Monday, November 10 at 7:00 pm in the school gymnasium. The theme of the show is CANADIAN EH and will feature a tour across Canada. You’ll be privy to all the latest in casual wear, athletic apparel and of course graduation dresses and tuxedos. This fashion show is one of many fund raising events held throughout the year to ensure that all our grade 12’s can attend the graduation ceremony and accompanying events. Over 23 local stores have welcomed the opportunity to share their fashion sense with the eager student models. The cloth-

ing and sport stores have once again given of their time and merchandise to make this fashion show truly successful. The fashion show is always a grad year highlight. Not only will the graduating class of 2015 be strutting the runway, a number of Isfeld teachers and their young children will also be participating. These students are a carefree, hard-working, enthusiastic group, well-supported by their helpful parents and school staff. Tickets for this fun filled evening are only $5 and are available at the school office (on Lerwick) or at the door on the night of the event. So come early to get a good seat. The doors open at 6:00 pm and the adventure begins at 7:00 pm.

30 www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.COURTENAY, BC. NOVEMBER 7, 2014

‘Old Wine in New Bottles’ written by local playwright set for two shows Evergreen Club’s ‘Second Stage Players’ bring life to a frolic of fun and silliness about four bag ladies The drama group, ‘Second Stage Players’ from the Evergreen Club is having a great time rehearsing Old Wine in New Bottles. They are looking forward to sharing their enjoyment with Comox Valley audiences. Written by Betty Annand, a local author and playwright, it is the story of four bag ladies (played by Rose Jacobson, Ruth Hay, Judy Shorter and Bernice Blonarwitz) that pool their meager savings in order to doll one of them up to catch a rich guy. What happens next is a fantastic frolic of fun and silliness which will keep audiences laughing long after seeing the show. “I am amazed at the enthusiasm and energy they generate when they are asked to perform,” says director, Bill Walton. “Most have a real natural acting ability, too.” To add to the enter-

I am amazed at the enthusiasm and energy they generate when they are asked to perform. Most have a real natural acting ability, too..” BILL WALTON Director

tainment, Annand has included a romantic town drunk and French chef (both played by Ken MacLeod) and some new words to old songs. Choreography is provided by the popular Comox Valley dance teacher, Danette Bell, with accompanying music provided by Donna Bews and Patricia Cottingham. The show has many elements of romance, compassion and a few surprises. Old Wine in New Bottles will be performed at the Florence Filberg Centre in the Conference Hall in Courtenay on Wednesday November 12th.

The ‘Second Stage Players’. They’ve been busy rehearsing Old Wine in New Bottles. There will be only two shows, a matinee performance at 2.00pm (doors open at 1:00 PM) and an evening performance at 7pm (doors open at 6:30 PM). Tickets are only $10 each. FMI call the Courtenay Recreation’s Filberg office 250-338-1000.

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.NOVEMBER 7, 2014

Don’t get off track with Loose Gravel There will be a load of Loose Gravel on the bandstand, 7 p.m. this Saturday, at Zocalo’s Cafe in downtown Courtenay. This band has been surprising jazz audiences and themselves by staying together for several years without the harmonic glue of a chording instrument. Loose Gravel has adopted the tradition started essentially by jazz sax great Gerry Mulligan in 1952 and 53, when the piano was removed from where he was playing in Hollywood. That band featured beside Mulligan, a young trumpeter named Chet Baker. Already Loose Gravel has been together longer than Mulligan’s band and expects to ultimately overtake the Rolling Stones for band longevity. The lack of an instrument chording through a tune allows individual band

members a wide harmonic freedom, fully exploited by Tony Morison on flute and saxophones, and Jay Havelaar on trumpet. Both players bring a wealth of experience and creativity to the role.Underpinning, and sometimes undermining, it all is bassist James Lithgow and Oscar Robles on drums and percussion. Previous bandstand hijinks have included “near” chords on the bass and multiple tone layers on the drums. No actual chords were hurt in the process but egos were bruised. “Sometimes I’ll think I hear a chord when we’re playing something by Monk or Ellington”, says reeds man Morrison, “but it’s the lost chord.” If that chord is found please return it to Loose Gravel, Zocalo’s Cafe, 5th and Cliffe, 7 p.m. Saturday November 8.

Animated family film at the Sid Theatre Sunday Balto is based on a true story about an outcast canine The Sid Williams Theatre Society’s family film series returns with Balto on Sunday November 9 at 2:00pm. A dazzling, animated adventure about one of the most courageous canines of all time! This film, originally released in 1995, is full of courage and carries a powerful message of acceptance. While most of the film is animated, it features live action prologue and epilogue. Based on a true story, Balto will touch your heart. Part husky, part wolf, Balto doesn’t know where he belongs. He’s outcast in Alaska, except for his true friends - Boris, the Russian snow goose: polar bear cubs Muk and Luk; and the beautiful husky, Jenna. Even though he’s different, all of Balto’s friends recognize what he still can’t see himself: his noble spirit. One day, a serious diphtheria epidemic spreads fast among the children of

Nome. When a fierce blizzard closes off all routes of transport, there’s no way to obtain lifesaving medicine...unless a team of sled dogs can race six-hundred miles through the blinding Arctic storm and bring back anti-toxin. But when the dogs get lost in the fro-

zen wilderness, only Balto can rescue the team and save the children. Admission is pay what you can by donation. There will be popcorn and prizes! Doors open at 1pm and the film begins at 2pm. Generously sponsored by The Financial Team of

Nicole Deters & Associates, these family films are fundraising events for the Sid Williams Theatre Society. The Sid was a state-ofthe-art movie house when it opened 79 years ago, then known as the Bickle Theatre.

Two nights of music at The Little Red Church On Friday November 7th, and Saturday November 8th, Martian Sound and The Cave Recording Studio, present the Community Spirit Concert Series at The Little Red Church, located at 2182 Comox Avenue, in Comox. This is an excellent and rare opportunity to come and listen to some incredible performers visiting the Comox Valley, as well as some of the valley’s own finest musicians. This is

an all ages event so gather your friends and family and come on down and raise some community spirit! Friday night’s line-up features the ubiquitous Blaine Dunaway, (www. blainedunaway.com/) on violin, chincello, trumpet, and other assorted musicalia, always bringing an inspirational and magical touch to the music. Anela Kahiamoe, (facebook.com/ kahiamoe) will treat the audience with his compelling

mix of traditional and original songs performed with a sincerity and warmth that draws you into his experiences playing across musical cultures. Tracy Riley, (tracyrileymusic.com) is a multi-talented musician who plays acoustic guitar, harmonica, hand drums and bass. All three of these professional music artists have extensive musical resumes, and we are very fortunate to have them all on

the same night! Also appearing on Friday, is The Ralph Barrat Group, sure to bring some excellent jazz stylings. Iain Cameron and Chris Lewis, with Spiral Sun, will offer an eclectic mix of soundscapes. Saturday’s line-up features Des Larson, (deslarson.com/). Pop vocals with a west coast edge. Annie Becker, (anniebeckermusic.bandcamp.com/) Urban Hippie, Soul-Pop Song-

stress, Vaudevillian Diva. This is a great chance to see both of these amazing artists on the same night! Also appearing on Saturday, is Broke N Merry, (facebook.com/pages/ Broke-N-Merry/) a band comprised of seasoned buskers, itchy footed wanderers, pranksters and merry makers. The Moon Band, (www.elevatethearts. com/the-festival-2014/performers/) This eclectic duo is like taking a step back in

time. Topping off this fabulous weekend of entertainment will be Martian, the brainchild of Tyrell, from Martian Sound and The Cave Recording Studio. Tickets are $20 for a weekend pass at Bop City Records or, $10 Fri / $15 Sat, at the door. Doors open at 7 p.m. -12 p.m. Catering for the event will be provided by Greenhaven Farms (greenhavenfarm. ca/)

SALESPERSON OF THE MONTH His commitment to top-notch customer service, combined with his advanced product knowledge skills, places him in the top tier of his profession. Gary would like to thank his customers for making July such an outstanding month.

Gary Kremsater

General Manager Rod McLean, is pleased to announce that Gary Kremsater has been named Top Salesperson for the Month of July.

2145 Cliffe Ave. Courtenay 250-334-2425 www.brianmclean.ca

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.COURTENAY, BC. NOVEMBER 7, 2014

It’s Shoe Box Time again: You can be a difference maker Comox Pentecostal Church once again collecting filled shoeboxes for children

Make a child happy this Christmas. Just fill a shoebox with needed items and toys

‘Everybody Deserves A Smile’ starting Christmas campaign The non-profit society known as EDAS (Everybody Deserves A Smile), now in its eleventh year of operation, will begin packaging bags of personal items for the homeless on 11 and 12 December. Students at Ecole Puntledge Park Elementary School will make up the bulk of the army of volunteers needed to create more than 650 package that will be delivered to communities across Vancouver Island and to the needy on East Hastings in Vancouver. Chantal Stefan, founder of EDAS and a teacher in our community, is asking for donations of new toques, mittens, scarves, warm socks, toothbrushes, toothpaste and other personal hygiene items. Donations of cash or cheques made out to EDAS will also be welcome so that organizers can buy items for the bags. Do-

nation drop boxes can be found at Ecole Puntledge Park Elementary School, Zocalo Café and Gallery in Courtenay, RE/ MAX Courtenay, Comox Community Centre, Seeds Food Market Cumberland and First Credit Union Cumberland. Questions may be directed to Chantal Stefan at: 250-792-0804 and Puntledge Principal Kevin Reimer at: Kevin.Reimer@sd71.bc.ca

Hamper Sponsors Needed With Christmas coming, you and your family, group or business can help by sponsoring a family in need of a Christmas hamper. For information on the Christmas Hamper program, please call 250.338.6200

Help us provide a Christmas to someone this year.

The Comox Valley is once again excited to help bring joy and hope into the lives of thousands of hurting children around the world through gift-filled shoeboxes. Last year generous people from around the Comox Valley prepared and gave over 1500 shoe-boxes all in partnership with Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse now entering their 22nd season. What’s amazing is that over 100 million shoeboxes have been given during this time. In 2013, Canadians donated more than 664,000 Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes for hurting children around the world. We are pleased to announce that our 2014 shoebox campaign is now underway focusing on getting the word out to our community, to individuals, businesses, schools, churches and packing physical shoeboxes. Comox Pentecostal Church once again is the Local Collection Center where shoe boxes can be dropped off during the week of November 17th 23rd. Each gift-filled shoebox should contain a wellbalanced variety of school supplies, toys, hygiene products, and a personal note and photo if you wish. The requested $7 donation for each shoebox is used to

help cover the cost of international shipping and other project-related costs. This year 2014 shoeboxes will be distributed in Uruguay, El Salvador, Guatemala, Sierra Leone, Guinea Bissau, Venezuela, Equatorial Guinea, Costa Rica, Guinea, Haiti, Nicaragua, Chile (including Easter Island), and Senegal (listed destination countries are subject to change). For more information, pick up empty shoeboxes, promotional material please contact our local coordinator Faye Schellenberg who along with her team of Karen Beitel, May Lortie and Joanne McEwan will be happy to assist you in any way. 250.334.9678 or 250.339.4536 or www. samaritanspurse.ca F i n a l l y, O p e r a t i o n Christmas Child shoeboxes open doors for Samaritan’s Purse to provide children, families, and communities with access to clean water, food, clothing, shelter, medical assistance and more. Shoeboxes from Operation Christmas Child transcend all barriers - language, culture, geography, and politics - to give joy and hope to hurting children around the world. You can be a difference maker by getting involved and helping spread the word that it’s Shoebox Time in the Comox Valley. Thank you again for your generosity and support.

Check out these great Therapeutic fundraisers The 2014-2015 riding season is well underway with an enthusiastic start at Therapeutic Riding, and the CVTRS fundraising campaigns are also gearing up. This year we have been invited to join The Charles Dickens Craft Faire on Saturday November 8th 10-5 and Sunday November 9th 10-4, downstairs at The Florence Filberg Centre. This fair will kickoff our fundraising season and help us to launch three exciting events. The first will be our 3rd annual ‘Hay for Horses’ stocking stuffer campaign, which is a very popular fundraiser for CVTRS. Last year the ‘Hay for Horses’ event secured over 1,000 bales of hay for our herd. Secondly, we are very excited to launch a brand new fundraiser, original Art Cards, featuring ‘The Horses of Therapeutic Riding’. These cards will be blank so that they can be used for any occasion. The horses are featured in their natural outdoor surroundings and each photo has been professionally produced by photographers Bill Jorgensen www.billjorgensen.zenfolio.com and Peter Sinclair www.prsimages.zenfolio.com The cards will be available to the public at the Charles Dickens Craft Faire and all year long at CVTRS. The third event is a raffle. We will be selling raffle tickets for 2 wonderful baskets: We hope you will join us at the Charles Dickens Craft Faire, and visit us at our CVTRS booth. FMI (250) 338-1968 or visit our web page www. cvtrs.com.

TRUSTEE FORUM ~All Welcome!~ Monday, Nov 10th @ Best Western (1590 Cliffe Ave) From 6:30-8:30pm

Get to know your Trustee Candidates & ask questions… Brought to you by the Comox District Teachers’ Association, CUPE 439 & DPAC

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.NOVEMBER 7, 2014

Britt Hanson (left) from KidSport Comox Valley had the pleasure of giving away a bike with help from Craig Harris (right) from Simon’s Cycles. The lucky recipient, Caleigh O’Blenis (middle), is a grade five student at Airport Elementary. The annual KidSport cross country run and bike draw happened Wednesday October 15th, 2014 at Huband Park Elementary with over three hundred students participating and helping spread the word about KidSport in the Comox Valley. KidSport helps children “get in the game” by removing financial barriers to organized sport. For more information or to apply for KidSport, please visit www.kidsportcomox. ca.

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Beautiful Downtown Courtenay

$POWFOJFOU DSVJTJOH GSPN 7BODPVWFS Dave Frinton co-founder / President CruisePlus

Cruise in style aboard Holland America

cruise that requires only one way of flying or none at all is appealing to most of us. With Vancouver being a big port city for Alaska cruising, we are lucky to have many spring and fall options, plus of course the 7 or 14 day roundtrip Alaska choices from early May until the end of September. There are advantages for booking ahead, especially if you’re planning a special family or group getaway. Many Holland America ships port in San Diego after their Panama Canal, South Pacific, South American or Mexican itinerary before heading up the coast – and for the most part, the American clients get off leaving beds open for the last leg to Vancouver. We package a number of Coastal cruises with Las Vegas, San Diego, or a combo of both plus the 3-4 night cruise. These are exceptional value. As example, we have a 9 night package on April 22nd that includes air to Las Vegas, 3 nights at a 4 star Vegas hotel, air from Vegas to San Diego (which is a lot better than a 7 hour bus ride), 2 nights in a deluxe San Diego hotel, 4 nights in a high category balcony stateroom aboard the ms Westerdam, a $100 per stateroom onboard credit and all taxes for $1399 CAD pp. We’ve got a number of less expensive 6 and 7 night packages starting at less than $1000 all in. There are 4 ships cruising from Fort Lauderdale to Vancouver in the spring and we have extra value

packages for all of them – including the ms Noordam April 19th package for 20 nights. Air from Vancouver to Fort Lauderdale, 1 night 4 star hotel (ask about extending your time in Florida), the 19 night cruise in a mid-category balcony stateroom, a $100 per stateroom onboard credit and all taxes for $3899 CAD pp. If you are happy with an inside or oceanview stateroom, the ms Zaandam and ms Amsterdam are quite a bit less. Our Auckland and Sydney to Vancouver April sailings are selling well, as well as the Hawaii / Tahiti itinerary – all of which have much better value with our air, hotel and cruise packages. With holiday season approaching, why not give the gift of cruising? Whether you’d like to pick a sailing now, or would prefer a CruisePlus travel certificate to choose later, please call us at 250-390-0220 or toll free at 1-877-7222202 for more information on any itinerary. We just won our 8th consecutive Top 10 in Canada Ensemble award plus are the largest Canadian independent agency for Holland America. Our non-pressured ethical approach, with our non-commissioned team of travel professionals will offer you a better deal while maintaining exceptional service. For the first look at our deals, please remember to sign up for our emails at

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34 www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.COURTENAY, BC. NOVEMBER 7, 2014

Starring Campbell River native Nick Fontaine as Trekkie Monster and Bad Idea Bear!

Arts Club Theatre Company’s

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Zimbabwe’s greatest ambassadors, performing music inspired by the traditional song and dance of their native southern Africa. Trademark harmonies, intricate rhythms, and brilliant choreography are highlighted during their energetic performances.

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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

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.NOVEMBER 7, 2014

Fitness trainer Glenn Hascarl discusses NUSTEP capabilities with Kyra McHahon

HEALTH AND FITNESS

Comox Recreation ‘Steps up’ to help with rehabilitation Comox Recreation Director Mandy Johns and Lyne L’Heureux Coordinator of Rehabilitation Services for St Joseph’s Hospital are pleased to announce the addition of a recumbent “NUSTEP” to the Comox Community Centre’s Fitness Studio. NUSTEP’s will now be used by both St Joseph’s rehabilitation unit and the Comox Recreation Department to work with those patients recovering from injury, surgery or stroke. “The rehabilitation unit was overtaxed and we felt that we were in the position to offer another option to those that needed further rehab outside of St Joseph’s. “We also have the equipment that can offer a pro-

Karin Kratz tries out the Krank cycle gression in the journey towards healing in a very non-intimidating and inclusive atmosphere,” states

Johns. The NUSTEP offers stabilization gloves and lower extremities bracing accessories that can be added to offer extra support and ability. The seat swivels 180 degrees to allow easy access when transferring from a wheelchair or when using mobility aides such as a walker or crutches. The community centre also offers a second cardio/ strength option for those with limited lower body function with an upper body ergometer or “Krankcycle”. Both the Krankcycle and the NUSTEP may also be used very effectively by the mainstream population for challenging cardiovascular workouts.

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36 www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.COURTENAY, BC. NOVEMBER 7, 2014

SOCCER

U14 Riptide girls settle for 0-0 draw

Riptide U14 players (in blue) from front to back: Sofia Cecic, Sara McLennan and Sophie Denko push the ball forward into Juan de Fuca/Sooke’s end (Photo courtesy of Heidi Summers)

The Riptide U14 Girls travelled to Langford on November 1st to play the Juan de Fuca/Sooke team in the Westhills Stadium. Although they were coming off a big win the previous week, Riptide was unable to capture its first win on the road and had to settle for a 0-0 tie. Despite having about 70% of the possession and generating several scoring chances, the Riptide U14 Girls were unable to put the ball in the back of their opponent’s net. A couple of shots hit the cross bar and the Juan de Fuca/Sooke goalkeeper made multiple saves. Then, in the final minute of the game, a Riptide player was taken down inside the box from behind while on a breakaway. The Juan de Fuca player was ejected from the game with a red card and a penalty shot was awarded. But it was as if there was a Halloween hex on scoring this day, as the penalty shot sailed high and the game ended in a 0-0 draw. Riptide’s co-coaches Jim Stewart and Lisa Wigard were quick to console their disappointed players afterwards and found some positives to take away from this game. “We possessed the ball well in the middle of the field and although both our keepers played well, they really didn’t see much of the ball the entire game”, said Jim Stewart. “Unfortunately we were just unable to capitalize on multiple scoring chances but we’re not overly concerned about it as scoring hasn’t been a problem for us so far this season”, Stewart commented. “We will continue to work on our finishing in the attacking third but we also recognize that this was just ‘one of those games’. We will learn what we can from it

and then forget it.” A draw meant that the Riptide U14 Girls earned their first point on the road. Now the girls will be back hard at training this week, which, thanks to the team’s recent GOLD Level sponsor, Lacasse Construction, will begin indoors. The U14 Girls Riptide team is thrilled to announce and extend a gracious thank you to Lacasse Construction for joining our team as a GOLD Level sponsor. As the team develops, Riptide players will be encouraged to demonstrate the quality, honesty and devotion to the game that parallel Lacasse Construction’s own mission statement in their family based contracting business. It is wonderful to have a local company with an excellent reputation join our regional based U14 Girls Riptide soccer team, providing us with funds that will go directly to our indoor based training facility cost this winter. This will enable the Riptide Girls to train at a high level throughout the winter season and into 2015. On behalf of the U14 Riptide Girls soccer team, Coaches, Managers and players, we extend a big thank you to Lacasse Construction for investing in our team’s success. The Riptide U14 Girls play their upcoming home game against the Saanich Fusion. In their last matchup against the Fusion, the Riptide lost 2-1 in Victoria so the coaches are anticipating another close game in the rematch at home this Saturday. Game times and locations are updated Wednesdays on the team’s Facebook page which you can find at: h t t p s : / / w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / r i p tide2001girls

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NOTICE After 17 years Bill and I have decided to retire. We would like to thank all of our customers, old and new, over the years, who have made it possible for us to be in business for 17 years. It has been a pleasure getting to know you through the years and serving you. We would also like to thank all of our staff over this time for all of their hard work, loyalty and undying support for Bill and I and our family. We wish them the best that life has to offer. The new owners of Toscanos will be taking over January 1 2015, and we would like to wish them the best of luck and continued success on their new venture. Please redeem any outstanding gift certificates by December 31 2014. Thank you, Bill and Wendy Meade Life is short time to enjoy

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.NOVEMBER 7, 2014

38 www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.COURTENAY, BC. NOVEMBER 7, 2014

CARRIERS WANTED EARN $$$$$$$$

COURTENAY Rt. 7107 – Grieve to McPhee, 13th to 17th Rt. 8102 – Urquhart, Tull, 27th, Stewart COMOX Rt. 1109A – Highwood, Ascot, Beaconsfield, Buxton, Chantry CUMBERLAND Rt. 9110 – Primrose, Cumberland Road, Bevan, Wellington, Hope VALLEYVIEW Rt. 3109 – Thorpe, Valleyview, Mallard, Partridge Rt. 3135 – Hawk Dr., Whiskey Jack, Swallow No Collection Required Call COMOX VALLEY ECHO 250−334−4734 or drop by 407−D 5th Street, Courtenay

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.NOVEMBER 7, 2014

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• Purchase Security and Extended Warranty Insurance²

Apply in-store or at Target.ca/REDcard †

Offer applies to all new Target REDcard holders with applications received between October 20th – November 10th, 2014, inclusive. Subject to REDcard application approval, eligible new Target REDcard holders will receive a coupon entitling them upon redemption to one-time additional savings of 5% off their Target REDcard purchase at Target stores in Canada on eligible products, before taxes and after all applicable discounts. This 5% coupon discount is in addition to the standard 5% off purchases paid for with the REDcard. Offer excludes purchases at Target Mobile and Brunet-affiliated pharmacies in Quebec, prescriptions, certain pharmacist-dispensed items, video games and gaming systems, and all Apple and Bose products. Limit of one coupon per new Target REDcard holder. Standard coupon restrictions apply. Coupon valid between December 1st – December 31st, 2014 inclusive. *Subject to REDcard application approval, you will receive 5% off purchases paid for with your REDcard at Target stores in Canada, except on prescriptions and certain other pharmacist-dispensed items, purchases at Brunet-affiliated pharmacies in Québec, Target gift cards and Target prepaid cards, and where otherwise prohibited by law. 5% discount applies to eligible purchases minus any other discounts and the value of any promotional Target gift cards received in the transaction. Other restrictions apply. See program rules at Guest Service or Target.ca/REDcard for details. The Target Debit Card cannot be used at some independent businesses in Target stores, such as prescription purchases at the Target Pharmacy. REDcard: Target Debit Card (issued by Target Canada Co.) and Target RBC MasterCard (issued by Royal Bank of Canada). ® MasterCard is a registered trademark of MasterCard International Incorporated, used under license. ‡ Lion & Globe Design, Royal Bank and all other RBC marks are registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada, used under license. ¹ Subject to credit card application approval, you will earn $0.50 back for every $100.00 CAD in net purchases you make (including pre-authorized bill payments) when you use your Target RBC MasterCard to pay everywhere, except at Target. Conditions and restrictions apply. For complete terms, conditions and restrictions that apply to the Target GiftCard Rewards Program, please visit: www.rbc.com/target. ² Coverage underwritten by RBC General Insurance Company in the Province of Quebec and by RBC Insurance Company of Canada in the rest of Canada. All insurance is subject to limitations and conditions. You will receive a Certificate of Insurance with complete details regarding the insurance coverage on your Target RBC MasterCard.