Comox Valley Echo - December 12, 2014 by Comox Valley Echo

www.comoxvalleyecho.com

FRIDAY

HOLIDAY CASH ELIGIBLE OWNE RS RECEIVE UP TO $1500 IN HO LIDAY CASH

SIGN & DRIVE L SING ON ALL 201E5A s

COURTENAY, BRITISH COLUMBIA • December 12, 2014

PRICE: 57 CENTS PLUS GST

VOL. 20, NO. 99

COURTENAY HIT HARD.07

ARTS

NEWS

17. Enjoy the

16.Maple Pool

Nutcracker ballet by Tinkler Dance

hit hard by ﬂoods,

www.comoxvalleyecho.com

TUESDAY.COURTENAY, BC. DECEMBER 12, 2014

ECHO

NEWS Comox Valley Weather





Friday A mix of sun and cloud. High 8°C.

Saturday A mix of sun and cloud. Low 4°C. High 7°C.

Sunday Periods of rain. Low 5°C. High 7°C.

Monday Periods of rain. Low 3°C. High 5°C.

Tuesday Rain. Low 4°C. High 6°C.

Ian Doe Seniors Real Estate Specialist

250-897-5628 Website: iandoe.remax.ca Email: iandoe@remax.net

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

Police Blotter Comox Valley RCMP responded to the following incidents between Dec. 2 and 8:

WANTED

Business break-in

If you have any information about the whereabouts of either of these two people, call the Comox Valley RCMP Detachment at 338-1321, or Comox Valley Crimestoppers at 1-800-222TIPS (1-800-222-8477). You don’t have to give your name and you could be eligible for a cash reward.

On December 2nd the Comox Valley RCMP were called to a break, enter and theft at a business on the 1100 block of Cliffe avenue in Courtenay. Entry was gained by smashing a window and once inside the thief stole a small amount of cash. (2014-15283)

Home break-in Police attended a break, enter and theft at a residence on the 700 block of 7th street in Courtenay on December 2nd. A back bedroom window was smashed and the thief stole a camera and some cash. (201415249)

Jordan Ashley BODECHON

Curtis Elliot YOUNGMAN DOB: 1981-030-26 170 cms, 73 kgs, Brown hair, Blue eyes Warrant: Breach of undertaking Comox Valley file #201413456

DOB: 1994-06-03 170 cms, 73 kgs, Brown hair, Blue eyes Warrant: Breach of probation Comox Valley file# 201415263

Mischief at resort On December 3rd police took a report of a mischief that occurred at a building on the 1200 block of Alpine road at the Mount Washington resort. The caretaker reports finding three doors in the building had been jimmied open with possibly a crowbar. It appears that nothing was taken. (2014- 15337)

2230A Cliffe Ave., COURTENAY BC V9N 2L4

ter and theft was called into police on December 4th from a resident on the 500 block of 11th street in Courtenay. The only thing the resident could find stolen was a piggy bank full of change. (2014 - 15388)

Cumberland mischief

On December 4th the Comox Valley RCMP attended to a report of a break, enter and mischief to a building on 7th street and Dunsmuir avenue in Cumberland. The door to the building was pried open and once (Continued on page 3)

Business break-in Police attended a report of a break, enter and theft on December 4th at a business on the 900 block of Fitzgerald avenue. The culprit smashed a glass door to gain entry to the business and once inside stole some cash. (2014-15358)

11th st. break-in A residential break, en-

"Check out the Coastal Black Christmas Village with fun for the whole family, Friday, December 12th, 2014 - Sunday, December 14th, 2014 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Each ticket includes a $1 donation to Children's Health Vancouver Island"

Fettuccine with Prosciutto spinach, thyme & mushrooms in a goat cheese cream sauce drizzled with truffle oil

Spaghetti Alla Bolognese pasta in classic Italian style meat sauce with fresh herbs

www.comoxvalleycrimestoppers.bc.ca

$1099 Youth & Adults

DEC 12

DEC 18

Dec. 12 – Dec. 18 Cinema #4: “Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg” Metropolitan Opera - LIVE Saturday, December 13, 9:00 am (ends approx. 3:00 pm). Doors open at 8:30. Approx. 6 hours, 2 intermissions Cinema #1: “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” PG: Violence; frightening scenes. Pass restricted until January 7th Opens Wednesday, December 17. Wednesday & Thursday: 6:30 (9:15) & 9:45 (12:30) Cinema #1: “Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb” NYR Pass restricted until January 2nd . Sneak Peek: Thursday December 18th: 7:00 PM (8:50) Cinema #1: “Exodus: Gods & Kings 3D” PG Violence. Pass restricted until December 26th. Nightly: 7:30 (10:10) Saturday & Sunday Matinees: 3D 12:05 (2:45) & 2D 3:20 (6:00) Cinema #2: “St. Vincent” PG Coarse language; sexually suggestive scene . Friday to Wednesday: 6:50 (8:45) & 9:30 (11:25) Thursday, December 18: 9:30 (11:25). Saturday Matinees: 3:15 (5:10). Sunday Matinees: 12:25 (2:20) & 3:15 (5:10) Cinema #3: “Penguins of Madagascar 2D” G: No warning. Ends Tuesday, December 16. Friday to Tuesday: 2D 7:05 (8:50) Saturday & Sunday Matinees: 2D 3:05 (4:50) Cinema #3: “Penguins of Madagascar 3D” G: No warning. Ends Tuesday, December 16. Friday to Tuesday: 3D 9:20 (11:05) Saturday & Sunday Matinees: 3D 12:35 (2:20 Cinema #4: “Hunger Games: Mocking Jay Part 1” PG Violence. Nightly: 6:40 (8:55) & 9:25 (11:40). Saturday Matinees: 12:15 (2:30)

TV SCENE Now available every Friday at the following locations: • Thrifty’s Rexall

guide to Vancouve

r Island television

April 11 - 17,

2014

$1.00

Get jet-set

England Ave. & Ryan Rd

•

Jon Hamm stars in “Mad Men”

Story on page

Comox Mall

Box Office Hours for Dec. 5th – 11th. Nightly: 6:00 pm – 9:45 pm. Saturday & Sunday Matinee: 12:00 noon - 3:50 pm

•

Show Times Dec. 12 - Dec. 18, 2014 | Campbell River, Showcase

•

Exodus Gods and Kings 3D (PG) (No Passes) Nightly 7:30. Sat & Sun Matinees 12:40 Exodus Gods and Kings (PG) (No Passes) Sat & Sun Matinees 3:50 The Hunger Games: Mockingjay (PG) Nightly 6:50 & 9:30. Sat & Sun Matinees 12:50 & 3:30 The Penguins of Madagascar 3D (G) Nightly 9:15. Sat & Sun Matinees 1:00 The Penguins of Madagascar (G) Nightly 7:00. Sat & Sun Matinees 3:15 Birdman (14A) Nightly 7:05 & 9:45, NO 7:05 on Thur. Dec. 18th. Sat & Sun Matinees 1:05 & 3:45 Before I Go To Sleep (PG) Nightly 7:10 & 9:20. Sun Matinees 1:10 & 3:20 The Hobbit Battle of the Five Armies HFR 3D (PG) (No Passes) Nightly 6:30 & 9:45 Night at the Museum Secret of the Tomb (Not Yet Rated) (No Passes) Special Advance Screening Thursday Dec. 18th 7:00PM Die Meistersinger Von Nurnberg (MET Opera) Saturday Dec. 13th 9:00AM

Your number one

TVScene

Rexall

Courtenay

Gas ‘n Go Dyke Rd

• •

The first half of the final season drama appears of to be going bi-coas“Mad Men” takes flight April the ride to the 13th and fans are tal in season 7, Golden State. with Sterling Cooper in for a & Partners openinglong-haul, with the back end of the season not an L.A. office and slated to air until taking a good 2015 portion of the show’s main charact Moving? Budge e t Car & Truck Rentals / Budge t Self Storage need to pack has everything up or store your you belongings. Present this ad to receive 15% Budget Car & off your next purchase. Truck R001696369 Boxes, Tape, Bubble Wrap, Wardrobes, Packin 10Mattre x 28 ag g Paper, ss Covers, Dish Paks… Must present ad Call 1-888-368-7 to receive 15% 368 for inform discount. Can be used in Duncan, ation. Nanaimo,

SAVE 15%

Parksville, Port

Alberni, Courtenay , Campbell River,

Cumberland General eral Store Comox Valley Echo

Port Hardy. Cannot

be combined with

other specials or

Mail subscriptions available Contact the Comox Valley Echo 250-334-4734

discounts. Expires

12/31

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 12, 2014

NEW Year's

Platinum Starlight GALA

Tickets on Sale Now

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK: LUNCH & DINNER

Police Blotter (Continued from page 2) inside the culprit spray painted and threw articles around the interior. (201415390)

14th St. break-in A break, enter and theft occurred at a residence on the 400 block of 14th street in Courtenay on December 4th. It appears the culprit entered the residence via an unlocked bedroom window. Once inside the residence several pieces of jewellery were stolen. (2014-15398)

Vehicle vs. cyclist On December 6th police attended to a vehicle versus a bicycle collision at the intersection of Anderton road and Cooke Avenue in Comox. The investigation revealed that the cyclist had been hit by the vehicle while walking bike across Anderton road in the crosswalk. The driver was charged under the motor vehicle act. The cyclist sustained non-life

threatening injuries. (201415467)

Fitzgerald break-in A break and enter was reported to police on December 6th at a residence on the 1600 block of Fitzgerald Avenue in Courtenay. The thieves entered the residence after smashing a window in the front door. This investigation is continuing. (2014-15480)

Alarm scares thieves Police responded to an alarm at the Miracle Beach Clearing House located at 950 Comox Avenue in Courtenay on December 7th. It appeared that the suspects fled the area because of the alarm. Unknown if anything taken, but this investigation is continuing. (2014-15495)

Two vehicle crash On December 7th the Comox valley RCMP attended and two vehicle collision at the intersection of Ryan road East and Anderton road in Comox. The in-

Only

$40 per person

Just in time for Christmas GIFTCARDS!!!!

Available in ANY Amount.

ONLY: $49.95

vestigation revealed that one of the vehicles turned in front of the other that had the right of way on a Green light. The offending driver was found to have no drivers licence and had been consuming alcohol. The male driver was given a ticket and a 24 hour suspension. (2014-15510)

Attempted vehicle theft Police received a report, on December 8th, of an attempted theft of a vehicle while parked at a business , on the 400 block of Ryan road in Courtenay, on the week-end. The vehicles steering column was damaged and wires were exposed. (2014- A $2,000 DONATION FROM THE QUALICUM BAY LIONS CLUB to the Hospital Foundation will purchase a new recliner treatment chair for the cancer care unit at St. Joseph’s Hospital Pictured in 15530) the photo are Mike Gilker ; Jim George ; and George Stringer (President ); Lynn Dashkewytch - St. Joseph’s General Hospital Foundation Executive Director Stabbing after traffic incident On December 8th police were alerted to a man being stabbed after an altercation in a business parking Join The LINC Staff and volun- Coordinator. “Everybody leaves lot on the 100 block of Port Augusta road in Comox. The report was that a teers this Sunday, December 14th with a smile on their face; it is a spetraffic infraction had taken place and for a Free Turkey Dinner and Holi- cial night.” one of the drivers approached the day Celebration for youth 11-18 yrs. Special thanks to The Glacier other to get a picture of the licence There will be music, games, prizes Kings for volunteering to prepare plate; an altercation took place. Po- and of course a Turkey Dinner with and serve food, Thrifty Foods, lice are seeking to locate the driv- all the trimmings. The Centre will Grains, Siefferts Farm Market, Lush er of a newer Teal colored import be open 3-8 pm with dinner being Valley, Searles Shoes, Hot Chocomodel crew cab truck that has a mis- served around 5:30. Please note, the lates, Courtenay Recreational Assomatched Red or Rust colored canopy. skatepark will be closed during din- ciation, Anne (donation of lift passThis truck should stand out due to ner (5:30-6pm). es) and City of Courtenay staff who “Each year we hope to give a spe- continue to support, donate to and the mismatched colors. If you have information on this vehicle you are cial night to youth, especially youth sponsor this special event! asked to contact Cst. Shana Mac- who may not get a chance to celFor more information please call Quarrie at the Comox Valley RCMP ebrate over the holidays!” explains The LINC Youth Centre at 250-334Kristine Klupsas, Youth Services 8138. detachment at 250-338-1321.

Free turkey dinner Sunday for youth

Air-Fare F & 3 Nights ht

Accommodation Provided Draw Date January 15 2015 th

Full Contest Details Available Online

IslandsBestHomes.ca/LasVegas

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 12, 2014

New Patients Welcome DOWNTOWN COURTENAY

Could Duncan Avenue go Italian style? Talks start to discuss turning a portion of the street into a pedestrian-friendly ‘piazza’ BY DREW A. PENNER Echo Staff

Humans have been living in cities for 6,000 years. For most of that time cities developed in the same way ... Things have changed rapidly” ANDREW GOWER Imagine Coox Valley

It’s a conversation not a structed plan - between Fifth and Sixth. Let’s gather in the feedback that’s circling around in informal conversations” MEAGHAN CURSONS Elevate the Arts

About 20 local business owners, civic officials and area residents hunkered down in the bingo room at the Elks Hall to explore the possibility of turning a small part of downtown into a pedestrian-focused area. The collaborative meeting, held Dec. 4, engaged everyone involved in some serious blue sky thinking meant as a pre-planning session for a task force interested in closing Duncan Avenue to vehicles in the hopes of pumping more life into the downtown core. “The conversation right now that the task force is focused on is Duncan Avenue – it’s a conversa-

Tom Dishlevoy and Meaghan Cursons spoke about the possibility of making Duncan Avenue more pedestrian friendly Dec. 4. tion not a structured plan – between Fifth and Sixth” streets, said Elevate the Arts representative Meaghan Cursons, one

2015 Memberships

of the presenters, noting that all opinions are valid and there isn’t a one-sizeﬁts-all answer to the street closure question.

NOW AVAILABLE

“Let’s gather in the feedback that’s circling around in informal conversations.” Andrew Gower, of

Imagine Comox Valley, said there are already a series of City of Courtenay documents in place that encourage pedestrianfriendly spaces and downtown revitalization, adding the Downtown Courtenay Business Improvement Association has its own strategy for developing a vibrant core. He said he was hoping to plant some seeds that might bear fruit later on. “Humans have been living in cities for 6,000 years,” he said. “For most of that time cities developed in the same way, because the way people traveled and moved and lived and built were the same … Things have changed rapidly.” (Continued on page 5)

Exercise Studio

Join now and enjoy member benefits through March 31, 2016!

JANUARY 5 - JUNE 13, 2015

JOIN MIA

JANUARY 5 – FEBRUARY 19, 2015 1

R E T N I W S S A P F L O G

INCLUDES

3 rounds of golf PLUS

3 small buckets of range balls

Valid for Winter Green Fees Nov 1/14 - Mar 31/15

SAVE

Hatha Yoga - M/W 9:15am Gentle Yoga - M/W 11am Posture 101 - M/W 4:30pm Full Body Fitness - M/W 5:30pm Transformation Program - M/W 6:30pm Sat. 9am Happy Back Level 2 - M/W 7:30pm Hip/Knee Level 2 T/TH 9am Hip/Knee Level 1 - T/TH 10am Happy Back Level 1 - T/TH 11am Adaptive Fitness - T/TH 12pm Ab/Stretch - TH 4:30pm MELT - T 4:30pm Advanced Core Conditioning - T/TH 5:30pm Full Body Fitness - T/TH 6:30pm Pilates Mat Level 1 & 2 - T/TH 7:30pm

$45 OFF Regular Rate

Call our golf shop at 250-703-5031 or go to www.crownisle.com for details.

Contact

if you are ready for a major change to your health, weight and fitness then this is the program for you!

#5-821 Shamrock Place • Comox • medfitmia@gmail.com 399 Clubhouse Dr., Courtenay

250-703-5000

Visit: www.miascorestudio.ca for schedule details or to register

(space is limited)

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 12, 2014

Duncan Ave. ‘piazza’

Texas Hold ‘Em charity poker tournament

(Continued from page 4) The town plaza or central square is an important feature of older cities that might be worth imitating, he said. Tom Dishlevoy, of Thomas Dishlevoy Architecture Ltd., went through a presentation of some of the key elements that could inform a Courtenay solution of a dramatic change to Duncan Avenue, zeroing in on speciﬁc examples within Italy. He highlighted Campo de’ Fiori in Rome which channels the energy of the Middle Ages-era meadow situation on the location, situated southeast of the Palazzo della Cancelleria. Of course he wasn’t referring to the public hangings that once took place there, but rather the modern approach to invigorating the site. “This amazing square – the Campo de’ Fiori – is a parking lot most of the day, most of the week,” he said. “But it’s programmed so well that it transforms itself wonderfully.” Participants were invited to give positive or negative examples of street closures across Canada

Strathcona Sunrise Rotary sponsors another in the series this Saturday

Participants came up with all sorts of great feedback during the discussion about the future of Duncan Avenue at the Elks Hall. and around the world. The suggestions touched on not just the most famous examples of public squares in major European cities, but referred to cases in a wide variety of cases that included smaller communities. While Elevate the Arts producer, Bobby Herron, who has worked with both Elevate the Arts and the Comox Valley Community Arts Council pointed to Prague as a good example of quality use of car-free public space, Sandra Hamilton pointed to a unique arrangement set up in Copacabana Beach on a

regular basis to manage even high volumes of people. Urban spaces in Oregon and Maryland were singled out as providing lessons of how not to do street closures, although several people pointed directly to Portland as a city that got it right. During an analysis of opportunities and threats surrounding a potential Duncan Avenue closure a variety of issues emerged. While the street in front of the art gallery and the Hub Café is quite wide, shutting the street to vehicles and removing parking could hurt local busi-

ness traffic or encourage more vagrants to congregate, some ventured. Others suggested a pedestrian route could actually encourage more people to shop downtown Courtenay or it could extend the hours the street is alive with people. Other elements that arose included issues around ownership and absentee landlords, and how the street would look when empty. Attendees broke off into several work groups to jot ideas down on paper, feedback that will be handed over to the DCBIA.

Calling all poker players. The Rotary Club of Strathcona Sunrise is organizing a Texas Hold ‘Em Charity Poker Tournament in support of our local and international projects. The third event in this series will take place on December 13 in the Legion building on Cliffe Avenue in Courtenay. The doors will open at 10:30am, pre-registration will occur from 10:3011:30am and the tournament will start at 11:45am. For the $50 buy-in, you will have a chance to win up to $1,000 cash. There will be a maximum of 100 players. This is a great opportunity to enjoy yourself while supporting Rotary’s projects. The Rotary Club of Strathcona Sunrise has been involved with many

local projects including renovations at Camp Gilwell Scout Camp, installation of several playgrounds and construction of public trails. Support has also been provided to St. Joseph’s Hospital, Comox Valley Hospice Society, Y.A.N.A, L’Arche Comox Valley and school bursaries. Some our international projects include funding for prosthetics and wheelchairs in India, organic farming in Assam, India, the construction of school toilet facilities and teachers’ accommodation in Mexico and Rotary International’s global effort to eradicate polio. For more information about the Rotary Club of Strathcona Sunrise and Rotary International, please go to our website www.rotarystrathconasunrise.org.

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

DJ Kevin D

Student Night Every Thursday 10pm to Close Thurs & Sun IVE E ight! TH R/L NNE LROOMserved d Y WI UNG midn I D & BAL o Re hase RNE ALK LOpagne at U Y O T E R N rc OL T E CH ham t 7pm E PA N TH:30pm - ple) is pu S PO IN TH s of c tarts a RAD AS I MONPRIZES nd a glasnament s QUEE IMPAL. Dinner 78-10 peo E S D A M TH 6pm able ( ur sa AT GREdes appie 6pm. To WITHs open ats entire t at lu Door g, unles in seat

p $55

Inc open s Door

$20

p/p

ANT GE OUN AUR zz. ZZ L LY RESTith live ja A J w ELS TER er ANGHE WES own dinn IN Turse sit-d 6pm

ss Y a glaa AWA and me T s H ie u IG st pp E HE N ANO des a st co CE T G C inclu for be DANHE FLYINre 9pm - t! Prizes IN T ver befo midnigh

$20

4 co open a s Door

0 p/p

t o no c pagne a cham

p/p

Three Olives Triple Shot Espresso Flavoured Vodka 750ml

Dukes Cider 6 pack cans

9 +dep

Red to Racer Photo irst prize Contest -$1000 first - dress up like Red Racer beer logo and submit your best photo to the Flying Canoe Liquor Store (see store for details and see Bonnie & Clyde's on 5th St. for costume ideas)

Tickets available at the front desk!

Dare to try our TERMINATOR BURGER! 10 oz of beef (2 patties), swiss & cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, mayo, fries and cactus cut chips - it's massive!

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 12, 2014

Thinking Christmas Dinner? Think Crown Isle...

BUFFET OR PLATED

399 Clubhouse Dr, Courtenay, BC | www.CrownIsle.com

CALL 250-703-5000 for Reservations

Molly Burton hopes to help others affected by drinking and driving BY KATIE DEROSA Victoria Times Colonist More than a year after she was hit by a drunk driver on Comox Road and left for dead, Molly Burton and her mother are working toward starting a Mothers Against Drunk Drivers chapter, the ﬁrst on the Island, in the Comox Valley. Burton also wants to become a victim-support

worker so she can help others affected by drinking and driving. “That seems like a really good way helping other people heal,” she said. “It would help me heal as well.” Burton, 26, is still undergoing rehabilitation to regain the use of her right leg, which needed reconstructive surgery to repair shattered bone and torn ﬂesh. She can walk short

Molly Burton, 26, is still undergoing rehabilitation after being and struck by a car and left for dead in September 2013. Photograph By ADRIAN LAM, Times Colonist distances with a cane, but mostly she’s conﬁned to a wheelchair and still grappling with intense pain. “I am healing but it’s very slow. It’s a long journey and it’s quite frustrating at times,” Burton said. Burton was walking

home from a movie along Comox Road just before midnight on Sept. 11, 2013, when she was struck by a car and thrown into a thick tangle of blackberry bushes. Her right arm and right leg shattered, Burton lay there for four hours, slipping in and out of consciousness and screaming for help. She was ﬁnally rescued thanks to a relentless search by Brody Fullerton, who heard her cries from his boat. To get the MADD chapter up and running, Burton is working closely with Norm Prince, a volunteer with the organization for the past 12 years. Prince, who lives in Royston, was at the sentencing for the teen who hit Burton and ﬂed the scene, and provided support and advocacy for the family. Prince said there are are no MADD chapters on Vancouver Island but there are community leaders in Victoria and Port Hardy. Burton is holding information sessions in the hopes of assembling a

team of board members and volunteers in the Comox Valley area. She’s also looking at doing public speaking at high schools about the consequences of drinking and driving. Burton hopes to take MADD’s victim-support course next year. “All this awful stuff [that happened to me], I need to put it somewhere and have some good come from it,” Burton said. On Sept. 5, the 17-yearold driver, who cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, was sentenced to three months of house arrest, a nine-month curfew and a year of probation as part of a 24-month intensive support and supervision order. The order includes a ﬁve-year driving prohibition and a requirement to perform 200 hours of community service within a year. As part of a plea deal, charges of impaired driving and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle were stayed.

Burton and her family were unhappy with the sentence and wanted the teen to serve jail time. The Crown prosecutor sought 41/2 months of jail time, saying the crime was a violent act and that the teen has a history of police complaints and a long list of driving offences. Burton would like to see more severe penalties for drinking and driving, even though B.C. has some of the toughest impaireddriving legislation in Canada. She says she welcomes the sight of police roadblocks across the Island and hopes they are successful in taking impaired drivers off the road. Burton said especially around the holiday season, she wants to spread the message that if you drink, have a plan to get home that doesn’t involve driving. “Don’t get behind the wheel. It’s not worth the risk. It’s not just yourself you’re putting in danger, it’s everyone else on the road.”

The Magic ¡ £¤ £ is Here!

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 12, 2014

COURTENAY FLOODS

Heavy rainfall hits city hard Widespread flooding brings ‘state of emergency’ call BY MICHAEL BRIONES Echo Staff Courtenay was battered by heavy rainfall for three days that led to serious widespread flooding in the city and outlying areas. On Tuesday and Wednesday, the water in the Puntledge River, Courtenay River and Tsolum River rose to alarming levels and crested over some parts of the flood banks. Flooding increased on the eastside of Courtenay and businesses in the area were told to evacuate their premises on Wednesday afternoon.

Later in the day, the city put out an evacuation “alert” to people living near the river and lowlying areas because of the potential danger to life and health. There was concern the river was going to fully breach the flood banks. City emergency crews, Courtenay firefighters, the Comox Valley RCMP and the Comox Valley Ground Search and Rescue were out in force scouring and securing the area. A police helicopter was also deployed in the afternoon to search for anyone that might need help. The Fifth Street Bridge

Big muddy. The Fifth Street bridge was closed down early Tuesday morning and remained closed Wednesday as the Courtenay River overflowed its banks into Lewis Park was kept closed leaving only the 17th Street bridge as the only way to get to both sides of the city, although the Condensory Bridge stayed open for those who know it’s there as a lengthy detour. With some of the roads leading up to the

ARRANGE TO PRE-ARRANGE AT TODAY’S PRICES Comox Valley Funeral Home

CREMATION AND RECEPTION CENTRE Where you’ll be offered the widest variety of options possible, regardless of what type of arrangements you choose.

17th Street bridge closed, the traffic situation turned chaotic and it moved at a snail’s pace. Earlier in the week Mayor Larry Jangula declared a state of emergency in the city, which remained in effect until the storm passed.

An emergency and operations centre was set up at city hall. Staff worked closely with Emergency Management BC, and BC Hydro, which had done its best to manage the water levels at the dam and reservoir. Jangula said they

took this action as a safety precaution. It provided authorities the ability to exercise emergency powers, which could include travel prohibitions or evacuations as well as gain provincial assistance. (Continued on page 8)

and Comox Valley Regional District

FREE FAMILY SWIM & SKATE

CALL US DIRECT 250-334-0707 or visit us at our convenient location at

1101 Ryan Road Courtenay

December 31, 2014 5:00pm to 8:00pm CVRD’s Sports Centre 3001 Vanier Drive, Courtenay

Locally owned and operated by Kent and Rosemarie Roduck

Since 1993, Comox Valley’s Best Value in Funeral and Cremation Services

Donations to the COMOX VALLEY FOOD BANK will be gratefully accepted

Win

a Tim Mount Hortons ain See in store fo Bike! r detail s

Tel:250-334-9622 www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/rec Follow comoxvalleyrd

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 12, 2014 (Continued from page 7) The east side of the city bore the brunt of the deluge as the Courtenay River rose and overflowed into nearby areas. Some arterial roads, bridges, trails and community facilities like the Lewis Centre were kept closed. Lewis Park turned into a lake as it absorbed the overflowing water from the Courtenay River, flooding the tennis courts, softball fields and also the parking lot. The LINC Centre took in a lot of water as well as nearby businesses, which had to do some sand bagging. There was one resident on Stephan Road, near Dove Creek just outside of Courtenay, that got stranded when water streamed into the road and prevented her from leaving. Comox Valley Ground Search and Rescue, which had been on

standby since the state of emergency was declared, was called in to rescue her and her two cats. Jangula is grateful that nobody has been hurt so far. However, he said people should never underestimate the wrath of Mother Nature. “The lesson is we always have to be alert and aware that we could have flooding situations,” said Jangula. “We don’t control nature. It does what it’s going to do. We can do all the mitigating things we can but some of these issues will likely still happen.” Highway 19A from Parksville to Courtenay became hazardous because of water pooling that occurred in some areas. The highway had to be shut down as well. According to BC Hydro spokesperson Stephen Watson, the region got “walloped with rain.” (Continued on page 9)

Josh Fisher, 28, and Tanya Odarich, 32, work together to try to save a friend’s house from flooding, top, while a rainbow came out after the first deluge on Tuesday afternoon

THANK YOU for YOUR SUPPORT

Our Elves have neen working Hard ALL Year to improve Your shopping Experience Pablo

Happy Holidays from all of us at

Thank You Comox Valley for Your Continual Patronage. We wish You a festive Holiday Season and All the BEST in the NEW YEAR.

THANK YOU!

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 12, 2014

www.ivesbur gerlaw.com

• Corporate & Commercial Law • Civil Litigation • Real Estate & Property Development • Divorce & Family Law • ICBC and Personal Injury Claims • Wills & Estates

Wills. Estates. ICBC Claims

The partners and staff at Ives Burger wish you all the best of the holiday season! 505-5th Street, Courtenay |

250-334-2416

| Fax: 250-334-3198

Washable Ladies fabric Slippers with Velcro closure. Black, Navy, Brown print or Black print sizes 5-11 $40

Aerial shot by City of Courtenay (courtesy RCMP Helicopter) shows the Lewis Centre and park area Tuesday afternoon

“Searle’s for that hard foot to fit”

Open Mon to Sat 9:30 - 5:30 • Fri Till 9pm Serving the Comox Valley for over 80 years 250 - 5th Street, Downtown Courtenay 250-334-3178

City puts residents on evacuation ‘alert’ (Continued from page 8) The Puntledge River watershed took in massive amounts of rain resulting in subsequent run-off into the Comox Lake reservoir and downstream river systems. The Tsolum River hit a high of 282 m3/s, which is a new record and the Browns River reached a high of about 250 m3/s. For over 48 hours from Monday to Wednesday, about 250mm of rain hit

above the Comox Lake reservoir. The daily volume of water inflows into the reservoir of 520 m3/s on Tuesday hit a 50-year return period. The highest on BC Hydro’s record for a daily inflow average was 522 m3/s, so it was close. BC Hydro proactively lowered the reservoir in advance of this storm. With the very high water flows downstream, as per normal protocol, BC Hydro decreased the wa-

ter release from the dam. A water survey gauge at the 5th Street Bridge reached a maximum of 4.61m at 8:30 a.m. around the peak tide on Tuesday. As the tide moved out, BC Hydro increased water discharges from the dam to maximum to move water out of the reservoir. The highest level the Comox Lake Reservoir has reached in some 50 years of record is around 136.2 m. That level was hit twice, including the flood event in

January 2010. BC Hydro forecasts the reservoir potentially hitting 136.7 m by end of day Thursday. With the high reservoir level, BC Hydro’s downstream operational flexibility continues to diminish during high tides. The Comox dam is made of concrete and founded on bedrock, and is safe and being well managed under the flood risk management conditions. It is designed for these events.

JUST IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS Fresh Free Range Turkeys 10 - 30 lbs Hams Bone-in or Boneless Fresh from our Smokehouse

ORDER TODAY FOR PICK-UP

Great Gift Ideas Heading to a party? Colourful Poinsettia & Dish Gardens make great hostess gifts!

Wine To Go & Beer Buddies Cozy Fleece Lined Leggings Beautiful Scarves Mon - Wed, Sat 8:30-5:00 Thu-Fri 8:30-7:00 Sunday 9:30 - 5:00

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 12, 2014

Courtenay CIBC Branches help kid champion Max Doberstein

Pictures with Santa at St. John the Divine Santa and Mrs. Claus will be appearing at St. John the Divine Anglican Church on Saturday, December 13th. All children are welcome to come and get their picture taken with jolly St. Nick between 1 and 2 pm. Pictures are free, all you need to do is provide your email address so we can send it to you. Donation to the CV Food Bank are welcome, but not necessary.

rt Have a Hea

On December 12 and December 19, the Crown Isle and Downtown branches of the CIBC in Courtenay are inviting everyone to drop by, celebrate the season and help local boy Max Doberstein raise funds for Variety - The Children’s Charity. Max is participating in Variety’s Kid Champions program, inspiring others in the community to support him in his efforts to help raise funds that help more children who have special needs. Max has cerebral palsy and for many years required intense medication to manage pain and control seizures. Variety helped him and his family

by providing funding for life-saving medications, and life-changing mobility and communication devices. Max recently had surgery to ﬁt him with a specialized medication pump, and his transformation has been remarkable. He is off oral medications completely, has more energy and spirit, and is communicating in full sentences. And for the ﬁfth year in a row Max is eager to do what he can to give back to the charity that helped him. “We are proud to help Max fundraise for Variety as he is a great inspiration to us all”, says Sophie Humphries, Financial

Service Associate at CIBC Imperial Service. “He is always full of spark and a joy to be around. Courtenay CIBC has been active in helping him reach his fundraising goals for many years and would like to continue the tradition. “It is a great cause. We wish the best to Max and his family and are proud to be part of it.” Max will make personal appearances on December 12 at the Crown Isle Branch and December 19 at the Downtown Branch, 1-4 pm both days Mayor Larry Jangula is thrilled to be joining Max on December 19 to once again lend his support.

This Holiday Season Give

the

Directed by Gloria Herauf

at the

Florence Filberg Centre, Courtenay

Gift of Recreation

Skate Passes Swim Passes

Feb. 19, 20, 21, 2015

5:30 pm doors open • 6:30 pm dinner • 7:30 pm musical

$50 Thursday • $55 Friday or Saturday

Tickets: Blue Heron Books & Benjamin Moore House of Color Before Jan 24th: Early Bird Table of 8 Discounts: • Thursday $350 • Friday/Saturday $385

For more info: 250-702-7057 Rotary Club of Strathcona Sunrise Community Projects L’Arche Comox Valley Comox United Church Supporting Community Programs

Cumberland

This holiday season give the gift of recreation. Certiﬁcates are available in all denominations and make great eco-friendly gifts for just about everybody on your list.

It’s easy, fun and healthy. Go to www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/rec for a list of gift suggestions.

READY MIX LTD.

Crown Mansion Hotel

ey Turk

Pot Pie

Oak Bay Beach Hotel

Follow comoxvalleyrd

TurkeyTime!

It’s

Everyone’s favourite holiday meal with turkey, veggies and stuffing baked into a delicious pot pie topped with fluffy puff pastry. Served with a cup of soup or a side salad.

795 Ryan Road 250.334.9638 www.gotorickys.com

One Size Fits All Any size. Any taste. Get a Gift Card Today!

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 12, 2014

ECHO

OPINIONS

LETTERS

Flood plain bridge isn’t the answer We l l , o n e t h i n g fo r sure, the recent storm and bridge closure sure emphasizes the need for another crossing, and putting it down in the flood plain, ie between 5th and 17th streets, is not the answer. Yes, you guessed it, it’s the 29th street option for sure as I’ve stated all along. The City Of Courtenay’s position on Maple Pool sure gets some good weight, now that they are flooded again. I hope all their “friends” are lined up with temporary housing needs. Paul Ellegood Area B

SURREAL OFFERING I am amazed at some of the inept analysis that I have seen and heard of the recent Courtenay Council elections. Paul Deeton’s letter is the latest surreal offering. How on earth does Mr. Deeton arrive at the conclusion that the public returned “a council which would support Mayor Jangula’s leadership and allow him to lead effectively”? I surely wouldn’t have voted for Councillors Frisch, Lennox and Hillian if I had thought that they were simply going to follow along in lockstep with a Mayor who has made some question-

able statements and decisions. Nor would a great many other people whom I know also voted for these Councillors. If he means that these three Councillors made Maple Pool the focus of their campaign, then I must have missed something. I heard Mayor Jangula saying much that sort of thing on the radio - which makes me question the quality of his analysis, too. This sort of thinking completely disregards the hard work done by David Frisch and Rebecca Lennox during the election, and what I think must surely be the fact that they brought a younger demographic out to vote. And what are we to make of Councillor Hillian’s re-election? Before the election, certain people amongst the supporters of Maple Pool made him out to be Satan’s envoy on Earth! Yet he is re-elected. Curious, no? Finally, is Ronna-Rae Leonard not to be allowed to voice her concerns as a citizen because she was once on council? Surely she has the same right as anyone to be heard, and not be penalised because she stepped up and gave her time and energy to serve as a City Councillor, and NDP candidate.

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 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

Stephen Harvey Courtenay

THIS DOES NOT COMPUTE Re: Recent articles Dec 1 to 5th Hornby Island Fire Hall renewal project in local papers What is missing from the articles is the project began obstentiously to address the current hall but it does not meet seismic codes. After a number of years “expert” reports indicated the cost of either upgrading or building new, both would be $1 million. But there is more than what meets the eye in this story. A $1.9 million cost is being approved by the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) and taxpayers through an Alternative Process (AAP.) Firstly, all volunteer former professional engineers who indicated renovations could be done for much less than $1 million were ousted from the oversight committee and indeed it became a “Select Committee” (SC) for a project that will cost twice as much or more as initially put to our community. Secondly the SC and the CVRD presented many plans to the community and both erstwhile organizations gave different

answers or were unwilling to give any answers to the same questions concerning the Hall size, quality and cost. Thirdly, the rationale of using an AAP is meant to avoid referendum expenses on projects where they are of somewhat inconsequential cost, whereas this project of some consequential $1.9 million, ($2.5 million with financing) is a candidate because the CRVD state a $24 increase in tax over a total 2014 fire budget for a $455 000 property is an inconsequential 5% increase for hall construction. An AAP is not an approval of the taxpayers as outlined in the articles. An AAP is an avoidance of a referendum and consequent accountability - unless a given number of prescribed objectors register disapproval in a prescribed manner in a narrow time frame Anyone understanding costs and proportionality can intuitively see an inconsequential $24 for a not so inconsequential $2.5 million does not compute. $2.5 million divided by 831 registered voters (not property owners liable for tax) in and of itself is a crude $150 a year for 20 years. So there has to be extremely high property val-

ues or a lot of property owners not eligible to vote to get the price down to the levels the CVRD is stating. So where from? And what cost? Well, the 2014 budget includes a $200 000 capital reserve ear marked for upgrades other than a new hall, so including this amount for the 20 future years of paying for and financing required as part of a comparative to the 2014 budget is intentionally misleading. Take the $200,000 out of the budget operations because it will no longer be needed for the formerly approved items means the tax bill goes down, but to re-include the $200,000 to address the hall adds a not so inconsequential 50% jump in the budget and tax and just because the inclusion balances out $24 more than 2014 taxes - it doesn’t mean the Hall is costing an extra $24 a year As the CRVD directors and SC members voted to proceed in this matter, they are either really naive or patronizing abusers of the taxpayer. There is nothing wrong with the dreamers presenting what is wanted in a Hall they’d rather have then an upgraded building they don’t like - but to mislead people on both what is happening, and on cost, then take away the right of

the taxpayers to be properly informed and make an inclusive decision by way of referendum is not right. Could it be criminal? It certainly is not ethical or democratic. R. Gee Hornby Island

DECISION NEEDS REVIEW CVRD directors, most retiring, voted unanimously on November 20th, to borrow over $45 million dollars for Landfill closures and new land filling, near Cumberland. They did not ask for taxpayer approval to borrow a record $45 million. They did not look at other options. There are some challenging questions about new technologies ,and perhaps partnering with Southern Neighbors , but they need to be considered. Comox Valley residents should be asking why would we land fill all North Island garbage and likely, it seems Powell River emergency garbage, beside our water supply? That would be Comox Lake. And even if this is the preferred option, why would we not use our $67 million CVRD Reserve Fund instead of borrowing? This decision needs a review. Phil Harrison Comox

12 FRIDAY.DECEMBER 12, 2014

www.comoxvalleyecho.com

BEEFS & BOUQUETS TIS THE SEASON ... The Comox Valley Recovery Centre extends a heart felt THANK YOU to Peter and Christa at Island Sewing and Embroidary for your generous

250.331.9000

Dec. 12

Gourmet Hot Dogs $4 Dec. 13 Meat Draw and Dancing 2pm - 5pm

Dec. 15 Euchre 1:30pm

Mixed Pub League Darts 7:30pm Exec Mtg 7pm

Dec. 16 Drop in Darts 1pm Dec. 17 Mens League Darts 7:30 pm Crib and Gucci 6:30pm

10 ROUND PUNCH CARDS

On Sale Now $150 A $173 value. No Expiry Date. Tax included

Available in the golf shop daily until Dec 24th

Call 250-339-4444

WWW.NIC.BC.CA

1718 Balmoral Ave

THE COMOX VALLEY’S FIRST AND BEST READER’S FORUM Email to: echo@comoxvalleyecho.com donation of beautiful quilts that you have gifted to our clients. We also appreciate your kindness in considering us to be your cause and raising money at your store through the sale of your mini kleenex cases. Your creativity and enthusiasm for the Recovery Centre is sincerely appreciated. We also acknowledge and are thrilled that, due to your ongoing support, you have recently been inducted into our Presidents Club and we recognize you as a major supporter of the Recovery Centre. We wish you both a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year. WE NEED a Swiss Chalet in the Comox Valley. The former Appleby’s/Chad’s site would be a good spot. Who doesn’t love chicken & ribs? PLEASE! THE ROBERT ‘GARY’ THOMPSON FAMILY wish to thank all those who lent a hand, ran errands and supported us during Gary’s last weeks: Jody & John, Butch & Helen, Stephen (Gooch), Dr Swanson and his staff, The nurses and staff from VIHA and the staff from Costco Pharmacy. Thank you all for all your help. I’m sorry if I forgot anyone, just remember I’m grateful to everyone. - Lonny and family BOUQUETS OF THANK YOUS to the wonderful staff on the 3rd floor at St. Joes! My mom passed away on Thursday and the group of nurses she had were incredible. You helped make her last few days comfortable. We will never be able to repay you for all that you did. Thank you just doesn’t even seem enough. But Cheryl, Katie and I am sorry I forget the other names, but thank you from the bottom of my heart! JUST WONDERING why Maple Pool has been hassled

so much about flood plains when today in Courtenay roads were blocked off near the river, and some businesses opposite Farquharson’s farm were flooded -- why were permits ever granted for these businesses to be built on an obvious floodplain? And Lewis Park under water with it lapping at the foundations of the Lewis Centre, which first of all got permission to build there in the first place (on an obvious and frequent floodplain) and secondly permission to build fancy and expensive new renovations a couple of years ago at taxpayers’ expense. Seems to be quite a discrepancy in who gets permission for what. And isn’t it time now for the new council to declare all legal action be dropped against Maple Pool immediately, and let the amazingly generous and patient volunteers get on with raising the site and making it flood safe? The democratic will of the people was made more than clear in recent elections -- this is what the electorate wants -- now Council, get on with it! And Planning Dept., get on with your paperwork so those volunteering to fix the potential problem can get on with fixing it now! THE COMOX VALLEY CHILDREN’S Day Care Society would like to send a big Christmas hug to all of the volunteers and families who joined us for our Pancake Breakfast with Santa. A HUGE thank you to the wonderful businesses who donated to the event: Quality Foods Comox (a jolly HO HO HO to Kyle), Starbucks Crown Isle, Walmart, Thrifty Foods Crown Isle, Investors Group - Ken Derksen and Nicole Deters, Edible island, Sunrise Veterinary Clinic, Copperline Electrical Services, The Zen of Why Life Coaching and the Comox Communi-

ty Centre. We wish you all a very Merry Christmas!! I JUST WANTED TO SAY a huge thank you to the whole team at Van Isle Veterinary clinic for the outstanding service I received earlier this week. I realize that it is slightly irrational to see your pet the same way most people see their children; however like most pet owners, I do. When there’s something wrong with your baby, all you want to do is find a way to make them feel better. To sum it all up I was an absolute mess when I brought my dog in late Wednesday night. They allowed me the space and comfort to process all that was happening with my very ill dogbut more importantly they found him relief and comfort. Extra thanks go to Dr. Beal, Dr. Cannon, and Jody the receptionist for helping my baby and I get through this week. SOMETHING THAT HAS IRKED ME for years, why don’t advertisers and manufacturers, state on the packaging how long their strings of Christmas lights are, take away the guessing game. IN TRYING TO KEEP with the light-hearted intent of the Bs&Bs I will tell this tale: I thought the ocean had moved, I saw the cement seawall on the other side of Lazo and Sandpines. Who built the wall I pondered? It must be a troll. Yes it is! I know, ‘cause he told me, with a sly twinkle in his eye, leaning into my ear, and I quote “Just watch what I will do.” A bouquet of flowers to the lovely woman who now lives on the backside of the wall, her ocean view destroyed. Come on Town of Comox, don’t let the bullies win. BIG BOUQUET of thanks to my brother Richard and the gang at My Tech Guys. You

really helped out a friend in need. You guys are the best. Christmas wishes your way from Pizza Man. HUGE BOUQUETS to all of the generous people of the Comox Valley for your caring and support during my 4th Homeless Coat Drive. With your help we have managed to collect approximately 2000 pounds of winter clothing. WOW! I would like to thank Remax in Courtenay for their parking lot for collections. I would like to thank Dr. Price in Comox for having a drop-off site for us. Sheri Featherstone and her team of awesome volunteers at the Cumberland Laundry Facility for donating their time laundering and sorting all of the donations. SEE YOU NEXT YEAR! Merry Christmas from Jade and Kiana. A GIANT BOUQUET of roses to the Music Teachers of SD71 for their hard work and dedication in this busy time of year! You are doing such important work for our community’s students. Music is the flower of the soul. Thank you for nurturing the garden.

en her in, please contact the SPCA. There are also flyers on the mailboxes with a phone number. Lucy is missed so much. (Continued on page 13)

Looking for a hostess gift? Beautiful Poinsettias, Orchids & Dish Gardens

Open Late Thursdays and Fridays! Mon - Wed, Sat 8:30-5:00 Thu-Fri 8:30-7:00

Hectic Holiday Helper Pack

Price

$65 1lb store made sausage 1lb bacon 1 doz local eggs 1 bag of perogies 1 lg store made Shepherd pie 1 lg store made meat pie 1 whole local chicken

TOO GOOD TO BE THREW Thrift Store would like to thank the businesses who regularly donate the clothing, shoes and toys weekly. Your generosity helps the Comox Valley Transition Society provide the community with the programs and support that is needed. We wish you and our customers a joyous holiday season. THANK YOU TO THOSE I RAN INTO on my quest in the East Courtenay area, to find my friend’s missing black and white cat wearing a green collar; bell attached (distinct markings on face). I appreciate you keeping an eye out for Lucy on your walks. If someone has tak-

Heavy Mechanical Foundation Tuition: $2,435 approx Where: Campbell River Length: 36-week certiﬁcate Learn hands-on skills in four heavy mechanical trades: Heavy Duty Equipment Technician, Diesel Engine Mechanic, Truck & Transport Mechanic, and Transport Trailer Technician, enabling you to enter any of these trades upon successful completion. Earn apprenticeship technical training credit.

Find out more, visit www.nic.bc.ca or call 250-334-5000

www.comoxvalleyecho.com

FRIDAY. DECEMBER 12 2014

BEEFS & BOUQUETS (Continued from page 11) BEEF to the government workers in healthcare who are unhappy, miserable and taking sick days to prove a point. Here’s a thought, retire or resign so that the rest of us can work in a more positive environment with new team members who are respectful and want to work. IF YOU’RE BOTHERED by how certain people approach you or talk to you after you approach them, look at yourself first. Maybe you behaved like a jerk to them on previous occasions and are only now reaping the results of your unkind words and actions. I WAS ONE OF THE THREE who won the raffle prize at the Cumberland Christmas Craft Fair last Saturday. What a wonderful surprise! I dove into the box and discovered such artistic treasures. Thank you to all of the artists who donated something so that I could have such a wonderful, wonderful treat to share with my family. BIG BOUQUET to Thrifty’s food in the Comox Valley; they were willing to do a floral delivery at 3 pm when their competitors would not. The delivery was for our first newborn grandchild. Thank you Thrifty’s for your great customer service. LET’S FACE IT. Most of us know or should know that our world is in a mess. We are overwhelmed by the number of causes out there and we wonder if it is even possible to affect change when we do take action. We tend to pick and choose our battles according to how we are affected by them and we are usually most affected by actions that are closest to us. Our jewel in the Crown,

Transfer to DVD Slides, Photos and Music www.PrestigeVideoTransfer.ca

THE COMOX VALLEY’S FIRST AND BEST READER’S FORUM Email to: echo@comoxvalleyecho.com Goose Spit is in jeopardy due to massive coal export expansion planned for Texada Island. When we look out over Goose Spit we will see coal barges (twice a day) and supertankers transferring coal to Asia. The light pollution will also be significant. The coal is transported to Vancouver from Wyoming by train, barged to Texada and then put in a supertanker to go to Asia. Washington and Oregon refused to allow a dirty coal transfer station but Canada said, ‘Come on in. We’ll do it! Why not?’ How ludicrous! Let’s vote in leaders who care about us and our planet. After all when our planet is destroyed we cannot eat money. BOUQUETS to the 250 people who turned out for the Lorne open house. People do care about their little town by the sea. Beefs to the architect for a design that will not do anything to attract people to our downtown core. The vision has to be much bigger and we all need to put our heads together to come up with some way of attracting the tourist dollar. Go to Google images and look at Winthrop Washington. Tourists go there solely for the look and feel of the funky town. False fronts, quaint shops, boardwalks. Craig Freeman (letter to he editor Dec. 2nd) should run for council. He seems to have lots of answers, but will anyone listen? MY BEEF is the old guy with the ponytail. That came to my work and called me a spoiled bitch. And telling me I had no respect for men. You don’t even know me. I work three jobs. I have looked after my husband for 15 years. So next time you slam someone, keep it to yourself. I feel sorry for your wife and the women in your life. Because you are a nasty

person. I READ where the FDA said there would never be a cure for COPD which millions of people have. No wonder. The cost for COPD in 2010 was 2.1 trillion dollars. How many people are employed in the making of drugs which are to help people with COPD, Chronic Obstuctive Pulmonary Disease. I have this disease which costs me about $500 a month and health care. In a real world there would be a cure, that way saving the health care system billions of dollars. Everything today is about the almighty dollar and corporations like the FDA and drug manufacturers don’t care. If our government would stand up and be real humans they could stop this and research would find a cure. ARE YOU AWAREthat certain liquor stores in the Comox Valley charge an extra/added fee to your bill when you grab a case of beer/bottle of wine from their fridge instead of getting a “warm” one from the main floor shelves? Personally, I looked around and did not find a sign that displays that extra fee. Cash cow? THE OYSTER RIVER Enhancement Society sends a large thank you to Cyriel Debruyne, his meat department and staff at Courtenay QUALITY FOODS for once again supporting ORES with a generous donation to our annual Christmas party & silent auction fundraiser. We wish Cyriel and his staff a merry Christmas and a fresh caught salmon or two in the new year. BOUQUETS to new Cumberland and Courtenay Councillors who want change. If they got the vote, they should have the voice. Most

don’t vote - they don’t get a choice! Let’s see who makes an effort to connect with constituents over the next 4 years. These are the people who deserve the jobs they want - the people who got the votes. They will work for the people who voted. That’s the way democracy in local government needs to work! With all due respect to the Mayors of Courtenay, Comox, and Cumberland - this is the way it needs to work. Those who get the votes get to choose their jobs. BOUQUET TO: NAPA Autopro garage on Anderton Rd. A truly honest and client friendly repair shop. In having my snow tires mounted, some damage was done to one of the tires. They could easily have told me the tire was defective, but they owned their mistake and gave me a new tire for no charge. This is how to earn respect and keep clients coming back. A good tradition for any small business. A HUGE BOUQUET to all who helped out and volunteered their time and energy for the 2nd Annual Christmas Drive Thru for Charity on Dec 6th. Many local charities benefit from this initiative and it is always great to see how the Comox Valley Community comes together during the holiday season. Special Thanks to the sponsors, Rice Toyota, Quality Foods and the special individuals who made this happen including Derek Newnes from Searles Shoes, Mark Middleton and Mike Collins from the Broken Spoke. BARRELS, BASKETS, AND BUCKETS OF BOUQUETS To My Community: Your actions and generous outpourings have given me the strength and power to keep upright and walking, through what has to be one of the hard-

THIS WEEK’S WINNER, DRAWN AT RANDOM FROM SUBMISSIONS RECEIVED UP TO TUESDAY, IS: Roger Collin, of Comox Winner of two classic cheese baskets 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!

est journeys I could endure as a mother (: the loss of my oldest son, Charlie Angus Petrie. First, to my most amazing friends: For all your generous love and nurturing... Not only looking after our gaggle of pets, but for cleaning and sprucing up our home... filling the cupboards and freezer full of food, and, ON TOP OF IT ALL, putting your love, time, and energy into creating the MOST special Day we could have had, to remember Charlie in celebration and with love. Thank you so very, very much for all you have done and continue to do. I am just SO lucky to have you/One of the beautiful things that has occurred to me through this experience is how incredibly large my community of friends really is, and how even THAT circle extends to include so many other caring people... It is incredible, and I will always be inspired by the compassion and generosity I have witnessed through all of this. I know that many of you were at a loss of what to do, but truly, what I needed was that compassion and your desire to create ease in our lives/hearts - and that is what I felt. So, I want to thank each and every one of you, with all my heart and sincerity, for all your gestures (action, word, and/ or thought)... It is that collective energy that has continued to fuel my ability to move through this. In closing I would like to announce that I am going to muster up my energy to do the Tri-K this year - in dedication to Charlie AND to YOU, my friends/community. Charlie proudly did the Tri-K each year, doing all three events on his own; one year I joined him. It is a terrific community event, and so this year I thought with you all as the ‘wind at my back’ I would make Charlie proud(. I have

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

just begun my swim practice, I am working to get my back strong so I can do more running, and I have Andrew to draw from as my biking expert. Yay! I know I will see lots of you down there, taking part yourself or cheering on your own kids/friends. Thanks again everyone for being such a supportive community. With Gratitude and Love, Vicki

Formerly Clinical Sleep Solutions

THE SLEEP APNEA & SNORING PROFESSIONALS 250-334-0789

Call today for more information

www.pacificsleep.ca

Now Open in the Comox Valley

49.95

Oil Change with a Brake Inspection (10w30 & 5w30 oil expires Dec.31/14)

2683A Moray Ave. (off 27th St. near Sunwest RV repair centre) or contact us at 250-703-2215.

www.ltcautomotive.com Open: 8am-5pm Mon.-Fri.

Over 30 years in the Comox Valley

Jan Lefeber Denturist • Complete & Partial Dentures • Implant Supported Dentures • Relines & Repairs All Dental Plans accepted Call for FREE Consultation and Appointment

Open Monday – Saturday 204 - 1819 Beaufort Ave Comox BC

250-339-7233

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 12, 2014

s e t s to Ta ate Courtenay library features book reading by Tide Changes author Holland The Vancouver Island Public Library in Courtenay is featuring a fishing story to be told by author Dave Holland. He will read from his first published work “Tide Changes: A True West Coast Fishing Adventure on Dec. 15 at 6:30 p.m. Holland, who now resides in Parksville, will be relating his long journey from Hamilton, Ontario as a young lad, following his heart to be in the West Coast. Setting off to explore the region by bicycle, Holland soon met some special people along the way that impacted his life. From tree-planting to logging, it was eventually picking wild oysters that led him to the small community of Lund, a picturesque fishing village on the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia. It was here where his salmon fishing career started. Tide Changes is both the tale of a young man’s immersion into the fishing industry and his passion for west coast living. Holland learns the ropes, as well as the knots and tacks of his trade as he navigates the coastal waters and communities surrounding Lund during his first two seasons of fishing aboard his 28-foot salmon boat, the Antique. Tide Changes is a true story about the highs and lows one often encounters when pursuing their dreams; we all can experience them. This book is a tribute to a place in time and to so many special people Holland met along the way then; and of course, his first fish boat, “The Antique” that helped carry him through it all.

r b e l e C

5SALE

DAY

1 2 1 3 1 4 1 5 16 FRI SAT SUN MON TU ES

Island Farms

Sour Cream

Lactantia

Salted Butter

Assorted 500ml

454g

Limit 3

On Sale

9Each9

Lindt

Excellence Chocolate Bars

On Sale

Selected 90–100g

9Eac9h

Coke, Pepsi or Selected Flavours 6 x 710ml

On Sale

2 $5 for

Kettle

Island Bakery

Selected 220g

White or Whole Wheat 570g

Potato Chips

2 $5

Bread

for

On Sale

2 $5 for

On Sale

99¢

Reserve your fresh turkey online for in-store pickup!

www.thriftyfoods.com/pickup

Each

reserve pickup Fresh Turkey

Specials in Effect from Friday, December 12th to Tuesday, December 16th, 2014 ONLY

Where this symbol appears, deposit & enviro levies are applicable.

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 12, 2014

FLOODING

Maple Pool centre stage during flood Two days of flooding hit campground as it awaits city’s decision on pending court case BY DREW A. PENNER Echo Staff

Everybody here’s got each other’s back. Conpared to Hurricane Katrina this is nothing. Please bear that in mind.” SCOTT Maple Pool resident

At a certain point they can only do so much. This whole place was in a tizzy” DAN GREENHOOD Maple Pool resident

We didn’t expect this. What happened?” JIN LIN Maple Pool owner

As the water began to slowly recede on Wednesday evening at the Maple Pool Campsite owners Jin and Dali Lin reflected on the second consecutive day of flooding that forced the majority of the 50 or so residents off the grounds and placed the future of the City of Courtenay’s lawsuit against them into question. While the water had covered the campsite and forced about 25 people out on Tuesday, the levels hadn’t reached dangerous territory - although that changed around noon the following day. “ We d i d n ’ t e x p e c t this,” Jin said. “What happened?” On Monday evening after BC Hydro had released a warning bulletin, Dali said he didn’t think a flood was on its way. But by 6 a.m. the next morning there was no denying the onslaught of water was

Courtenay councillor Manno Theos visited Dieter Merten, who remained in his Maple Pool home with his family through the worst of the flood on Tuesday. coming and RCMP helped evacuate residents. One resident named Scott who didn’t want to give his last name said one older Maple Pooler was forced to leave by police under threat of arrest, but added the situation was manageable overall. “Everybody here’s got each other’s back,” he said.

“Compared to Hurricane Katrina this is nothing. Please bear that in mind.” A 23-year-old named Dan Greenhood, who also lives at Maple Pool, said he understands that the Lins were under a lot of pressure. “At a certain point they can only do so much,” he said, but added the evacu-

ation seemed more frenetic than it needed to be. “This whole place was in a tizzy.” Greenhood surveyed the water on Tuesday with his dog Ripley and said he wishes they would have been warned ahead of time. (Continued on page 16)

The main road along part of Maple Pool Campsite was so flooded a SAR vehicle had to turn around and go the other way.

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 12, 2014

Dan Greenhood and his dog Ripley said everyone was in a tizzy during the early morning evacuation. (Continued from page 15) “There was no foresight, no planning,” he said. “It’s a small campground community-level disaster.” For many residents the physical possessions on site are literally represent their entire net worth, he added. “There’s costs to this,” he said. “Everyone’s safe. No one’s on the roof of their home waiting for someone to rescue them, but their stuff’s in danger.” Christoph Dollis, 42, has been living on the property for over two years. He did some personal reflection on hardship and adversity on Monday night, not knowing it was about to come in handy. He’s decided to look at the situation as something

that will actually help him achieve a new personal goal. “It’s good timing for me,” he said, noting he’s worried about what might happen to his stuff. “I hope I develop more resilience.” Ted Kemkaran, 50, has been living at Maple Pool since 2008. “I just woke up and they said the police were evacuating us,” he said, adding he almost cancelled his renters insurance the other day, but is glad now he kept paying the $100 a month. Norma Cole, 60, felt a bit more frustrated by the flood. “I’m so stressed out,” she said. “I’m so pissed off.” She described a lack of organization during the

evacuation. “They underplay everything,” she said of the management at the campsite. “Why didn’t somebody say something sooner?” Cole added her concerns about saving her stuff weren’t heeded right away. “I’ll get a lawsuit if my place floods,” she told the Lins. “I don’t have much, but what I have I worked hard for.” Jin Lin said their flood warning system - a measuring stick on the property is a reliable way to predict danger. “Water comes up to the yellow we might have to go,” she said. “We’re watching that.” She says she has been printing out weather up-

dates and posting them in a communal area for residents, and pointed out that care must be taken relaying information to the residents, many of whom have enough mental health challenges as it is. “Some people’s reactions are different,” she said, adding it’s important to consider the personalities in question when relaying information about the flood. “Some think it’s okay. Some are more nervous. You have to know the person.” Some City of Courtenay councillors, conscious of the upcoming vote on the future of the lawsuit against Maple Pool Campsite, toured the property on Tuesday, seeking to downplay the effects of the

flooding, in the hopes the council will decide against proceeding with the action in about a week. “It certainly doesn’t help,” admitted Coun. Mano Theos, during a visit to a resident who had decided to stay put at Maple Pool with his wife and infant child, adding sarcastically, “And we’re going to be dealing with this pretty soon so it’s like - Beautiful!” Newbie councillor Bob Wells positioned the flooding as an example of how the City’s insistence on dragging out the lawsuit has put Maple Pool residents at risk. “That’s the big frustration. All this could have been done years ago,” he said, referring to prior

plans to shore up the land and put in more concrete barriers. “This is a wake up call. Let’s get on with it.” On Tuesday night the water receded at about 8 o’clock. At 11 o’clock Wednesday the water had not reached the red “danger” zone on the measuring stick on the grounds. But that changed by Wednesday afternoon. That evening Cole was smiling with Jin. Her trailer had been towed to higher ground, she said, but the water was currently threatening her trailer at its new location. “It’s flooding out back there now too,” she said, with a laugh. Luckily the water had already dropped about an inch by 5 p.m.

MEMORIES ARE MADE OF THIS

COURTENAY CENTENNIAL BIRTHDAY

NYE EVENT

CELEBRATION

When: December 31st Where: Florence Filberg Centre s: $50 $50 e ach ((group group ttables ables a Tickets: each also available!)

When: January 1st Where: Florence Filberg Centre Tickets: FREE (Must register in advance to attend.)

Proud Sponsor: or: Ring in Year with music, stage show, and n New Y ear w ith m usic, a sta comedy from the early 1900's to the modern era. Enjoy gourmet appies, dessert, and a complimentary glass of champagne at midnight. Tickets are available at the Sid Williams 7KHDWUH ER[ RI´FH RU RQOLQH DW SidWilliamsTheatre.com

With the participation of the Government of Canada

Help wish the City of Courtenay a Happy Birthday on New Year’s Day at this FREE family event! Free pancake breakfast, birthday cake, entertainment, and refreshments. Everyone in attendance will leave with a centennial memento. Tickets are available at Courtenay Recreation Lewis Centre & Filberg Centre

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY. DECEMBER 12, 2014

ECHO

EXTRA

D A N C E

Step into a magical Christmas dream with Tinkler Dancers Meet Kona the Guide Dog at Museum On Saturday, December 13, from 12:00-3:00, at Courtenay Museum, Paul Horgen, Retired Professor Emeritus at the University of Toronto and active community contributor will share his new children’s book, Tales of Kona the Guide Dog. Kona will accompany Paul. This is a great opportunity to meet Paul and Kona, to learn more about guide dogs and to ﬁnd a perfect gift for children. A portion of the proceeds from Paul’s book sales will go to BC & Alberta Guide Dog Services and to Project Watershed Society Please join us! Courtenay Museum is located at 207 Fourth Street in downtown Courtenay. For more details call 250-3340686 ext.5.

The Nutcracker Ballet comes to life on the Sid Williams Theatre stage Are you looking for a some magic this holiday season? Come enter the dream world of The Nutcracker Ballet! Dancing snowflakes, skipping gumdrops, and waltzing flowers are all a part of this charmed production. Staged by the Laurie Tinkler School of Dance, this adapted version of the seasonal classic is sure to enchant you. The fantasy of young Clara begins on Christmas Eve when Godfather Drosselmyer brings magical gifts for the party guests. Baby dolls, a Jack-In -The -Box and even a teddy bear all come to life through the magic of the toymaker. The highlight of Christmas Eve comes when Clara is given the gift of a wonderful Nutcracker. Later that night, in her dreams, Clara experiences a terrific battle between the Nutcracker Prince and the

Rat King. Later, she is whisked away on a journey to the Land of Snow where she is greeted by twirling snowflakes. In the Land of Sweets Clara is presented with dancing treats from Arabia, Spain and Russia. Her joy is complete as she meets the Sugar Plum Fairy. Join Clara in the delights of her evening with her beloved Nutcracker. Tickets are now on sale at the Sid Williams Box Office. Three shows are being offered. On both Friday December 19, and Saturday December 20 there are evening performances at 7:30 pm. On Saturday afternoon, December 20, there will be a matinee at 2:00 pm. The show, which is sure to please all ages, is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes including the intermission.

CHRISTMAS DANCING. The Dance of the Snowflakes is one of the most beautiful numbers in the Nutcracker Ballet. Come and be part of the magic as these snowflakes swirl and twirl across the stage of the Sid Williams Theatre. Photo Credit: Arlene Berndl Tickets are very reasonably priced. Adult tickets

are $16, youth $13 and children under 6, are $3. For

more information, please call 250-897-8885.

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 12, 2014

CUMBERLAND

Trilogy buys part of interchange land Three sections making up a single lot at Parkway bought for $950,000 from Hancock BY JOHN DOE Staff Writer

Look at what happened out there where Costco went in. You had Home depot come, and then you had Thrifty’s - and then you have Galaxy Motors goingn , That corner’s all developed now and you’ve got the hospital going in.” IAN DE LISLE Hancock Forest Management

A scale model at the Vancouver Island Visitor Centre demonstrates the original vision for Lot 3 - a mix of commercial and residential - which was just purchased Wednesday.

The developer with a planned comprehensive development in the Village of Cumberland’s interchange lands that has languished on the sidelines for years has now purchased one of the lots for almost a million dollars. Along with a co-director, John Evans, president and CEO of Trilogy Group, bought three sections of land that make up a single lot surrounding the Cumberland Road and Comox Valley Parkway interchange from Comox Timber Ltd., a subsidiary of Hancock Forest Management, for $947,833 Dec. 10. “They had an option to purchase,” explained Ian De Lisle, area manager for Hancock Forest Management, explaining the mechanics of the agreement they have with Trilogy for much of the land they own in the area. “It’s different dealing

This property at the junction of Cumberland Road and Comox Valley Parkway has now been sold and could be developed for a number of different uses. with a developer. There’s a lot more factors.” The property, referred to as Lot 3 of the CAYET commercial and residential development project, is already zoned for light industrial, retail or a gas station, among other uses. Lot 3 is broken up into three different sections. On Lot 3a Trilogy will be

allowed to build up to a density of 1,858 square metres. On Lot 3b the company will be able to build up to a maximum of 7,664.2 square meters. De Lisle wanted to make sure that Trilogy had a plan in place before completing the sale. Securing a good anchor business is an important

part of making sure a project like this will be a success, he explained, adding he hopes the development will ultimately spark the kind of economic growth in the area witnessed at Crown Isle Plaza. “Look at what happened out there where Costco went in,” he said. “You had Home Depot come, and

then you had Thrifties - and then you have Galaxy Motors going in. “That corner’s all developed now, and you’ve got the hospital going in.” De Lisle said he wasn’t sure if Trilogy had secured an anchor business for Lot 3 yet. Hancock will log some of the land, although De Lisle said the property is quite swampy and so he isn’t sure how much timber can be recovered. Trilogy’s proposed development was a hot-button issue during the Cumberland election as councillors such as Gwyn Sproule and Roger Kishi made a point of explaining the times they stood up to Evans’ requests for more development concessions. The company had been granted Development Cost Charge exemptions by the Village for several years in order to encourage Trilogy to start building, but this fee structure was not renewed.

No one knows Crown Isle like we do!

Crown Isle Drive Extens ion(s) Hampton Gate Phase Tw o Sussex Drive Extension The Rise (North Side) Estate Lots

Thinking of Building? New subdivisions coming in soon! For more information or to reserve / purchase your lot, contact our team today.

Office: 250-703-5054

399 Clubhouse Dr, Courtenay

www.CrownIsleRealty.com Experience, integrity & teamwork to make your dreams a reality.

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 12, 2014

CHARITY SALE

Help Santa ﬁnd your home with sign from Monarch Lions at Comox Mall Investors Group supports cancer care expansion Investors Group is committed to making a contribution to the many communities across Canada in which they operate by supporting local activities, events and organizations. Investors donates at least 1% of their average annual pre-tax income to charitable and other non-proﬁt organizations. Janet and Duane Gee believe it is important to support our community in ways such as donations to St. Joseph’s General Hospital Foundation and uses the matching gift program Investors Group offers. They know people as we all do who have needed the services of St. Joseph’s Hospital in the area of Cancer care support. With the recent announcement that the cancer

care area at St. Joseph’s needs to be expanded to accommodate the growing need Janet and Duane together with Investors Group matching gifts knew they could help other people in the future receive the care they require here in our own community. Every bit counts and through their donations they hope to make a positive difference in other people’s lives. The Hospital Foundation raises money for equipment and renovations that are not funded through Vancouver Island Health Authority. If you or your organization would like to make a donation please contact the Lynn at the Foundation office at 250-890-3046 or visit our new website at www.cvhospitalfoundation.com

If you are wondering where people are getting the blue reflective address signs popping up all around the valley you can thank the Comox Valley Monarch Lions Club. They continue to sell the 911 Reflective Address Signs as a community fundraiser project that will help keep families safe. Every year people spend precious minutes waiting for emergency services because the drivers can’t find their home. When it’s dark out, address numbers may not be visible from the street. Households that frequently have guests over in the evening can also benefit greatly from installing a reflective address sign. They’ll help food delivery drivers, taxis, and home visiting nurses too! You can get you own 911 56reflective address sign at Comox Centre Mall Saturdays December 13 because Lion volunteers will be set up to promote and make these address signs. \Just visit their table to order your customized sign and it will be made while you wait so you can install it the same day. “We have sold hundreds of address signs and they are very effective, especially at night. They are very easy to install because of the pre-

GREAT PRICES | EXCELLENT SERVICE | GREAT SELECTION | GREAT FOOD

AL CIIA EC SP PE S MAS TM ST CHRIIS ET FFET BUFF

drilled holes. 100% of the money raised from this project goes directly back into the community,” said President Rick Grinham. The Comox Valley Monarch Lions Club serves the community by distributing grants and bursaries; GP Vanier, Mark Isfeld and Highland Secondary School Student Bursary, North Island College Student Bursary, Coal Hills BMX, the Courtenay Recreational Assoc., Sid Williams Theatre, Child Development Assoc., CV Therapeutic Riding, Boys and Girls Club, Santa’s Workshop, Senior Peer Counseling, Relay For Life, Comox Valley Hospice, St. Josephs Hospital Foundation, Glacier View Lodge, Courtenay Low Income Housing, Salvation Army, CV Family Services, Sonshine Lunch Club, Courtenay Museum, Food Bank, Comox Bay Care-AVan, other donations within the community. 911 Reﬂective address signs also make thoughtful gifts for your family, friends and neighbours! They sell for $40.00. To place your order call (250) 338-9602 or visit www.911reﬂectivesign. ca. Orders are processed quickly and are available the following day for pickup.

Santa recommends getting a reflective address number so he can find your house on Christmas Eve. Proceeds from sale of the signs help support local charities.

Warmest holiday wishes to all our friends, neighbours & supporters. upporters.. We We wish wis you w you alll tthe best est for for o 2015! 2 115! 5! From the staff at Crown Isle Resort & Golf Community

TWO DAYS ONLY

Dec 23th & 24th

399 Clubhouse Dr., Courtenay

250-703-5050

Make a Reservation to Ensure a Spot

DINE IN, TAKE OUT OR HAVE IT DELIVERED 250-871-8808 1130 CLIFFE AVE, COURTENAY

Jetaway

www.comoxvalleyecho.com Flying out of Victoria for your winter getaway? We make it easy. If you’ve got an early ﬂight, stay the night before with us – and park your car for just $5 per day while you’re away. We’re just 10 minutes from Victoria International Airport.

135

BOOK NOW FROM: + $5 per night parking

* Single/Double. Valid November 1, 2014 to March 31, 2015. Subject to availability

Call toll free 1 866 659 9445 9805 Seaport Place, Sidney

www.sidneypier.com

20 www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 12, 2014

Documentary highlights efforts to save pink salmon run on the Tsolum This Sunday, Dec 14 at 4 pm on Vancouver Island Chronicles (CHEK TV) is the documentary “Saving the Tsolum

River”. If you live on Vancouver Island you have probably heard about the return of 60,000 Pink Salmon

to the Tsolum River. What is really remarkable about the story is that most of the returning Pinks were wild: spawning above the hatchery. What is even more remarkable is that in 2000 the DFO declared the Tsolum to be a dead river and cancelled all projects on the river. This 2-part documentary is the story of the Tsolum River Restoration Society and their efforts to save a “dead” river that at one time was one of the premiere Steelhead Rivers in the area. Shot over a three year period part one covers the history of the abandoned copper mine and the efforts of the society to get the mine covered so that water quality

could be restored. The TRRS has worked on many projects over the years including re-starting the abandoned ﬁsh hatchery on Headquarters Creek and stocking the Tsolum with Pink Salmon. Most of the accomplishments of the society can be attributed to the hard work of the 80 or 90 volunteers who take part. Part two (Dec. 21) looks at the challenges moving forward as well some of the work being done now to restore the watershed back to a natural state. Vancouver Island Chronicles on CHEK TV Sundays at 4pm. Check the web site for schedules and program information. www.comoxvalleyartsandlife.com

Valley Food Bank hands out record number of bags Yesterday, Dec.4th, the Comox Valley Food Bank distributed 370 bags of food to 244 households, feeding 341 adults and 172 children. We haven’t given out this many bags in one day since before 2004. Last month, November 2014, we gave out 991 bags for the entire month. We expect to be very busy for the rest of December. As Christmas Day and New Years Day both fall on Thursday this year, We will be closed both days,

and the following Fridays as well, (Dec. 26 and Jan. 02). However we will be open on Tuesday December 23rd from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.for hamper distribution. The ﬁrst Distribution day for 2015 will be Thursday Jan. 08 2015 We at the Comox Valley Food Bank wish to extend a thank you to the people and businesses of the Comox Valley whose ongoing generousity enables us to help local families needing assistance.

Fiddle Jam comes to old time community dance at Lake Trail Lake Trail Neighbourhood Connections is very pleased to announce that we are bringing FiddleJam and the ever popular Merville Contra Dance to Courtenay on Friday, December 12th. This event is the Second Annual Old-Time Holiday Celebration for all the Community at Lake Trail School. We had a wonderful time last year and are looking forward to welcoming old and new friends again this year.

It’s a chance to lead up to Courtenay’s 100th Anniversary year with an old-fashioned community dance. There will be fun for all, with refreshments, music and good company. The Contra Dances at Merville are very popular and pack the hall with happy dancers. Here’s Courtenay’s chance to have some family fun closer to home. Fiddlejam, an amazing group of musicians of all ages, are ready to play all your favourite old-time

dance tunes. Contra dances are family friendly community dances where a caller directs all the dancers around the dance ﬂoor. No experience is needed. The steps are simple to learn and suitable for all ages. Caller June Cannon will get us all twirling and help sort out any tangles. No need to bring a partner- dancers are always willing to step up and make new friends on the dance ﬂoor. Before the dance, from

7:00 to 7:30pm, there will be a free Contra Dance workshop, and as well some instruction in basic waltz and polka steps. At7:30 pm, the Funtime Fiddlers start the music with Contra sets lasting about 15 to 20 minutes per dance. In between the called Contra Dances, we’ll play waltzes, foxtrots, swing tunes and

polkas. And the ever popular Sacha is sure to be on the play-list. So put on your Holiday ﬁnery, swirly skirts, bow ties, reindeer antlers whatever you want - and join us for a fun neighbourhood frolic to start the season off on the right, and left, foot! The location of the dance is Lake Trail

1693 Little River

School Gym, 805 Willemar Avenue. Doors open at 6:30 pm, and the dance starts at 7:30pm. Cost is $5/person (under 12 free) and family for $12.00. Or, bring a donation for the Foodbank and get in free. For more information contact Sheila at 250897-1892 or emaillaketrailvision@gmail.com

B-1033 Monarch Drive

Zoned Industrial Light that is located close to CFB Comox base comes with many uses warehousing, offices, automobile body shop, industrial equipment sales and service, garden nursery and commercial greenhouse use and processing, veterinary clinics, animal hospital, wood processing, and many more

459,900

#304-178 Back Road First Time Buyer? unit has been painted and is ready for you to move in. Two bedroom condo located centrally -great oor plan.

109,900

One of the few Duplex ranchers available in Crown Isle. An open floor plan with 9 ft ceilings and 10 1/2 ft Vaulted ceilings in the living area along with a gas fireplace. Two bedrooms with an ensuite off the master bedroom along with a walk-in closet. A den or office off the main entrance. Enjoy living without strata fees but still enjoy the Crown Isle lifestyle!

334,900

$ Business Opportunity - call for more details

25,000

Christmas is a state of mind and that special feeling that only comes with an empty bank account. Ocean Pacific Realty (e) waynemcloughlin@remax.net 282 Anderton Road, Comox

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

Wayne’s

quote of the week

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 12, 2014

Temperature on Tuesday breaks mark set in 1962 Heavy rainfall may make a splash on the monthly record BY MICHAEL BRIONES Echo Staff The Comox Valley has endured a lot of rainfall in the last three days that has caused severe flooding in parts of the region. But there’s no way of knowing if the amount of rain that fell on the region has broken any records. Environment Canada do not keep day-by-day statistics of precipitation said meteorologist Dough Lundquist. However, he said, the heavy downpour that occurred in the last three days could lead to a new monthly record. “When we get a really big storm at this time of the year, we almost always break the record,”

said Lundquist. On Monday, the total amount of precipitation in Comox was 29 millimeters. On Tuesday it was higher at 41mm. The record of rainfall on Wednesday was not available at press time but it was still raining in the valley at the time and Lundquist expected the amount to be between 30 to 35mm. In other areas, however, a new mark was set on Tuesday when the valley’s temperature hit a high of 14.2 degrees Celsius. It smashed the previous record of 8.3 degrees set in 1962. The region was also battered by hard blowing wind. On Wednesday the wind gusted at 89 kilometres per hour and on Tuesday it was 85 kph.

Lucky quilt winner On Friday, November 21st, Comox resident Nicole Sherwood became the first prize winner of the Glacier View Auxiliary’s 2014 Raffle. Nicole won the beautiful Queen size quilt made by a local quilter. The small quilt was won by Georgina Sadler, the framed picture by Anne Law, and the

Quality Foods $100 gift certificate by Dorothy Lamoureux. Thanks to the Comox Mall retailers - The Ink Well, Royal LePage, Roxanne’s, and Arizona for drawing the winning tickets. Funds raised by the raffle will be used to benefit the residents of Glacier View Lodge.

Air Canada returns to CV Airport BY MICHAEL BRIONES Echo Staff Air Canada is flying back to the Comox Valley. The airline company has renewed its association with the Comox Valley Airport. It will be offering a new twice-daily, non-stop service from Comox to Vancouver starting May 1, 2015. “This new service will provide another choice for island residents to access the Mainland, particularly those that want to fly onto additional destinations within the expansive Air Canada route network,” said Fred Bigelow, CEO of the Comox Valley

Airport. In 2008 AC Jazz withdrew its air service route between Comox and Calgary due to high fuel cost and part of the airline company’s cost-saving plans. But Air Canada announced recently strategic enhancements that required expanding its North American route network that included the Comox Valley Airport. “We are delighted to launch our newest regional service at the Comox Valley Airport next spring and we look forward to welcoming customers from the Comox, Courtenay and Campbell River areas

14195.73 17801.20 1228.80 0.8710 22.20 48.57 104.96 5.03 20.97 1.43% 1.88% 2.41% 2.87%

PACIFIC & WESTERN PACIFIC & WESTERN HOMEQUITY BANK

1yr: 1.670% 3 yr: 2.130% 5 yr: 2.570%

onboard Air Canada Express flights operated by Jazz Aviation,” said Kevin C. Howlett, Air Canada’s Senior Vice President of Regional Markets. “Customers can fly either point-to-point between Comox and Vancouver, or conveniently connect in Vancouver to and from our worldwide network at our Vancouver hub to destinations in Asia and the South Pacific, Europe, and our extensive North American route network.” All Air Canada flights provide for Aeroplan accumulation and redemption and, for eligible customers, priority

79.91 52.75 65.38 52.18 39.70 34.02 24.94 10.10 22.38 39.68 53.55 15.85 18.74

check-in, Maple Leaf Lounge access, priority boarding and other benefits. “Air Canada continues to strategically add new routes in response to the strong demand in Western Canada, notably the growing business market between Calgary and Terrace/Kitimat in Northern BC, the increasing demand to and from Vancouver Island, and the continued travel demand between Western Canada and Atlantic Canada,” said Benjamin Smith, President, Passenger Airlines. The Comox/Vancouver route will be operated by Jazz Aviation LP under

the Air Canada Express brand using a 50-seat, made-in-Canada Bombardier Dash 8-300 aircraft. Flights are available for sale starting today and flight times are as follows: • AC8307 leaving Vancouver 8:55 a.m., arriving Comox 9:35 a.m. • AC8308 leaving Comox 9:55 a.m., arriving Vancouver 10:33 a.m. • AC8309 leaving Vancouver 4:25 p.m., arriving Comox 5:05 p.m. • AC8310 leaving Comox 5:25 p.m., arriving Vancouver 6:03 p.m. The Comox schedule has been carefully planned to provide comprehensive connection

options within the Air Canada route network. Possible same-day connections from Comox with Air Canada include: all points within B.C., Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Regina, Winnipeg, Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Hong Kong, Seoul, Tokyo-Narita, Osaka, Beijing, Shanghai, Honolulu, Maui, Sydney Australia and London Heathrow. Air Canada flight bookings to/from Comox can be made at www.aircanada.com or with a Travel Agent. Flight and hotel packages: www. vacations.aircanada.com.

Give “The Best Gift Ever” this Christmas... Philip Shute Vice President

Investment Advisor

34.87 17.32 46.09 25.85

Commissions, trailing commissions, management tees and expenses all may be associated with mutual fund investments. Please read the prospectus before investing. Mutual funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. Rates and prices as of Dec. 9, 2014 . Rates and prices subject to change and availability. RBC Dominion Securities Inc.* and Royal Bank of Canada are separate corporate entities which are affiliated. *Member-Canadian Investor Protection Fund. RBC Dominion Securities Inc. is a member company of RBC Wealth Management, a business segment of Royal Bank of Canada. ®Registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under licence. © 2014 Royal Bank of Canada. All rights reserved.

Romantic Retreat 2 Nights Stay Includes: West Coast Cheese & Wine Basket Breakfast Basket with Eggs & Bacon and ALL the Ingredients for a Hearty West Coast Breakfast Fresh Seafood Dinner Each Night FREE Use of Kayaks

Call TODAY:

1-877-974-5457

www.alertbayresort.com info@alertbayresort.com

$279

per person

based on double occupancy FIND US ON:

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 12, 2014

Flooding hits Cumberland The ﬂoods that have put much of the Comox Valley in a state of emergency have even effected the Village of Cumberland, despite being perched high up on the hillside. On Wednesday the Village officials worked with Comox Lake Land Corporation to help a handful of homeowners whose cabins on Comox Lake were being threatened by the rising waters. “We’re trying to work with them to get the sandbags out,” CAO

Sundance Topham said Wednesday. “The water’s rising pretty fast.” Village staffers in the protective services and public works departments were mobilized to deal with the scenario as it unfolded. The Village itself experienced some localized ﬂooding and even a few washouts. Multiple back alleys were closed to traffic and will have to be repaired and community trails were worse for wear thanks to the heavy rains.

Cumberland initiates pair of new committees BY DREW A. PENNER Echo Staff In a nod to emphatic debates that sprung up during election season in Cumberland, the Village has decided to establish two new committees to tackle homelessness and accessibility. During its inaugural meeting Cumberland council voted unanimously to set up a Homelessness/ Affordable Housing Select Committee and an Accessibility Select Committee Dec. 1. Mayor Leslie Baird said a lot of residents in the community are faced with tough choices when it comes to where they can live. “I get questions often about if I know of anywhere that’s for rent even,” she said. “There’s not a lot out there.” Many older resident are having trouble maintaining their quality of life as living costs go up, Baird explained. “It has a huge impact on their life,” she said. “Some seniors have to give up their home.” The Village of Cumberland wasn’t big enough to be included in a recent BC Non-Profit Housing Association map of municipalities and regional districts, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t facing challenges too. In many ways Cumberland is moving more quickly towards a solution than any of the other local governments. Reflecting a local desire to come up with a Made in Cumberland solution to some of poverty’s most visible effects, and in the face of the successful Comox Valley Regional

District (CVRD) ballot box initiative to gain acceptance for using taxpayer dollars to combat homelessness, Baird went ahead and proposed a Village committee to look at the issue. The Homelessness/Affordable Housing Select Committee is tasked with examining the both homelessness and affordable housing possibilities specifically within Village boundaries. The ball is rolling and soon council will have a chance to vote on the terms of reference for both committees, as soon as administration develops them. It can be frustrating to watch some community members try to cope with current housing costs, Baird said, especially since there’s isn’t much the Village can do. “We have very little control over those costs,” she said. “The housing issue affects everybody.” There was an apartment block planned for a future phase of the Coal Valley Estates project, but the developer agreed to build a specific number of houses and didn’t necessarily commit to building rental properties, she added. To the sound of gentle laughter Coun. Roger Kishi suggested that Cumberland’s move could “shame” other local governments into actually developing a plan to tackle homelessness. Improving infrastructure for disabled residents came out as another important community issue during the recent all-candidates meeting, something the accessibility committee is supposed to address.

ECHO

etc. LAST FRIDAYNIGHT DANCE OF 2014 Our last Evergreen Club Friday Night Dance for the year 2014 - let’s make it a good one - with the help of our favorite Dan Hughes Band coming to town all the way from Duncan to sing and play for us. We will have plenty of dancing room in the UPPER LEVEL of the ever popular Florence Filberg Centre in the Conference Hall. Dancing starts at 7:30 pm till 10:30 pm Members $5.00 and Nonmembers are welcome at $7.00 We would like to encourage you to get or re-new your membership before year end. Oh! Bar Service will be available and a coffee break at 9:00 pm.

GLACIER VIEW LODGE BAKE SALE The Auxiliary to Glacier View Lodge invites you to our yummy Bake Sale in the Comox Mall on Saturday 20 December, 10am to 5pm. Gift wrapping by donation is also in the Comox Mall from Sunday 21 December to Wednesday the 24th December -- 10am to 4pm each day. Gift bags at $5.00 each are available for last minute gifts. Don’t spend money on gift wrap, come see us. And a huge thank you to everyone who take advantage of our activities, and all who volunteer for the beneﬁt of the residents of Glacier View. A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS .

MET OPERA AT THE RIALTO The next Met opera at the Rialto is Wagner’s, Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg, this Saturday, December 13 at 9:00 am. James Levine returns to one of his signature Wagner works conducting this epic comedy-back at the Met for the ﬁrst time in eight yearsabout a group of Renaissance “master singers” whose song contest unites a city. Johan Reuter, Johan Botha, and Annette Dasch lead the superb international cast in this charming and magisterial celebration of the power of music and art. Tickets are on

sale now at the Rialto. Adults and youth $24.95; children and seniors $20.95 (including taxes). For more information call (250) 338-5502 or visit Landmarkcinemas.com.

COVENTRY NATIVITY PLAY The Coventry Nativity Play - Friday, December 12 - 7:30 pm - The Anglican Church of St. John the Divine welcomes you to a costumed reading of a medieval nativity play. Performed in mediaeval costumes (courtesy of Courtenay Little Theatre) by local actors & church goers, live mediaeval music performed by Eric MacDonald & Tracy Canil. Food or money donation for the Food Bank and Christmas Hampers are welcome. Door opens at 7pm. St John the Divine Anglican Church is location at 579 5th Street in Courtenay.

‘Curious Kids Club’ The Courtenay and District Museum and Palaeontology Centre is creating a Curious Kids Club for children between the ages of 5 to 12 years old. Children will meet at the Courtenay Museum between 10:00-12:00pm (a perfect time for mom and dad to go scout out the Farmers Market across the street at the

Native Sons Hall) to uncover some of the mysteries behind Christmas. The schedule is as follows: • December 13th- Lighting Up the Past: Tin Can Lanterns The cost is $2 for a drop-in or FREE with a Museum Family membership. Pre-registration is suggested as there is a maximum of 12 students.

SANTA DOES GET CALLS Santa’s Workshop Society is a registered charity, active in the Comox Valley for over 40 years. The society collects new and used toys, refurbishes them as needed, and then distributes the toys to families in the Comox Valley. Last year Santa’s Workshop donated nearly 800 toys to over 300 families. In the last week of November, Santa’s Workshop ﬁelded its ﬁrst international inquiry. A young boy from another country called the society’s front desk asking to speak with Santa, who was fortunately visiting the society’s workshop at the time. Santa listened to the boy’s request for a bicycle and a puppy. Later that week a volunteer from Santa’s Workshop called the boy’s father, and told him of his son’s requests. The father thanked the volunteer, and told him that he would discuss the request with Santa. If you want to learn more about Santa’s Workshop, you may visit its website, www. santasworkshopcomoxvalley. com Visitors are always welcome at the workshop, 331 Fourth St. in Courtenay, between 9 am and 3 pm from Monday to Friday.

Find us on Facebook facebook.com/ComoxValleyEcho

FOR INFO, TICKETS AND SAVINGS GO TO:

SNOWEDINCOMEDYTOUR.COM

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 12, 2014

Even Comox got hit by rising waters this week. Photographer Darrell Joan Tomkins took these shots at the Comox Marina Park and boat launch parking lot

SAVE BIG NOW 2014 CLEARANCE! THANKS BC FOR MAKING THESE THE NUMBER 1 SELLING VEHICLES

Save up to:

$2,500

2014 Honda Civic EX

Save up to:

$3,000

Save up to:

When they are gone, so are these OFFERS!

$3,000

2014 Honda CRV EX

2014 Honda Accord Touring V6

!Ask us How we can SAVE YOU MONEY on YOUR NEW 2014 Honda!

‡In order to achieve $0 down payment, dealer will cover the cost of tire/battery tax, air conditioning tax (where applicable), environmental fees and levies on the 2015 CR-V LX 2WD, Civic DX and Fit DX only on behalf of the customer. ΩLimited time weekly lease offer based on a new 2015 CR-V LX 2WD model RM3H3FES. ¥1.99% lease APR on a 60 month term with 260 weekly payments O.A.C. Weekly payment, including freight and PDI, is $69.89 based on applying $400.00 lease dollars (which is deducted from the negotiated selling price before taxes). Down payment of $0.00, first weekly payment and $0 security deposit due at lease inception. Total lease obligation is $18,171.40. Taxes, license, insurance and registration are extra. 120,000 kilometre allowance; charge of $0.12/km for excess kilometres. †Limited time weekly lease offer based on a new 2015 Civic DX model FB2E2FEX. €2.99% lease APR on a 60 month term with 260 weekly payments O.A.C. Weekly payment, including freight and PDI, is $44.90 based on applying $600.00 lease dollars (which is deducted from the negotiated selling price before taxes). Down payment of $0.00, first weekly payment and $0 security deposit due at lease inception. Total lease obligation is $11,674.00. Taxes, license, insurance and registration are extra. 120,000 kilometre allowance; charge of $0.12/km for excess kilometres. *Limited time weekly lease offer based on a new 2015 Fit DX model GK5G3FE. #2.99% lease APR on a 60 month term with 260 weekly payments O.A.C. Weekly payment, including freight and PDI, is $39.97 based on applying $875.00 lease dollars (which is deducted from the negotiated selling price before taxes). Down payment of $0.00, first weekly payment and $0 security deposit due at lease inception. Total lease obligation is $10,392.20. Taxes, license, insurance and registration are extra. 120,000 kilometre allowance; charge of $0.12/km for excess kilometres. ‡‡$500 Consumer Incentive Dollars “Holiday Bonus” (“Holiday Bonus”) available on any new 2015 Civic and new 2015 CR-V models, purchased or leased and delivered by January 2, 2015 and can be combined with advertised lease and finance rates. “Holiday Bonus” includes GST and PST, as applicable. Visit a participating Honda dealer for eligible products & services applicable to “Holiday Bonus” redemption. Offer ends January 2, 2015 and is subject to change or cancellation without notice. £For more information about the 2015 Motor Trend Sport/Utility of the Year® award, visit http://www.motortrend.com/oftheyear/suv/2015_honda_cr_v_is_the_motor_trend_suv_of_the_year/ **MSRP is $27,685 / $17,245 / $15,990 including freight and PDI of $1,695 / $1,495 / $1,495 based on a new 2015 CR-V LX 2WD model RM3H3FES / Civic DX model FB2E2FEX / Fit DX model GK5G3FE. License, insurance, registration and taxes are extra and may be required at the time of purchase. ‡/Ω/¥/†/€/*/#/**/‡‡ Prices and/or payments shown do not include a PPSA lien registration fee of $30.31 and lien registering agent's fee of $5.25, which are both due at time of delivery and covered by the dealer on behalf of the customer on the 2015 CR-V LX 2WD, Civic DX and Fit DX only. Offers valid from December 2nd, 2014 through January 2nd, 2015 at participating Honda retailers. Dealer may sell/lease for less. Dealer trade may be necessary on certain vehicles. Offers valid only for British Columbia residents at BC Honda Dealers locations. Offers subject to change or cancellation without notice. Terms and conditions apply. Visit www.bchonda.com or see your Honda retailer for full details.

24 www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 12, 2014

CHRISTMAS

Unusual and beautiful finds for gifts Don’t miss the Elevate Winter Bazaar this Saturday in the Lower Native Sons Hall If you’re looking for a seasonal craft fair with a twist, look no further than the 3rd annual Elevate Winter Bazaar. Descend into the dark cavernous Lower Native Sons Hall in Downtown Courtenay on Saturday December 13th from 9 am till 5 pm and be prepared for myriad surprises, delights and curiosities. The Elevate Winter Bazaar offers a rich variety of art, crafts and creations that will make perfect gifts for your most eclectic family and friends. Vendors are offering silver jewelry, original screen printed clothing, soy candles, fine wood working, bone and feather art, up-cycled rubber and metals, exotic truffles, pottery, knitted scarves and cowls, hula hoops, glass treasures, naughty buttons, fairy doors, genealogy handbooks, much much more! But there is more to this craft fair than meets the eye! Come and enjoy some truly decadent food and drink from Tria Fine Catering at the Elevate Canteen! Take in some music from around the universe with the Moon Band, DJ Eliazar and other surprise guests. Sign up for workshops including

Poi Spinning, EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), Twisted Christmas Card Making and “Sound Cave”, a workshop of nature inspired vocal/body music to celebrate the solstice. Check www. elevatethearts.com for ore details

and to sign up for workshops. Admission to the Elevate Bazaar is by donation and all funds raised at the event support the annual Elevate Arts Festival held in June of each year. This barrier-free arts festival

aims to engage all ages of our community in boundary stretching and community building creative undertakings. To learn more visit www.elevatetheart.com or join them on facebook.

dave’s destination:

Auckland to Vancouver

Dave Frinton

his 38 night package is exceptional value. For $6849 CAD pp you get your air from Vancouver to Auckland on April 1st, 2 nights in a 4 star hotel, a 36 night cruise in a high category balcony stateroom aboard the elegant ms Oosterdam, a $100 per stateroom onboard credit and all taxes. This sailing ports in Tauranga, Napier, Wellington, Picton, Christchurch and Dunedin, New Zealand, then crosses over to Hobart, Tasmania, then up to Melbourne, Sydney, two stops in New Caledonia, then up to Vanuatu, Fiji, Samoa, Kauai, Honolulu and ﬁnally some relaxing days at sea to Vancouver. We also have a shorter package by boarding the ship on April 19th in Sydney. We have a nice pre tour for this one if you wish. If you can’t wait until April to take a cruise, please give us a call! We have a surprising amount of special deals on a wide variety of warm destination sailings – including some last minute Xmas itineraries. Cruises make a great gift! Ho Ho Ho!

Co-founder/ President CruisePlus / DestinationsPlus

We offer better value on 4 star and above travel – check our web site or call us for other recent “Dave’s Destination” deals! Big Agency Deals…Small Agency Feel Vancouver Island NewsMedia Group

1-877-722-2202 | cruiseplus.ca .ca

New bookings only. Prices are per person based on 2 sharing and subject to availability at the time of booking. CruisePlus Management Ltd. BPCPA #3325-0

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 12, 2014

799

Reg $1399

Simmons BeautyRest Pocket Coil Queen Pillow Top Set

999

from

699

Lowest Prices of the Year!

Reg $1299

Simmons BeautyRest Pocket Coil Queen Tight Top Set

Power Lift Chairs Over 10 Styles to Choose From

299

999

Reg $899

Kings Down Pocket coil Twin

Reg $1799

2999

799

Reg $1199

Mission Recliner Chair

SAVE $1500

ONLY

Stylus All Leather Power Swivel Recliner

$ Leather Sectional With Swivel Seats

1699

1299

LoveSeat $1279

Reg $2699

Ashley Power Recliner Sofa

Ashley Sofa

Includes sofa, loveseat, recliner and 3 piece coffee table set.

Reg $1899

Ashley Queen Bed With Drawer

All fireplaces are 30% to 50% off regular price

2399 Reg $3699

999

Reg $1899

Ashley Sectional

Leather Sofa

899

Reg $1699

Ashley Fabric Sofa

799

Reg $2499

999

Intercon 5 Pcs Pub Solid wood Table

Ashley Sectional

Reg $2199

Reg $5099

1799

Flexsteel Recliner Sofa

Reg $3499

3299

Reg $2399

999

1599

$ Queen Size Sleep Chest

999

Designer Leather Chair

6 Piece Room Group

999

Intercon Solid Wood Dining Table And 4 chairs

26 www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 12, 2014

Better together.

Save up to $100 on any new smartphone when you bundle with Optik TV and Internet. TM

Plus, save $ 5/month on each service.

†

Go to telus.com/bundleup or visit your TELUS store today.

TELUS STORES Courtenay 795 Ryan Rd.

1599 Cliffe Ave.

2885 Cliffe Ave.

*Offer available with any activation of a new TELUS smartphone on a 2 year postpaid consumer rate plan. Promotional discount is the lesser of $100 and the price of the eligible device before tax. The mobility and TELUS Home Services accounts must be in the same name. †Offer available to consumers and businesses operated by a sole proprietor. TELUS Home Services are TV, Internet and TELUS Home Phone. Linking of home services and mobility accounts required to receive the $5/month discount. Only one discount available for each mobility account. The mobility and TELUS Home Services accounts must be in the same name. TELUS, the TELUS logo, Optik, Optik TV, telus.com and the future is friendly are trademarks of TELUS Corporation, used under licence. © 2014 TELUS.

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 12, 2014 Riptide to end the year. On behalf of the entire team and franchise, CoCoaches Jim Stewart, Lisa Wigard, and Matt Laver would like to thank the community for your generous and consistent support and extend warm wishes for a Merry Christmas and joy, health, and prosperity in the New

Year. Season’s Greetings Comox Valley! The Riptide U14 Girls soccer team, sponsored by Lacasse Construction, resumes league play in a home game against Saanich on January 17th. For more information, visit the team’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook. com/riptide2001girls

Congratulations to John Mundy! Riptide U14 Girls proudly move into second place in the VIPL standings after Saturday’s win against Juan de Fuca/Sooke. Photo: Courtesy of Heidi Summers

Riptide U14 Girls close out year with big win The Riptide U14 Girls soccer team faced Juan de Fuca/Sooke on home turf Saturday for their ninth game of the VIPL season. Being the last league game in 2014, Riptide needed a win to advance in the standings going into the New Year. In the last two matchups with Juan de Fuca/ Sooke, Riptide earned a win and a tie. So the team felt conﬁdent going in to this game and knew that, if they could overcome their recent somewhat dry spell in scoring, they would accomplish their

CODES COUNTRY LANES Bowling highlights from Codes Country Lanes: Monday Golden Age AM Micki MacDonald 203, Nick Tjart 210, Leona Miller 185, Marie Israel 194, Bob Van Nes 298, Pat King 236, Arnie Morrison 264, Heather Abraham 191, Joyce Slater 172, Roy Brekke 245, Anna Turcotte 191. Monday Golden Age PM Lucille Smith 200, Ruth Johnson 216, Shirley McLoughlin 163, Christine Wallenberg 162, Bruce Ram 225, Erma Wilson 222, Rita Grill 188, Bill Tower 190, Rick Rodriguez 270, Ivan Ally 265. Monday Youth - William 125, Jordan 142, Andrew 159, Brycen Burgess 143, Lucien Rousseau 89, Benoit Rousseau 82, Celine Rousseau 81. Tuesday Breakfast - Laurie McWillis 231, Marilyn Shetterly 180, Brenda Searl 238, Paulette Z 171, Barb Randall 255, Shirley Mangano 180, Karen Annand 151, Isabelle Bracchi 169, Debbie

goal of advancing past Upper Island Storm to take second place in the standings, just one point behind Saanich. Both teams started strong and focussed. Riptide maintained most of the ball possession and had excellent scoring opportunities, including two corner kicks and an angled shot that hit the goalpost but deﬂected out. Fans were sure that Riptide was about to score any time, but Juan de Fuca’s defense and keeper held strong and it was nil at half.

Raithby 161, Agnes Barker 163, Joyce Boon 150. Tuesday Club 55 - Garry Pearson 175, Judith Munro 111, Allison Bennett 131, Ed Schievink 98. Tuesday Mixed - Bill Brundige 236, Lynda Brundige 203, Steve Robson 248, Rick Granneman 233, Brian Booth 284, Ian Taylor 200, Gary Coombs 183, Bruno Bagdan 299. Wednesday Club 55 - Bert Brown 211, Ken Scavarda 200, Gerry VanAchte 175, Laura Webber 172, Sally Hazleton 176, Grace Coulter 205, Pat Schmidt 190, Pat Ailles 230, Betty Gilchrist 181, Marie Israel 228, Dave Stacey 203, Laurie Aucoin 204. Tuesday/Wednsday CRA - Linda Christie 169, Debbie Downer 146, Cori Pagnoni 135, Randy Poole 128, Clayton Heid 141, Jeff McLaughlin 167, John Vincent 82, Larry McCooey 196, Michael Campbell 144, Linda Scott 108, Rachel Anderson 81, Russell Enright 106, Patti Gove 120, Scott Burden 118, Jessica Anderson 118, Allison Bennett 120. Wednesday Adult - Ken Bird 225, Candace McClellan 202, Tammy Pizzey 173, Debbie Miller 241, John West 216, Larry Adam 250, Vicki Major

As it has often happened in games, Riptide scored within the first five minutes of the second half. Sophie L rose to the occasion not only to score the first goal of the game, but did it again about ten minutes later, capitalizing on a direct volley from Tiana Stewart in front of the net after a corner kick from Aisha HunterBellavia. Then, in what was one of the most seamless passing plays of the game, defender Rosie Campbell fed the ball to Kaitlyn Dreger at mid-

249, Wayne Wilson 200, Darlene Bernard 197, Tom Nurse 241, Brian Booth 260, Bruno Bagdan 274, Al Gavel 223. Thursday Club 55 - Vera Winter 188, Lynn Devries 174, Bruce Ram 185, Barb Casey 224, Kaela McLean 191, Alan Edwards 219, Grace Rodriguez 200, Ivan Ally 212, Bob Van Nes 233, Bea Tomkinson 263, Arnie Morrison 247. Thursday Adult - Dawn Hill 269, Steve Robson 266, Ed Carefoot 223, Candace McLellan 224, Jordan Austin 235, Scott Van Achte 239, Chad Kelly 212, Jessica Giroux 237, Paul Zorz 240, Anne Bodnar 263, Rick Kroeker 232. Friday Club 55 - Ickle Brown 198, Bert Brown 267, Ken Scavarda 227, Roy Brekke 202, Joyce Unsworth 180, Millie McCharles 173, Midge Girard 166, Jim Lucas 172, Marj Arnold 174, Gerhard Sorger 222, Minnie Frame 192, George Sand 212. Special O - Alan Craig 133, Trevor Carter 143, Larry McCooey 161, Bobby Bolen 172, Joe Grubweiser 177, Allison Bennett 203, Michael 220, Melissa Knight 168, Morgan Bell 145, Jamie Bennett 181, Clayton Heid 169, Rose Flecher 174, Sherri Lines 196, Danny Erb 190.

field who found Frédérica Blouin-Comeau advancing on the left wing. Blouin-Comeau used her speed and ball handling skills to take advantage of her left kick, firing an angled shot to beat the keeper and find the top of the net. That was the final goal of the game, earning Riptide a 3-0 win. Registering their fourth shutout, Riptide’s defensive line and keepers, Nicolette Vinnedge and Freyja Reed, held the total goals scored against the team in 2014 to ten. This was an ideal way for

November.

Come in today to see John and GET THE NEW OR PRE-OWNED CAR OR TRUCK OF YOUR DREAMS

250 Old Island Highway Courtenay, BC

250.334.2441

www.finneronhyundai.com

CARRIERS WANTED No collection required. Great exercise! Call Comox Valley Echo • 250-334-4734 or drop by 407-D 5th Street, Courtenay COURTENAY

SUBSTITUTE NEEDED FOR RT 7119 DOWNTOWN BUSINESS AREA Rt. 7107 Rt. 8102

COMOX SUBSTITUTE NEEDED FOR DEC - BECTON ROAD AREA

THE DART BOARD COMOX VALLEY PUB LEAGUE MIXED DARTS POSITION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

A Division Crty Legion Black Cats Crty Legion DA’s Cx Legion Beer Pigs Comox Legion Bulls Hitters Comox Legion Misfitz Griffin Gang Elks FunGi’s Griffin Darts of Hazzard

Pts 58 53 53 43 41 35 33 8

December 2 Results Beer Pigs 3 -Blackcats 6 D.A.’s 1 - Griffin Gang 8 Misfitz 0 - BullsHitters 0 Dukes of Hazzard 0 - FunGis 0

Ladies Hi Score: Laurie McFadden 130 Men’s Hi Score: Al Oelke, Glen Litchfield 140 Ladies Hi Checkout: Joanne Scott 85 Men’s Hi Checkout: Dave Wellington 99 180s: Glen Litchfield 1

– Grieve to McPhee, 13th to 17th – Urquhart, Tull, 27th, Stewart

Rt. 2110 Rt. 2112 Rt. 2132 Rt. 2103

– Aspen, Stellar, Bolt, Bambrick – Aspen, Meadowlark, Towhee, Merrelet – Cooke Ave. – Beach, Beaufort, Murphy, Beaton

Rt. 3114 Rt. 3135 Rt. 3127A Rt. 3136 Rt. 3134

– Malahat, Zeballos, Mantle, 9th St. E., Evergreen – Hawk Dr., Whiskey Jack, Swallow – St. Andrews Way, Nevis Place – Blue Jay Place – Birkshire, Dover Pl, Tudor Pl

Rt. 4106

– Loxley, Avonlee, Sea Terrace

Rt. 6111

– Seaview Road

VALLEYVIEW

COLEMAN ROAD AREA MIRACLE BEACH

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

28 www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 12, 2014

Get out on the trails this winter with the Nordics Many people across the world claim that crosscountry skiing is the best form of exercise. Cross-country skiing uses all your muscle groups, so you can strengthen your upper and lower body and your core as well as your cardiovascular system. Here on the island, cross-country skiing also offers many other health beneﬁts associated with gliding through snowy meadows and forests in the fresh mountain air! The Strathcona Nordics would like to take you skiing every weekend this winter. The club’s skier development programs offer a set of 10 weekly sessions where you can

work on cross-country ski skills in a fun atmosphere with a group of peers and develop the confidence to tackle the trails for the first time or to take yourself to the next level. They have programs for beginner, intermediate, and advanced skiers; for children, youth, and adults; and for recreational skiers and racers. The Strathcona Nordics recreational programs begin on January 10 and 11 in the Nordic Area of Mount Washington - but they say, “don’t delay in registering - programs usually fill up before the December 31 deadline.” Visit StrathconaNordics.com for more information and to register.

Glacier Greens Men play Saturday on Sunday with good results Our Saturday Men’s event was played on Sunday Dec. 7th. Parts of the course were still frozen on Saturday. Sunday weather was good for a December day and 59 players had a nice day of golf as the results will show. HCP 0-12 1st Low Gross Chuck Kennedy 72, 2nd Stan Mills 73, 3rd James Dickson 74, 1st Low Net Marty Barbaro 66, 2nd Warren Brandson 68 c/b, 3rd Karl Cameron 68, Snips: Hole #1 & #15 Stan Mills, #5 Richard Martin, #11 Mackenzie Osborne, #12 & #17 James Dickson, #14 Warren Brandson HCP 13-18 1st Low Gross Keith

Allan 79, 2nd Lyle Torrie 85, 3rd Peter Hill 86, 1st Low Net Glenn Horsepool, 2nd Al Murray c/b, 3rd John Pringle 71, Snips: Hole #4 Keith Allan, #11 Randy Doan HCP 19+ 1st Low Gross Joe Dunham 89, 2nd Jim Clark 91 c/b, 3rd Chris Bard 91 1st Low Net Peter Leskovich 70 c/b, 2nd Philip Ball 70, 3rd Henry Bondy 71, Snips: Hole #8 Gary Wood, #17 Philip Ball There was no Ben Gill Challenge on #15 this week and let’s hope we get to play next week, till then, see ya. - Submitted by Ron Carter

Riptide U16 Girls Top Spot in VIPL The Riptide U16 girls ended the ninth game of their Vancouver Island Premier League season with a 3-0 win vs Gorge this past Saturday. Goals were scored by Zoe Nilson , Faith Brown, and Haley Smith from dangerous crossing balls whipped in by Justine McMahon and Abbie Simms. It was a resounding win which captured the essence of the teams’ play this past fall: lots of goals, fast attacking play, and a stingy defence. The team looked comfortable throughout the game attacking with its over lapping fullbacks Toni Powsey and Kristin Gage, and complimented with

attacking combinations by Camryn Curts ( who sadly was injured on the day), Livy Bates, Emily Dreger, and Macayla Gray. Leading the team and keeping yet another clean sheet was Danielle Robertson aided by the steel curtain back line of Jayden Grant, Bayley Hollingsworth, Megan Robertson and Lizzie Watson. The team goes into the Christmas break top of the table with 20 points and 2 points ahead of the second place team, Saanich Fusion, with a game in hand. “The girls have played tremendously this past fall and fully deserve the top spot”, said Coach Ash Mohtadi, “ but nothing is a given and it will come down to the final whistle of the final game to determine who wins the league”. Good luck to the Riptide Girls in the New Year!

Bridge Club news Comox Valley Bridge Club News Monday December 1, 2014 A Flight 1. Slava Simice-Barry Turnham 2. Linda Marinus-Arlene Petersen B Flight 1. Dorothy Branch-Alaster Gavel 2. Frieda Home-Marilyn Hannah C Flight 1. Frieda Home-Marilyn Hannah 2. Jeanette Baron-Tom Dugdale Thursday December 4, 2014 North/South A Flight, 1 Dave Harper-Pete Marinus 2. Gail Fennel-Arlene Petersen B & C Flight 1. Howard Cohen-Douglas Nash East/West Flight A, B & C

FREE GOLF!

$ 500 non-refundable down payment on 2015-2016 Membership Dues & Play Golf (Dec-March on Us !) For More Information contact the pro shop (down-payment will be processed against 2015-2016 Membership Dues)

1. Patricia & Roy Lowe Flight A & B 2. Gayle Cousins-Dave Mosher Flight C 2. Daphne Welsh-Karin Franzen Team Game January 10, 2015. Club location is Nordin Street across from Comox Mall, game time Thursday 1:00 pm, Monday 7:00 pm. Guaranteed partner, everyone welcome. Website www.cvdbc.com , email playbridge@shaw.ca, telephone contact Linda Marinus 250-3382544 D’Esterre duplicate bridge Results for Tuesday, 2nd December (14 1/2 tables): N/S - 1. Jean Tait and Harvey Piercy; 2. John and Lynn Godfrey; 3. Daryl Pippin and Mark Lawrence; 4. Phil Sandford and Maureen Olafson. E/W - 1. Howie Cohen and

Sharon Feduniak; 2. Roy and Patricia Lowe; 3. Keith Ware and Dianna Rickson; 4. Irene Smith and Dorothy Branch. Results for Friday, 5th December (13 tables): N/S - 1. Chuck and Lorraine Hodson; 2. Phil Sandford and Maureen Olafson; 3. Jean Tait and Evelyn Ware; 4. Harvey Piercy and Judy Morrison. E/W - 1. Dick and Lynn Sangster; 2. Roy and Patricia Lowe; 3. Grace Whetter and Dorothy Branch; 4. Daphne Welsh and Ann Cook. Results for Saturday, 6th December (11 1/2 tables): N/S - 1. Doug and Penny Poole; 2. Lloyd and Bernice Snyder; 3. Tom and Betty Thomsen; 4. Roger and Rose Lucas. E/W - 1. Roy and Patricia Lowe; 2. Dick and Lynn Sangster; 3. Dianna Rickson and Sharon Feduniak; 4. George and Trish Kirkwood.

Hope Stories Giving Hope Today. ...from Cornerstone Community and Family Services

Frank is a single man who worried because he was living in “a dangerous and a very scary place.” He felt extra vulnerable because he is a senior. After a number of meetings The Salvation Army Caseworker/Chaplin was able to get Frank into subsidized seniors housing. Frank now says "finally I have a safe place to call my home."

HOPE FOR

H OLID

THE

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 12, 2014

A Event, sponsored by Sherlocks Family Hair Care, winner was Sandra Gallaway team; 3rd Liz Ellis, 2nd Mary Ellen Warner and lead Elaine Starchuk,

It was ‘Jailhouse Rocks’ for ladies Cash Bonspiel The Comox Valley Ladies Curling Club has just completed our Cash Bonspiel Nov 28-30/2014. Our theme Jailhouse Rocks produced many jail birds on and off the ice. From a ﬁeld of 24 teams and four events the winner of the A Event, sponsored by Sherlocks Family Hair Care, was Sandra Gallaway team: 3rd Liz Ellis, 2nd Mary Ellen Warner and lead Elaine Starchuk, Second in the A Event was the Amber Dufour rink and Third in the A Event the Stacia Johnson rink. The B Event sponsored by Kirk Cambell Investors Group winner was the Claire Bonin rink from the Seattle Granite Curling Club defeating the Sharon Meeres rink. 3rd Mary Ellen Konyer from Nanaimo. C Event sponsored by Brian McLean Chevrolet Buick GMC winner was the Michele Haider rink defeating. Ann Strilesky from Parksville, 3rd Kim Jonsson rink and 4th Dee Horie team D Event sponsored by 98.9 FM The Goat, Janice Ainsworth defeated Deb Goodwin, 3rd Leslie Shearer and 4th Mary Holden team. The Ladies Club had very good support for our ticket raffles from the Old House Hotel, the Spa and T Dale Robert s Notary sponsored a dinner at Locals for one prize. Golf Courses all over the island supported us with 2 rounds of golf at each course: Comox, Sunnydale, Crowne Isle, Glacier Greens, Gold River, Quadra Island, Storycreek, Morningstar , Arrowsmith and Port Alberni. The winners

The B Event sponsored by Kirk Cambell Investors Group winner was the Claire Bonin rink from the Seattle Granite Curling Club

C Event sponsored by Brian McLean Chevrolet Buick GMC winner was the Michele Haider rink

D Event sponsored by 98.9 FM The Goat, winner was the Janice Ainsworth rink are posted on the Comox Curling Club website. We are thankful for all the gift certiﬁcates for our raffle baskets from the Downtown Courtenay Merchants: Francis Jewellers, Shoebiz, Ski Tak Hut, Penny Tyme, Kradles, Butcher Block, Cherry Wine, Courtenay Florist, Robert A Couture, Sharon’s All Sizes, Trousers, Uptown Yarns, Bonnie & Clydes,

Home & Garden Gate. As well as SDM Courtenay, Locals Restaurant, Myrtle Point golf course. Saturday afternoon was a vendors market at the curling club with over 15 vendors for the lady curlers shopping experience. In all it was a very successful bonspiel and was only possible with the help from our sponsors. - Submitted by Barbara Dixson, CVCC ladies bonspiel chair

Contest Closes Dec. 19, 2014 Winner to be drawn at that time

PACKERS

GREEN BAY PACKERS (-5.5) AT BUFFALO BILLS

PACKERS

PANTHERS

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS AT CAROLINA PANTHERS (-5.5)

PANTHERS

TEXANS

HOUSTON TEXANS AT INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (-6.5)

COLTS

JAGUARS

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS AT BALTIMORE RAVENS (-13.5)

RAVENS

RAIDERS

OAKLAND RAIDERS AT KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (-10.5)

CHIEFS

PATRIOTS

MIAMI DOLPHINS AT NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (-8.5)

PATRIOTS

REDSKINS

WASHINGTON REDSKINS AT NEW YORK GIANTS (-6.5)

GIANTS

STEELERS

PITTSBURGH STEELERS (-1.5) AT ATLANTA FALCONS

STEELERS

BROWNS

CINCINATTI BENGALS (-1.5) AT CLEVELAND BROWNS

BROWNS

BRONCOS

DENVER BRONCOS (-3.5) AT SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

BRONCOS

TITANS

NEW YORK JETS AT TENNESSEE TITANS (-0.5)

JETS

49ERS

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS AT SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (-9.5)

SEAHAWKS

LIONS

MINNESOTA VIKINGS AT DETROIT LIONS (-7.5)

VIKINGS

EAGLES

DALLAS COWBOYS AT PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (-3.5)

EAGLES

SAINTS

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (-2.5) AT CHICAGO BEARS

BEARS

8-7

Dec. 9/14

10-5 94-98

We Specialize In Happy W Haappy Customers Cust

Independently Owned &Operated

44901 90 North Island IIsssla Hwy, Courtenay Cou

30 www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 12, 2014

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 12, 2014

CARRIERS WANTED EARN $$$$$$$$ COURTENAY Substitute needed for Rt 7119 downtown business area Rt. 7107 – Grieve to McPhee, 13th to 17th Rt. 8102 – Urquhart, Tull, 27th, Stewart COMOX Substitute needed for Dec - Becton Road Area Rt. 2110 – Aspen, Stellar, Bolt, Bambrick Rt. 2112 – Aspen, Meadowlark, Towhee, Merrelet Rt. 2132 – Cooke Ave. Rt. 2103 – Beach, Beaufort, Murphy, Beaton VALLEYVIEW Rt. 3114 – Malahat, Zeballos, Mantle, 9th St. E., Evergreen Rt. 3135 – Hawk Dr., Whiskey Jack, Swallow Rt. 3127A – St. Andrews Way, Nevis Place Rt. 3136 – Blue Jay Place Rt. 3134 – Birkshire, Dover Pl, Tudor Pl COLEMAN ROAD AREA Rt. 4106 – Loxley, Avonlee, Sea Terrace MIRACLE BEACH Rt. 6111 – Seaview Road

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

CA$H

REWARD$ CRIMESTOPPERS WILL PAY CASH REWARDS FOR INFORMATION LEADING TO THE ARREST OF PERSONS INVOLVED IN CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES IN THE COMOX VALLEY.

1-800-222-TIPS VISIT OUR WEBSITE:

www.comoxvalleycrimestoppers.bc.ca

“We’re at the heart of things”

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 12, 2014

2014 Chevrolet Malibu LT – “Best New Car Deal” in the Comox Valley!

25,418

(reg. MSRP $32,890) stk#M8181

Financing Available up to 84 Months on these Chevrolet, Buick and GMC vehicles:

ACADIA

VERANO

TRAVERSE

TERRAIN

SPARK

SONIC

SILVERADO REG. CAB

SILVERADO

SIERRA CREW

REGAL

LACROSSE

EQUINOX

ENCORE

ENCLAVE

CRUZE

CAMARO