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www.comoxvalleyecho.com COURTENAY, BRITISH COLUMBIA • Friday, December 26, 2014
PRICE: 57 CENTS PLUS GST
VOL. 20, NO. 103
NEWS
SPORTS
2.Comox wants
21.Ski Club
changes to Lorne site plans.
signing them up now.
17.SNOW IS HERE 03.CALL1 XXXXXX NEW ERA IN END OF LIFE CARE AS GROUND BREAKING HELD FOR HOSPICE.
www.comoxvalleyecho.com
2
FRIDAY.COURTENAY, BC. DECEMBER 26, 2014
ECHO
NEWS Comox Valley Weather
Friday Light rain Low 2°C. High 5°C.
Saturday Mainly sunny. Low 3°C. High 6°C.
Sunday Mainly sunny. Low 0°C. High 7°C.
Monday Cloudy with 70% chance of showers. Low -1°C. High 3°C.
Ian Doe
Seniors Real Estate Specialist
Best Wishes For A Joyous Season! 250-897-5628
Website: iandoe.remax.ca Email: iandoe@remax.net
Tuesday Snow-rain showers Low 0°C. High 4°C.
For the latest Comox Valley Weather visit: www.comoxvalleyecho.com
2230A Cliffe Ave., COURTENAY BC V9N 2L4
DOWNTOWN COMOX
Amendments to be made on design of project on former Lorne site BY MICHAEL BRIONES Echo Staff Some amendments are being required to the proposed five-storey mixeduse building located on the former Lorne Hotel site on 1770 Comox Avenue. They are based on the public’s concerns expressed at the open house held in November and also on submissions received by the town. It was well attended with staff recording 182 entries on the sign-up sheets. Town planner Marvin Kamenz told town coun-
cil the responses were mixed, reflecting negative and positive sentiments. The main areas of concern included: • The character of the building should better reflect small town and “Comox by the Sea” theme. • The design lack architectural detailing • Parking issues • Sound attenuation for residential units above the pub The positive sentiments expressed by some are: • Moving forward with the vitalization of the downtown area, infill of
the vacant lot • Redevelopment of the Lorne site as a pub and restaurant is considered continuation of the local tradition • Provision of additional informal public space, gathering place • Additional residences downtown, supporting existing and new businesses The plan is to build commercial premises on the ground floor that will feature a pub, a wine and liquor store, and a bistro, and 21 residential units above with a roof top patio. Council has already given the development
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permit application first reading in October. And on Wednesday night, council endorsed the amendments to the design and gave it second reading. The developer Shawn Vincent will now have to revise drawings that address concerns raised by residents. The amendments include: • Emphasis of Comox Avenue and Port Augusta Street corner as the main focal point and entrance to the building • Consistency of the awning and canopy treatments • Replacement of
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planters with nautical elements, which double as public seating • Increased pedestrian accessibility to entrances • Replacement of patio wall with marine-themed post and railing • Heritage/nautical Onsite Lighting Fixtures • Mural of historical Lorne Hotel • Heritage style posts and balcony railings, reflective of original Lorne building designs and marine theme Councillor Hugh Mackinnon said the amendments to the project indicated that the second public hearing was a
correct decision. He was pleased to see the developer take interest in the residents’ feedback and gave considerations to some of the suggestions. Comox council endorsed amendments to the design and upon submission of the revised drawings by the developers, a public hearing will be held at the Comox community Centre for Comox Zoning Bylaw Amendment No. 1791 and Comox Phased Development Agreement Authorization Bylaw No. 1792: 1770 Comox Avenue.
www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 26, 2014
3
HEALTH CARE
New era for end-of-life care in Valley Ground-breaking ceremony at St. Joseph’s Hospital for first-ever hospice unit here BY DREW PENNER Echo Staff
Audrey Craig, president of the Comox Valley Hospice Society, explained through tears how powerful of a resource the new facility will be for the Comox Valley.
Don Hubbard, chair of Island Health.
St. Joseph’s General Hospital celebrated the groundbreaking for a new four-bed hospice facility at the Views with an official ceremony gilded with a personal touch Dec. 19. Eric Macdonald, acting CEO of St. Joseph’s General Hospital, said the end of life care project at the Comox facility was the perfect example of various groups coming together to fashion something special. “What we’re doing here is not just about a press release or a public relations moment,” he said. “I hope we’re celebrating something fresh and new.” The Knappett Projects Inc. build is just the start of an ambitious effort by Island Health to double the number of hospice beds on Vancouver Island to prepare for the growing number of elderly people. “It’s also important that we’re doing this in
It’s also important that we’re doing this in our advent season (when) we look for new beginnings. In ... Catholic health care it’s appropriate.” ERIC MACDOALD Acting CEO St. Josephs
You know it’s taken a long voyage for us to get here. It’s taken a whole commuity not just a year.”
Architect’s rendering of new hospice facility. our advent season, because during advent we look for new beginnings,” Macdonald said. “In our tradition in Catholic health care it’s appropriate.” Don McRae, Comox Valley MLA, went off script thanking St. Joseph’s for the outsized impact the facility has had on his life, from birth to saving his eye to car-
ing for his mother, who he just finished visiting on the third floor earlier that morning. He shifted to the importance of the collaborative four-bed hospice project, even recalling a special moment with health minister Terry Lake on the Comox facility’s grounds as a dozen eagles came into view earlier this year.
“You know it’s taken a long voyage for us to get here,” he said. “It’s taken a whole community not just a year.” As Don Hubbard, chair of Island Health, detailed, it was the $250,000 grant from the provincial government alongside the Island health authority’s commitment of annual operating funding, the cooperation and project
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management expertise of St. Joseph’s and the Views as well as planned services from the Comox Valley Hospice Society and fundraising efforts of the St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation that brought the project into reality. (Continued on page 4)
4
www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 26, 2014
New Patients Welcome
Ground-breaking for new hospice (Continued from page 3)
(L-R) Don Hubbard, chair of Island Health, Audrey Craig, president of the Comox Valley Hospice Society, Don McRae, Comox Valley MLA, Marion Lade, St. Joseph’s General Hospital Foundation rep, Chris Kelsey, St. Joseph’s board chair.
The Comox hospice construction is the first stop on Island Health’s roadmap, which leads to 64 hospice spaces on Vancouver Island by 2020, if all goes by the book. Former St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation member Marion Lade spoke about how she originally started pushing for increased palliative and hospice care options in the Valley when her husband, D’Arcy, a Presbyterian minister in Comox, began to need these services in his 50s. His experience, coupled with that of congregation member David Martin, underscored the need for better end of live care in the community. Martin’s daughter Liz remembers that time vividly. “I was living outside the country in Indonesia at the time,” she said. “My father
was very ill and it wasn’t an option for him to stay home.” Her father started his journey at St. Joseph’s in the emergency room and was transferred to the third floor. Like many people confronting the realities when death is at hand, Liz didn’t know the first thing about palliative care. “I didn’t even know what a hospice was,” she said, adding the stress on her family was tremendous. “My mother was on her own here.” She has many fond memories of those trying times, thanks largely to the hospice workers, some of whom even attended the funeral. “It was a pretty special time,” she said, emphasizing the importance of the community’s push to build four new hospice beds. “How do we support this? How do you not support angels?” Audrey Craig, president of the Comox Valley Hospice Society explained through tears how powerful of a resource the new facility will be for the Comox Valley.
Architect Bradley Shuya said he delved into sympathetic West Coast design elements to plan a facility that fostered a comfortable experience for everyone who passes through its doors. “It makes you feel different,” he said. “It’s not hard and cold.” Using more wood in the construction and eschewing materials like stucco and metal where possible, the idea is to burst the stereotypes of what end of life care means. Each of the four private rooms will be about 350 square feet. “The whole key is to be warm and inviting,” he said. “It makes you feel better, psychologically.” This is welcome news for Liz Martin, who lauded the design principles that will benefit future patients and families. “It’s really exciting to be here,” she said. “It’s going to be a little more like home.” Construction has already started and is expected to be completed in the spring of 2015.
No one knows Crown Isle like we do! December 2014
Shoppe Talk Our health is the single most precious asset that we possess, but the “gift” of health is not one that all of us are blessed with. Some of you have incredibly challenging regimes that you have to live with in order to enjoy what most of us take for granted. Life is often not the way it is supposed to be. It is the way that it is. The way we cope with it is what makes the difference. Our mission at the Medicine Shoppe is not only to help you cope with “it” or manage your circumstances but also to provide information and guidance to help stave off future challenges. Normally I like to impart specific pharmaceutical wisdom in my Shoppe talk article. This month however I simply want to thank all of our current patients for their patronage during the past 14 years. There are many choices in health care providers out there and we are glad that you have chosen us. We hope that by entrusting your health to us we have made your lives better in one way or another. For those of you who do read the Shoppe Talk regularly but have not yet made us part of your health care team, I personally invite you in to meet our staff and discover the services we offer.
On behalf of our staff I wish you Merry Christmas and Happy and Healthy New Year.
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.
Best Regards, Tim Cowan Office: 250-703-5054
|
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www.CrownIsleRealty.com Experience, integrity & teamwork to make your dreams a reality.
www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 26, 2014
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Wishing you a warm, cheerful, family holiday season Thank you for your support!
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The annual Polar Bear Swim at Goose Spit will be making another big splash on Boxing Day. Last year, over 130 participants that included visitors from abroad took part in the popular event thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s organized by the Town of Comox Recreation Department. Registration starts at around 11
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Jazz Icon Show Announced
Jazz icons the Marcus Roberts Trio will perform at the Sid Williams Theatre (Jan. 31) as part of the WinterJam100 festival in the Comox Valley. The trio is known for its virtuosic style that is strongly rhythmic, melodic, and filled with dynamic contrast, presenting an entirely new approach to jazz trios. Concert tickets and details available at winterjam.ca
www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 26, 2014
9
ECHO
OPINIONS
LETTERS
Talkin’ about my generation This is my generation. Did you know that today, for the first time in history, we have the power to end AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria? When THE WHO first sang the aforementioned song, no one had heard of AIDS, but tuberculosis, on the other hand, had been around for thousands of years. TB is woven into the fabric of our humanity, from the bible to opera to those bothersome ads on TV that do not allow us to forget that some of our brothers and sisters still live in abject poverty and cannot fight this scourge on their own. Canada is actually one of the darlings of the world when it comes to TB. We stand alone as the only country thus far funding TB REACH, a proven initiative for diagnosing the hardest to reach and the hardest to diagnose cases of TB and even DR-TB (drugresistant TB). Over the past five years, TB REACH has provided grants to 145 projects across 36 Countries, with a number of these projects working to implement new, innovative ways of
integrating TB and HIV healthcare in order to tackle both diseases together. It is time to renew our support to the fight against TB by pledging $120 million over 5 years to TB REACH. Let’s make this a historic generation the generation that finally eradicates TB! Connie Lebeau Victoria, BC
‘Twas the Night Before a Taxpayer’s Christmas ‘Twas the night before Christmas, and all through B.C. The pipeline wars were stirring, even over LNG Liberal stockings were hung by the chimney with care In hopes that Petronas soon would be there The premier and cabinet were all snug in their beds While visions of a debtfree B.C. danced in their heads. And taxpayers in their ‘kerchiefs, and I in my cap, Had just settled our bills for a long winter’s nap,
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
When on the Legislature lawn arose such a clatter, We sprang from our stupor to see what’s the matter Quick as tax subsidies to TV shows like The Flash. Why must these governments burn through all our cash? The moon on the poodle on a street called Main, Lit the people streaming off another stalled SkyTrain, When what to my wondering eyes did I see, But a TransLink executive in his luxury SUV, With the $468,000 man throwing our money into the abyss, I knew in a moment this must be Ian Jarvis. More rapid than bus lines his enablers they came, And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name: “Now, Greg Moore! Now, Cote! Now Walton and Gregor! On, Jack Froese! On, Stewart! On, Brodie and Hepner! Yet another TransLink tax! Grab the wallets of all! Now waste away! Waste away! Waste away all!” Like leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, There were so many others with tax hikes to try;
Even on our properties the taxes they grew Increases more than inflation, and new fees tooAll done, with nary an inkling of the strain we feel When from our wallets hundred dollar bills they peel. As I shook my poor head, and from my face rushed the blood, In the mailbox came my MSP bill with a thud. It was dressed as “insurance,” from its head to its foot, But it’s a tax and unfair and goes up every year to boot So a growing $144 monthly bill breaks a taxpayer’s back, Meaning less toys or hockey skates for kids in Santa’s pack. These taxes - how they creep up! This burden we must carry! All to pay half a million bucks for a guy to run BC Ferries! A prime minister letting EI and CPP hikes flow, And all those payroll taxes causing good jobs to go; Reid and Kwan apologizing through gritted teeth, All because they got caught spending beyond belief; Governments and Crown
CEOs, to the bar they belly Why must there always be bad tax news on my telly? They are chubby and plump, all of ‘em jolly fat cats, And we sighed when we saw them, hiding wallets under hats; With a blink of their eye and a twist of their head Our taxes shoot up, in more ways than we can dread; A few bucks here, a few bucks there, that’s how they work, And we who oppose them, they deem insolent jerks, And again they come, laying their fingers into our pay packets, So it’s up to taxpayers to yell NO! Make a big racket! Send them to find efficiencies and keep blowing the whistle, Forcing ‘em to save us the money by cutting the gristle. Still we hear them exclaim, ere they drove out of sight“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a bigger tax bite!” Jordan Bateman, British Columbia Director, Canadian Taxpayers Federation FAMILIES FIRST A single parent with one
child receives $945 monthly if on income assistance. Finding a decent place to live for under $900/month is fairly impossible. Please have a look at the want ads. In the Comox Valley I know that some single adults are paying more than $1,000 for small apartments. And the other $45 ... Put this together with the fact that BC has an unacceptably high rate of child poverty. If a father is paying child support, kudos to him and hurray for the child. I’d rather see guidelines for how the single parent uses that extra money, rather than clawing back assistance. It could be placed in an RESP or other long-term investment for the child. However, it might more importantly be used for fruits and vegetables, warm clothing, living in a safe part of town, joining a club, lessons, or a team, providing sports or arts supplies, bus fare. The latter are not being provided on $945/month, including fruits and vegetables. A “Families First” government should be making sure that the maximum number of children are given a fighting chance in this province. Kathy Gilland Duperron Cumberland
10 FRIDAY.DECEMBER 26, 2014
www.comoxvalleyecho.com
BEEFS & BOUQUETS A BIG BOUQUET to Dr. Phil Nasralla and his staff at Christmas time. Dr. Nasralla became my new Dentist this year, recommended by my co-workers. Upon my first visit he did a thorough examination and noticed a swelling at the base of my neck. I noticed it as well but brushed it off as nothing. He suggested I go to my Doctor to get it checked out. After 3 months of testing only to discover I need surgery, thankfully it is not cancer. Thank you Dr. Nasralla for this advice. I feel lucky to get a diagnosis. All the best... THE COMOX VALLEY FOOD BANK
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THE COMOX VALLEY’S FIRST AND BEST READER’S FORUM Email to: echo@comoxvalleyecho.com would like to thank the Mark Isfeld School, and the “girls go global” for their most generous donations of ten banana boxes, full of food. “Wowzers.” You “go girls rock.” Thank you and Merry Christmas. A HEARTY CHEERS, to the Black Swan Fiddlers, whose music and gregarious personalities entertained royally at Zocalo’s restaurant. It brought a tear to my eye when the traditional “passing off the hat”, was generously donated to the Comox Valley Food Bank. Making things just a little easier this Christmas, for many needy families. “Hats off” to you all! Thank you and Merry Christmas. A KILN OF THANKS to the Comox Valley Potters Club. Your generous donation and kindness is much appreciated. Thank you and Merry Christmas! - The Comox Valley Food Bank. A SPECIAL BOUQUET of thanks, to the Valley View School, for their wonderful Christmas donation of five banana boxes of food. The Comox Valley Food Bank, and the community thanks you, for your hard work and kindness. Merry Christmas.å THE COMOX VALLEY YACHT CLUB sailed into the Comox Valley Food Bank, with a ton of much appreciated donations. Thank you and Merry Christmas!
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MANY THANKS to the happy, sweet little faces, of the Courtenay Elementary students, who participated in the Santa Claus Parade. Once again, we are reminded that Christmas is truly about giving. It made us all very proud to see our little ones gathering food donations for the Comox Valley Food Bank, thus combining the community and Christmas sprit as one. Blessings to all this Christmas season. A HUGE BOUQUET to the staff and students of the Ecole Puntledge School who on December the 2nd, all came down to the Comox Valley Food Bank to donate five hundred pounds of food!! “KUDOS” to the teachers for showing and teaching our children on how to follow through, on paying it forward. The experiences of giving will no doubt, be re-
membered by all of the children who attended the food bank gala. Learning that the generosity of one, multiplied many times over, truly makes a huge difference in the lives of families. Especially at Christmas time. A heart felt thank you and a very Merry Christmas. THANK YOU to the City transit, and the Comox Valley Superstore. What a creative and innovative idea, “fill the bus”. A collaboration of food and transportation working together, to better the lives of many families over the Christmas season. The organizing and hard work of all, is graciously appreciated by the Comox Valley Food Bank. Thank you, and Merry Christmas! CHRISTMAS KUDOS “goats on the roof”, Tymo and The Goat FM 98.9, who went above and beyond the call of duty! On Wednesday until Saturday, Tymo camped out on the roof of the Thrifty’s Supermarket. Giving him a bird’s eye view, not only of the homeless, but also the torrential flooding that created a state of emergency, in downtown Courtenay. Throughout this ordeal Tymo and the Goat FM 98.9 collected an estimated 4,000 pounds of food, for the Comox Valley Food Bank! Wow, We are overwhelmed with your community spirit. Thank you and a very merry Christmas. THANK YOU to W.J.L. Enterprises who not only hosted a wonderful open house Christmas party, but also filled a trailer with 1,500 pounds of food. Barb and Bill your hospitality and generosity is very much appreciated. Thank you both and a very merry Christmas. - The Comox Valley Food Bank. VERY EMBARRASSED that the ferry at little river is leaking oil every day and it’s just being hidden. KRIS, YOU ARE A GOOD FRIEND indeed. I have been upgrading our bathroom over the last month or so, and had got to the point of installing sliding shower doors along the bath edge when I got a call from St. Joe’s for a long awaited surgery appointment. We had been using our downstairs shower to this point. I was caught off guard and wasn’t able to
‘seal’ the new shower doors around the frame. After surgery, I was bedridden for ten days, then told I could shower. Problem was that I couldn’t make the stairs to shower, and the new shower doors weren’t waterproof. My wife phoned Kris and asked if he could silicone the seal for us. The next afternoon, he was there with ‘all the fixin’s’ and did a marvelous job for us and was able to shower the next day. Kris, your ‘friend in need, has a friend indeed.’ Thank-you so much, for helping us out at a difficult time. - Your friends, R & L. GREAT HOLIDAY HAIR and Christmas cheer to all my wonderful clients. Thank you for all of your loyalty over the years. I look forward to seeing you in 2015. Have a safe and wonderful holiday!! Sonja from Aqua Salon A SACK FULL of well wishes to the staff, principal, music teacher and students of Brooklyn School. What a wonderful Christmas Concert. Thank you for the Joy and for putting Christmas back into the season. It was amazing. FROM A PRIMARY CLASS at Airport Elementary: As a class, we are disappointed that people let their dogs do ‘their business’ on our school grounds. We like to play on the grass and the playground without worrying about dog messes. Please take your dog somewhere else or be respectful and clean up after your dog. Remember to bring a bag. Thank you everyone. KUDOS to whoever is responsible for installing a speed monitor at the corner of Stewart and Balmoral in Comox! I notice that drivers are pretty good obeying the 30 km. on Noel but very few seem to obey this area going right past the playground. Hopefully this new monitor will do the trick. A BIG CHRISTMAS BOUQUET to Marla of Blue Moon Winery and all the ladies who attended “Spices and Blarney’s” culinary event on November 30th. We were able to donate $1,200 to Dawn to Dawn Action on Homelessness. We could not have done it without all of you. A BEAUTIFUL BOUQUET of
poinsettias and a heartfelt thank you to James and Thrifty Foods for their generous support of our Valley View students. The intermediate students had a wonderful and fun time building their Christmas Holiday Houses. Your kind donation of the icing was the glue that made it all work! Wishing all of you at Thrifty Foods a joyous and happy holiday season! A BIG THANK YOU to Karen at the Courtenay Post Office off Ryan Rd. for her outstanding service. I was purchasing stamps to mail Christmas cards and wanted to use up some older 50 cent stamps. She was very proficient and even took my stack of cards to apply the stamps. After I left, I thought there had been an error in how much I had been charged. I must have had a “blonde moment” in communicating how many I needed. When I returned, she had already addressed an envelope to me, containing the surplus stamps, with a hand written note stating that some of the remaining cards I had left for her to stamp, already had stamps on them, so she was returning the extra stamps I had purchased! Talk about personalized service! About 20 years ago, my dad had been the business agent for the Letter Carriers Union. He would be so proud. A HUGE BEEF to the person or persons who stole a big lighted reindeer from our front lawn. You know who you are! How to spoil our Grandson’s homecoming. You left the sleigh that the reindeer was pulling, why don’t you come back for that! How can you look at this in your yard and have a conscience? You are very brave to come and take this in the night. May your Christmas be a time to reflect. TO THE THIEF that stole a bag of newly altered clothes in the Comox mall(2 pr. of new jeans, ladies dress slacks and a pr. of shorts). You were seen, so take them back to the mall office or Rozanne’s.You stole from an 80-year-old lady that bought these for a family that is needier than you. Besides you would never fit a size 12. Stop stealing and start buying your own. First get a job. They are not yours to take but if you have a con-
science do the right thing as Christmas is close and a bag of coal for you and bad luck to you for 2015. I have no forgiveness for thieves. Merry Christmas to all the staff. And thank you. A BIG BOUQUET in support of the person/s who sent the recent letter, requesting that a Swiss Chalet come to the valley. We definitely agree that we need one here and the vacant Chad’s restaurant would be a perfect location. The food is good and reasonable, my wife and I really enjoyed the annual Christmas meal special. Go SWISS CHALET!
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FRIDAY. DECEMBER 26, 2014
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BEEFS & BOUQUETS A HUGE THANK YOU BOUQUET to 98.9 The Goat - World Class Rock for their generous fundraiser. The donations you collected and passed on to the Comox Valley Transition Society help provide the much needed programs and assistance to the community. Rock on and keep up the good work. BOUQUET to RCMP Front Counter Officer Guy: The two times we arrived at your counter, you won over my kids with treats and kind words. They now have an excellent impression of Police Officers and we thank you for going the extra mile! Merry Christmas! A BIG BOUQUET for RED CARPET [antiques and clothing consignment]. Wonderful and unique finds at fair prices. Friendly and helpful staff. Glad to see them up and running at full capacity, after suffering through 3 weeks construction repairs. Hope people revisit them soon at Anderton and Comox. Let’s support our small busnesses. MERRY CHRISTMAS to RED CARPET. Hope 2015 brings you lots of customers! I’M FINALLY WRITING this note about the stupidity of the government and environmentalists who decided to use latex paint on the roads all around BC. Maybe they don’t drive at night but when it is raining and dark you have a hard time finding any markings. Years ago we used an oil-based paint that held the reflective particles so your lights would shine on the lines plus the reflectors that were also there made it very easy to see everything around. The biker that was hit might have had a better chance. We need to put this paint back on the road and save lives. The latex crap looks nice for a month then it’s gone. Time to think about drivers’ safety at night. DO IT. SWEET BELATED BOUQUETS to Quality Foods, for donating an amazing Snack & Treat Basket to the Children’s Telethon. My son was lucky enough to win this raffled item and he was kind enough to share it with his family! Thank you for supporting this important fundraiser. Merry Christmas to the hard-working staff and management team at Quality Foods!!
THE COMOX VALLEY’S FIRST AND BEST READER’S FORUM Email to: echo@comoxvalleyecho.com BOUQUET to Gail Nasadyk: Last May I witnessed you performing an incredible act of generosity and kindness of spirit. I think of you often and your inspirational gesture. Thank you for everything you do for people less fortunate than yourself. Merry Christmas! BOUQUET to all the customers that have made the transition of new ownership of Complete Auto Clinic a pleasure. And would like to say thank you and look forward to the years to come. Happy holidays. A HUGE POINSETTIA to a very special piano teacher who provided a cheery Christmas recital for her students again this year. Most piano teachers do not have Christmas recitals and the few that do charge a fee to the parents. Janet gives this recital as a gift for her students every year. She absorbs all the costs herself including hall rental, and even prepares a large pot of hot apple cider. Thank you so much, Janet for your time, patience and dedication to the families of your students. Your Christmas piano recital is a much appreciated gift. I WOULD LIKE to sincerely apologize to Santa Claus for my inappropriate behaviour last Saturday night. It was never my intention to offend you. Please accept this as my apology and find it in your heart to forgive me. A BOUQUET f o r S h i p wrecked. I was introduced to the Shipwrecked bead store when I took a beading workshop. Entering the store is a magical experience. There are bins of beautiful colorful beads. It is like walking through
candy land. When help was needed in the workshop it was offered. I had forgotten my glasses and couldn’t see to thread my beads. One of the shopkeepers threaded my beads. I chose the colors. A beading workshop is the perfect gift for any age. I like to use something useful to wrap Christmas gifts. Shipwrecked had the perfect solution - large colorful patchwork purses. I put the gifts I bought at Shipwrecked inside the purses. When I went to pay for my gifts I didn’t have enough money. Without hesitation the shopkeeper said she would hold it until today. Shipwrecked is more than a bead store. It sells pottery candle holders and much more They have beautiful wind chimes. I’m going to buy some for birthday presents. They have lots of things for the person that has every thing. I will be a frequent shopper at Shipwrecked. There is ample free parking near by. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to the staff at Shipwrecked. - K.S. at The Views ROYSTON COMMUNITY CLUB would like to thank Quality Foods for their donation of thirty dozen eggs for our recent Santa Claus breakfast. Your generosity was most appreciated. I WANT TO THANK all the people of the Comox Valley for the wonderful display of Christmas Lights. Driving home on Wednesday evening, through a bit of fog and haze, seeing all the lights twinkling brightly, made my heart happy. LAST WEEK the tragedy of the loss of life and the critical injury of two other cyclists hammered home the unwavering reality of what happens when moving objects of vastly dif-
ferent size collide. Fault, blame, justice. The pursuit of these will not turn back the march of time for one second. It is hoped however that they might demonstrate to the handful of “dark riders” that “See and Be Seen” is not just another ploy to market bright colourful workout gear. Within hours of the aforementioned incidents we witnessed a multiple of near misses, abrupt avoidance actions and angry words uttered as the late afternoon and early evening traffic endured the heavy rains, poor visibility and retired home after long days coping with daily chores. The Beef: A bicycle is a vehicle. It is governed by the same BC Traffic Laws. It must be visible to be used from dusk to dawn. It is not cool to operate it in traffic like a stealth fighter. Similarily dressing in night camouflage gear simply increases exponentially your odds of being “unseen”. Heard of night vision? Maybe you can see with your 3” headlight and 2 “ taillight; but no vehicle operator can accommodate your insistence on partially blinding them with these lights bright as they are from your perspective. If they could believe me Detroit etal would have saved billions by forgoing all that expensive lighting gear and colour coding, in use ,by federal regulation on every motor vehicle manufactured for almost 100 years. Indeed we wouldn’t have considered the use of headlights during the daytime either, forgoing yet billions more in added electronic gear on our autos. Please this Christmas give the gift of consideration and common sense to all. Put reflectors on your wheels, bright bands on your “darkwear” , watch where your lights are aimed and above all : sur-
THIS WEEK’S WINNER, DRAWN AT RANDOM FROM SUBMISSIONS RECEIVED UP TO TUESDAY, IS: Julia Steele, of Courtenay 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!
render to the reality of our physical world: Drive/Ride Defensively! I care, my friends care, my community cares that you enjoy the “freedom of the road”. Its a privilege not a right. IT’S FINALLY HERE. Once again winter as we have known it for some 10 decades as a community, is upon us. Not really any harsher than average, we do live on an island in the Pacific Northwest, a rain forest of long repute. Our favourite resort has been blessed with snow finally, tons of delicious white stuff for all to find fun and frolic in. And it’s Christmas. Thank-you to all in this lovely valley who’ve brightened our evenings with lights. The many associations and groups who’ve blessed us with entertainment and revelry. And the many city workers who’ve toiled in some inclement weather to bring us through what is perceived beyond our valley as a “state of emergency” thanks to the fear that we’re being swept into to sea by this heavy rain we’ve been having. Oh, the flooding was real all right. Just predictable but poorly responded to by the “managers of our water infrastructure”. Indeed it caught them so far off guard that twice in a short 5 weeks we’ve been beseiged by “boil water advisories”. Dare we ask “who was asleep at the “switches?. This is 2014, not 1914. Our infrastructure is monitored by state of the art technology we’re told ... really? Our friends at BC Hydro with their state of the art TechFolks have the tools to raise and lower the water systems that support our joint use of the deluge we annually receive, virtually every year. Yet their combined efforts have left us precariously
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!
exposed to the overzealous propagation of micro-cellular parasites and bacteria that endanger our health to such a degree as to bring on the 18th Century solution: boil the water. Time to challenge the Guardians of our resources I say. They appear to be a bigger problem than the potential runoff from all the potential economic development that’s being proposed. Time to challenge them and politely insist that they explain what’s happened in detail, micro-detail. Leave the gobbledy gook for internal dialogs please. Some of us are qualified to do what you do and likely used to do it in much larger locales, in the previous century. Meantime; Merry Christmas.
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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 26, 2014
Parent-child workshop to benefit local flood victims Many families were devastated by water damage during the recent flooding in Courtenay. Some of them had insurance. To help the many local families who will be spending their Christmas dealing with the aftermath of the flood, local master hypnotherapist and personal coach Jeannie Spencer is holding a fundraising parent & child workshop December 27 and 28. Enrolment in the two-day workshop is available by donation, with all proceeds going to the Salvation Army’s Emergency Relief Fund to benefit local residents affected by the flood. “This workshop is about creating better communication between you and your child,” explains Spencer. “You’ll learn hypnosis techniques and lifelong positive skills that can be turned into lifelong positive habits.” Though originally scheduled as a forprofit workshop, Spencer quickly changed its status to “by donation” when she realized she can’t accept money at a time when families so desperately need it. Spencer would like to thank generous sponsors like the Holiday Inn Express, Sure Copy Centre and RP Copywritingfor helping make this fundraiser possible. The workshop runs from 12:45 to 4:45 on Saturday, Dec. 27 and Sunday, Dec. 28 at the Holiday Inn Express in Courtenay. To register, and for complete details, simply go to www. jeanniespencer.com and click on “Parent & Child Hypnosis - 2-Day Workshop.” If you would simply like to donate to the Salvation Army Emergency Relief Fund, contact Brent Hobden, Community Ministries Director for the Salvation Army Comox Valley, at brent@cvsalarmy.ca. Any funds left over after assisting local flood victims will be used to support the Salvation Army’s Community Response Unit.
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HOLIDAY WISHES FROM ALL OF US AT SAMUDRA WEIGHT LOSS HEALTH & WELLNESS At this joyous time of year, we want to thank all our clients for your continued support through the years. We would also like to extend our Holiday wishes to family physicians & healthcare professionals who work with us. We wish you abundance, happiness and peace in the New Year.
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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 26, 2014
POLITICS
B.C. ‘a key battleground’ for NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair fighting hard here with new ridings on Vancouver Island BY CINDY E. HARNETT Special to the Echo NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair made his fifth visit to Vancouver Island earlier this month, trying to promote the party’s platform before the scramble for B.C.’s extra seats is in full swing. “B.C. is massively important in the next campaign and it’s not because I’m sitting in Victoria telling you this,” said Canada’s Opposition leader, interviewed over coffee at the Inn at Laurel Point recently. After a two-day visit to the Island speaking in Campbell River, Courtenay and Nanaimo, Mulcair arrived in Victoria, where he spoke about the party’s plans, if elected, to bring in electoral reform by 2019. “This is a very campaign-style tour,” Mulcair said. “This is a key battleground for us. We have to maintain what we’ve got here but we really have to break through.” In part that means differentiating the party from the Liberals and defining the NDP’s pledges to introduce, among other things, a mixed-member form of proportional representation and to create one million new child-care spaces, at a maximum cost of $15 a day, across the country by 2023.
From day one, we’re going to be creating jobs and child-care spaces.” THOMAS MULCAIR Federal NDP leader
Courtenay-Alberni candidate Gord Johns, NDP leader Tom Mulcair, and North Island-Powell River candidate Rachel Blaney met with 250 supporters at a Town Hall in Courtenay on Dec. 14. (Brent Reid photo) On Vancouver Island, the NDP is the only party that can defeat the Conservatives, Mulcair said. Nationally, “this will be the first time in Canadian history that there will be a three-party race,” Mulcair said. “We’re better placed than we have ever been in our history.” The election is scheduled for October 2015, but Canada’s Opposition leader said he doesn’t trust the Conservatives to deliver
We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and
on that set date and isn’t taking anything for granted. “We know we have to be ready.” Norman Ruff, a professor emeritus at the University of Victoria, agrees B.C. is a key battleground, especially given new election boundaries that in the upcoming federal election will give the province six new seats: one on Vancou-
ver Island and five in the Lower Mainland. Comox and Courtenay are divided into separate ridings. Comox is lumped in with Powell River to form the new Vancouver Island North-Comox-Powell River riding, while Courtenay shifts into a redesigned Courtenay-Alberni electoral district. “B.C. is going to be a
“Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone in the Comox Valley, have a great time off with friends and family”
three-way contest for the extra seats,” Ruff said. “B.C. is fertile ground for the NDP and they want to keep it that way.” Elections Canada says if the 2011 election results were transposed on the new electoral boundaries in B.C., it would mean the Conservatives would pick up the six new seats and take one from the NDP.
That would give the Conservatives seven new seats for a total of 28, the NDP 11 seats, the Liberals two seats and a single seat for the Greens, in SaanichGulf Islands, Ruff said. As for the Conservatives taking B.C.’s six new seats, Mulcair looked up from his espresso and said “that’s not going to happen,” citing key NDP candidates Sheila Malcolmson in NanaimoLadysmith and Gord Johns in Courtenay-Alberni. Ruff said he is in favour of proportional representation, but the issue is not likely to shift a lot of votes or grab voters “unless they are political scientists.” “It’s not top of mind for voters in B.C. or elsewhere,” Ruff said. However, he suspects the NDP’s child-care strategy “has the potential of resonating with voters.” (Continued on page 16)
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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 26, 2014
BOXING DAY SALE 20 ON SALE
%
ENTIRE STORE†
TO
OR CLEARANCE* PRICED MEN’S RTM 75 IS 13/14 SKIS WITH MARKER 4MOTION 10.0 BINDINGS
MEN’S FUSE 2014 SNOWBOARD
SAVE %
INSTALLATION INCLUDED.
50
159
WOMEN’S ESSENZA AURENA 14/15 SKIS WITH MARKER 4MOTION 10.0 BINDINGS
50%
MEN’S FIREARROW F1 SKI BOOTS
19999
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OUR REG. PRICE 399.99
60
149
25
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50%
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OUR TICKET PRICE.
INCLUDING ITEMS ALREADY MARKED DOWN. EXCLUDING ITEMS ENDING IN 88¢. AVAILABILITY AND SELECTION MAY VARY BY LOCATION.
OUR REG. PRICE 129.99
64
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64
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EA.
SAVE %
50
59
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50
OUR REG. PRICE 129.99
6499
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SALE DATES: DEC 26 - 29, 2014
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COLOUR SELECTION MAY VARY BY LOCATION.
MEN’S PAINTED PROCESS FULL ZIP OR TETON PULLOVER HOODY
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OUR REG. PRICE 129.99
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WOMEN’S COLOUR MAY VARY BY LOCATION.
SAVE %
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OUR REG. PRICE 59.99
SAVE
MEN’S OR WOMEN’S 730 V2 RUNNING SHOE
OUR REG. PRICE 129.99
64
99 EA.
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ADVERTISED COLOUR ONLY.
50
MEN’S HIKEPOINT MID WATERPROOF HIKING SHOE
OUR REG. PRICE 149.99
7499 SAVE %
50 TWITTER.COM/SPORTCHEK
50%
OUR TICKET PRICE.
INCLUDING ITEMS ALREADY MARKED DOWN. EXCLUDING TOP PICK DEALS AND ITEMS ENDING IN 88¢. AVAILABLITY AND SELECTION MAY VARY BY LOCATION.
SAVE %
OUR REG. PRICE 109.99
2749
% OFF
TAKE
EA.
MEN’S COLUMBIA SNOWBLADE LITE WATERPROOF OR WOMEN’S THE NORTH FACE AMORE II WINTER BOOT
OUR REG. PRICE 54.99
BRAS
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MEN’S BIXBY FLEECE PANTS
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OUR ORIGINAL PRICE.
MEN’S OR WOMEN’S LIGHTSTER STABILITY RUNNING SHOE
SAVE
50%
COLOUR SELECTION MAY VARY BY LOCATION.
& MORE!
BRAND AND GENDER AVAILABILITY MAY VARY BY LOCATION. EXCLUDES ARC’TERYX AND NOBIS.
50
OUR REG. PRICE 119.99
SAVE %
50
EA.
MEN’S CROSSFIT NANO 3.0 TRAINING SHOE
SAVE
50%
EA.
170
SAVE %
WOMEN’S GEL SUSTAIN TRAINING SHOE
ADVERTISED COLOUR ONLY.
INCLUDING ITEMS ALREADY MARKED DOWN. EXCLUDING FLEECE & ITEMS ENDING IN 88¢. AVAILABILITY AND SELECTION MAY VARY BY LOCATION.
OUR REG. PRICE 129.99
EA.
4995
CCM JR. OUR REG. PRICE 199.99 99.99 CCM JR AVAILABLE IN SELECT LOCATIONS. SELECTION MAY VARY BY LOCATION.
% OFF
OUR TICKET PRICE.
MEN’S OR WOMEN’S GRID STRATOS 2 GTX RUNNING SHOE
MEN’S OR WOMEN’S GT-1000 RUNNING SHOE
WOMEN’S AVAILABLE IN NARROW ONLY. ADVERTISED COLOURS ONLY.
30
1399
OUR REG. PRICE 124.95
SAVE UP TO $
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% OFF
TAKE
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12999
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% OFF
MEN’S OR WOMEN’S ULTIMATE SOLID SHORT SLEEVE TEE
EA.
MEN’S & WOMEN’S
WINTER JACKETS & WINTER PANTS
COLOUR SELECTION MAY VARY BY LOCATION.
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SAVE OVER %
& MORE!
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SAVE
4499
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SAVE
99
60
OUR REG. PRICE 79.95
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99
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COLOUR & SELECTION MAY VARY BY LOCATION.
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2099
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OUR REG. PRICE 549.99
MEN’S
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OUR REG. PRICE 27.99
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OUR REG. PRICE 299.99
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250
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JUNIOR. OUR REG. PRICE 469.99 279.99
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359
MEN’S RIOT BOA SNOWBOARD BOOTS
OUR REG. PRICE 549.98
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OUR REG. PRICE 119.99
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8499
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OUR REG. PRICE 59.99
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GIRLS’ NEW BALANCE 750 ATHLETIC SHOE OUR REG. PRICE 69.99
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SPORTCHEK.CA
†ENTIRE STORE DISCOUNT EXCLUDES PREVIOUS PURCHASES, LAYAWAYS, SERVICE SHOP SERVICES, GIFT CARDS AND 3RD PARTY OFFERS. THIS 4 DAY EVENT STARTS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2014. PRICES IN THIS FLYER ARE IN EFFECT DECEMBER 26 TO DECEMBER 29, 2014. IF ANY ADVERTISING ERROR OR OMISSION IS DISCOVERED, SPORT CHEK WILL MAKE THE APPROPRIATE CORRECTIONS AND NOTIFY CUSTOMERS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. QUANTITIES MAY BE LIMITED. SELECTION (STYLES, COLOURS, SIZES AND MODELS) MAY VARY BY STORE. PRODUCT AND OFFERS IN THIS FLYER MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE AT METROPOLIS, BURNABY, BC; SALMON ARM, BC; TERRACE, BC; CRANBROOK, BC; WILLIAMS LAKE, BC; SMITHERS, BC; STEPHEN AVE, CALGARY, AB; MARKET MALL, CALGARY, AB; COCHRANE, AB; WETASKIWIN, AB; COLD LAKE, AB; CAMROSE, AB; OKOTOKS, AB; WEST EDMONTON MALL, EDMONTON, AB; NORTH BATTLEFORD, SK; ESTEVAN, SK; STEINBACH, MB; ALLISTON, ON; LINDSAY, ON; HUNTSVILLE, ON; SIMCOE, ON; MAPLE LEAF SQUARE, TORONTO, ON; 2529 YONGE STREET, TORONTO, ON; YARMOUTH, NS; TRURO, NS; BRIDGEWATER, NS; MIRAMICHI, NB; SUMMERSIDE, PEI; GRAND FALLS-WINDSOR, NFLD; AND GANDER, NFLD LOCATIONS. JUNIOR APPAREL, OUTERWEAR & FOOTWEAR IS NOT AVAILABLE AT STEPHEN AVE, CALGARY, AB; PACIFIC CENTRE, VANCOUVER , BC; HYLANDS, LONDON, ON AND EATON CENTRE, TORONTO, ON LOCATIONS. SKI IS NOT AVAILABLE AT THE STEPHEN AVE, CALGARY, AB; SOUTHLAND MALL, REGINA, SK; NORTH BATTLEFORD, SK; ESTEVAN, SK; GATEWAY MALL, PRINCE ALBERT, SK; TOWN AND COUNTRY MALL, MOOSE JAW, SK; NORTHGATE CENTRE, WINNIPEG, MB; KILDONAN, WINNIPEG, MB; ST. VITAL, WINNIPEG, MB; STEINBACH, MB; FESTIVAL MARKETPLACE, STRATFORD, ON; MAPLE LEAF SQUARE, TORONTO, ON; YARMOUTH, NS; MIRAMICHI, NB; SUMMERSIDE, PEI; AND GRAND FALLS-WINDSOR, NFLD LOCATIONS. SNOWBOARD IS NOT AVAILABLE AT THE STEPHEN AVE, CALGARY, AB; ESTEVAN, SK; TOWN AND COUNTRY MALL, MOOSE JAW, SK; GATEWAY MALL, PRINCE ALBERT, SK; NORTHGATE CENTRE, WINNIPEG, MB; STEINBACH, MB; MAPLE LEAF SQUARE, TORONTO, ON; YARMOUTH, NS; SUMMERSIDE, PEI; AND GRAND FALLS-WINDSOR, NFLD LOCATIONS. HOCKEY EQUIPMENT IS NOT AVAILABLE AT THE 2529 YONGE STREET, TORONTO, ON AND MAPLE LEAF SQUARE, TORONTO; ON LOCATIONS . JUNIOR HOCKEY EQUIPMENT AND SKATES ARE NOT AVAILABLE AT THE STEPHEN AVE, CALGARY, AB LOCATION. ORION GATE, BRAMPTON, ON LOCATION IS EXCLUDED FROM THIS NATIONAL FLYER. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO LIMIT QUANTITIES PURCHASED. *NOT ALL CLEARANCE PRICED ITEMS OR PRICE POINTS AVAILABLE AT ALL LOCATIONS. SELECTION WILL VARY. PRODUCT SHOWN ON MODELS IN THE LIFESTYLE IMAGES PRESENTED IN THIS ADVERTISEMENT MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE. **THE INFORMATION PROVIDED HEREIN IS NOT INTENDED TO BE MEDICAL ADVICE. INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE PREGNANT OR HAVE OTHER MEDICAL CONDITIONS SHOULD ALWAYS CONSULT A DOCTOR BEFORE ENGAGING IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES . ®REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF FGL SPORTS LTD. AND ALL OTHER TRADEMARKS ARE THE PROPERTY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNER(S).
16
www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 26, 2014
Council approves variance for building project on Cliffe Avenue BY MICHAEL BRIONES Echo Staff Courtenay council has approved a development variance permit that will allow a proposed commercial and multiresidential project on 19th Street to move forward. The variance would allow Riverside Lane to be extended from 19th Street to 20th Street. It will provide access to the future buildings at the site. However, in order to accommodate it, some adjustment to the line property of the existing
building on 19th - Service Canada - was needed because it would not meet the required front yard setback for the Multiple Use Two zone. It was also non-conforming with respect to six yard setbacks. To address these issues, the applicant - Highstreet Ventures of Kelowna sought variances to zoning bylaw requesting that the front yard setback be reduced from 7.5 metres to 5.85 metres and side yard setback adjacent to a street be reduced from 7.5 metres to 3.22 metres and reduce the side yard setback for an internal lot
line from 4.5m to 3.16m. The former council already approved a development permit for the project that has three separate lots that require consolidation. Some new members of council questioned the merit of the road extension as well as the variances. Without these adjustments, the project would not be able to proceed, according to staff. The permit is contingent on the variances. As well, the applicants had commissioned a traffic study that indicated
the extension of the road would have minimal impact on the traffic condition on Cliffe Avenue and in the surrounding areas. Council unanimously approved the CAO’s recommendation to grant variances to the zoning bylaw. The first phase of the project will be the development of a high-quality commercial office alongside Cliffe Avenue. Following the completion of this development, a multi-residential development is being planned between Riverside Lane and Courtenay Riverway.
FREE FAMILY SWIM, SKATE The Comox Valley Regional District and Tim Hortons are once again hosting the annual free family swim and skate at the Comox Valley Sports Centre from 5 to 8 p.m on Dec. 31. “We always look forward to giving back to our community,” added Lynda Brocklehurst, owner of the Comox Valley Tim Hortons. “And if people coming to this event want to help give back to those in need, we will be accepting nonperishable food items to give to the Comox Valley food bank.” Participants can enjoy
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B.C. a real battleground for federal NDP (Continued from page 14) The NDP released its national child-care strategy in October. “It’s something society can’t afford not to do,” Mulcair said. The national plan would see the NDP create nearly 400,000 new child-care spaces by 2018-19, at a cost of nearly $2 billion, but it
requires partnership with the provinces. “From Day 1, we’re going to be creating jobs and child-care spaces,” Mulcair said. The strategy is as important for society as it is an investment for the economy, given the number of people it will allow to return to the workforce, Mul-
cair said. Following a year of cross-Canada tours, Mulcair said people are looking at the NDP, the official Opposition, as a government in waiting. As polling numbers stand today, Ruff said it’s more likely that the Conservatives would be returned to government or
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that the Liberals could win at least a minority government given the current popularity of Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau. “The Liberals could run very strong,” Ruff said. “The NDP are unlikely to propel from the official Opposition to government.”
complimentary Timbits, hot chocolate and coffee, plus a number of fabulous door prizes. New this year is a prize draw for a Tim Hortons mountain bike which the public can enter leading up to the event. Pick up a ballot at any local Tim Hortons store and bring to either the CVRD’s sports or aquatic centre by the end of day December 30. This draw will take place at the event on New Year’s Eve. FMI visit www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/rec or follow on Facebook, Twitter and Google+ for updates.
Alignment checks if booked between Dec 19-31 Valid between Dec 19-31 2014
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www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY. MARCH 26, 2013
17
ECHO
EXTRA There’s snow place like home BY DREW A. PENNER Echo Staff Giant fluffy clumps of snow the size of golf balls raced from the sky to coat the sides of Mount Washington with the alpine enthusiast’s dream substance - fresh powder. The brand new finish represents a fresh start for the ski hill and the beginning for a new chapter for the hundreds of employees who have been itching to punch the clock and make new friends. When asked why he ventured up the mountain that Saturday Glenn Westendorp, a skier from Comox, could scarcely contain his excitement. “We got snow!” he declared. “There’s no other reason.” The big opener turned out better than he expected. By the end of the weekend, beginner, Whiskey Jack, Hawk and even Eagle runs were open. Snow was soft and not too heavy. Westendorp managed to squeeze in about eight runs under heavy skies before heading back in Saturday. “The forecast was for rain this afternoon,” he said, “but it’s snowing.” He’s been driving up the hill since 1979, and he’s glad to see Mother Nature is treating Comox Valley residents well this year. “I’m happy,” he said, referencing the earlier opener this year than last year’s January start. “Maybe the stars are aligning for Mount Washington.”
You get people of all types on a mountain like this one, where the staff make a concerted effort to cater to skiers of all abilities, and plenty of training and competition options are available throughout the year. For Angela Beaton Mount Washington has been a huge part of family life. Her dad skied opening day and her mom works on the mountain. The 25-year-old worked on the hill herself before she moved away in search of new horizons. Now that she’s returned to the Comox Valley she’s more than excited to be back in the Mount Washington community. “It’s a pretty unreal place,” she said. “It’s what the Valley’s all about.” Take the recent weather onslaught as a case in point, she said. “We got 80 cm of snow in 48 hours,” she said. “It’s huge!” Beaton has been skiing almost since day one and snowboarding beginning in middle school. A few days back when she drove up with her family she got that initial thrill all over again. “We cheers-ed our coffees as we were making our last turn up the hill,” she said. “This is my hometown, my home mountain.” Skiing and snowboarding are truly intergenerational sports, something on display as rentals employee Norton McBride helped 6-year-old Riley Gerbrandt with his gear,
LEFT: Maria Garcia and Kianna Thistlethwaite made sure renters got the accessories they needed to make their first day on the mountain a success. BELOW LEFT: Hannah Wang with parents Eva and Marco. BELOW RIGHT: Cincy Edwards gives a snowboard a couple passes through the waxer.
Photos by Drew. A. Penner
although for his part the young mountain sport lover was enveloped in a mobile phone snowboarding video game. Mountain sports are also ideal ways for loved ones to connect. Taiwanese family Marco and Eva Wang, for example, made the trek for the first offi-
cial day of skiing on Vancouver Island with daughters Iris, 15, and Hannah, 20, who are studying in Canada. Attempting her first day ever shredding, Hannah was in good spirits, even after getting acquainted with the well packed ground on the beginner
run a little more than she would like. “I’m not regular, I’m right foot forward, so some movement is difficult for me,” she said. “The snow is not very soft because lots of people are skiing or boarding there. But it’s snowing now so it’s softer than in the morning.”
When her father goes back to work he’ll certainly have nice memories, thanks to Mount Washington’s 2014-15 season opener. And Hannah will have something to smile about while back in class in Victoria. When she returns she’ll double her experience.
18
www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 26, 2014
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20 www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 26, 2014
Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays? City of Courtenay covers all the bases at city hall with a greeting sign that shouldn’t offend anybody - religious or secular BY MICHAEL BRIONES Echo Staff The City of Courtenay wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. A poster that bears these messages is brightly and boldly posted on the window pane beside the entrance doors to city hall. It’s hard to miss the sign when you pass by. In an age of political correctness and the quest for fairness to every one, posting a Merry Christmas sign in a municipal building is a daring gesture. In some sectors, that include schools and some big box retailers, Merry Christmas greetings have been banned because of fear that they might offend others, especially those who do not believe in the spirit of Christmas. Mayor Larry Jangula supported the Merry Christmas greetings at city hall. He said when he became mayor it was Happy Holidays which to him doesn’t bear any significance. “It’s a meaningless term,” said Jangula. “Most people in this community say Merry Christmas and appreciate hearing Merry Christmas. So we decided to put it up and we’ve had all kinds of comments. No negative stuff.” Jangula said traditionally this holiday has always been called Christmas and added it’s not meant to offend anyone. “It’s been that way for 2000 years and suddenly everybody wants to change it,” said Jangula. “I find that when I go to a store, or even get a card that says Happy Holidays or Season’s Greetings, it means almost nothing to me.” If a lot of people feel this holiday is not important, Jangula said, “get rid of it.” The Town of Comox does not have an official policy on whether to say Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays. Mayor Paul Ives said it has never been an issue with them. Staff are at lib-
erty to choose the kind of greetings they want to express. “In this day and age we
have to be careful,” said Ives. “The most inclusive you would say is Season’s Greetings.”
The city has all the bases covered, both religious and secular
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$
$
899
Was $1799
Was $1899
299
699
Was $1799
Was $899
Was $2099
Designer Leather Chair
Ashley Push Back rtecliner
Stylus Nest Chair
$
799
$
Was $2499
$
399
100% Leather Sofa
Was $899
1
Europedic Pillow Top Queen Mattress
SET ONLY
$
299
$
1999
Was $1149
Was $5899
King Size 7 Pcs Bedroom Suite solid pine
Black TV Stand
$
2999 Was $5999
299
100% Leather 3 Piece Sectional
Was $899
Kings Down Pocket Coil Twin Mattress
$
999 Intercon Solid Wood Dining Table And 4 chairs
Browse our products at: www.merithomefurniturecourtenay.com
www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 26, 2014
Coach Chelsea Adams and her U12 Crew
Mt. Washington Ski Club open for skiing fun With the beautiful white stuff falling from the sky and the athletes anxiously awaiting the arrival of Santa and the chance to start off the season right, the Mount Washington Ski Club Programs are ready for another great season! Whether you are a new young skier and are looking for an organized program to learn the basics in a small group, family club like setting taught by certified CSIA /CSCF Coaches, or a more seasoned skier who is looking for a group to shred it up on the mountain we have something for every ages and skill level. The Mount Washington Ski Club has a long history on the mountain and is known for supporting Allison Forsythe, National Ski Team Champion and Olympian and Matt Leduc Canadian National Skier X Team Member in their early years of racing. Already on our club calendar for December and January, we have a mountain and club open race planned, a club social for all families on Jan 4th and another fun event planned for Jan 24th
Bridge News d’Esterre Duplicate Results for Tuesday 16th December (12 1/2 tables): N/S - 1. Daryl Pippin and Mark Lawrence; 2. Tom Dugdale and Jeanette Baron; 3. Lloyd and Bernice Snyder; 4. Clarke Graham and Jim Lucas. E/W - 1. Irene Smith and Dorothy Branch; 2. Dianna Rickson and Evelyn Ware; 3. Denise Holst and Lorraine Ramsbottom; 4. Roy Hagg and Keith Ware. Results for Friday, Dec. 19 (10 tables): N/S - 1. Phil Sanford and Maureen Olafson; 2. Gary Priestman and
Bob Dugas; 3. Jim and Joan Boase; 4. George Law and Art Morgan. E/W - 1. Ann Cook and Dorothy Branch; 2. Dick and Lynn Sangster; 3. Glen and Pat Sanderson; 4. Ben and Iris Vansterkenburg. Results for Saturday, Dec. 20 (9 1/2 tables): N/S - 1. Jean Tait and Denise Holst; 2. Doug and Penny Poole; 3. Lloyd and Bernice Snyder; 4. Clark Graham and John Petzinger. E/W - 1. Keith and Evelyn Ware; 2. Colin Park and Bernice Blonarwitz; 3. Tom Dugdale and Jeanette Baron; 4. Irene Smith and Ann Cook.
14468.26 17804.80 1186.70 0.8587 21.91 48.39 104.32 4.70 21.38 1.37% 1.81% 2.34% 2.77%
KOREA EXCHANGE BANK PACIFIC & WESTERN NAT’L BANK OF CANADA
1yr: 1.730% 3 yr: 2.160% 5 yr: 2.580%
Join us! Benefits of membership include: · A minimum of 15 days of professional coaching (1 day/week program) plus several extra days for races · Small Group setting · Group and individual pictures · Hot lunch Program · Individual season award and awards banquet · Family use of ski club cabin - brand new and recently renovated right behind Mtn. Tek · Informal equipment swap/online buy and sell · Fun social club atmosphere that encourages parent interaction and community building ·Free hot chocolate to help keep kids warm Visit us at www.mtwashingtonskiclub.com for information and to register now! See you on the slopes!
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17
Congratulations To Leon Hughes, winner of our Test Drive Contest. Enjoy the Dec 28th Seahawks vs Rams Game! Bills
Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots (-11.5)
Patriots
Ravens
Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens (-9.5)
Browns
Panthers
Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons (-3.5)
Falcons
Bears
Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings (-7.5)
Vikings
THE DART BOARD
Steelers
Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers (-3.5)
Bengals
COMOX VALLEY PUB LEAGUE MIXED DARTS
Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys (-4.5) at Washington Redskins
Redskins
Lions
Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers (-8.5)
Packers
Jaguars
Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans (-9.5)
Jaguars
Titans
Indianapolis Colts (-7.5) at Tennessee Titans
Colts
Chiefs
San Diego Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs (-2.5)
Chiefs
Dolphins
New York Jets at Miami Dolphins (-4.5)
Dolphins
Buccaneers
New Orleans Saints (-3.5) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Saints
Eagles
Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants (-2.5)
Eagles
Broncos
Oakland Raiders at Denver Broncos (-10.5)
Broncos
49ers
Arizona Cardinals (-2.5) at San Francisco 49ers
Cardinals
Seahawks
St. Louis Rams at Seattle Seahawks (-8.5)
Seahawks
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 72 67 63 57 57 53 47 16
December 16 Results Beer Pigs 6 - Griffin Gang 3 Darts of Hazzard 2 - Black Cats 7 FunGis 2 - BullsHitters 7 Misfitz 3 - D.A.’s 6
Ladies Hi Score: Laurie McFadden 130 Men’s Hi Score: Al Oelke, Glen Litchfield , Bill McPherson, Howard Bull, Laurie Bull, Brian Wilcox 140 Ladies Hi Checkout: Joanne Scott 85 Men’s Hi Checkout: Dave Wellington 99 180s: Glen Litchfield 1
79.22 54.00 65.09 53.02 41.49 36.10 28.61 11.37 27.33 40.35 55.27 15.41 19.05
Dec. 22/2014
Philip Shute Vice President
109-112
Investment Advisor
We Specialize In Happy W Haappy Customers Cust
35.47 17.90 46.16 26.91
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. 19, 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.
6-8
Independently Owned &Operated
44901 90 North IIsssla Hwy, Island Cou Courtenay
22
www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 26, 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
www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 26, 2014
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24 www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.DECEMBER 26, 2014
WHEN THE CLOCK STRIKES 6 PM DECEMBER 31ST, 2014 â&#x20AC;Ś SALE IS OVER!
OPEN BOXING DAY
$500 FUEL CARD ON ALL REMAINING 2014 MODELS $1,000 PREPAID VISA ON SELECT NEW VEHICLES FREE GIFT WITH PURCHASE FROM
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Michael Marchi Dealer Principal
Oliver Rohde Sales Manager
Kim Ratcliff
Assistant Financial Manager
Robert Kirinic
Finance Manager
Barry Kruger Consultant
Rick Barrs Consultant
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Don Harrison Consultant
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