Comox Valley Echo - February 13, 2015

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.COURTENAY,BC. FEBRUARY 13, 2015

ECHO

NEWS Comox Valley Weather

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

Police Blotter Comox Valley RCMP responded to the following incidents between Feb. 3 and 9: On February 3rd the Comox Valley RCMP were notified of a theft of a motor vehicle from a residence on the 4000 block of Macaulay Road in the Black Creek area.

The vehicle in question, a grey Buick Century with BC plate 807RLA, was stolen from outside the residence sometime overnight. (2015-1428) On the night of February 6th police received a report of a motor vehicle hit and run collision at the Aspen Elementary school parking lot.

The suspect backed into a vehicle and then left at a high rate of speed. The suspect vehicle is described as a Toyota Tacoma pickup with a canopy, or similar type of truck, and the entire vehicle is painted in a camouflage pattern.

(2015-1574) In the early morning hours of February 7th police received a report of several broken windows at the Mark Isfeld secondary school in Courtenay.

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

Tara Rebecca DOSWELL

River has been charged with theft under $5,000 and Laura Randall, 25, of Campbell River has been charged with possession of property obtained by crime, and fraudulent use of a credit card.

Corporal Poppy Hallam said that tips from the public, surveillance video and solid police work led the RCMP to the suspects.

“On Jan. 16, 2015 the first suspect was arrested and in the early morning of Jan. 17, 2015, the remaining two suspects were arrested,” she said.

The Randalls were released from custody on strict conditions. Klody was held in custody as he has other outstanding charges before the court.

- Campbell River Courier-Islander

Lotto robbery suspect arrested

DOB: 1979-01-01 183 cms, 136 kgs, Brown hair, Green eyes Warrant: Breach of undertaking Comox Valley file #201416195

Police have arrested the man suspected of being involved in the robbery of the lottery kiosks in Driftwood Mall in Courtenay.

Comox Valley RCMP located the suspect following several tips they received from the public.

Police would like to thank those individuals who called.

www.comoxvalleycrimestoppers.bc.ca In all seven windows had been smashed. (20151590) Sometime over the night of February 8th and the morning of February 9th an unknown culprit smashed the glass in the bus stop shelter located on Robb Avenue and Stewart Street in Comox.

(2015-1658)

The three people arrested for over 308 thefts from vehicles between Oct. 2014 and Jan. 15, 2015 have been identified, and their victims will have a chance to identify their stolen belongings.

Mitchell Klody, 18, of Courtenay has been charged with theft under $5,000, Mark Anthony Randall, 20, of Campbell

“It is cooperation such as this that makes our community strong and why we want to live here,” said Ins. Tim Walton, the officer in charge at the local detachment.

“People care about one another.”

A 25-year-old man from Alberta is now facing one charge of robbery and one

charge of break, enter and commit theft.

This male is also wanted on criminal charges from the Westshore RCMP and has warrants for his arrest in the Province of Alberta.

He has been remanded into custody until he appears before the court on February 12.

Police looking for vehicle in hit and run incident Comox Valley RCMP are investigating a hit and run incident on the 1400 block of Ellenor Rd. in Comox. At around 11:15 P.M. police attended a rear-end vehicle collision and found a car in the ditch.

The driver of the car,

police found out, was traveling north when he had to brake for a deer on the road.

A vehicle following him wasn’t able to stop on time and rammed his car, forcing it into the ditch and colliding with some trees.

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Nightly except Sunday: 6:55 (9:45) & 9:45 (12:05). Saturday Matinees: 2D 3:35 (5:55) Sunday & Monday Matinees: 3D 12:30 (2:50) & 2D 3:35 (5:55) Cinema #3: “Spongebob Movie: Sponge Out of Water 3D” G: No Advisory. Nightly: 7:10 (8:55) & 9:25 (11:10).

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The driver of the other vehicle left the scene.

Investigators are looking for a maroon colored pickup truck with damage to the front right side of the bumper area.

If you have information about this collision

or know the driver who left the scene you are asked to contact Cst. C. Henry at the Comox Valley RCMP, 250-338-1321, or if you wish to remain anonymous you can call Crimestoppers at 1-800222-8477

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com HEALTH SURVEY

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North Island youth report good health But they’re struggling to get enough sleep, which can have dire consequences

BY DREW A. PENNER Echo Staff

Three-quarters of N orth Island youth report staying online or on their phone after the time they were supposed to be asleep, according to a study by a non-profit group that says this is causing a chain reaction of negative health results.

While most Grade 7-12 students involved in the McCreary Centre Society’s fifth BC Adolescent Health Survey generally seemed to be in good or even excellent physical and mental health, just 57 per cent of students slept for eight or more hours on the night before taking the survey.

“We didn’t have a question about sleep on the last survey,” said Annie Smith, executive director of the McCreary Centre Society, who said it was the students who were surprised they weren’t being asked about it. “We added it to this survey and it was pretty shocking.”

The study suggests that Grade 12 students require

just as much sleep to be at their best as Grade 7 students do.

“None of them are getting enough sleep,” she said. “People think the older they get the less sleep they need - and we’re really not seeing that at all.”

Smith explains that youth often struggle to break free from the hold of digital devices.

“They’re terrified of missing something on Facebook,” she said. “Their cellphone’s going off all the time.”

But what was particularly interesting was that many of the students who stayed up when they should have been sleeping said they were actually working on homework.

“It’s really not good,” she said. “For each extra hour of sleep that young people get they are much more likely to report their mental health as good or excellent.”

This is likely responsible for a number of the other negative behaviors reported among North Island youth, such as higher

We didn’t have a question about sleep on the last survey. We added it to this survey and it was pretty shocking. None of them are getting enough sleep” ANNIE SMITH McCreary Centre Society

rates of sugar consumption (which could be students cramming down chocolate bars to make it though the next class) and high obesity rates.

The McCreary Centre Society, a non-profit focused on improving the health of BC youth, completed the survey in early 2013, collecting responses from about 30,000 students in Grades 7-12 across the province. The Vancouver Island results are based

on the responses from students in the North Vancouver Island North health region, including the Comox Valley.

Eighty-three per cent of local youth said their mental health was good or excellent - although this number was higher for boys than for girls - and 29 per cent said they’d smoked tobacco (compared with a provincial rate of 21 per cent), half of whom said they had done so in the

past month.

More than half of local youth said they had tried alcohol (52 per cent compared to 45 per cent provincially), however, there was a local decrease from 63 per cent in 2008. Youth here are waiting longer to try alcohol and six percent of youth reported ever drinking and driving, down from 12 per cent of North Island youth in 2008.

Thirty-seven percent of local students said they had

tried marijuana (which has stayed constant, compared to the BC rate dropping to 26 per cent in 2013).

Based on Body Mass Index, 74 per cent of local youth were a healthy weight for their age and gender (81 per cent of females vs. 68 per cent of males). A quarter of healthy weight males in the North Island were trying to gain weight, while 46 per cent of healthy weight females were trying to lose weight.

Smith said another problem that popped up on the North Island was the number of students (17 per cent) not getting treatment for concussions.

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.FEBRUARY 13, 2015

K’ómoks First Nation and Qualicum ink logging agreement

BY DREW A. PENNER Echo Staff K’ómoks First Nation and Qualicum First Nations are developing a forestry partnership in order to make the most of the timber resources on their traditional territories. The Letter of Intent, signed Feb. 4, represents the beginning of a new phase in their historic relationship, according to KFN elected chief Rob Everson.

“This is the first step,” he said. “I’m looking forward to it.”

The bands are planning to form a company that will allow them to manage the forest cover in the region effectively and maximize economic benefits.

“The shared interest is in the shared traditional territories of K’ómoks and Qualicum,” he said. “This agreement is a forestry agreement to work collaboratively to access those resources.”

Starting a First Nations logging company on Central Vancouver Island would allow the native groups to move beyond revenue sharing agreements with established timber firms, meaning more money would remain with First Nations here instead of being divvied up among investors and executives elsewhere.

The announcement comes in the wake of the June 2014 Supreme Court of Canada ruling in the Roger William case that laid down powerful rules for resource development within traditional aboriginal territories, particularly where title has not been extinguished through a treaty process.

KFN is currently in the latter stages of negotiating a comprehensive treaty with the provincial

The shared interest is in the shared traditional territories of K’omoks and Qualicum. This is a forestry agreement to work collaboratively to access those resources.”

ROB EVERSON K’omoks elected chief

and federal governments that could be worth more than $17.5 million and net the band more than 2,000 hectares of land. Qualicum is not pursuing any land claims.

But Everson said KFN’s talks with Qualicum on the logging front predate the precedent-setting Tsilhqot’in decision.

“We’ve been talking to

Qualicum with regards to protocol agreements and such literally for years,” he said, stressing the importance of building a more collaborative relationship with the band’s neighbour to the south. “We’re currently working on a protocol agreement with them.”

However, he explained the impact of the Tsilhqot’in ruling will be felt far and wide.

“The decision that was brought down has bearing on all sorts of resource sectors,” he said, pointing to fisheries management as another area of particular relevance. “It’s a game changer.”

That ruling confirmed aboriginal ownership over much of the Central Interior territory in question and found the province breached its duty to properly consult and accommodate the First Nation.

K’ómoks First Nation elected chief Rob Everson and and Qualicum First Nations elected chief Michael Recalma sign a Letter of Intent to build a logging partnership Feb. 4.

Undoubtedly that means the way Canadian governments interact with native groups will continue to shift, he added.

“I think the Tsilhqot’in decision is going to affect a lot of future economic benefits to First Nations with regards to consultation and accommodation,” he said. “With regards to this specific agreement, we were working on this before that.”

Qualicum’s elected chief Michael Recalma is excit-

ed about the future of the band’s relationship with KFN. He acknowledged the territory dispute between the two, but pointed to the root causes to put it in perspective.

“The territories overlap,” he said. “It’s others that made us draw lines on the map.”

Making a brand new start with KFN through a logging partnership just makes good sense, he added.

“You’ve got more strength in numbers,” Recalma said. “The time has come.”

Recalma, who was elected for the first time last fall, said he’s optimistic about the potential for a future protocol agreement - and the benefits he hopes could result for his band of about 110 people.

“When you start joining and talking who knows where it’s going to go,” he said. “It all starts with a handshake.”

CVRD supports free buses to Air Show

BY DREW A. PENNER Echo Staff The regional district has agreed to support running buses to the Comox Air Show Aug. 15 free of charge, but can’t decide what to do with donation money collected from riders.

While Air Show officials said they are appreciative of this in-kind contribution, they want the Comox Valley Regional District to step up to the plate and provide some cold hard cash, making the case during the Feb. 2 Committee of the Whole meeting.

This would be the first time a local government directly supported the air show financially, although the Air Show committee is in already in talks with the Comox Valley Economic Development Society, which is funded through the CVRD. Terry Chester, executive director of Armed Forces Day and Air Show 2015, said it costs around $600,000 to put on the event since the highly trained performers charge fees in the range of $20-30,000 to entertain the crowd.

The vast majority of attendees come from the Comox Valley and Vancouver Island.

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Coun. Gwyn Sproule said she was against allowing city buses to be used free of charge, since it costs $1 to ride the bus during other special events. She was also not in favour of the potential service reductions on other lines that might be necessary to increase bus frequency along the route to the base.

Sproule was the lone vote countering the drive to provide transit to the Air Show free of charge. She said some riders in the Comox Valley depend on current service levels and may not want to attend the Air Show.

In order to become a “Platinum Level” sponsor of the event, which draws about 15,000 people - more than any other single-day event in the community - partners are expected to chip in $10,000.

But regional district officials confirmed the cost to the municipality last year was only in the $2-3,000 range, since BC Transit helps cover about half of operating expenses.

Administration said they had not heard of a $10,000 figure being associated with the Platinum Level, previously.

Directors discussed putting donations collected from Air Show bus riders to a worthy

cause, perhaps one associated with the military, a suggestion first mentioned by Director Erik Eriksson.

CVRD staff confirmed it would be possible to collect donation money and give it to a charity as long as it was easy to be transparent with the funds for accountability sake, such as by giving to a reputable charity.

Bob Wells, a director from Courtenay, made a motion - to contribute donation money to an appropriate organization - that was narrowly defeated, since only directors Eriksson and Rod Nichol voted alongside.

Courtenay Director Larry Jangula said since the Air Show has come to the table hat in hand, and particularly since the CVRD is getting a $10,000 branding value for less than a third of the price, donations should go directly to the Air Show.

This motion, too, was defeated, with some directors expressing discomfort with the idea of asking riders to give money away to a group they are already paying $20 per adult to attend.

The transit issue will have to be ratified at a future CVRD board meeting.

Hope to see you at the Island Agriculture Show this Friday and Saturday at the Florence Filberg Centre and Native Sons Hall

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.FEBRUARY 13, 2015

5

Hospice society receives funds from Music Heals Programs in Victoria, Comox and Qualicum Beach Comox Valley Hospice Society is playing a lively tune these days.

It’s one of the recipients of funding from Music Heals on Vancouver Island, which doled out more than $27,000 to music therapy programs.

Comox Valley Hospice Society received $9,600 to support music therapist Nicole Burgess in her work in palliative care.

Other recipients on the island are: Luther Court Society, working in con-

junction with the Victoria Conservatory of Music, received $7,436 to support music therapist Marie Slade’s work with their complex care population.

The Gardens at Qualicum Beach received $10,000 to support music therapist Stephanie Martyn’s programs with seniors.

“Music Heals’ extraordinary commitment to Music Therapy is truly distinctive, not only from their donations, but

Nicole Burgess of Comox Valley Hospice Society receives a $9,600 check to support her work in palliative care. by the rare personal commitment, respect for all individuals with needs, and the firm belief of the crucial impact music has on our lives.” Dr. Johanne Brodeur,

Ph.D., MTA, Music Therapy Department Head & Children’s Music Department Head, Victoria Conservatory of Music.

(Continued on page 6)

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.FEBRUARY 13, 2015

City to apply for grant to recoat 5th Street bridge Eriksson opposes $2.2m project to extend life of outdated infastructure by another 50 years

BY MICHAEL BRIONES Echo Staff Courtenay is hoping to acquire a grant to recoat the 5th Street Bridge.

Staff recommended to council the city submit an application to the new Building Canada Fund - Small Communities, a grant program designed to support communities with fewer than 100,000 people to address infrastructure needs.

Director of Engineering and Public Works Lesley Hatch said the deadline for applying is Feb. 18.

Staff looked at three projects that meet the requirement of the grant program - recoating the 5th Street Bridge, and two Complete Enhancement Projects: 5th Street (Fitzgerald to Menzies) and the Old Island Highway (Bridge to Headquarters Road). The recoating of the bridge will cost around $2.2 million while

We decided our best approach is to really look at a project that is already on the books and is a great need to our city” LESLEY HATCH Director of Engineering

the other two carry a price tag of around $3.2 million and $8.1 million respectively.

Hatch said they reviewed all three projects and determined which has the best chance of succeeding in landing the fund.

“We decided our best approach is to really look at a project that is already on the books and is a great need to our city,” said Hatch.

The 5th Street Bridge, in particular, is favourable she said, because it is already included in the city’s

2015-2019 capital budget.

Staff already has a lot of background information that would support the city’s grant application.

“We have the study, we have the rationale, we can easily build a business case with the information that we have,” said Hatch.

Recoating the bridge built in 1960 will extend the life of the structure for another 50 years. In 2008, an assessment found the bridge to be in good condition and required moderate rehabilitation.

In 2012, the condition of the bridge was downgraded to fair due to heavy corrosion. Recoating and repair were recommended, estimated to cost $2.2 million. The first phase of the project is set to take place this year starting with developing the scope of the project. By 2016 permits and a detailed design will be established with construction to take place in 2017.

CALL 1

The grant program provides up to $5 million per municipality using a for-

mula of 1/3 federal government, 1/3 provincial government, and 1/3 con-

Hospice gets music therapy program grant (Continued from page 5) March is Music Therapy Month, and one of Leadership Victoria’s Community Action Project teams is piloting “Listen Up Victoria!” through February and March.

This initiative will collect iPods at various locations for the Music Heals iPod Pharmacy. Good-asnew iPods will be paired with brand new head-

phones from Skullcandy and iTunes gift cards and given to music therapists on Vancouver Island for use with their clients. For more information visit: www.ListenUpVictoria. com The Music Heals Charitable Foundation raises awareness of the healing powers of music and fundraises for music therapy and related services across Canada.

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(Continued from page 6)

If successful, Courtenay has to confirm local financial contribution within six months of the award.

Hatch said they can easily demonstrate Courtenay has borrowed capital already in place and has the ability to fund the balance of the capital portion to the city’s current general revenue.

Councillor Erik Eriksson opposed city staff ’s choice. He feels the city will be throwing away $2.2 million in choosing this project. He prefers to see new bridge built.

“Why would we want to extend the life of a bridge that’s already 20 years out of date,” Eriksson asked.

$ “It’s going to be 70 years by the time its lifetime is complete.

“If we’re going to be talking about complete street, we’re talking about two models. If we’re going to talk about complete street we should be talking complete bridge. What is the point of having a depraving, inciting traffic ... it’s hazardous right now.”

Hatch informed council the city could tap other grant programs that fit the criteria for the other two projects. She said it would allow staff more time to develop a stronger case for both options.

Council approved the staff recommendation with Eriksson the only one voting against it.

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OFFERS END MARCH 2ND - VISIT CHOOSENISSAN.CA OR YOUR LOCAL RETAILER

Lease payments of $39/$64 on the 2014 Sentra/2015 Rogue must be made on a monthly basis and cannot be made weekly. Weekly lease payments are for advertising purposes only. *Offer applies to Nissan Canada Finance (NCF) lease and finance contracts on new 2015 Micra (SV & SR trims only), 2015 Versa Note, 2015 Altima Sedan, 2014 Sentra models when reported as sold between Feb. 3 – Mar. 2, 2015.. This program is applicable to NCF special or standard finance rates. This is a limited time offer. Not combinable with fleet discounts.

First time buyers are not eligible for the program. Customers leasing or financing through NCF can choose one of the following options: Three (3) monthly Payment Waivers or one (1) payment of $500 NCF Cash alternative on 2015 Micra (SV & SR trims), 2015 Versa Note, 2014 Sentra; $750 NCF Cash alternative on 2015 Altima Sedan. After three (3) monthly finance/lease payments, consumer will be required to make all remaining regularly scheduled payments over the remaining term of the contract. Payment Waiver: First three (3) monthly lease or finance payments (including all taxes) will be waived, up to a maximum of $350 (inclusive of taxes) per month on 2015 Micra (SV & SR trims only), 2015 Versa Note and 2014 Sentra; $450 (inclusive of taxes) per month on 2015 Altima Sedan. Consumer is responsible for any and all amounts in excess of $350 (2015 Micra (SV & SR trims only), 2015 Versa Note and 2014 Sentra) /$450 (2015 Altima Sedan) per month (inclusive of taxes). The 3 Payment Waivers cannot be combined with the Nissan Finance Cash alternative; only one option can be selected. This program is applicable to Nissan Finance contracts only. This program is a limited time offer. Not combinable with fleet discounts. The Three (3) monthly payment waivers or the Nissan Finance Cash alternative options are both not eligible for program protection. Units must come from dealer stock and reported as sold before or on Mar. 2, 2015. †No charge All-Wheel Drive (AWD) has an equivalent value of up to $2,000 applicable on all 2015 Rogue models (except Rogue S FWD (Y6RG15 AA00)/Rogue SV FWD (Y6SG15 AA00). Offer only applicable on cash purchase or standard finance rates through NCF. Discount is deducted before taxes. **MSRP starting from $9,998 for a 2015 Nissan Micra® 1.6 S, MT (S5LG55 AA00) excluding Freight and PDE charges and specific duties of new tires. ±Representative finance offer based on 2015 Nissan Micra® 1.6 SR (S5SG55 AA00) Manual transmission. Selling Price is $17,198 financed at 0% APR equals payments of $287 for an 60 month term. $0 down payment required. Cost of borrowing is $0 for a total obligation of $17,198. This offer cannot be combined with any other offer. Conditions apply. ≠Representative monthly lease offer based on any new 2014 Sentra 1.8 S M6 (C4LG54 AA00)/2015 Rogue S FWD CVT (Y6RG15 AA00). 0%/1.99% lease APR for a 60/60 month term equals 60/60 monthly payments of $168/$276 with $0 down payment, and $0 security deposit. First semi-monthly payment, down payment and $0 security deposit are due at lease inception. Prices and payments include freight and fees. Lease based on a maximum of 20,000 km/year with excess charged at $0.10/km. Total lease obligation is $10,057/$16,541. This offer is only valid from Jan. 3, 2014 – Mar. 2, 2015. $720 NCF lease cash included on advertised offers, only applicable on 2014 Sentra 1.8 S M6 (C4LG54 AA00). Conditions apply. ▲Models shown $16,247/$25,765/$36,348 Selling Price for a new 2015 Micra® KROM MT (S5RG55 KR00)/2014 Sentra 1.8 SL (C4TG14 AA00)/2015 Rogue SL AWD CVT (Y6DG15 BK00). Cash bonus not included in model shown pricing. * ±≠▲Freight and PDE charges ($1,450/$1,567/$1,750), air-conditioning levy ($100) where applicable, applicable fees (all which may vary by region), manufacturer’s rebate and dealer participation where applicable are included. License, registration, insurance and applicable taxes are extra. Lease and finance offers are available on approved credit through Nissan Canada Finance for a limited time, may change without notice and cannot be combined with any other offers except stackable trading dollars. Retailers are free to set individual prices. Dealer order/trade may be necessary. Vehicles and accessories are for illustration purposes only. Offers, prices and features subject to change without notice. Offers valid between Feb. 3 – Mar. 2, 2015. °Nissan is the fastest growing brand in the non-luxury segment based on comparison of 12-month retail sales of all Canadian automotive brands and 12 months average sales growth. +Based on 2014/15 Nissan Sentra (3,144L), 2015 Honda Civic (3,031L) and 2015 Toyota Corolla (3,119L). All information sourced from competitive websites and is accurate at the time of printing. January 28, 2015. ^Based on 2014/15 Sentra SV, SR, SL models with NissanConnect Apps system. Smartphone connectivity allowing access to popular mobile applications and connected services (ex.

Google Send-to-Car). Offers subject to change, continuation or cancellation without notice. Offers have no cash alternative value. See your participating Nissan retailer for complete details. ©1998-2014 Nissan Canada Inc. and Nissan Financial Services Inc. a division of Nissan Canada Inc.

Courtenay council going after grant to repaint bridge

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.FEBRUARY 13, 2015

7

Vancouver Island dog rescue hopes to make Valentine’s Day love connections 11 Cocker Spaniels looking for homes Atterby interviews potential adopters, followed by vet checks and home visits to ensure she finds the perfect home for the dog.

But lately applications have been few and far between.

“It has been really disappointing that we aren’t seeing as many applications as usual for this time of year,” says Atterby.

(Continued on page 8)

8

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.FEBRUARY 13, 2015

For the Love of Food Dogs need homes (Continued from page 7) “Maybe with Valentine’s Day around the corner, people will open their hearts and homes to these very sweet, affectionate dogs. Cockers are the cuddliest dogs I’ve ever known.”

AUOW has 11 cocker spaniels in its care, including a trio of “black beauties.”

Dashing Salty is a 6-year-old male cocker, who came from Vancouver Animal Control. He was picked up as a stray and had trust issues that Atterby has worked on he now gives her kisses on request. Kendra is a 10-month-old puppy who needs a home with a tall fence, as she can jump high, and she needs to be the only dog or the only dominant dog, due to her saucy personality. Fiona is a 2-year-old beautiful black cocker with a white bib, who seeks love and affection from people, but can be a bit territorial with other dogs. She is a digger and also needs an extrasecure yard.

Angels Under Our Wings also has a trio of “golden goddesses,” including Cammy, a timid 4-yearold cocker who gets along well with other dogs and adults, but who is very nervous around children.

Another is Scarlett, a 7 - 8 year-old overweight cocker, who recently returned to the rescue after her owner passed away. She is a playful, happy girl who loves toys. She gets along great with other dogs and seeks lots of attention.

Rounding out this trio is Sophie, a 5 - 6-year-old red and white cocker, who was used for breeding before coming into the rescue.

She is nervous around new people, but very affectionate with those she gets to know.

Information about these adoptable dogs and AUOW is posted online at www.angelsunderourwings.com.

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.FEBRUARY 13, 2015

9

Issues at library classified as anti-social behaviour

BY MICHAEL BRIONES Echo Staff Comox Valley RCMP’s officer in command said the concerns raised by citizens about the problems at the Courtenay library are classified as mainly “anti-social behaviour.”

“We have quite an example of people flocking the sidewalks, riding on the sidewalks, shouting, swearing at the library, that type of thing,” said Insp. Tim Walton.

“There’s some criminal activity but mostly anti-

social. It’s going to take the community to decide what is acceptable in the library and take the necessary steps they need to improve the bad habits in the library for various users. We can work with the city to make that happen.”

Walton appeared before Courtenay council to discuss policing matters that included the problems at the library that were brought up by councillor Doug Hillian.

At present, Walton said, they have an officer temporarily patrolling the area

on foot on a daily basis.

“It’s confined to the downtown core area. A little bit of extra presence in the area as well as making small observations to see what the issues are,” said Walton. “It also allows our members to talk to people that are down there that we would not normally talk to. And to have a conversation about what they think is acceptable and things that are not acceptable.”

Walton said it’s a temporary arrangement because it’s costly - $8,000 to

The Courtenay Library has a ‘No Loitering’ sign out front, which doesn’t help $10,000 - to assign a fulltime person to the downtown area alone.

“For me to dedicate a resource full-time downtown right now, I would be taking away something else,” said Walton. “I just

don’t have the luxury at this point.”

Hillian said his intention to shed light on the problems at the library was not aimed at picking on marginalized individuals or what he heard people call

as “poor bashing.” He said that library is there for everyone in the community to use but they also have a responsibility to make sure the place is safe.

(Continued on page 10)

Citizen input sought on Courtenay budget For the second year in a row, the City of Courtenay is reaching out to the public to gather feedback on their annual operating budget - and the 2015 Citizen Budget survey includes new and improved interactive tools to give the public even more ways have their say.

The survey is available starting today (February 10) through the city’s website and social media channels.

Tillie Manthey, the city’s director of financial services and deputy chief administrative officer, said the survey is a user-friendly way for the public to tell Council how they think their tax dollars should be spent.

“The city’s budget is incredibly complex, but essentially everything is a balancing act,” noted Manthey. “The Citizen

Budget tool lets people experiment with different scenarios, and then see how that affects the overall budget. For example, increasing transportation funding means either raising taxes, or taking money out of another service.

“The feedback we receive will be reviewed by staff, and also shared with Council to help them gauge public satisfaction with the budget planning process.”

Operating budget categories include Protective Services (police, fire, bylaw enforcement, building inspections, emergency measures), Recreation, Parks and Culture, Water and Sewer Services, Transportation, and Waste Collection.

Respondents can also weigh in with their top five important issues facing the city.

David Allen, chief administrative officer for the city, noted the direct connection between property taxes and service levels.

“Determining an appropriate level of service is a constant challenge,” said Allen.

“Raising or lowering taxes - essentially the public’s willingness to pay for their municipal services - has a direct impact on the service levels we can provide.

“This includes our need to maintain city assets, such as underground utilities that have reached the end of their serviceable life. This is one of the biggest challenges facing local governments today.

This survey will help us gauge the public’s support for these initiatives.”

The full financial reports are available on the city website for those that

Beachcombers School

wish to see more detailed information.

The survey will be available until March 2, 2015.

For more information, or to access the survey, go to www.courtenay.ca

Citizens wishing to provide formal feedback on the city’s 2015 - 2019 proposed financial plan prior to its finalization in late April are encouraged to view the detailed budget

documents at www.courtenay.ca.

Questions and comments should be sent to Tillie Manthey at tmanthey@courtenay.ca prior to March 2, 2015.

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.FEBRUARY 13, 2015

SAR Tech lost in Banff avalanche was former member of local search and rescue group CVGSAR members fondly remember Mark Salesse as a humble but very talented man

BY MICHAEL BRIONES Echo Staff The Canadian Forces member that was swept by an avalanche during a military training exercise and is still missing in Banff, Alberta was a former member of the Comox Valley Ground Search and Rescue.

During his three-year stint at 19 Wing in 2007, Sgt. Mark Salesse shared his search and rescue skills and knowledge when he joined the CVGSAR. “He and a couple of his buddies from the base came to the team and I was fortunate to be involved in his initial interview,” said CVGSAR president, Paul Berry. “Very quiet guy, single word answers, very pleasant but wasn’t telling you a whole lot about himself. He seems very humble. And yet at the end of the conversation I said to him, ‘Mark there’s something that you’re not telling me here. That’s when he told me he was a SAR Tech. Certainly it was not something he was boastful about.”

Serasse’s vast experience was a big boost to the Comox Valley team.

And despite his advanced skills, Berry said, Serasse remained down-to-earth, as he was always an eager and avid participant dur-

Sgt. Mark Salesse, an experienced search and rescue technician from 435 Transport and Rescue Squadron based at 17 Wing Winnipeg, went missing after an incident in a training exercise in Banff National Park on Thursday, February 5, 2015.

Courtesy National Defence ing team training.

“He didn’t need a lot of training and yet he never balked once,” said Berry.

“He participated in every single training event that we held. He qualified as a team leader. He followed our swiftwater courses, our rope courses even though he had those qualifications in spades already. He wasn’t about to say, ‘I’m better than anyone else.’”

Serasse was involved in one of the rescues on the Puntledge River. Berry said the river was very

high and they had made several attempts to reach two individuals who were trapped on a log just below the hatchery.

“Mark tried to swim and made an attempt to get to them,” said Berry. “It wasn’t successful. In most cases, you’re exhausted after that first attempt and yet he went back in. I can remember him getting on top of this log with this big smile on his face because he had reached them. We were able to complete the rescue because of that.

Just an incredibly physically strong guy.”

The search for the 44year-old Serasse, a search and rescue technician from 435 Transport and Rescue Squadron based at 17 Wing Winnipeg continues in Banff National Park.

He was conducting routine mountain training with his team of SAR Techs in an area known as Polar Circus when he was swept away by an avalanche on Feb. 5.

Continuous heavy snowfall has made the search difficult compounded by significant avalanche hazards in the area. The search area is relatively small but the geography, weather and snow cover made for a complex search. Serasse wasn’t wearing an avalanche transceiver, which

Sgt. Mark Salesse explains 442 Squadron rescue aircraft and gear to CVGSAR members helps locate people buried under snow.

Berry said when they heard the news they were concerned and are still hoping that Serasse would be found.

“It certainly is one of those, ‘it can’t be,’” said Berry. “I know that Mark was incredibly safety conscious. There wasn’t a time when he didn’t do checks and double checks.

So it’s surprising to hear that this happened. It is high-risk work that he and his team do in a high-risk environment. And things unfortunately do happen.”

Other members of the CVGSAR remember Serasse well. Serasse was

“He had a little bit of a practical joke element to him which was great,” said Larsen. “I think one of our great treasures of Mark is he seems to be always eating.

“He was tall and slim but he had to keep his high level of energy up and he never quit eating. It was always a happy time when Mark was around.”

Larsen said they were looking forward to Serasse becoming a full-time member of CVGSAR in the future.

“I think it’s a sad loss for many of us to lose Mark,” said Larsen. “And also, I looked at him as a future leader in our team.”

involved in a joint exercise last spring with the CVGSAR and SAR from 19 Wing. Just last month, Serasse also visited the team.

Berry said that Serasse planned to settle in the Comox Valley and become a regular member of the CVGSAR once his military days were over. He still owns a home here.

Scott Larsen remembers Serasse as a tall, lanky man who was very talented and always helpful to everyone.

He also was a fun member to have around said Larsen, as he would play tricks like putting rocks in people’s backpacks.

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Anti-social behaviour at library (Continued from page 9) Walton said so far this year, the RCMP has received a higher number of calls compared to the previous year. But despite that, he indicated, “Courtenay remains to be a very safe community.”

Walton highlighted the progress of the Comox Valley detachment’s priorities, which included road safety, management of prolific offenders, organized crime, and graffiti reduction.

This year, there has been a substantial drop in the number of graffiti incidents throughout the valley. In the third quar-

ter, there was a total of 39 offences reported and Walton said if that continues, if will decrease significantly from the previous year.

As well, the detachment has made good progress in the area of distracted driving.

In the second quarter, a total of 69 violation tickets were issued but that went up in the third quarter when the Traffic Section handed out 329 tickets.

Police are also on track with ensuring prolific offender compliance checks. By the end of the third quarter, the detachment had conducted 1,005 probation compliance checks.

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.FEBRUARY 13, 2015

11

ECHO

OPINIONS

LETTERS

Misguided policy Dear Mr. Weber, I am writing to you as the Chair of the Courtenay School District to ask for a written justification for the removal of two half days a month from the education of the children in this school district. As I understand it, the two afternoons a month were originally given to teachers as time to learn about and to incorporate a new Provincial curriculum into their classrooms. However, it is now two years later, which ought to have been more than enough time to complete this process.

I am a retired teacher with more than 20 years experience teaching in the BC school system. During my teaching career, we were grateful for professional development days that did give us an opportunity to look at new and innovative ideas. For other learning experiences, we used time after the school day and summer holidays to expand our expertise and to communicate with others in the field.

As the registrar for the Naramata Conference on Special Education, I spent 30 years helping to organize a week-end conference to assist educators to access new information and strategies relating to teaching children with special needs.

No student was ever denied extended learning

time for these professional opportunities.

I have heard that the typical school day has been lenghtened by a few minutes to equal the Wednesday afternoon closures, and my response is: that is a specious justification. A few minutes at the end of the day does not equal two afternoons a month.

This is not happening in Vancouver, Surrey, Langley, Richmond or other large school districts where the challenges arising from poverty and multicultural students are much greater. If not there, then why here?

Parents in the Comox Valley are not wealthy, and for two years they have had to stretch their resources to provide child care for their children every other Wednesday.

Child care is not equal to school time, and I am deeply concerned that Valley children, including my grandchildren, are being shortchanged by their school district.

I am requesting that this letter be brought before the School Board, that it be included in the minutes of the next meeting, and that the Board provide a written justification to all of the Valley parents and taxpayers for this misguided policy.

Linda Weinberg Anmore, B.C.

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

NO BENEFITS A staggering 33.6%, or 580 square kms, of the Comox Valley is currently covered by coal licence applications and existing coal tenures.

Owners, like Compliance Energy, are poised to profit from Premier Clark’s coal mine and coal port expansion program that continues to be pitched to create jobs and economic enhancement.

It is curious, therefore, given a global plunge in coal prices and demand resulting in cascading mine closures, bankruptcies, and job losses, that this is not the time to support building a new coal mine or to put any faith in Compliance Energy’s promise of 300 jobs and one billion dollar revenue for nearby communities.

Currently, over 1000 BC coal miners have lost their jobs, including one half of the Quinsam Coal Mine workforce off 144, leaving families and their communities economically stunned.

Even if the market for coal revived, research indicates mining job promises tend to be inflated and would fluctuate depending on the stage of mine development and global market.

Also, high paying jobs

requiring 3 to 5 years experience and professional training tend to be filled by people living outside the community.

Quinsam’s promised 300 jobs levelled off at 144, but half of these jobs were recently slashed in response to market conditions.

More alarming, however, is compelling evidence that when a coal mine moves into the neighbourhood, communities can suffer devastating and irreversible economic hardships related to declining population, loss of revenue and significant loss of jobs in industries that cannot coexist in a coal mining zone.

Comox Valley communities would witness significant job losses in industries that demand preserving and protecting a beautiful and welcoming environment and that are supported in regional and community plans.

These include tourism, arts and entertainment, recreation, retirement and shellfish aquaculture, which employs 1000 workers.

This is not a local NIMBY issue, as the economic effects of such a dramatic reversal of economic vision would resonate throughout Vancouver Island.

Now that finally and

tragically the Mount Polley tailings spill has exposed the myth that mining companies and our government are committed to protecting the environment, it is time to expose the equally perilous myth that the Raven Coal Mine will economically benefit communities and create jobs.

Sharon Small Comox Valley Resident

WATERFRONT ACCESS Following numerous letters about upgrades to the Comox Marina area, I agree with those that feel very little needs to be done, especially if those “upgrades” reduce the current walking areas. Parking can also be a problem.

For those less mobile, the hills between the sea front and Comox Avenue/more parking are not easy to navigate.

My suggestion: use the money to begin walkways, trails or promenades as the terrain demands, along the waterfront towards the hospital and towards The Goose Spit.

Think of the pleasure of such areas, especially for those caring for loved ones, who, with small intermittent parking areas along the way, could enjoy the ride while the care giver enjoys the exercise!

Linking this walkway with the hospital would enable wheel chair access direct, without the need and struggle with a vehicle.

People flock to waterside trails and sea fronts, and so far Comox has little to offer! Victoria has acres of trails; Nanaimo has developed an interesting waterfront and trails going for miles; Campbell River has/is creating a “thing of beauty” along the ocean, with strategically placed washrooms and small parking lots; Courtenay has the Air Park - and “Comox by the Sea”?

For true and long-lasting attractions, the Town of Comox, in my opinion, needs to provide accessible and usable waterfront areas by capitalizing on and enhancing what nature has provided.

By promoting just one area, it will quickly become crowded and therefore not accessible or unattractive to many. My suggestion would encourage walking in the fresh air, spread out the crowds, give alternative venues for parking and starting the walk.

Start near one end of this new benefit, walk “into town” to the library or meet friends, then walk back to your car, all on flat, safe pathways! What’s not to like?

Judi Pedder

12 FRIDAY.FEBRUARY 13, 2015

www.comoxvalleyecho.com

BEEFS & BOUQUETS A HUGE THANK YOU, in this difficult time, for all the help, support, and generosity from our family and many friends from the Comox Golf Club, Curling Club, Staff at Shipwrecked

We have the meat to please you!!!

Local Cornish Game Hens Great Steak, Prime Rib

ATTENTION SENIOR CAREGIVERS! Are you providing care for a loved one?

Do you feel that others don’t fully understand your situation?

Are you tired and feeling burnt out?

Would you like information and emotional support?

Would you like to talk with someone who is in your situation?

THE COMOX VALLEY’S FIRST AND BEST READER’S FORUM Email to: echo@comoxvalleyecho.com Bead Store, Cumberland Ready Mix, our good friend Mike Holland and many others. We feel so lucky to have you all in our lives. Karen and Don Vanetta A BEEF to the tree services and other businesses who are defacing the landscape by putting advertising on roadside trees and posts throughout the district. A brickbat to the municipal governments who seem unwilling to do anything about it. And a double raspberry to the Ministry of Transportation, which flatly refuses to enforce its own policy about billboards within 300m of a highway.

It seems anyone with property along the Island Highway can now make a few bucks by allowing thirdparty advertising beside the right-of-way. We live in a beautiful place, why allow it to be spoiled like this?

BEEF to the cowardly young person who hit my vehicle on Friday night... the offending vehicle was a smallish camouflage truck with matching canopy, 10ish years old, with my red paint on the newly damaged passenger side rear bumper/ fender. And to the parents/ guardians of this coward, I know you didn’t raise them like that! Maybe a $500 donation to a charity will help.

(This is going to cost me $500 to fix!)

KUDOS to Darilyn of Alley Cuts Hair Salon. A very welcoming and lively atmosphere, plus the best hair dresser on the Island! Don’t be fooled by her ‘hummingbird’ behavior. Darilyn is a Master of her craft. She gives you a hair cut that would be worth $50 in a high priced salon, and she charges less than half the price. A jewel of Cumberland. - A very satisfied lifelong customer.

Call Pam at 250-897-5940 for more information

SINCE THE SPCA is totally reliant on community sup-

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CV Senior Peer Counselling can help.

A KINGDOM OF KARMA (the good kind) to Craig and the handsome team at Fountain Tire! You have a new customer for life! THANK YOU!!

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port I find it curious that they have not redeemed the loyalty points accumulated at local stores. I realize that the now defunct Zellers had more useful items but surely Q.F. must have something. I, and probably many others, would like to transfer these to another deserving cause if they do not need them.

A BEAUTIFUL BOUQUET to everyone who showed their love and support for our son Caleb in his first charitable endeavour. He’s grown his hair out this past year with the intention of donating it to an organization who makes wigs for cancer patients. Danielle Corcoran at Indigo Lounge Hair in Comox graciously offered her services to do his shave on Valentine’s Day, and Tara Smith Photography will capture the moment as a keepsake of the day.

And so many more Thank You’s to everyone who donated to his silent auction to raise funds for the Canadian Cancer Society in honour of his grandfather who lost his fight this past year. Much love to you all!

We are so grateful to live in such a kind and caring community!

BRIGHT BOUQUETS of children’s sunny laughter and grateful smiles go out to Courtenay Motorsports, The Blackfin Pub, Shopper’s Drugmart (Courtenay location) and Kal-Tire for their generous donations towards the Arden School Family Dance. We appreciate the help in fundraising towards our Outdoor Classroom.

BEEF TO BOUQUET? If everyone along your street stepped out into their front yard and sidewalk area once a week to pick up litter, our neighbourhoods would look more attractive.

Don’t blame the garbage removal crews for spilling bits and pieces around. The wind does blow litter from off road-side blue boxes that people don’t pack more carefully with heavier items on top to weigh down paper, etc. However, don’t be surprised to find doggie

bags stuffed in your roadside garden shrubs. You even might need a shovel for “live” dog poop in your yard on the sidewalk. Some dog-owners still don’t think the rules are for them and their dog. Also smokers, fast-food users etc. Please just take your cigarette butts and empty packaging home to your garbage cans.

Let’s make our Comox Valley neighbourhoods attractive.

BOUQUETS to Cumaberland Council for asking questions about Economic Development funding which seems to leave them out.

Cumberland has potholes that would engulf a Hummer while Comox enjoys bicycle lanes as wide as a freeway lane! While asking questions about value added - what about funding of the millions in the CVRD Public Relations Department, also paid for

by Cumberland taxpayers? Just asking. It’s budget time, and past directors have approved all budgets.

BIG BOUQUETS of red Valentine’s roses to Floss Dental Hygiene in Comox for their “Gift from the Heart” today and hygienist Tanya and dentist Dr. Lo. Thanks to their generosity I had my first dental care in 7 years.

A woman I shared the waiting room with said it was only the 7th time she had had dental care in her 67year life-time. My hygienist mentioned that a lowincome dental service is needed in the Valley and is actively being pursued.

This would be a worthy initiative indeed. Thank-you so much to all the volunteers and Floss!

A BOUQUET to Randy of Suffolk Crescent, who beautifully maintains the grass and gardens in the Idiens Way walking trail area in East Courtenay. Your hard work is very much appreciated by all of us who walk through.

A HUGE BOUQUET to the persons who stopped to help my husband on Church Street, Comox a couple of weeks ago. Sorry for the

lateness to find this site.

Our dog had gotten frightened when my husband put the lights on the scooter.

Such kindness and concern. Also, to the couple who happened to find our dog’s tags and phoned and then actually brought them to our door, going out of their way to do it. Hope you had a wonderful evening and lots more of them.

BEEF to the drivers that don’t know what to do after your advanced green light ends. I cross Ryan Rd from Back Rd every morning and only one day a week does a car not try to continue through the intersection at me once my walk signal begins and your advance green ends. On a solid green you must yield to oncoming traffic AND pedestrians!! 4/5 days a week is no exaggeration for how many close calls I get. I’d be safer jay walking!

A BEEF to the road maintenance ‘professionals’ that need to go back and take pothole patching 101. Not only is the bone jarring hole on the south side of the Anderton/Ryan intersection once again opening up after being repaired at least 5 times, they totally ignore the two divots just before it, caused by sinking trenching. Like the many holes in the road between Crown Isle and Anderton Road that are finally mostly somewhat patched (but they drove over many times to get to the big hole), if it’s not on the work order they obviously can’t be bothered. Either this is a make work project every 2 or 3 weeks or they really don’t know what they are doing which is a shame considering this is the job they were contracted to do. Let’s get with the program boys - if I did that kind of work I’d get canned!

A HUGE BOUQUET to the staff at Van Isle Vet Clinic for taking my call at 2AM when my Schnauzer was terribly sick. Not only did the vet answer my questions and ease my concerns, the clinic staff the following morning was very kind and con-

siderate. They know how disturbing it can be when your best friend is suffering. I know when he’s with them he’s getting the best treatment possible! Thanks to all of you!

Formerly Clinical Sleep Solutions

THE SLEEP APNEA & SNORING PROFESSIONALS 250-334-0789

Call today for more information

www.pacificsleep.ca

Are you an isolated, lonely senior who would like to have someone visit you once a week?

Are you feeling unhappy and depressed?

Are you housebound and wishing for a friendly visitor?

If any of these apply to you, Comox Valley Senior Peer Counselling may be able to help.

Our volunteers are trained to offer emotional support and are RCMP security screened as well.

Call Pam at 250-897-5940 for more information

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

www.comoxvalleyecho.com

FRIDAY.FEBRUARY 13, 2015

13

BEEFS & BOUQUETS THE COMOX VALLEY’S FIRST AND BEST READER’S FORUM Email to: echo@comoxvalleyecho.com Great Gifts For Your Valentine Colourful Orchids & Planters Barefoot Venus Bath Products Can’t Decide?

Gift Certificates available Mon-Sat 8:30-5 Sundays 9:30-5

Gary Kremsater

It's Truck Month at Brian Mclean's ask for Gary for all your truck needs new or used.

Cell: 250-702-4006 email: garyk@brianmclean.ca

www.brianmclean.ca

Feb. 13 Feb. 14 Meat Draw and Dancing 2pm - 5pm Feb. 17 Euchre 1:30pm

Mixed Pub League Darts 7:30pm

Feb. 18 Drop in Darts 1pm Feb. 19 Crib and Gucci 6:30pm

AS WE ALL KNOW by now the closing of Target is upon us and the liquidation is happening at the moment. I was in the store the second day of the sale and was disgusted and astounded by what was going on. Come on people, I know we are all different in this world, but why would you take out your frustrations that you may have on a corporation that has decided to pull out of Canada, on the people who are suffering the most by it.

The employees of Target were taking so much abuse it was sickening. The staff at that store are keeping a brave face on knowing that once the stock is gone they are out of a job. People...

Really, think about what you say and how you say it, before you do it, and to the person that threw their purchase at the cashier because it wasn’t to their liking I hope you get the worst service in any retail store you enter from now on. One thing I did notice while I was there was I still saw and heard the employees asking “May I help you find something” with a smile, and being friendly to their “guests”. To all the staff of Target, thank you for your fantastic service while you were in our community and good luck to all of you in your future endeavors.

LOTS MORE BOUQUETS to those who pay it forward to the benefit of total strangers. My husband and I were involved in a situation where 3 parties in a row paid for the person coming behind. The 4th person who was on the receiving end of someone else’s generosity, and was told that he was 4th in a chain, declined to pay it forward for the person coming after him. This person (stingy no. 4) was a former elected official in the valley, someone who is well-known. Because of

his decision I feel we saw the measure of the man which was very low!

A BIG BOUQUET to the staff at Sunrise Vet for the compassionate care they gave our old dog. Dr. Stacey Gastis came to our home to euthanize our beloved girl in the comfort of her own home when her time had come to cross the Rainbow Bridge. He was a great comfort to us as well at a very difficult time.

A BIG BOUQUET to the staff at the Court House. On January 26 my Mother, recovering from a massive stroke, needed to be in Court. Unfortunately the elevator was out of order. Between Mr. Burger, a Clerk, and two strong Deputies, Mom was carried up the stairs, wheelchair and all. And when she was finished, she was carried back down. Thank you. Chivalry is alive and well and resides at the Courtenay Court House.

A BOUQUET to CVRD Director Eric Eriksson who recognizes, and states that we need to eliminate jurisdictional boundaries in the Comox Valley to solve expensive jurisdictional solutions for essential services. As South Sewer customers are finding out - going it alone, is very expensive and unaffordable for some. “Some” would be thousands of residents who need their elected folks to find cost effective solutions. The good news - the new team of CVRD directors will do the job!

BOUQUET for a Priceless Pawnbroker: Our seldom used portable DVD player was ideal for our hospitalized friend. However I only had a few kids movies. Not wanting to rent movies as I did not know his taste or what he had seen I sought out a second hand source where I

could buy DVD’s and sell them back. I was directed to the Pawn Shop across from the VW dealership at the foot of Ryan. I asked to purchase used movies and sell back for cash. His curious look had me explain they were for a friend in St Joe’s. He promptly handed me a grocery bag and said,”Your friend is in the hospital? Fill it and when he is done bring them back and you can fill it again! No Charge.” This being light years different than my college days experience with pawn shops and the visual media-driven image of these businesses, I was floored. Many Thanks, Mr. Gold Guy! HUGE BOUQUET sent to FOUNTAIN TIRE in Courtenay for their OUTSTANDING Customer Service on Tuesday, January 27. After running over a small “boulder” that flew out of a passing truck on my way home from Campbell River, I contacted Fountain Tire to inquire about assistance from the side of the road (as this is where I most recently purchased my tires). A gentleman came out right away to change my tire, I followed him back to the shop, and they had me back on the road within 20 minutes with a new tire under warranty. It was not only the exceptional service, but the pleasant and efficient approach to service from each person I encountered around the shop - excellent hospitality while I waited that totally created a shift in how I had been feeling regarding the situation on the road. I felt compelled to write this BOUQUET, we HIGHLY RECOMMEND, and THANK-YOU AGAIN for relief for the roadside assistance and the no BS approach at the counter!

BOUQUETS to new CVRD Water Board Directors

THIS WEEK’S WINNER, DRAWN AT RANDOM FROM SUBMISSIONS RECEIVED UP TO TUESDAY, IS: MJ McDonell, 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!

who are asking critical question about the 47 day CVRD boil water crisis.

Thank Goodness someone is asking questions! Before asking Comox Valley Taxpayers to contribute $50-70 million to build a new water filtration plant, CVRD Directors need to read the May 2011 report by the Ministry of the Environment who extensively studied the Comox Lake water source and concluded that the water supply is very good. No filtration necessary, just 3 short years ago. Indeed the forces of nature, logging, reservoir management and new Provincial standards may have all contributed to this new boil water crisis. CVRD Directors need to look out for their constituents and request an independent review, before forwarding this expensive project to Referendum.

SENDING OUT a thank you to the kind, observant individual who noticed & picked up my to be mailed envelope that I had dropped while out running my errands and took it to the London Drugs post office, where the helpful Audrey called to let me know of its whereabouts. Very much appreciated, sending good karma to you all, cheers ;) BOUQUETS to the BC Minister of Finance for a surplus budget and a badly needed tax reduction for high income earners. BC is the only Government in Canada to balance the books, while increasing BC total debt by 14% in the past year - increasing debt at a rate about ten times the rate of inflation.

Who cares if the BC Liberals have increased the BC debt from $34 billions in 2001 to $64 billions in 2014? Let the good times roll, and the next generations pay the bills!

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!

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

making room for

Spring

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on sale now 1070 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay open Mon-Fri 9-5

under the same roof as

Jewels of the winter and spring garden Owner of Phoenix Perennials speaks at Horticultural Society

The Comox Valley Horticultural Society is pleased to welcome Gary Lewis from Phoenix Perennials and Speciality Plants on No. 6 Rd in Richmond to speak at the February 16 meeting.

The evening begins at 7 p.m. at the Florence Filberg Centre. All gardening enthusiasts welcome; non member fee is $5.

Members reminded that annual renewals are now due.

For more information visit our website at comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca Gary will share his love

of Hellebores. Join us to learn about the botany, ecology and distribution of hellebores as well as their history in western gardens and the complex breeding required to arrive at the stunning array of modern forms.

Many local gardeners will be enjoying hellebores in bloom now.

Join us to be inspired by Gary’s tour through the best of what’s available today!

Gary Lewis is the owner of Phoenix Perennials and a passionate plantsman.

He began botanizing his local fields and forests at the age of four, began col-

WHEN YOU PURCHASE ANY VEHICLE WITH ISIAND HONDA, RECEIVE FREE TWO TICKETS TO AN EVENT OF YOUR CHOICE * INCLUDES CONCERTS. SPORTS. SHOWS, AND MORE CONCERTS I SPORTING EVENTS I CIRQUE DU SOLEIL I DISNEY ON ICE AND MORE!

†Based on IHS Automotive: Polk Canadian New Retail Vehicle Registrations as of CYTD November 2014 for the Compact SUV/Compact Car/Subcompact Car segments as defined by Honda Canada Inc. *Limited time weekly lease offer and all other offers are from Honda Canada Finance Inc., on approved credit. #The weekly lease offer applies to a new 2015 CR-V LX 2WD model RM3H3FES/Civic DX model FB2E2FEX/Fit DX model GK5G3FE (“Specified Models”) for a 60-month period, for a total of 260 payments of $69.89/$41.91/$39.97 leased at 1.99%/0.99%/2.99% APR based on applying $400.00/$350.00/$1050.00 “lease dollars” (which are deducted from the negotiated selling price before taxes). ‡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 customer’s behalf. Down payment of $0.00, first weekly payment and $0 security deposit due at lease inception. Total lease obligation is $18,171.40/$10,896.60/$10,392.20. Taxes, license, insurance and registration are extra. 120,000 kilometre allowance; charge of $0.12/km for excess kilometres. **MSRP is $27,685/$17,245/$16,070 including freight and PDI of $1,695/$1,495/$1,495 based on new 2015 Specified Models described above. License, insurance, registration and taxes are extra and may be required at the time of purchase. £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/ ΩFor more information about the AJAC’s Best Small Car (Under $21,000) award, please visit: http://www.ajac.ca/web/ccoty/2015/comparison_category.asp?cat=176 */#/**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 Specified Models only. Offers valid from February 3rd through March 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.

14 www.comoxvalleyecho.com

FRIDAY.FEBRUARY 13, 2015

lecting houseplants at the age of 10 and began gardening at the age of 15. He holds a Masters of Science degree in Botany (Plant Ecolgoy). In 2012, he was nominated for Communicator of the Year by the BC Landscape and Nursery Association.

In the same year Phoenix Perennials won the “Growing Gardeners” category in the Chrysler Garden Centre of the Year Awards recognizing its dynamic work in presenting workshops, special events, online content and other educational opportunities to excite the gardening public.

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.FEBRUARY 13, 2015

15

Comox Valley Nature AGM features marine life As it does every year, Comox Valley will celebrate its 49th Annual General Meeting, with in-house presentations by members of CVN. The main presentation will be about the marine life of Northern Vancouver Island and Haida Gwaii by kayaker and naturalist, Andrew Jones.

It will be complemented with a brief overview of The Land Conservancy’s progressive recovery as it prepares to come of court protection, by Fred Newhouse who is a TLC board director.

Andrew Jones is actively involved with many tourism, kayaking, and environmental organizations.

Notably, Andrew is president of the North Island Marine Mammal Stewardship Association, which represents marine-based tourism companies that operate in the waters off north-eastern Vancouver Island between Campbell

Island and Haida Gwaii, The TLC in 2015, will take place at the Florence Filberg Seniors Centre at 7pm (sharp) February 22 2015.

Comox Valley Nature is a non-profit society affiliated to BC Nature consist-

ing only of unpaid volunteers. Anyone interested in this lecture or participating in CVNS activities can also contact us at the website http://comoxvalleynaturalist.bc.ca/ or Loys Maingon (CVN President) at 250-331-0143.

Speaker Andrew Jones will share his stunning photographs of marine life River and Cape Caution.

He has over twenty years of kayaking experience on Canada’s west coast and every summer guides visitors on four to fifteen day kayak tours to many parts of the BC coast. In his work Andrew

gets to experience British Columbia’s beautiful marine environment and its diverse wildlife up close.

Andrew Jones will highlight his experiences of the diverse marine life, such as whales, dolphins, sea birds, sea lions, and

sea stars, encountered in the waters off northern Vancouver Island and southern Haida Gwaii in a series of stunning photographs.

These presentations, Experiencing the Marine Life of North Vancouver

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OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK: LUNCH & DINNER

Happy Valentine's Day

Come in and Check out our great selection of Valentine gift ideas!

• Jewellery • Tools • Sporting Goods • Car Audio • Home Audio & Video • Blu-Rays/DVD's • Video Games, Game Systems Lots of in-store Specials

• Portable Electronics • Musical Equipment • Computers • Small Kitchen Appliances • Firearms & Much, Much More

Amazing selection of Gifts for that special person!

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16

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.FEBRUARY 13, 2015

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Senior Investment Advisor HollisWealth (a Division of Scotia Capital Inc.)

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17 Mortgage Consulting

EXTRA

ECHO

we lead with our best

Courtenay Little Theatre presents one-woman show Tuesday night open to members and the public

Courtenay Little Theatre Lifetime Member, Gail Limber, is directing fellow Lifetime Member, Kirstin Humpherys. in a one woman play, Another Home Invasion, at CLT’s Space 1635 McPhee Ave. on Tues.

Feb. 17th at 7:15 PM. Members of the public are welcome.

Admission by donation at the door.

Photo by Terry Penney

On February 17th, Courtenay Little Theatre will feature “an intimate one woman play about an older woman dealing with fear and absence”.

Directed by Gail Limber, Another Home Invasion, written by award-winning Canadian playwright, Joan McLeod, stars local actor, Kirstin Humpherys.

The elderly Jean lives with her declining husband in their North Vancouver home when something unusual happens.

This is Jean’s story and she is “one woman” worth knowing.

The play is approximately an hour and ten minutes long.

Admission to this special presentation, which is open to CLT members and non-members, is by donation at the door at CLT’s Space (1625 McPhee Ave. in Courtenay, behind GOAT FM).

There will be a Meet and Greet at 7 PM, followed by the play reading at 7:15 PM Seating is limited and these events are always popular. Membership in CLT is $1 5 for an adult, $5 for students, $20 for a family annually and will be available at the meeting.

For more information, see www.courtenaylittletheatre.com

Judy Garland was at her best in ‘Meet Me in St. Louis’

Classic family musical up next in Bickle Theatre Originals series Centennial celebrations for the City of Courtenay’s 100th birthday continue on February 15 at the Sid Williams Theatre with the second classic film in the Bickle Theatre Originals series, a tribute to the theatre’s beginnings as a cinema when it first opened as the Bickle Theatre back in 1935.

Judy Garland stars in Vincente Minnelli’s classic musical Meet Me In St. Louis, a film following the middle-class Smith

family in the lead up to the 1904 World’s Fair hosted in St Louis.

Esther (Garland), the second eldest daughter of Alonzo (Leon Ames) and Anna Smith (Mary Astor), falls for her new next door neighbour, John Truitt (Tom Drake), and initially has difficulty winning his affections.

When their romance begins to blossom, however, Esther learns that Alonzo’s employer is transferring him to New

York where he plans to move the family. It soon becomes clear how much the move will affect his four daughters and son, Lon Jr. (Hank Daniels), and, what’s more, it means they will miss the World’s Fair.

The film includes the songs ‘Meet Me in St. Louis’, ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’ and ‘The Trolley Song’.

One of the greatest musicals ever made, Meet Me In St. Louis

was a massive critical and commercial success upon its release in 1944.

It earned four Academy Award nominations, and has since been included in many of the 100 Best Films of All Time lists from multiple publications.

“The joys of the film linger with the music and encourage you to savor the true moments of family togetherness.” - Douglas Pratt, The Hollywood Reporter.

“In the words of one of the gentlemen, it is a ginger-peachy show.”

- Bosley Crowther, The New York Times.

Admission is pay what you can by donation.

Doors open at 6:00 pm, and the film begins at 7:00 pm.

There will be popcorn and prizes! The audience is encouraged to dress up for the evening in 1940s attire or in the early 1900’s period of the film.

Those attending the film will have the chance to enter a door prize draw for two tickets plus transportation to see Stars On Ice in Victoria on May 19, prize courtesy of Courtenay Recreation and the Evergreen Club.

The Evergreen Club, along with Ambassador Transportation Services, is offering its membership a special excursion to each of the Bickle Theatre Original films. Details available in the Evergreen monthly newsletter.

For more information visit www.sidwilliamstheatre.com.

- Sid Williams Theatre Society

18

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.FEBRUARY 13, 2015

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.FEBRUARY 13, 2015

19

Brian Scott garden art at Filberg Lodge for Valentines Brian Scott launches his new product line “garden art” for Valentines Day at Filberg Lodge this weekend.

The artist wants to bring his primary colors and local themes to the west coast garden.

His favorite shape is the circle which gives a strong focal point to a garden. He cuts plywood circles and paints them with his expressionist designs.

He covers all his items from flower pots to bird houses, and mail boxes in liquid plastic to protect them from the elements.

His reds, yellows and blues awaken the subtle shades of green and brown in a winter garden.

One of his round paintings

has been out in the elements for 10 years in Black Creek and is still in prime shape. These items should not be in direct sunlight; however because they are sealed with liquid plastic, moisture is not an issue.

Scott loves to hear people say, “your art makes me happy”.

The artist is hoping his garden art will enliven a winter garden when the weather is gloomy. His garden art works equally well in the summer, heightening the subtle hues from Rhodies to roses or summer lilies.

Robert and Samantha Graham helped with the underpainting and assembly of the garden art series. They will also be helping at the Filberg Lodge, Saturday and Sunday from 11 till 5 pm.

24 HR Service 250-338-8026

Potters Club annual clearance sale This is the sale you have been waiting for. Come and find the most amazing pottery and ridiculous prices. And help us potters clear our studios so we can make new works!

Friday and Saturday Feb.13/14, Comox Valley Potters Club’s Annual Clearance Sale at the Driftwood Mall (outside London Drugs).

Once a year, the Potters Club gets together to empty their own studio shelves of discontinued items, of pots with glazes

that they just don’t make anymore, or of pots that have been sitting around a few sales seasons and the individual potter is ready to discount that work. To find discounted pottery is like finding a diamond in a glass of ice-cubes.

The work is amazing and by all rights, needs not be discounted, but for this once a year sale, many potters of the guild right here in the valley bring in boxes and boxes of wonderful pottery, just so that they can make room for

more beautiful work in their studios.

The Comox Valley Potters Club is a not for profit organization that helps members of our community, such as our local food bank, a bursary for a North Island Ceramics Art student, and Y.A.N.A. through the proceeds of sales like this one. For news and upcoming pottery events. Like us on facebook: The Comox Valley Potters Club or go to www.comoxvalleypotters. com

Can we help?

CELEBRATE THE YEAR OF THE

SHEEP

s (OT WATER TANK REPLACEMENT s $RAIN CLEANING mUSHING s 0OLY h"v REPLACEMENT s 6IDEO INSPECTION terranovaplumbing.ca Join us

Thur, Feb 19th & Fri Feb 20th Special Chinese New Year Buffet

2015 at

250-871-8808 1130 CLIFFE AVE, COURTENAY

Last summer, Marine Harvest Canada’s salmon barbeque cooked up $31,000 of support for local charities from the Comox Valley to Port Hardy. Marine Harvest Canada is now booking fundraising events for the 2015 summer barbeque season. If your charity or society is interested, please see our guidelines and application at www.MarineHarvestCanada.com

20 www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.FEBRUARY 13, 2015

Student art event at NIC reveals warm passion on Valentines Day On Saturday February 14th, from 7-11 pm the students enrolled in the School of Fine Arts and Design as well as the Emily Carr External BFA Degree program at North Island College will be showing a dynamic selection of their work.

The student-run Art Event will present an opportunity to discover the passion and process of talented emerging artists.

To understand on a personal level what kind of experience it is to be an Art Student at NIC, we asked the simple question, “Why do you do art, and what does the Student Art Event mean to you?”

For Liana Kelly, a first year Fine Arts Diploma student, art is her way to visually communicate and express herself with others.

Being a first year, she got to explore many different mediums and courses to try out different artistic practices.

Art for Liana isn’t about the grade, but about the experience and journey to the finished project.

When approached with the question, she answered with a smile, “I do it because it makes me so happy, it inspires the ambition inside of me.

“When I create something and share it with those around me, and I see how much time they spend appreciating my work, that’s when I know I’m doing the right thing, being in the Fine Arts Program.”

For Cleo Agar, a first year Duel Credit Fine Arts Diploma student the different art programs allowed her to try new

I do it because it makes me so happy, it inspires the ambition inside of me. When I create something and share it with those around me ... that’s when I know I’m doing the right thing”

Cleo Agar at work

(Photo by Lianna Kelly)

things she never would have otherwise been interested in.

As part of a 3D Sculpture class, using large machinery is quite normal to create outstanding masterpieces.

Being one of the youngest students in the program, Cleo has found tremendous success in her first semester. For Cleo its not about her own process but about being with a room full of creative, hardworking people.

When approached with the question, she took a moment to look around the room at everyone hard at work before answering: “ the art show is a celebration of all we have achieved and learnt during our education here.”

For many students, art is how they express themselves; sharing in unique ways how they see the world.

15112.52 17868.76 1223.70 0.7910 21.68 48.35 104.40 5.26 22.29 0.71% 1.41% 2.03% 2.57%

HOME TRUST COMPANY HOME TRUST COMPANY HOME TRUST COMPANY

Fine arts student

Local jazz trio tonight at Zo

Do something extra special for your valentine and bring home an original work of art.

Admission to the event is free and open to the public; all ages are welcome. Be sure to put February 14th on your calendar and join us at the Art Event.

Forbidden Jazz Trio returns to Zocalo Café for an evening performance on Friday, Feb. 13. Featuring Jake Masri on trumpet, flugelhorn, & vocals, Rick Husband on guitar, Grahame Edwards on bass, & Tom Tinsley on drums, they appeal to audiences of all ages while performing a wide variety of timeless jazz standards & original compositions. Representing more than 4 decades of experience, their unique blend of voice, brass, & strings will weave their collective magic through 2 sets of entertaining music. We invite you to join us for a casual, entertaining evening of jazz. Music commences at 7:00 pm and admission is by donation. For more info & reservations, please contact Zocalo Café & Gallery at 250 331 0933, or simply drop by the corner of 5th Street and Cliffe Ave. in downtown Courtenay (www.zocalocafe.ca.)

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1yr: 1.500% 3 yr:1.850% 5 yr: 2.050%

Students spend hours sketching out ideas, forming concepts, experimenting with a variety of materials and testing out different formats to see which best fits their creative process.

The final creation is formed from hours of craftsmanship, dedication, and hard work.

The Student Art Event is about celebrating the finished projects, the community of student artists, and appreciating all of the hard work that has been done.

The Art Event will take place in Raven Hall and Shadbolt Studios at North Island Colleges’ Comox Valley campus, 2300 Ryan Road, Courtenay.

Bring your Valentine and enjoy viewing a wide variety of work including: paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, ceramics, photography, digital and media arts.

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Loose Gravel at the Zocalo on Saturday Up-right bass, percussion, trumpet and sax make Loose Gravel. Loose Gravel includes Tony Morrison on saxophones, Jay Havelaar on trumpet, James Lithgow on upright bass and Oscar Robles on percussion. These four adopted the tradition started essentially by jazz sax great Gerry Mulligan in 1952 and 53, when the piano was removed from where he was playing in Hollywood. That band featured beside Mulligan, a young trumpeter named Chet Baker. For these four friends, interaction on the spot during each tune when no one plays more than one pitch at time is nurtured by the years they have been at this project. Tunes unfold as the musicians listen to each other and interact. They have developed some

2.00%

arrangements as well but make an effort to avoid overdoing any one formula. The original idea of Loose Gravel is so see what happens in a band with structure and spontaneity. They tried and got excited about the experience. They are delighted for the opportunity to perform for you this Saturday at the Zocalo. On Saturday night at 7:00 they will to get together and have fun playing a handful of hand-picked certified organic tunes. The vibe, refreshments and meals are consistently first-rate at the Zocalo while the musicians have a wonderful time playing. They have enjoyed enthusiastic audiences in the past, and hope to see you this time at the Zocalo on Saturday February 14 starting at 7:00 pm.

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.FEBRUARY 13, 2015

School District 71 to introduce Forensic Science courses

BY MICHAEL BRIONES Echo Staff Forensic science has gained popularity through television series like C.S.I., Criminal Minds, Bones, and NCIS just to name a few.

Uncovering clues or retrieving evidence at a crime scene using a scientific approach has that certain appeal.

And for Comox Valley students, who are interested in entering the realm of forensic science, there are courses in this field that will soon be offered at School District 71’s Navigate.

Forensic Science 11 (Secrets of the Dead) and Forensic Science 12 (More Secrets of the Dead) will be available to secondary students. They will be part of the distance learning courses at Navigate.

The rationale for the offering the courses, they are high interest area of study.

Students will not only be engaged, but will also be exposed to a possible career choice they can pursue after high school.

The course introduces the concept of Forensic Science as a field of study and teaches students the various kinds of evidence encountered at a crime scene and the method of collection.

Forensic Science 1: Secrets of the Dead is fully an online course developed by eDynamic Learning, a BC-based online course development company. The course is visually attractive, and complete with all the components, including readings, activities, and assessments.

Students must enroll in the course through Navigate.

It consists of 8 units that include the introduction to Forensic Science, Crime Scene, DNA evidence, Fire Arms and Tool Marks, Physical Evidence, Blood and Fingerprints.

Forensic Science II: More Secrets of the Dead continues where Forensic Science 1 left off, deepening the students’ understanding of facets of this study and hopefully inspire them to pursue a career in this field in the future.

This second course focuses on drug evidence, forgeries and document examination, forensic toxicology, paint, soil and other trace evidence, forensic entymology, forensic anthropology, digital evidence and the future of forensic science. Teaching materials include readings, links to outside websites and videos.

The total hours of instruction for both are 120. Students can earn four credits in each of the courses.

21

MP Duncan donates to Maple Pool Defense Fund The Maple Pool Defense Fund and community members are gearing up once more to fundraise for the defense team on Maple Pool campground.

“Funds have been coming in from concerned private citizens, businesses and even North Island MP John Duncan has made a personal donation of $500 to the Maple Pool Defence Fund.” says fund spokesperson Jean Rowe.

“These donations are a symbol of how the citizens, businesses and even politicians, feel toward this ludicrous standoff between Maple Pool Campground and the City of Courtenay.”

The fund was established in June of 2014 with a goal of assisting the Lin family with the legal expenses that they have incurred in the ongoing litigation with the City of Courtenay who are attempting to force their campground to close.

This would force many of the 58 residents onto the streets as there is no suitable housing available. “ “This case has cost the Lins a tremendous amount of money for

legal defence and has cost the City of Courtenay taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees, “ Rowe continues, “These are tax dollars that has been spent in the most irresponsible manner. Business’s, local builders, and others have come up with numerous proposals yet the city carried on with the court action.”

“We are thrilled that our Member of Parliament has chosen to personally contribute to this very worthwhile community effort to assist the Lins with their legal bills, “ she says . “Even if the lawsuit ended today and costs were awarded to the Lins they would still be out of pocket tens of thousands of dollars. Several thousand dollars have been raised to date.

With a fresh new City Council we are all hopeful this standoff will end sometime soon. “ Donations are accepted and greatly appreciated at any branch of the Coastal Community Credit Union in the name of the Maple Pool Defence Fund.

Courtenay approves tourism budget from hotel room tax revenue

BY MICHAEL BRIONES Echo Staff Courtenay council endorsed the 2015 Discover Comox Valley Tourism budget and workplan submitted by the Comox Valley Economic Development Society.

Hotels within the city’s service area have been collecting an additional two per cent tax on accommodation sales since it was introduced March 2013.

The funds generated from the Additional Hotel Room Tax are used for destination marketing, programs and projects, which CVEDS have been employed to handle on behalf of the city.

Last year, the hotel tax total from January to September amounted to $172,401. The money was transferred to CVEDS, which executed a work plan that was approved by council. The funds allocated to CVEDS have net effect of zero on the city’s financial statements and budget.

This year’s AHRT revenues are projected to go up 6 per cent, around $230,000. The funds will be spent on introducing new attractions and further enhancing traditional events like BC Shellfish and Seafood Festival and WinterBites to encourage people to come and visit the Comox Valley and possibly stay overnight.

The plan includes promoting the Comox Valley’s destination presence

by collaborating with regional and provincial tourism organizations, using social media marketing as well as through ads in radio and newspapers.

But before council approved the budget, councillor Doug Hillian sought clarity between the expenses included in the HRT versus what the CVEDS are mandated to do anyway. CVEDS’ marketing and communication manager Lara Greasley, and destination marketing and tourism manager Brent Curtain were present at the meeting to answer questions.

“I’d like some reassurance that you’re not getting paid out of two separate funds to do the same sort of things,” said Hillian, who added that the city already has a tourism promotion function. “It would be helpful for me to know and for public accountability how this is different, or more enhanced, than what in fact would be going anyway in both CVEDS and the Chamber of Commerce information and such.”

Greasley explained that the HRT funds are exclusively for destination marketing.

“The funds that the office receives through the regional district are for overhead costs to support destination marketing as well as to fund the Visitors’ Information Centre,” she said. “So there’s a delineation there. We also undertake destination marketing in a more

general term, in terms of promoting the region generally. It’s different and outside of the traditional marketing task. It’s a very specific tactical application to drive the hotel room night stay.”

Curtain cited WinterBites as one of the successful events from last year that was well promoted using HRT money. He added that organizing a winter type event, as well as concerts, from January to March, when there’s nothing happening, is a “reason to drive destination visits.”

He also pointed out the BC Shellfish and Seafood Festival as another major attraction during the summer. “It’s been growing over the last number of years and that’s something that CVEDS organizes,” said Curtain. “It’s going to be bigger this year.”

Correction In Tuesday’s Echo, we erroneously reported that the proposed satellite fire hall in East Courtenay aims to provide a combined emergency services building for fire department, ambulance, Comox Valley Ground Search and Rescue, and the Comox Valley Emergency Program.

However, the CVGSAR and CVEP opted out of the plan.

The scope of the project has been reduced to a simple fire hall to house only the Courtenay Volunteer Fire Department.

Councillor Erik Eriksson said the Comox Valley has become known for a “continuous season of fes-

tivals.” “I think it would be good idea to brand our valley as Festival Valley. We call ourselves Comox Val-

ley Festival Valley. Then we have a brand rather than just discover Comox Valley.”

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Our new ms Oosterdam Sept 27th package starts in Vancouver, then to Astoria, San Francisco, 3 Mexican ports, Costa Rica, Columbia, Bahamas and finally into Fort Lauderdale. If you want to extend in the Caribbean, this is an option. This 20 night package includes the 19 night cruise in a very high category balcony stateroom, a $300 per stateroom onboard credit, a night pre or post cruise (your choice) your flight back to Vancouver and all taxes for $4399 CAD pp.

Panama Canal With all the insanity in the world, Alaska has once again become the “safe and comfortable” destination for many. I don’t think you’re going to see many of the crazy low prices we’ve had the last few years, as the cruise lines are reporting very strong bookings and trends. Admittedly I often tell clients that have flexibility and are looking for a bargain to wait until the deals show up – this year they may not. If Alaska is on your list for 2015, I’d probably take advantage of the current booking incentives.

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.FEBRUARY 13, 2015

It’s an incredible honour to be involved with Walking With Our Sisters. It really means a lot” ANNE DAVIS CV Transition Society

We’re going to touch the lives of so many people, because it’s time that people stood up for wht’s right” ROB EVERSON Elected Chief

We have to make all our people proud right from one side of Canada to the other” JACKIE FINNIE Elder

Rob Everson, KFN’s elected chief, said the effects of the Walking With Our Sisters exhibit will be felt far beyond the Comox Valley.

WALKING WITH OUR SISTERS

K’ómoks plan large artistic healing event Inter-cultural exchange this summer to honour missing and murdered native women from across Canada

BY DREW A. PENNER Echo Staff

W

hen Comox Valley resident Dolores Pflanz started working at Kuper Island Residential School in 1969 she was excited to supervise native girls from Grades 1-4. The 19year-old Caucasian high school grad was surprised to see how hesitant the children were to share their culture with her.

“I really liked to learn their language - it was fun,” she said. “They’d laugh at me because I couldn’t get my mouth around the words.”

But the native boarding students knew they would be in big trouble if they ever got caught.

And Pflanz was in for a rude awakening, too - witnessing a nun give one of the children a severe beating.

“She would have been put in jail these days,” she said. “It just made me want to vomit.”

Now 65, Pflanz remembers a lot of things she wishes she didn’t from those days - including

cultural, physical and sexual abuse.

She also remembers Catholic Church officials protecting Brother Glenn William Doughty (who was finally convicted in 2002 of sex crimes involving students at the facility) when she tried to report a rape.

“I saw everything that you hear about,” she said. “As a young person I was just trying to work against all this and make their lives a little happier, but it was impossible. It was like trying to swim against Niagara Falls.”

No wonder the Comox Valley residents who went to Kuper Island (renamed Penelakut Island in 2010) - or residential schools in Alert Bay or Port Alberni - often won’t talk about their experiences.

The scars of cultural assimilation run deep, as does the pain caused by the seemingly endless list of aboriginal women who have either been killed or vanished without a trace across the country.

K’ómoks First Nation is planning to host a

massive art opening July 31 for a powerful exhibit, called Walking With Our Sisters, in honour of missing and murdered aboriginal women. It will include a special memorial for residential school children who never made it back home.

About 80 people attended a community conversation held Feb. 2 to kick off ambitious plans, such as opening the Big House, decorating the gym like a “blank slate” and providing support workers for those in need of special healing.

The summer event will be the first presentation of Walking With Our Sisters in British Columbia, but local organizers hope the inter-cultural effort will set off a ripple that leads to a curative crosscountry tidal wave.

“It’s so wonderful to see such big community support for something that is so important,” said KFN’s elected chief Rob Everson, greeting the people sitting in a giant circle inside the Band Hall gymnasium.

(Continued on page 23)

Daryle Mills, an elder-in-residence who works with youth at the Wachiay Friendship Centre, closed a community meeting about Walking With Our Sisters by drumming and singing.

Royal Canadian Legion Courtenay Branch Thank You!

Meat Draw Donations - 2014 CV Therapeutic Riding Society Bursaries - Mark Isfeld Secondary (2) V.I. Adaptive Snowsports Comox Valley Minor Hockey Assn 386 RCAC Sqn Air Cadets Ladies Auxialary Comox Valley 4-H District Council CV Child Development Society BC/Yukon Command NI Festival of Performing Arts July 1st Committee Salvation Army - C.V. Ministries 1726 CScotR Army Cadet Corps Earl Naswell Christmas Dinner Bursaries - G.P. Vanier Secondary (3) Santa's Workshop Society BC/Yukon Comd Legion Foundation CV Food Bank Thank You to all of our members who support the Fri and Sat meat draws. As can be seen from the above list, money raised has all been donated to organizations around the Comox Valley. I am sure that anyone who is involved with these organizations or has benefited from them is very appreciative of your support

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.FEBRUARY 13, 2015

‘Walking With Our Sisters’

they’ve dealt with what they need to deal with,” said Lee Everson, the wife of the chief, who is serving as one of the organizers. “This whole gymnasium is going to be turned into an installation.”

(Continued from page 22) “I know this summer when we gather together in this room it’s going to become something unbelievably special. I’m sure it’s going to touch not only the lives of the people in this room and not only the lives of this community - including the Comox Valley - it’s going to go out beyond that.”

The installation, features 1,763 pairs of colourful moccasin tops (known as vamps or uppers), to commemorate the more than 1,180 native women and girls who have been reported missing or have been murdered in the last 30 years in Canada.

“We’ve all - in this room I’m sure - had someone go missing or murdered or we have relatives who now are in prison; and it hurts us everyday,” Everson said.

“I truly believe this is one of those steps that we as First Nations people and the greater community need to do to embrace and to support things like missing women and murdered women.”

During the event the KFN reserve will become

THREE-YEAR PROCESS

Ramona Johnson, the I-Hos Gallery Manager, originally put in a bid for the Walking With Our Sisters installation three years ago when it was a lot smaller. a nexus of reflection and empowerment, as attendees move among cedar trees set up indoors to view the displays - including 108 pairs of children’s vamps created to draw attention to the victims of residential schools - however they feel most comfortable.

No photography will be allowed and people will

be able to do whatever they need in order to find solace.

The band is planning to set up a tent for large groups since people are expected to arrive from across the Island, the Great Vancouver Area and even further afield.

“We don’t want anyone coming in and leaving without feeling like

SENIOR TOURS CANADA

The launch of Walking With Our Sisters in the Comox Valley will mark the culmination of a three-year bid process.

As the concept grew from a small exhibit to a $20,000+ production, KFN enlisted the support of the local Metis association and the Comox Valley Transition Society.

“It’s an incredible honour to be involved with Walking With Our Sisters,” said Anne Davis, program coordinator with the Transition Society. “It really means a lot.”

While Davis has worked professionally with families who have suffered violence or lost one of their cherished native sisters, daughters or mothers, like everybody else involved she’s helping mount the art installation as an individual.

“I think it’s significant for all the people from different parts of the community who are com-

ing together around this, including the K’ómoks First Nation and all the other aboriginal and Métis communities,” Davis said. “There is a huge problem in this country with what has happened to aboriginal women. We need to not just remember that and talk about it and learn from it, but we need to actually honour those women as well.”

The call has gone out for volunteers and there are plenty of roles to be filled.

“Now we need more help,” said I-Hos Gallery Manager Ramona Johnson. “We welcome everybody.”

Beyond the sacred bundles - the official gallery components - and the Big House protocols, there are endless possibilities to what could be created and the healing that can take place.

In the past people have even played the fiddle or the accordion while walking among the vamps.

“We’re going to touch the lives of so many people, because it’s time that people stood up for what’s right,” chief Everson said. “We know that this event is going to be a resounding success, and my hope is that there will be a little healing along the way for

those people who need to be touched.”

The Comox Valley iteration of Walking With Our Sisters will also represent an intersection of culture, as the local band - steeped in Kwakwaka’wakw and Coast Salish traditions - embraces a foreign toolkit to help affect important change here.

Elder Jackie Finnie prayed to the creator for strength and guidance to set things in motion.

“We have to make all our people proud right from one side of Canada to the other, from the farthest north to the south,” she said. “We are so strong in this. I see a very wonderful new way of thinking and supporting each other.”

Daryle Mills, an elder of Cree and Dene heritage, gave the West Coasters a sense of the significance of the sacred “bundles,” which will come from the territory of his people.

“The spirits of those women that were lost are in those bundles, I suspect,” he said. “You’re keeping their spirit in there. They’re coming here. That means their spirits are coming here too.”

(Continued on page 24)

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24 www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.FEBRUARY 13, 2015

Free art and storytime event for your ‘Little Oyster’ at Beachcombers School Young children are invited to participate in a free art and story-time event at Beachcombers Community School on Monday February 16th at 11:00 am.

This event is open to all children and their families who are preschool- or kindergarten-aged.

Families will be offered a tour of the school, and children will be invited to participate in an art project and story-time.

Children will leave with a small gift.

Beachcombers School provides an exceptional preschool program, and wonderful kindergarten program that encourages children to develop a love of learning.

The school curriculum integrates nature-based programming and includes play-based learning. Beachcombers’ offers quality academics, small class sizes with a supportive and caring learning environment, and access to nature from their oceanview property.

The Little Oysters Preschool and Beachcombers Community School is operated by an independent non-profit organization.

The free art and story-time event is part of

the provincial Ready Set Learn initiative to give small children a positive introduction to school.

Families will have an opportunity to meet preschool and kindergarten staff and will be hosted by the principal.

Currently the school is undergoing a renovation to create a new preschool facility within the school.

The new preschool room along with landscaping and new playground areas will be completed before next school year.

“We are very excited and delighted that we will be able to open our doors to more preschool students.

We are grateful to be able to create this lovely new learning environment for our “Little Oysters,” said Principal Wendy Preston.

All young children and their families are welcome to attend.

Families with older children, grades 1 to 7, are also invited to book a tour at this time. While the event is free, registration is required.

To register, please contact the school at admin. beachcombers@shaw.ca or phone 778-427-4007.

For more information, please see their website at BeachcombersSchool.ca

Available Feb.13 & 14

A scene from Defensora being shown Feb. 17

Just Desserts: Social Justice and Sweet Treats Just Desserts is an evening focused on social justice and Canadian investing. Award winning documentary, Defensora, informative discussion about the impact our in-

vestment decisions can have on Human Rights and violence around the world, is the focus for the evening.

Defensora, is a film about Mayan defenders

of their community in the face of violence and forced eviction; and of their attempts to seek justice in Canadian Courts for the acts of a Canadian mining company.

Amnesty International was granted intervenor status when this case came to court in Toronto in 2013. Amnesty argued that Canadian companies have an obligation to respect human rights wherever they operate.

Tara Scurr, Amnesty International Business and Human rights Campaigner and Anthony Edwards, of Ethic Invest, an Investment Advisor with solutions for socially responsible investors will be with us for the evening to discuss concerns about Canadian companies that

are operating in conflict affected areas where Human rights violations and violence occur.

We’ll also show the short film, Mine-Story of a Sacred Mountain, which documents the success of an indigenous community that stands up for their community against a large mining corporation.

Just Desserts, an annual event co-sponsored by The Comox Valley Action Circle of Amnesty International and World Community is presented on February 17, in the Stan Hagen Theatre at 7 pm.

Admission is by donation.

Sweet treats provided by memberso of CV Amnesty are free.

FMI: Sheila 250-3352246.

Volunteers needed for ‘Walking With Our Sisters’ (Continued from page 23) But the Wachiay Friendship Centre youth worker also had a warning: take these art pieces seriously.

“The bundles that you speak about are very sacred - probably the most sacred thing that we have as a family, as a person and as a nation,” he said. “In the old days we believed that if a bundle was disturbed, or bothered or not handled correctly our nation could die. You have to take care

of these things.”

KFN officials have been working closely with the Walking With Our Sisters team to do just that. After all, they want careful planning to result in life-altering experiences.

Elder Verna Flanders can’t wait for the healing she believes the installation will unleash.

She spent 10 years at St. Michael’s Indian Residential School in Alert Bay, a mental prison from which she has never fully escaped.

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Flanders relayed a dream she had where the residential school had been reduced to a pile of bricks, with her standing on top.

“There are so many missing survivors that went there in all those years,” she said, describing the message that came to her for these forgotten souls. “You can fly. You’re not stuck in this hole anymore.

You’re not stuck behind this brick anymore.”

That’s the sense of freedom she hopes the

community will achieve as it honours residential school children alongside missing and murdered aboriginal women.

“I’m glad I’m here, and I’m glad I’m talking - because our survivors need to hear us,” she said. “I’ll be Walking With Our Sisters. Gila’kasla.”

-Please contact Ramona Johnson at the I-Hos Gallery or visit the local Walking With Our Sisters Facebook page if you are interested in volunteering.

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.FEBRUARY 13, 2015

Sheep are popping up everywhere in Cumberland, from the produce cooler at Seeds market, above, to the climbing wall at the CRI. (Submitted photos)

Sheep set to ring in Lunar New Year

BY DREW A. PENNER Echo Staff You’d be forgiven if you thought known degenerate Little Bo Peep had taken a jaunt through Cumberland and forgotten her fuzzy little creatures in the process. But the sheep making appearances up and down the Village – from Seeds’ produce cooler to the climbing wall at the Cumberland Recreation Institute – are part of the community’s effort to ring in the Chinese New Year this weekend.

“It’s the Year of the Sheep,” said Nick Ward, who is helping to promote the event with the Cumberland-based Update Company. “It’s a nice way to remind people.”

Cumberland is part of a cross-Canada effort to promote Lunar New Year, and sheep have been popping up everywhere in Vancouver and Toronto.

The local incarnation of the promotion has led to Cumberland artists decorating the sheep and sharing images of the mammals on social media.

Business owners have happily jumped aboard the interesting marketing effort, as well.

“They just spend the night in the windows of the businesses,” Ward said. “Everyone’s having fun with it.”

The job of chauffeuring the animals around the community fell to Ward, who was only too happy to oblige. After all, how do you say no to a sheep?

(Continued on page 26)

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SAT 10 - 5:30

(250) 871-6074 (250) 382-5269 (250) 756-4114

or Toll-Free 1-855-203-0857 or Toll-Free 1-877-452-5269 or Toll-Free 1-866-756-4114

SUN: 12 - 5

*See store for details. Hot Buys excluded. Financing on Approved Credit. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Although every precaution is taken, errors in price or specification may occur in print. We reserve the right to correct such errors. Offer ends February 23, 2015.

25

26 www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.FEBRUARY 13, 2015

‘Adventurer of the Year’ speaking at North Island College next week Colin Angus has survived just about everything in his travels Colin Angus has made a career out of death-defying, adrenalin-fueled adventure and living to tell about it.

The former Port Alberni and Comox Valley resident, who circumnavigated the globe using only human power, descended the world’s longest rivers, and survived a harrowing cross-Atlantic trip in only an eight-metre rowboat, will share his lessons learned during a free public presentation, “Rowboat in a Hurricane,” Wednesday Feb. 18 at North Island College Courtenay campus.

“There’s something special about coming back to Port Alberni and the Comox Valley. It is, after all, where my adventures first began,” said Angus, a bestselling author and National Geographic’s 2007 Adventurer of the Year.

Angus grew up in Port Alberni and graduated from GP Vanier Secondary in Courtenay in 1990.

Colin Angus explains how he trekked through Siberia and around the globe at a free public event Wednesday, Feb. 18 at the Comox Valley campus Two years later, he and high school friend Dan Audet left Comox on a small sailboat for a 20,000-km, five-year trip across the Pacific Ocean to Papua, New Guinea.

The friends had no off-

shore sailing experience, limited funds, and a 27 foot sailboat they’d painstakingly restored over several months.

The trip was the beginning of a lifelong passion for adventure that started

when he was 12 years old in Port Alberni, reading about other people’s adventures.

“I told myself one day I would go out and do that too,” Angus said.

(Continued on page 27)

Feeling sheepish in village for Lunar New Year (Continued from page 25) “You’re walking down the street with sheep under your arm,” he said, thinking of all the strange looks he’s been getting.

“It’s a good laugh and it’s really nice to be doing something in our community.”

No trip to the Village is complete without a visit to the Cumberland Museum & Archives. But after taking in the local history of the Chinese workers who toiled away, in the face of deadly risks, in the Dunsmuir coal mines, they were tired and need of nourishment.

So they headed down to Riders Pizza for a chance to recharge.

Turns out they’re politics buffs, too. On Feb. 10 the sheep took the entire front right row at the Village council meeting.

You could almost hear the “Baa”s of approval when council voted unanimously to try to get the provincial government to designate Chinatown and the Chinese Cemetery as official historic places.

Mayor Baird said that while the lantern festival will be a smaller affair

this year, she has been pleased at how gracious of guests the sheep have been so far.

“They’ve been all over,” she said. “They’re quite cute.”

And sheep sightings have only been increasing, she added.

“They’re growing,” she said. “There’ll be lots of them on Friday night and on Saturday. Most of the businesses downtown have been great and want to display them.”

Cumberland residents and visitors can take part in Lunar New Year festivities starting today (Friday, Feb. 13) when there will be a release of sky lanterns at 7 p.m. behind the Cultural Centre.

A series of activities and workshops will be held Saturday Feb. 14 from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. on the second floor of the Cultural Centre.

Tickets to the Lunar New Year dinner at the CRI are $30 each and can be purchased in advance at the facility.

The dinner (from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.) will be followed by a Valentine’s Dance.

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.FEBRUARY 13, 2015

250-941-TAXI

27

( 8294 ) • locally owned & operated

www.ambassadorshuttleservice.ca

It’s Pajama Party time again for Chimo Gymnastics Club The Comox Valley’s Chimo Gymnastics Club will host the 15th Annual Pajama Party Invitational Gymnastics Meet on Saturday and Sunday February 14th and 15th.

Doors at the Comox Community Centre open at 8:30a.m. both days with events running until 8:30pm on Saturday and 3p.m. on Sunday.

There will be a full concession available as well as the opportunity to participate in 50/50 Draws throughout the weekend.

Many top Island gymnasts are expected to compete for a chance to attend the Championships.

This is the club’s largest annual fundraiser with a Pajama Party theme!

Spectators will be treated

to some fantastic gym nastics from a range of competitor ages as wel as both men’s events and women’s events being contested throughout the weekend.

For those aspiring gym nasts out there, a large se lection of gymnastics suits and supplies will be on site for purchasing. Come out to watch the show!

V I S I T U S O N L I N E AT

www.comoxvalleyecho.com Think Further.

Chimo gymnast in action on floor routine

Adventurer speaking at NIC (Continued from page 26) “Basically, I’m just catering to the little boy that never grew up.”

His expeditions include a source to sea trip down the Amazon River, a 7,000-km rowing trip from Scotland to Syria, and, a record- breaking trip around Vancouver Island in 2011 that took just 15 and a half days.

Angus is most famous for rowing, cycling, canoeing, skiing, and walking across three continents, two oceans, and 17 countries over 720 days in 2006 and 2007, enduring a Siberian winter, searing tropical heat, and more than one soul-defining

Atlantic hurricane. The incredible human-powered trip earned him his title as National Geographic’s 2007 Adventurer of the Year.

Along the way, he met Julie (a best-selling author in her own right who became the first woman to row across the Atlantic Ocean), became a father, and wrote four books.

They now make their living travelling, writing, and sharing their passion for adventure at international speaking events.

The Comox Valley event is open to the public and takes place in NIC’s Stan Hagen Theatre starting at 7 pm; doors open at 6:45 pm.

Angus will also share his story with more than 1,000 Grade 11 students at NIC’s High School Open Houses in Port Alberni and the Comox Valley Feb. 18 and 19.

The events allow students from across the region to learn more about careers in science, business, health, trades, tourism, fine arts, and more.

At each event, students will have a chance to win $100 NIC gift certificates and tablet computers.

The certificates can be used at any NIC campus to pay for books or tuition in programs such as NIC’s eight-month Adventure Guiding certificate program.

wake S mell up Bacon and

From Monday to Friday, Rory attends Glenlyon Norfolk School and lives with a GNS family in Victoria. But he calls Gabriola Island home on weekends.

At GNS, our 5-Day Family Boarding program makes it possible for students living outside of Victoria to receive an IB (International Baccalaureate) education.

Learn more about GNS and the IB program by attending our

OPEN HOUSE in Victoria.

Friday, February 20, between 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 to 2:30 p.m.

801 Bank Street (Grades 6 to 12) or 1701 Beach Drive (JK to Grade 5)

Can’t attend our Open House? Call 250.370.6801 to make an appointment to meet with GNS in your community.

Campbell River, Courtenay, Comox: Monday, February 23 Ladysmith: Tuesday, February 24 Duncan, Cowichan: Wednesday, February 25 Gulf Islands: Friday, February 27

www.mygns.ca | admissions@mygns.ca Do your best through truth and courage

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served until 4 pm daily

Follow your senses to breakfast at Ricky ’s.

795 RYAN RD 250.334.9638 www.gotorickys.com

28 www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.FEBRUARY 13, 2015

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Offer(s) available on select new 2015 models through participating dealers to qualified retail customers who take delivery from February 3rd to March 2nd, 2015. Dealers may sell or lease for less. Some conditions apply. See dealer for complete details. Vehicles shown may include optional accessories and upgrades available at extra cost. All offers are subject to change without notice. All pricing includes delivery and destination fees up to $1,665, AMVIC fee, tire tax of $22, $100 A/C charge (where applicable). Excludes taxes, licensing, registration, insurance, variable dealer administration fees (up to $699), fuel-fill charges up to $100, and down payment (if applicable and unless otherwise specified). Other lease and financing options also available. §Up to “Half Price Payments” for up to one year (“Offer”) is only applicable on financing offers on 2015 Rio/Forte/Optima/Sorento/Rondo models. On approved credit, from a participating dealer in Canada between February 3rd and March 2nd, 2015. The Offer consists of a loan credit (up to “Half Price Payments Credit”) that will range from $500 to $3,250 depending on model/trim.

Customers can choose to take the full amount of the applicable Half Price Payments Credit as a one (1) time incentive that will be deducted from the negotiated price of the vehicle before taxes. Alternatively, customers can choose the up to “Half Price Payments” option and have their financing payments reduced (before taxes) by 50% until such time as the entire amount of the applicable Half Price Payments Credit has been exhausted. This may take between 10 weeks and 69 weeks depending on model/trim and the amount of the applicable Half Price Payments Credit. After the entire amount of the applicable Half Price Payments Credit has been exhausted, the customer will be required to pay the full amount of all regularly scheduled finance payments over the remaining term of the contract. Vehicle trade-in amounts and down payments are not calculated in the advertised up to “Half Price Payments”. See dealer for complete details. ΔRepresentative financing example: 0% financing offer for up to 84 months available to qualified retail customers on approved credit for the new 2015 Rio LX MT (RO541F)/2015 Forte LX MT (FO541F)/2015 Optima LX AT (OP742F)/2015 Sorento LX AT (SR75BF) with a purchase price of $15,602/$17,502/$26,402/$28,782 financed at 0% for 84-month period with $0 down payment equals 69/62/28/50 reduced weekly payments of $21/$24/$36/$39 followed by weekly payments of $43/$48/$73/$79. Includes $1,500/$1,500/$1,000/$2,000 up to “Half Price Payments” credit. Cost of borrowing is $0 and total obligation is $14,102/$16,002/$25,365/$26,782. Up to “Half Price Payment” Incentive varies by model and trim level and may be taken as a lump sum or to reduce the financed amount. Offer ends March 2nd, 2015. ‡Model shown Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price for 2015 Forte SX (FO748F)/2015 Rio4 SX with Navigation (RO749F)/2015 Sorento SX V6 AWD (SR75XF)/2015 Optima SX Turbo AT (OP748F) is $26,695/$22,395/$42,095/$34,895. Highway/city fuel consumption is based on the 2015 Rio LX+ ECO AT/2015 Forte 1.8L MPI 4-cyl MT/2015 Sorento LX 2.4L GDI 4-cyl AT/2015 Optima 2.4L GDI AT. These updated estimates are based on the Government of Canada’s approved criteria and testing methods. Refer to the EnerGuide Fuel Consumption Guide. Your actual fuel consumption will vary based on driving habits and other factors. ¤$1,000 Winter Edition Bonus amounts are offered on select 2015 Winter Edition models and are deducted from the negotiated purchase price before taxes. Available on financing offers only. Certain conditions apply. $1,000 Winter Edition Bonus amount available on the 2015 Rondo LX AT (5-seat) Winter SE (RN75SF), 2015 Rondo LX AT (7-seat) Winter SE (RN75TF) and 2015 Optima LX AT Winter SE (OP74SF). Information in this advertisement is believed to be accurate at the time of printing. For more information on our 5-year warranty coverage, visit kia.ca or call us at 1-877-542-2886. Kia is a trademark of Kia Motors Corporation.

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.FEBRUARY 13, 2015

29

BC Midget Championships a big success here CODES COUNTRY LANES Bowling highlights from Codes Country Lanes: Monday AM - Marie Israel 212, John Kendall 204, Marion VanLoenen 173, Dave Stacey 225, Ed Farrant 160, Lynn Davidson 191, Roy Brekke 194, Barb Lane 187, Nick Tjart 198.

Monday 12:30 - Bruce Ram 210, Rick Kroeker 257, Rita Grill 179, Lucille Smith 177, Colleen Torrie 245, Lyle Torrie 188, Rick Rodriguez 221, Pat Huntley 184, Bill Tower 199.

Monday Youth - Ava Friesen 70, Jack Friesen 70, Lucien Rousseau 111, Morgan Grout 74, Benoit Rousseau 44, Celine Rousseau 35, William Derksen 150, Brycen Burgess 153.

Tuesday Breakfast - Jane Wedge 221, Barb Potruff 203, Laurie McWillis 224, Sylvia Vanderliet 186, Marilyn Shetterly 173, Brenda Searl 249.

Tuesday 12:30 - Ed Schievink 85, Garry Pearson 126, Judith Munro 122, Allison Bennett 117.

Tuesday Adult - Brian Booth 291, Lori McWillis 233, Cynthia Taylor 221, Rick Granneman 213, Bruno Bagdan 231, Eric McWillis 215.

Wednesday 9:30 - Pat Stauffer 200, Sally Hazelton 175, Yvonne Melancon 175, Nick Tjart 212, Ria Tjart 171, Marie Israel 233, Gerry VanAchte 200, Andre Melancon 206, Minnie Frame 206, Laurie Aucoin 222, Heather Abraham 228, Dave Stacey 255.

Tuesday/Wednesday CRA Debbie Downer 142, Larry McCooey 185, Tiffinee Nicol 141, Michael Campbell 184, Russell Enright 152, Mary Evans 146, Karen Slater 143, Lisa Bruce 138, Justine Johnson 126, Richard Major 125, Heike Wilson 120, Rachel Anderson 74.

Wednesday Adult - Louise Bunschuh 233, Doris Smith 196, Chad Kelly 204, Wade Raithby 211, Gord Pottruff 254, Larry Adams 205, Scott McLellan 249, Rick Granneman 207, Matt Casavant 228, Bruno Bagden 253, Tom Nurse 284, Sandy Nurse 204, Brian Booth 239.

Thursday Golden Age - Kaela McLean 208, Pat King 213, Barb McAdam 165, Linda Meers 191, Bob Van Nes 247, Bob Sharp 274, Barb Casey 218, Bruce Ram 220.

Thursday Adult - Jessica Giroux 232, Scott VanAchte 239, Ken Bird 224, George Wedge 196, Lorne Sutcliffe 206, Anne Lavery 208, Paul Zorz 249, Andrew Stubbing 245, Duwanee Granneman 254, Aprile Brekke Reidl 203, Aggie Aucoin 209, Ed Carefoot 213, Matt Casavant 264, RICK KROEKER 373, Janet Ellis 196, Candace McLellan 236.

Friday G.A. - Nick Tjart 233, Gerry VanAchte 203, Ed Tanner 228, Joan Lucas 214, Joyce Unsworth 240, Arnie Auerbach 194, Ruth Rivington 261, Millie McCharles 206, Minnie Frame 205, Bert Brown 227, Ken Scavarda 259, George Sand 243, Anna Delucry 234.

On February 7th and 8th the Strathcona Nordics hosted the Teck BC Midget Championships at Mount Washington.

Twelve nordic clubs including 128 athletes, ages 9-13 from across BC, took the pilgrimage to Vancouver Island to compete. Official race results are available at crosscountrybc.ca.

According to Tim McGrady, MC for the event and Strathcona Nordics coach, “The BC Midgets strikes the perfect balance of competition and fun.”

This was evident in the spirit of the young racers.

Saturday, skiers competed in a classic technique 2km race and in a 4-person relay.

Sunday kicked off with 300m skate technique sprint qualifiers that set the stage for the competitive King’s Court event.

Conditions were tremendous. Despite heavy rain, volunteers along with the fantastic support from Mount Washington staff created a course that was worthy of a provincial championship. By race time on Sunday, the sprint course was in tiptop condition.

Young athlete Theo Lemay commented “While conditions were warm which could have made for some challenging conditions, the coaches tuning and waxing of skis was impeccable.”

The Larch Hills club from Salmon Arm took

Aiden Noble earned a third place fibish in the skate ski 300m event top spot to win the aggregate team award, followed closely by the local favorites the Strathcona Nordics. Hollyburn finished third. Clubs from Revelstoke, Pemberton, and Kelowna all had strong showings, and the host club was pleased to have racers come from Rossland, Prince George, Whitsler, Squamish and Kamloops.

Cross Country BC, the provincial governing body for cross-country skiing in British Columbia, is a non-for-profit, club-based organization of more than 16,000 members.

The following Comox Valley-based skiers were on the podium at the 2015 Teck BC Midgets Cross Country Ski Championships: Stephen Lamon - ‘02 Boys Category

Stephen Lamon placed first and third in his events

Bridge news CV Duplicate Bridge Club News Thursday, Feb. 19, 2015 is our monthly lesson.

Jack Bradshaw will be giving a lesson on balancing seat decisions. The lesson starts at 10:00 am at the Lion’s Den and the charge is $5.00.

Everyone welcome.

There is a game in the afternoon so bring a lunch and try out what you learned in the lesson.

Monday, Feb. 2, 2015 A1 Dianna Rickson Glen Parsons 2 Marilyn Hannah Frieda Home B1 Marilyn Hannah -

Saturday Special O - Larry McCooey 214, Clint McColl 147, Ken Davidson 177, Mathew Strachin 270, Debbie Downer 184, Bobby Bolen 167, Sarah Lariviere 125, Matt Caldwell 177, Bill Howard 134, Jamie Bennet 201, Morgan Bell 167, Kim Burke 176, Colin Wells 184.

Skate Ski 300m Event Bib#1 Placed 1st Classic Ski 2km Event Bib# 8 Placed 3 Gabe Gledhill - ‘02 Boys Category Skate Ski 300m Event Bib#6 Placed 5th Classic Ski 2km Event Bib#4 Placed 2nd Aiden Noble - ‘02 Boys Category Skate Ski 300m Event Bib#2 Placed 3rd Annelies Henckel - ‘02 Girls Category Skate Ski 300m Event Bib#22 Placed 4th Carson Damery - ‘03 Boys Category Skate Ski 300m Event Bib#49 Placed 4th Hugo Henckel - ‘04 Boys Category Skate Ski 300m Event Bib#74 Placed 2nd Classic Ski 2km Event Bib#86 Placed 3rd Naomi Swift - ‘04 Girls Category Skate Ski 300m Event Bib#92 Placed 3rd Classic Ski 2km Event Bib#98 Placed 5th Relay Teams Strathcona Nukes placed 2nd wearing Bib #14 and included Stephen Lamon, Gabe Gledhill, Alexander Swift, Aiden Noble Strathcona Kitkats placed 4th wearing Bib#4 and included Kai McGrady, Carson Damery, Calder Guimond, Taz Oldakker Westcoast Warriors placed 5th wearing Bib #9 Evan Luksay, Hugo Henckel, Theo Lemay, Gavin Johnston Funstoppables placed 2nd wearing Bib#18 Emmy Stapff, Annelies Henckel, Emma Wong, Amelia Wells

Frieda Home 2 Allister Gavel - Cyntahia Tree Thursday, Feb. 5, 2015 A1 Dave Mosher - Jack Bradshaw 2 Richard Grant - Slava Simice B1 Dave Proctor - John Biehl 2 Allen Hopwood Douglas Nash Our club is located on Nordin Street across from the Comox Mall under the newly renovated Museum and Art Gallery.

We offer guaranteed partnerships, so if you’re visiting or your regular partner is away, make sure you come out to play anyway. If you don’t have a regular partner, I’m sure you’ll meet one.

Our Website is www. cvdbc.com and our email is playbridge@shaw.ca For more information, please contact Linda Mari-

CARRIERS WANTED No collection required. Great exercise! nus at (250)338-2544.

D’Esterre Duplicate Bridge Tues. Feb 3 N/S - 1. Dianne McKinnon and Ruby Paulsen; 2.

Clark Graham and Grace Whetter; 3. Slava Simice and Mark Lawrence E/W - 1. Maureen Olafson and Phil Sanford; 2.

Roy Hagg and Keith Ware; 3. Harvey Piercy and Ann Cook Friday night 7 1/2 table Howell Movement 1. Lorraine and Chuck Hodson; 2.Maureen Olafson and Phil Sanford; 3.

Evelyn Ware and Jean Tait; 4.Gary and Fran Priestman Sat Feb 7. 7 tables N/S - 1. Jean Tait and Neal Jackson; 2. John and Lynne Godfrey; 3. Doug and Penny Poole.

E/W - 1. Jeanette Baron and Tom Dugdale; 2. Evelyn and Keith Ware; 3.Jane Jenssen and Carol Ante

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. 7125 Rt. 7134

– Salsbury, Bood, Barford – Salsbury, Mills, Rachel, Houlgrave

COMOX Rt. 2118 – Comox Ave, Mack Laing, Baybrook, Orchard Park Dr. COLEMAN ROAD AREA Rt. 4106 – Loxley, Avonlee, Sea Terrace Coral, Fern, Kingfisher, Mariner, Avonlee MIRACLE BEACH Rt. 6111 – Seaview Road SINGING SANDS AREA Rt. 4102 – Wilkinson, Singing Sands

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

30 www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.FEBRUARY 13, 2015

CARRIERS WANTED EARN $$$$$$$$ COURTENAY Substitute needed for Rt 7119 Downtown Business Area Rt. 7125

– Salsbury, Bood, Barford

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Coral, Fern, Kingfisher, Mariner, Avonlee MIRACLE BEACH Rt. 6111

– Seaview Road

SINGING SANDS AREA Rt. 4102

– Wilkinson, Singing Sands

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

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.FEBRUARY 13, 2015

31

32

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Chevrolet.ca

OFFERS END MARCH 2ND

ON NOW AT YOUR BC CHEVROLET DEALERS. Chevrolet.ca 1-800-GM-DRIVE. Chevrolet is a brand of General Motors of Canada. Offers apply to the lease of a 2015 Chevrolet Trax LS Air & Auto and Equinox LS FWD. Freight ($1,650) and PDI included. License, insurance, registration, administration fees, dealer fees, PPSA and applicable taxes not included. Dealers are free to set individual prices. Limited time offers which may not be combined with other offers, and are subject to change without notice. Offers apply to qualified retail customers in BC Chevrolet Dealer Marketing Association area only. Dealer order or trade may be required. *Offer valid to eligible retail lessees in Canada who have obtained credit approval by and entered into a lease agreement with GM Financial, and who accept delivery from February 3 through March 2, 2015 of any new or demonstrator 2015 model year Chevrolet (except 2015 MY Chevrolet Colorado 2SA). City Express excluded at outset of program; will be eligible once residuals become available. General Motors of Canada will pay the first two bi-weekly lease payments as defined on the lease agreement (inclusive of taxes). After the first two bi-weekly payments, lessee will be required to make all remaining scheduled payments over the remaining term of the lease agreement. PPSA/RDPRM is not due. Consumer may be required to pay dealer fees. Insurance, license, and applicable taxes not included. Additional conditions and limitations apply. GM reserves the right to modify or terminate this offer at any time without prior notice. See dealer for details. †† Offer applies to eligible current owners or lessees of any model year 1999 or newer car that has been registered and insured in Canada in the customer’s name for the previous consecutive six (6) months. Credit valid towards the retail purchase or lease of one eligible 2015 model year Chevrolet car, SUV, crossover and pickup models delivered in Canada between February 3 and March 2, 2015. Credit is a manufacturer to consumer incentive (tax inclusive) and credit value depends on model purchased: $750 credit available on eligible Chevrolet vehicle (except Colorado 2SA, Corvette, Camaro Z28, Malibu LS, Silverado 1500 and HD). Offer applies to eligible current owners or lessees of any Pontiac/Saturn/SAAB/Hummer/Oldsmobile model year 1999 or newer car or Chevrolet Cobalt or HHR that has been registered and insured in Canada in the customer’s name for the previous consecutive six (6) months. Credit valid towards the retail purchase or lease of one eligible 2015 model year Chevrolet car, SUV, crossover and pickups models delivered in Canada between February 3 and March 2, 2015. Credit is a manufacturer to consumer incentive (tax inclusive): $1,500 credit available on eligible Chevrolet vehicles (except Colorado 2SA, Corvette, Camaro Z28, and Malibu LS). Offer is transferable to a family member living within the same household (proof of address required). As part of the transaction, dealer may request documentation and contact General Motors of Canada Limited (GMCL) to verify eligibility. This offer may not be redeemed for cash and may not be combined with certain other consumer incentives. Certain limitations or conditions apply. Void where prohibited. See your GMCL dealer for details. GMCL reserves the right to amend or terminate offers for any reason in whole or in part at any time without prior notice. † Based on GM Testing in accordance with approved Transport Canada test methods. Your actual fuel consumption may vary. > Based on WardsAuto.com 2012 Upper Small segment, excluding Hybrid and Diesel powertrains. Standard 10 airbags, ABS, traction control and StabiliTrak. ~ Requires compatible mobile device, active OnStar service and data plan. Visit onstar.ca for coverage maps, details and system limitations. Services and connectivity may vary by model and conditions. OnStar with 4G LTE connectivity is available on certain vehicles and in select markets. Customers will be able to access this service only if they accept the OnStar User Terms and Privacy Statement (including software terms). ¥ Lease based on a purchase price of $22,685/$26,435 (including $0/$1,000 lease credit and a $750 Owner Cash) for a 2015 Trax LS Air & Auto (1SA) and Equinox LS FWD (1SA). Bi-weekly payment is $119/$139 for 48 months at 0.5%/0.9% APR and includes Freight and Air Tax, on approved credit to qualified retail customers by GM Financial. Annual kilometers limit of 20,000 km, $0.16 per excess kilometer. $1,675/$1,600 down payment required.

Payment may vary depending on down payment trade. Total obligation is $14,039/$16,123, plus applicable taxes. Option to purchase at lease end is $8,960/$10,980. Price and total obligation excludes license, insurance, registration, taxes, dealer fees, optional equipment. Other lease options are available. Dealers are free to set individual prices. Limited time offer which may not be combined with other offers. See your dealer for conditions and details. General Motors of Canada Limited reserves the right to amend or terminate this offer, in whole or in part, at any time without prior notice. ¥¥ Comparison based on 2013 Polk segmentation: Compact SUV and latest competitive data available and based on the maximum legroom available. Excludes other GM brands. ^Whichever comes first. Limit of four ACDelco Lube-Oil-Filter services in total. Fluid top-offs, inspections, tire rotations, wheel alignments and balancing, etc., are not covered. Additional conditions and limitations apply. See dealer for details. ^^Whichever comes first. See dealer for details.

Call Brian McLean Chevrolet Buick GMC at 250-334-2425, or visit us at 2145 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay. [License #8379]