Comox Valley Echo - March 20, 2015 by Comox Valley Echo

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Headquarters Road house destroyed by deliberately set fire Monday night

Police say ﬁre at Courtenay home was deliberately set

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Arson suspects known to the woman living in cabin on Headquarters Road BY MICHAEL BRIONES Echo Staff The Comox Valley RCMP are looking for suspects, who they believe maliciously set fire to a house in Headquarters Road in Courtenay. Courtenay firefighters and Mounties responded to a report of a residential fire and possible explosion at around 11:51 p.m. on Monday. Enroute to the scene, fire chief Don Bardonnex said, about two blocks from the burning house, a distraught woman flagged him down and indicated she was inside the house when the fire happened. The woman was not injured but Bardonnex said she was in distress. “There was an incident that happened at the site but we’re leaving that at the hands of the RCMP,” said Bardonnex. Fire crews proceeded to the structure fire and

Flames and smoke rise from house destroyed by fire Monday night (Photo courtesy CHEK News) encountered flames coming out of the front windows and front door of an old wooden cabin located across the Comox Valley Seniors Village. Around 21 firefighters were on hand to battle the blaze, which they suppressed in less than an hour. Residents from nearby homes were evacuated and no one was injured. The RCMP, after talking to the sole occupant of the house, who managed to

escape the ﬁre unscathed, said the evidence shows this was a targeted attack. “The suspects are known to the residents of the home,” said Don Sinclair, RCMP’s media liaison officer. And because the crime placed the occupant in the home in signiﬁcant danger, the Mounties have made this case a priority investigation. A team of officers has been formed to work solely on apprehending those responsible. The house, according to Sinclair, is notorious for criminal activity that involved drugs. Neighbours have raised concerns about this. “I know that’s there’s a lot of drugs, people are coming and going,” said Jenn Oppel, who lives nearby. “It’s gross and I kinda wish those buildings weren’t there anymore.” (Continued on page 4)

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The Oyster River Enhancement Society: Love our Salmon, Protect our River The Oyster River Enhancement Society takes a break from work this week, to celebrate World Water Day, Sunday, March 22. The group is very concerned about the low snow pack and the possibility of low river flows this summer. The Oyster River system is a community water source and home for five species of salmon.

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Arson suspected in house fire (Continued from page 3) Oppel said she is not upset the house burned but considers the incident serious because somebody could have been hurt. She wished the police did something about the criminal activity that goes on in that residence. “The police don’t really go in there to investigate unless something gets burnt,” said Oppel. The City of Courtenay should have condemned the place, Oppel added. “They’ve been there for a long time

and they’re gross,” she said. “It’s kind of an eyesore whenever I walk by them all the time.” Justin Hallworth, who works at the seniors village across the street was also glad to see the house meet a ﬁery end. “It’s the last one to go and hopefully that’s the end of the neighbourhood now,” said Hallworth. Anyone with information on this crime is urged to contact the Comox Valley RCMP at 250-338-1321<tel:250-3381321>, or anonymously via Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

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A recent rash of vandalism and irresponsible behaviour near the Comox dam has BC Hydro and the Comox Valley Regional District concerned. These activities include shooting and knocking down signs, and placing fuel on the ground and igniting it. This took place in early March beside the Comox dam and the source of the Comox Valley’s drinking water supply. As well, a vehicle caught on fire after inadvertently parking on top of a slow burning campfire that was placed on the road the night before. “Vandalism unfortunately occurs from time to time but this may be the worst I’ve seen at our Comox Dam facilities, including an accidental vehicle fire, in my

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.MARCH 20, 2015

Vandalism near dam worries Hydro, CVRD

Signs wrecked, car destroyed from campfire

View of the vehicle fire near the Comox dam. The vehicle inadvertently parked on to top of a smoldering campfire that should not have been placed on the road. Courtesy of the Cumberland Fire Department.

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.MARCH 20 2015

Vandalism near dam worries BC Hydro, CVRD

Talk Tourism with Destination BC, Tourism Café, and North Island College

(Continued from page 5) “For BC Hydro and emergency responders it takes up resources, time, money and can also impact the environment. More importantly it’s a risk to our hydroelectric operations should a forest fire be caused from these activities, and it’s close to the direct withdrawal of water for the Comox Valley’s domestic water consumption. It is a lack of respect of property and social values.” BC Hydro says it scooped up and correctly disposed of the remnants of melted plastic, steel, tires, fluids and contaminated soils. BC Hydro also says that on March 11, a person was seen walking across the floating log boom in the reservoir immediately upstream of the dam that prevents debris from entering the spillway gates. The individual was asked to get off the boom given the risk of falling into the cold water and potentially having the current draw them towards the gates. “For public safety, particularly immediately upstream of our dams and intakes, people need to stay away from the water flows and obey signage,” adds Watson. “Although that may have been missed given the recent sign vandalism.” BC Hydro is replacing the warning signs that were damaged or destroyed. “The CVRD is very disappointed in hearing about these activities,” says Dave Leitch, CVRD’s senior manager of water and wastewater.

BC Hydro and the CVRD collaborated in having drinking water signage placed on BC Hydro property for public education. Some of these signs were recently vandalised. “We have our community watershed advisory group, we’ve gone through challenging times with the turbidity issues in the lake, and the broader community awareness of the importance of protecting our watershed is probably never been higher. “And yet we have these types of incidents take place. It just doesn’t make sense. Materials can leach into the river, and the thought of that forest buffer area around the river catching on ﬁre is worrying.” Both BC Hydro and the CVRD wanted to bring these issues to the com-

When Compassion and Service matter turn to Toneff Funeral Services

Shot-gun shells litter the ground beside the Comox Lake reservoir, beside and upstream of BC Hydro’s Comox dam. munity’s attention in the hopes it will prevent future vandalism and cre-

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egy. Before starting with Destination BC in 2013, she worked with the BC Lottery Corporation, and BBDO, one of Canada’s largest advertising agencies. “Nancy will speak on how tourism businesses, like those here on the North Island, can collaborate to have a stronger presence in the industry,” said Tammy Price, NIC’s student event manager. Tourism Vancouver Island’s Tourism Pro-D Day is a day-long event for Vancouver Island tourism professionals. For more information on the Tourism Vancouver Island Pro D Day, visit www.tvitour. ca. Participants can chose to attend both events for $79, or attend the reception only for $20 in advance, or $25 at the door. The reception is a class project in NIC’s secondyear Convention and Special Events Management (THM 203) course and part of NIC’s focus on applied learning in all its programs. Admission includes tapas, a small tradeshow, and networking opportunities with industry representatives, regional business operators, and NIC tourism students ready to enter the industry. The reception starts at 3:30 pm. To book your ticket, contact registration coordinators Brianna Faucher or Kayla Pedscalny at tourism@nic.bc.ca or call 250-334-5292. For more information, or to book a tradeshow table, email tourism@nic.

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Develop your strategy to succeed in BC’s competitive and changing tourism industry with two of Canada’s most inﬂuential tourism leaders. NIC Tourism and Hospitality Management students are inviting Nancy Arsenault, the managing partner of Tourism Café Canada and Marsha Walden, the CEO of Destination BC, to talk tourism at a special Collaborate to Compete reception, after Tourism Vancouver Island’s Pro-D Day event on Wednesday, March 25 at the Westerly Hotel and Convention Centre. “These are nationally recognizable tourism professionals,” says NIC tourism and business faculty Harley Elias. “Most tourism operators simply don’t get access to these decision makers. It speaks highly of our tourism students to be able to secure both women for this event.” · Nancy Arsenault is a managing partner in Tourism Café, a boutique tourism training and development company with public, private, and not-for proﬁt clients across Canada. The Canadian Tourism Commission calls Nancy one of Canada’s tourism “thought leaders.” In her 30-year career in tourism, education, and recreation, she has supported small businesses and provincial and federal governments in their strategic planning. · Marsha Walden, the CEO of Destination BC, is now rolling out BC’s highly publicized three-year corporate marketing strat-

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.MARCH 20, 2015

City of Courtenay declares May 17-23 Public Works Week; special open house for kids and adults BY MICHAEL BRIONES Echo Staff The City of Courtenay has proclaimed May 17-23 Public Works Week. The event will coincide with National Public Works Week that is observed in North America where public works operations are celebrated and opened to the public for tours. The city’s new superintendent of public works, Trevor Kushner, who was introduced to council on Monday, said a one-day event will be held at the Courtenay public works yard on May 22. “Essentially what we’ll do is we set up stations at public works and we invite school-aged children and the public to come in and to demo the equip-

ment and to see what we do,” said Kushner. “One of the great aspects is, we all know everyone sees the equipment out in the community but this way they get to put a face in the name to the people who are running the equipment. “At the end of the day it’s about the community and it’s about the operations staff that do a job 365 days a year to make the community safe.” This will also be a great opportunity to educate the citizens on where tax dollars are spent and inspire the next generation of local engineers, public works managers, specialists and front line staff. This event will also coincide with the city’s centennial year celebrations.

Police Blotter Comox Valley RCMP responded to the following incidents between March 10 and 16: On the evening of March 10th police were called to a single vehicle collision on the 3300 block of Royston road. The investigation revealed that a single vehicle with only one person in it went off road and collided with a tree. The woman was taken to hospital and due to the seriousness of her injuries was airlifted to Victoria General hospital. The investigation into the cause of the collision is still under way. (20153046) Police were called to a theft of propane cylinders from the Royston Mini Mart sometime over the night of the 12th of March. Unknown suspects broke into a locked storage cage in order to take them. (2015-3156) During the early morning hours on March 14th police were called to a suspected motor vehicle collision. Upon arrival a vehicle was located stopped a short distance from where a concrete garbage can had been hit and a street

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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.

James Storm CAUDRON DOB: 1992-07-24 183 cms, 70 kgs, Brown hair, Green eyes Warrants: Breach of probation X2 Comox Valley file # 2015-3187

sign was knocked over. A female driver was located in the suspect vehicle and was subsequently issued a 90 Immediate Roadside Prohibition after failing a roadside screening devise. She was also given a ticket under the motor vehicle act and had her vehicle towed and impounded for 30 days. (2015-3208) Sometime during the early morning hours of March 15th unknown vandals threw a garbage can lid through the double paned glass window at the old McConochie’s store on 5th street in Courtenay. ( 2015-3260) On the night of March 15th a theft from a residence was reported to police. The victim reported that someone entered the unlocked residence, on the 2500 block of Copperﬁeld road in Courtenay, and stole her purse. Police ask home owners to lock their doors and lock out crime. (2015-3287)

Sarah Beth REKRUT DOB: 1987-09-29 163 cms, 57 kgs, Brown hair, Blue eyes Warrant: Failing to comply with probation order Comox Valley file # 20153078

www.comoxvalleycrimestoppers.bc.ca

A suspicious ﬁre was called into police during the early morning hours of March 17th. The witness stated that the ﬁre was at a residence on the 4600 block of Headquarters road in Courtenay. This investigation is ongoing. (2015-3339)

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Eriksson doesn’t give up on putting the kibosh on repainting bridge Councillor wants to spend more money for a new one BY MICHAEL BRIONES Echo Staff Courtenay council debated at length an idea ﬂoated by councillor Erik Eriksson to replace the Fifth Street Bridge. Eriksson put forward a resolution that council withdraw its funding application for New Building Canada Fund - Small Communities to recoat the aging bridge. “This bridge to me is not just a Courtenay bridge, this is a Comox Valley bridge,” Eriksson said. “I don’t think it’s totally right for us to decide for the entire Comox Valley

the future of that bridge.” The idea of a new bridge, Eriksson explained, would be a great vision for the community. “It would be a mark of pride as it will enhance our downtown and it will connect our parks with our river and it will be a good move.” Councillor Doug Hillian sought clariﬁcation on Eriksson’s resolution as he felt it was out of order because council has already approved the funding application that was submitted before last month’s deadline for repainting and resurfacing the bridge estimated to cost $2.2 million. It will help extend

the life of the bridge by another 50 years. While Hillian agrees with Eriksson’s vision and the cosmetic reasons for a new bridge including the ability to accommodate other modes of transportation more effectively, he simply can’t support it. “I just don’t see how we could in good conscience, particularly given the continual concerned that gets expressed about the expenditure of taxpayers money at this table go seeking tens of millions of dollars for a project that we can accomplish for $2.2 million,” said Hillian. “I just consider this as a waste of council’s time. The decision has already been made.” Chief Administrative Ofﬁcer David Allen advised that if council decides to withdraw its funding application, there could be serious implications. He explained if Courtenay is granted funding and withdraws it, the possible repercussions down the road are if the city applies for a grant again, it might ﬁnd itself at the bottom of the list for approval as they have wasted the time and effort people spent processing the applica-

tion. He said he has seen it happen to other municipalities. “Extending the life of the bridge is an eligible expenditure, however replacing or upgrading the asset must be substantiated. We cannot substantiate replacement or upgrade when maintenance of the asset will suffice,” said Allen. And that’s the criteria for the grant. “Furthermore our road network including bridges has an unfunded accumulated amortization of about $37.3 million. One third of the $2.9 million to extend the life of the Fifth Street bridge by 30 to almost 50

years is a much wiser expenditure than choosing to incur a hundred per cent of a minimum of $30 plus million or half that for a new bridge. And it also arguably put our borrowing limit in a different category.” Eriksson argued council has only discussed one option and insisted that an alternative should be reviewed. “The community deserves to have a proper look at getting a new bridge,” said Eriksson. “Tens of millions of dollars, I challenge that right off the bat. That bridge in Victoria cost $15 million

and is four times as long as our bridge. So it just doesn’t compute. There is access to funding. This bridge is unsafe, unsightly and is not a credit to our community.” Councillor Bob Wells said he and his children encountered close calls with cyclists while walking the bridge. He said most of the cyclists don’t ride their bikes on the road. Allen said it might be unsafe for cyclists but argues the whole structure of the bridge is sound. “It won’t stay that way if we don’t paint it or if we don’t maintain it,” he said. The debate turned chaotic in the end as several motions were put on the table and there was uncertainty on protocols council needed to follow. Allen had to refer to the city’s policies and procedures booklet to get a better handle on the situation. Council did not endorse Eriksson’s resolution but agreed on a motion to table it, meaning that it be postponed indeﬁnitely. Mayor Larry Jangula, councillors Manno Theos, Wells and Eriksson voted in favour with Hillian, Rebecca Lennox and David Frisch opposing it.

Regional Hospital Board approves $122 million budget Financial plan includes some upgrades for current facilities BY DREW A. PENNER Echo Staff The Comox-Strathcona Regional Hospital District is ever more focused on transitioning the community to life with a new hospital and it has the 2015 budget as proof. The $122 million ﬁnancial plan, supported by directors during a March 12 meeting, will tax residents at the same rate as last year while continuing to pay out signiﬁcant chunks of cash for the North Is-

land Hospitals Project. But district officials say the budget includes support to extend the life of St. Joseph’s General Hospital. “The facilities still have to run for at least a couple of years,” said Wendy Byrne, manager of ﬁnancial planning for the Comox Valley Regional District, referring to the $866,177 to be used for equipment and projects, which have been approved by the Vancouver Island Health Authority (Island

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Health). “We get the approved list of capital projects from VIHA. We have a set amount every year we earmark for those projects.” In fact, this year’s funding request fell well below the annual allocation of $1.85 million, and will be funded completely through taxation. The remaining $983,923 has been added to the 2015 budgeted contribution to the future expenditure reserve - although Island Health says it will likely

ask for some of the money once its own ﬁnancial plan is in place. The regional hospital district is responsible for chipping in 40 per cent of the cost of projects, which it does not have a hand in determining. For 2015 that means supporting deck and security upgrades, helping fund a $10,000 awning replacement job and paying $20,000 for an air conditioning reno in the transitional care unit at St. Joseph’s.

The hospital district is also helping the hospital get new IV pumps, a laboratory centrifuge and a pharmacy refrigerator. But the biggest project currently underway is the Eagleview Building Envelope improvement . So far $275,000 of the estimated $360,000 price tag has been covered, and the regional hospital district is pitching in another $34,000 in 2015/16. The envelope, or building exterior, is a crucial piece of infrastructure,

Byrne explains. “You don’t want it leaking,” she said. “You don’t want water to get in. You don’t want the elements to erode and cause damage.” Meanwhile, contributions to the North Island Hospitals Project are ongoing. In the upcoming months of 2015 alone that will mean an April 1 payment of $37 million, a July 1 payment of $28.2 million and an Oct. 1 payment of $21 million.

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.MARCH 20, 2015

ECHO

OPINIONS

LETTERS END VOTE-SPLITTING With the approach of a federal election, people in our riding are again faced with the decision of voting for the candidate they prefer or voting strategically. The Conservative incumbent, John Duncan, represents 45.8 percent of voters. That means 54.2 percent of us did not vote for him. It’s a great argument for proportional representation, where everyone’s vote actually counts. In the meantime, how do we choose? The Conservative government ignored the wishes of the majority of British Columbians when it approved Enbridge’s Northern Gateway project. We are faced with the prospect of massive oil tankers plying some of the most dangerous waters in the world. And the evidence is conclusive that they’ll be carrying a product that has to be left in the ground in order for us to avoid climate catastrophe. In these circumstances, our best chance for turning this around is to vote for the candidate most likely to defeat the Conservative. Historically, that means voting NDP. There’s no guarantee of the outcome and it’s a choice we shouldn’t have to make. Another option is for the parties with similar interests to work together to avoid the vote-splitting that brought the Conservatives to power. That

option is every bit as distasteful as voting strategically. The parties don’t appear to be prepared to do that so it’s up to us to do what we can to ensure that we elect a representative who reﬂects our values and who supports changing our electoral system to proportional representation. Terry Robinson Courtenay

SAVE TB REACH Five years ago Canada started new program called TB REACH, that funded tuberculosis detection programs in remote and poorly served areas. Areas like we are now sending our CF-18s. TB REACH was Canada’s own program; we are its only funder. It has proven itself enormously successful at detecting TB and preventing the spread of this ancient, terrible disease. The funding of TB REACH has now come to an end with no sign it will be renewed. The irony is that 5 years of TB REACH has shown it be inexpensive and effective, while ten years of costly war against Islamist radicals in Afghanistan has produced at best inconclusive results. Perhaps Minister Paradis thinks we can no longer afford TB REACH. Perhaps this government prefers spending tax dollars on bombs. Nathaniel Poole Victoria BC

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

More Beefs and Bouquets HERE’S THE BEEF!! Is it really that necessary for persons to drive “THAT” fast, through Petro-Canada’s parking lot to get to the McDonalds! I witnessed a poor landscaper almost being hit by a silver Kia. Yup, I can’t understand how you did MISS the woman by about a foot, as she was wearing the biggest neon safety vest I’ve ever seen. Where is the sign that says “Drive through to McDonalds here...on Petro’s lot?” I am sure you didn’t see it either, at the rate of speed you were going. Did ya know the gas station has outside cameras? More often than not I wish there was a cop there at all times, the city could make some bucks ticketing these drivers that can’t SLOW down to get their “Clown” food! There seems to be no regard for the signs “clearly marked” that Petro has posted. We gas patrons, DESERVE A BREAK TODAY! Slow down people before your “Fries” go ﬂying ... when you do eventually hit and injure some one. They don’t call it the “SPEED THROUGH LANE”! KUDOS to Scott Mont-

gomery for bringing the issue of workplace bullying in SD#71 to the forefront. Thank you for standing up for those of us (and there are many) who are too afraid. This needs to be a wake up call for anyone is a position of authority. And how dare the school trustees not respond to him! We elected them to represent the community and they have an obligation to listen to all and any concerns. I think the list of trustees who did not respond to Scott should be published so we can all be sure not to re-elect them. Seems to me we’ve spent a lot of time discussing/ teaching how not to be bullied. Time to do some work on not being a bully. It always starts at the top. A BOUQUET to Bill Morrison on his observations on the herring ﬁshery. Natives on Haida Gwaii and on Port Alberni inlet have the same views. What else has happened since the fabulous 50’s/60’s - well the DFO removed the seal cull that was in effect from 1913 and BC Hydro accidentally wiped out the species that used to be caught in Tyee Pool. Were there sea lions in

the early 60’s? No doubt there were seeping septics and huge log booms, but the Estuary was teeming with big Springs. Progress and good intentions have messed things up, on the way. A HUGE BOUQUET to the skating instructors of the Comox Valley Regional District Ice Quest program. These young adults are so kind and patient as they work with little people to support them as they learn a very challenging new skill. Thank you so much for all your hard work. Our children are very fortunate to have you teaching them. A HUGE BOUQUET of Tim Hortons coffee and lucky Roll up the Rim to Wins, for the kind random act of kindness from a gentleman in a white truck with Alberta licence plates. Your kindness truly made my day. Thank you ever so much :) A FIELD of spring wildﬂowers to Chuck’s Trucks for their excellent Island Auto Spa service. I took my Toyota Corolla there for an internal and external cleaning. To my hor-

ror, they discovered an infestation of rats, with a large, well-established nest on the air ﬁlter, a glove box full of chewed items and droppings throughout the messy interior and the trunk. The car is rarely used and had been outside all winter, hence the colony of unwanted passengers. Derek and Tim were so understanding of my fears of my fears about the diseases these critters can carry and worked for two days to disinfect everything with hospitalgrade cleaners. Derek even replaced the air ﬁlter with a new one, ran disinfectant through it, twice, and power-washed the engine. With this ghastly job having been managed so very professionally, I was expecting to pay a high fee for the service. But no, it was extremely reasonable. My car looks brand new. On top of all that, Derek and Tim were gracious and informative and my whole experience with them was a delight. What an outstanding, local service! Thank you, Derek. Thank you, Tim. I will recommend your work to everyone needing vehicle cleaning.

10 FRIDAY.MARCH 20, 2015

www.comoxvalleyecho.com

BEEFS & BOUQUETS GOLD MEDALS to the residents of Anderton Ave from 1st Street to 5th. Every year the distance runners of Vancouver Island invade your streets and for two mornings in a row make it inconvenient for you to park your cars and access your homes. The Comox Valley Road Runners and all our guests totally appreciate your cooperation and support in advance for our upcoming 5K race on the morning of March 21st (Sat) and Half Marathon on March 22nd (Sunday). We invite you to come out and join us to cheer on the 600+ runners in both races. Bouquets also to all who need to use the Piercy,

THE COMOX VALLEY’S FIRST AND BEST READER’S FORUM Email to: echo@comoxvalleyecho.com Condensory, Dove Creek and Burns Roads on these mornings between 9 and noon. Thank you for driving slowly and watching for our runners. We will attempt to interfere with your progress as little as possible while keeping everyone safe. THANK YOU SO MUCH, Drew A. Penner and the Echo, for putting a write-up about my desk in your paper. It is home and every time I look at it I smile and am thankful it is back. So many people asked, did I get it back; I smile and say yes with happiness on my face. A BOUQUET of yellow roses to all the knitters at the Comox Library lounge Tuesday evenings! What a group! Super seniors take note - all ages are welcome and refreshments are free. Check them out - I did and it’s a great bunch! A HUGE BOUQUET to the staff at the Union Bay Credit Union. Special thanks to Rhonda and Gracie for the extra help with the passing of my wife. Also special thanks to the staff at the Union Bay Market.

Mar. 20 Dance & Meat Draw Mar. 21 Meat Draw and Dancing 2pm - 5pm Mar. 24 Euchre 1:30pm

Mixed Pub League Darts 7:30pm

Mar. 25 Drop in Darts 1pm Mar. 26 Crib and Gucci 6:30pm & Men's League 7:30pm Fri Mar. 27 Crib and Gucci 6:30pm & Men's League 7:30pm Sat Mar. 28 Meat Draw + Dance

Sun, March 29 Annual Spring Auction in lower lounge of legion - preview at 12:30pm, auction at 1pm

OUR BEEF is aimed at this Drivers Medical that we seniors have to endure. We don’t mind the fact that every two years (for some it is every year), we get notice in the mail that we must take this exam or risk losing our licence. Fine! But the price is outrageous. We are on ﬁxed income and some Doctors are charging nearly $200. For some of us, that deﬁnes whether we eat or not for the next month or two. Getting old is hard enough. A little compassion please. Why can’t this charge be at least below $100 for everyone? HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY baby girl Melissa, March

11, 1979. Wishing you good health, happiness and peace of mind as you enter your 36th year. I’m so proud of you, I wish you knew how much I love you. I pray you never experience the pain I live with, caused by the absence of you and your sister in my life. It’s time to break the cycle, or God forbid, it carries on to a fourth generation. Please do some soul searching, ignore the rumours, and honeybee, please get in touch with me. Love always, Mom xoxo. BEEF to the lady race car driver speeding through Crown Isle about 1 pm on March 17. Just because you drive a black Cadillac Escalade (I know it was a black Cadillac Escalade because all I could see in my rear view mirror was the grill of your SUV all the way up Idiens), doesn’t mean that you own the road. What were you thinking when you passed me on Sussex Drive in front of the park? I was cautiously doing the speed limit as there were workmen and pedestrians on the road, but you must have been doing eighty!! What were you doing blasting your horn all the way to Crown Isle Drive alerting people that they had better clear the way for you? Give your head a shake!! A HUGE BOUQUET to Dr. Bruce at Van Isle Veterinary Hospital for all the compassion and care you showed our Golden Retreiver Elie on his last day with us. You were there for him when we ﬁrst got him in 2003 and you guided us on his last day to send him over ¨The Rainbow Bridge¨ in the end. Because of you he lived out his 14-Plus years as a happy boy, and you gave us the peace to say goodbye to him in the end. To us you are the best Vet in

the city of Courtenay Dr. Bruce, and we want to say a Huge Thank You for all you do and have done for all our pets (kids). Thanks again! THIS IS A HUGE BOUQUET to chef Andrew and the restaurant staff at the Westerly Hotel. Our cancer support group meets there for lunch once a month then, when the restaurant is closed for the afternoon, the hotel lets us use their facility to hold our meeting. This month our meeting fell on St Patrick’s Day so I asked chef Andrew if he could bake a batch of cupcakes with green icing for me to distribute to the members for their dessert. Though it was short notice, he said he could do this for us and that I could pay for the treats when we were there for lunch. When we went to settle our bill, the waitress told me that chef Andrew had told her they were “on the house”. Everyone enjoyed the cupcakes immensely. The dining room staff are always so accommodating to our group but this was extra special. I hope the hotel management realizes what assets they have in their restaurant. Thank you chef Andrew and staff. BEEF to the weed removal company. Every single day of all hours 6,7,8,9 pm you guys call and ask us if we want your service and we say no we aren’t interested and please stop calling, and you guys keep calling. We feel like we are being harassed. What does one have to do to get the weed people to stop calling? IT SEEMS THAT BIKERS are more important than high school students in Comox. As there is no sidewalk, every school day numerous students who attend Highland Secondary school must walk in

the bike lane on Guthrie Road between Anderton and Nootka streets. This is a busy road and at noon especially many students can be seen walking sometimes five across up the street to buy lunch at McDonalds. I drive this road often and rarely see a biker. Why isn’t the biking lane turned into a sidewalk if the city cannot take some of the road allowance to make this much needed walk to give the kids more protection? BOUQUETS to the Cameron Road-Baden Road neighbourhood for allowing our Strathcona Nordics Junior and Masters ski teams to use your neighbourhood as a roller ski practice area for the past five years. The few houses and little traffic has made it a safe area for our group to train and practice, especially this winter when the mountain has been closed. Six of the youth skiers you have seen training there recently, are now in Thunder Bay at Cross Country Ski Nationals. We wear high visibility clothing and have signage up when we are in the area, and try to keep off the road when vehicles are passing. If any neighbours have any comments or input on our usage of this area please approach one of our friendly coaches when you see us there. Thanks for the waves from many of the neighbours. BEEF TO A ROAD full of rocks. I could not believe what I was reading. I assume you live in this neighbourhood as I do. You have brought forth two separate issues. The first one is about the young ski club. Shame on you for singling them out. We have a number of different people using our lovely neighbourhood for the very reason of it being so quiet. Not all the walkers, ATV, new drivers learning to drive as well

as the little munchkins riding their bikes all over the road live in our neighbourhood. It won’t kill you to slow down or even stop for them. I would far rather have the skiers on our road than the ATV doing mach 10 to get to the trails. Some from our own subdivision go too fast down the road. Do you know how hard it is these days to get kids out of the house and away from their gadgets. I welcome any activity that gets kids out in the fresh air. I have never seen anyone run off the road. The road is wide enough for everyone to use. These kids need a safe area to practice. (Continued on page 11)

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BEEFS & BOUQUETS (Continued from page 10) I say right on, good for you to get out and exercise. We all have to give and take, be a little bit more tolerant. As for the parents I am sure now that they know to go single ﬁle in the narrow part and not butt in when its not their turn and slow down everything will be ﬁne. There are people in this subdivision that could learn from this. I also give a bouquet to the coaches and the taxi Moms and Dads for taking time out of your busy lives to get your kids to practice. LOTS OF FOUR LEAF CLOVERS to the group of individuals participating at the St. Paddy’s Day Curling Funspiel. The Comox Valley Sports and Social Club has been helping KidSport raise money for the past 3 years. The group on Saturday was fun, and generous. Shannon Lee Meyers who donated half of her 50/50 winnings (over $80), and many other generous supporters contributed to raise over $500 for kids to play sports in the Comox Valley. A special thanks to Scott Peterson who donated an extra $100 for the Kids. You guys are awesome!

THE COMOX VALLEY’S FIRST AND BEST READER’S FORUM Email to: echo@comoxvalleyecho.com and reassure her that he was grateful for their comments and would ﬁx it. The skateboarder is now sporting protective head gear; congratulations, Boston Pizza for setting a great example to kids in so many ways. THANK YOU, Thank you, Thank you to the person who found my Mazda keys at Costco on the 8th of March and turned them in. I shudder to think in the wrong hands I could have been looking for a car also. A BEEF with North Island residents for sending record tonnage to CVRD to landﬁlls in a number of consecutive months 2014. According to CVRD graphs July, August, September, October were new consistently high dump trips, despite composting, roadside kitchen wastes, recycling by the Provincial program, increased fees. Once again our CVRD directors have a huge challenge - a Bouquet to Directors who will shape our future. Increased user fees and education don’t seem to be working.

big fine...the bigger the better. The RCMP need to start clamping down on these drivers before they kill someone. IN RESPONSE to the Royston resident complaining about the Strathcona Nordics skiers using their neighbourhood for roller skiing practice, we’d like to apologize for any inconvenience they may have experienced. With the lack of snow on local mountains it’s been challenging finding venues appropriate for our training. The Cameron/Baden Road area is one of the best areas we have for our ‘dryland’ roller ski training. We’d be happy to work with local residents to find ways that we could continue to use the area while minimizing disruption to the local residents. Please contact Tim McGrady at 250-897-6412 or meet with our coaches at one of our weekly training sessions. THREE THINGS every pit bull owner will say when their dog attacks you: First, before it bites, “Don’t worry, he’s friendly.” Second, while he’s biting you, “He’s never done that before.” Third, while you go for shots and stitches, “I’ll make sure it doesn’t happen again.” Those are, of course, all lies. It’s been said the breed is being discriminated against. So? We discriminate against lots of things. We discriminate against loaded guns. We discriminate against drunk drivers. We discriminate against serial killers. To see what hundreds of stitches look like on an eight-year old, google Chilliwack Girl Pitbull Photos. Best quote? “A pit bull is just a manmade mistake.” Nobody needs a pit bull.

of the 60 Minute Toastmasters speech contest. Congratulations to Melanie Bagley who took the coveted prize and who will move up to the next round in the North Island Area contest March 21st. Every one is welcome to attend any of our meetings in the Comox Valley. BOUQUETS to the Cumberland Fire Department, Scouts Canada, Girl Guides, Jennifer Stevenson and the residents for their Hike for Hunger in Cumberland. The food and money collected was donated to the Pantry at St. George’s United Church in Courtenay. We were overwhelmed by the response. Thank you so much. BIG BOUQUET to Megan and Hannah at John’s Independent Grocer in Comox. They are always willing to assist with a smile. Lots of seniors shop there and we often need some help or a bit more time. Thank you for going that extra mile, thank you for your generous smile, thank you for doing all this with style!

21st I returned to Cumberland with family to take in the Heritage Fair and was heartened to see a large crowd and lots of booths. After seeing familiar faces and sharing many hugs and handshakes, I was asked to look towards the master of ceremonies. Before I knew it, the speaker said my name and asked me to come to centre stage. I was both surprised and honored to receive a Life Membership from the Historical Society. I was lost for words but warm with appreciation for being recognized for something I truly enjoyed participating in. My sisters (May Gee, who remains in the Valley and Joyce Lowe, who passed away) also received Life Memberships from the Historical Society for their contributions. Just as I returned back towards the crowd I was asked to return to centre stage to receive another award, a Life Membership from the Museum Society. I was overwhelmed. The weekend was a proud moment for my family. A warm thank you with many bouquets to all the people I’ve had the pleasure of knowing, working with and those who have supported me during my time in Cumberland. I have wonderful memories and pride for being from Cumberland. Thank you all for making me feel special.”

THIS TIME A BOUQUET simply won’t do! Your reMY BEEF is about the horsponse to our request for rible drivers in Comox. A donations was incredible. stop sign means “come to We wish to thank everyone a FULL stop” not just slow who donated items, came down then go. Speeding in to shop, and those who in school zones, turning discovered us for the first left on double solid lines, time. An entire field filled not merging when your with daffodils to all of you. lane ends, parking in fire/ LOTS OF POPCORN and canWe also enjoyed hearing bus spots are just the tip your “hospital stories”. dy to Bernard for donating of the iceberg. The RCMP Talk about a win-win situ- his big screen TV to Opare non-existent in Coation! We truly do live in tions Day Program. You mox. Just sit at a 4-way inthe Best of all Places. - made us all super happy tersection for 10 minutes, Thank You Comox Valley so thank you. no-one in this town stops and its citizens from The let alone has half a clue I AM LOOKING for the Saint Joseph’s Auxiliary about right of way. Every person who was walking Thrift Shop volunteers. single time I drive in Cotheir dog Feb 16th at the mox I see people commitI LIVED MY ENTIRE LIFE in Comox Lake Dam parkting driving offences. The Cumberland until just re- ing lot. You reported that school zone LED signs A HUGE BOUQUET to the cently and was proudly in- there had been a bonfire that show your speed are manager of Boston Pizza A STANDING OVATION to ev- volved in the Cumberland in the parking lot and was absolutely useless unless in Courtenay whose recent there’s an RCMP officer ery one who came out and Heritage Fair for close to concerned your dog could response to a customer there to give people a nice supported the candidates ten years. On February have been hurt due to their concern was an example of the best in management HERE’S HOW IT WORKS! principles. When my eleven-year-old granddaughter Our weekly feature, Beefs and Bouquets, and her nine-year-old sisis intended to be a light-hearted forum ter left a note “to the manfor you, our readers, to express brief ager” commenting on the views on issues and events in your lives. fact that the skateboarder It’s not intended to hurt people or make featured on their colorLaura Young, of Courtenay unsubstantiated and libelous comments. ing sheet/menu was NOT Names won’t be published with the beefs Winner of two classic cheese baskets wearing a helmet, the manand bouquets; however, we do need your ager not only immediately from Dairy Queen full name, mailing address and telepulled the offending imphone number for verification purposes. age but phoned my granddaughter (who had left her Each week someone will win a 2 Classic Winners, you may pick up your prize certificates at the front desk of phone number) that same Cheese Basket Meals from Dairy Queen. the Echo, 407-D Fifth Street, during regular business hours. Thanks evening to speak with her Have fun with this! to everyone for the great submissions- keep ‘em coming! BOUQUETS to the CSRD hospital board for collecting $29 million for a down payment on our share of the $240 millions for the $600 million North Island Hospitals. North Island property taxpayers will only have to borrow $211 million. No sense whining about the P3, it’s the only option when the Provincial Government owes $64 billion to lenders, and it’s growing. P3’s are the way of the future. Get over it folks, who thinks that Governments can do everything while cutting taxes.

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

lack of due attention to the matter. I am very interested in finding out about that fire and the security company you reported it to due to an insurance claim I have because of that fire. Please please call me at 250-792-1630. Thanks in advance.

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Author George Mercer will be in Courtenay at The Laughing Oyster Bookshop on Saturday, March 21 from 1-4pm to sign copies of his debut novel Dyed In The Green. Mercer, who hails from Newfoundland but currently resides in North Saanich, has just released his first mystery-suspense novel as part of a six book series of the same name. Dyed In The Green is the first fiction series of its kind about Canada’s national park wardens and the challenges they face protecting this country’s iconic special places. While the first novel is set in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, the series will follow the main characters across Canada with each novel set in a different national park including Wood Buffalo in the Northwest Territories, Jasper in Alberta and Gulf Islands National Park Reserve in British Columbia. Mercer plans for the series to come full circle with the last book set in Newfoundland and Cape Breton. Mercer, who worked for more than three decades as a national park warden and park ecologist, released Dyed In The Green just prior to Christmas. Self-published and distributed, the book is available in independent bookstores across Canada. The second book in the series, Wood Buffalo, is slated for release later this year. For more information, please contact The Laughing Oyster Bookshop at 250-334-2511 or visit their website at www.laughingoysterbooks.com

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Daryl Thompson of Investors Group presents a cheque to the grateful members of the Comox Valley 4-h Calf Club. Photo by Carter Power

*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 Accord LX model CR2E3F3/Civic DX model FB2E2FEX/Fit DX model GK5G3FE (“Specified Models”) for a 60-month period, for a total of 260 payments of $64.90/$41.91/$39.97 leased at 1.99%/0.99%/2.99% APR based on applying $450.00/$350.00/$1,175.00 “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 Accord LX, 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 $16,874.00/$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 $25,745/$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. */#/**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 March 3rd through 31st 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.

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.MARCH 20, 2015

Through fund raising, 888 (Komox) Wing President Jack Shapka presents a check for $300.00 dollars to Randy James, the work experience coordinator at the Mark R. Isfeld Secondary School. 888 Wing makes this donation annually to the Mounted Police Camp, an excellent community project for young Canadians.

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.MARCH 20 2015

THE VOLKSWAGEN

10-DAY SALE Ends March 31

GET UP TO AN ADDITIONAL

$2,500

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2015 Tiguan 2.0T Trendline Monthly lease starting from the equivalent of

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bi-weekly for 48 months**

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1.9 %

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Highline Hi hli model d l shown h

GET A $1,000 DISCOUNT OR MORE ON ALL 2015 MODELS.*

Highline model shown

2015 Jetta 2.0L Trendline

2015 Passat 1.8T Trendline

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1.9 %

Includes $1,500 discount*

APR

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*$2,500/$1,500/$1,500 discount on MSRP available on cash purchase, nance or lease of new and unregistered 2015 Tiguan 2.0T Trendline / Jetta 2.0L Trendline / Passat 1.8T Trendline models. Discount on MSRP available on cash purchase, nance or lease of new and unregistered 2015 models. Discount varies by model. Offer cannot be combined with any other offer not shown in this ad. **Lease payments of $215/$150/$193 on the Tiguan/Jetta/Passat must be made on a monthly basis and cannot be made bi weekly. Bi weekly payment amounts shown include $2,500/$1,500/$1,500 discount. Limited time lease offer available through Volkswagen Finance, on approved credit, based on a new and unregistered 2015 Tiguan 2.0T Trendline / Jetta 2.0L Trendline / Passat 1.8T Trendline base model with 6/5/5-speed manual transmission. $1,760/$1,605/$1,605 freight and PDI included in monthly payment. 48-month term at 1.9% APR. $4,174/$1,299/$4,045 down payment, $260/$200/$240 security deposit and rst monthly payment due at lease inception. Total lease obligation: $14,470/$8,475/$13,301. 64,000-kilometre allowance; charge of $0.15/km for excess kilometres. PPSA fee, license, insurance, registration, any dealer or other charges, options and applicable taxes are extra. 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0T 4MOTION® received a 5-star side-crash rating while the Jetta 4 DR FWD received a 5-star overall rating. Government star ratings are part of the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) New Car Assessment Program (safercar.gov). Crash performance was based on a U.S.-equipped vehicle. Some features on that model may be optional or not available in Canada. The 2015 Jetta/Passat was awarded a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety). To qualify for a Top Safety Pick, a vehicle must earn good ratings in the moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests, as well as a good or acceptable rating in the small overlap front test. Dealer may sell or lease for less. Dealer order/trade may be necessary. Offers valid from March 21 to 31, 2015 at British Columbia dealers only and are subject to change or cancellation without notice. Models shown: 2015 Tiguan 2.0T Highline R-Line, $42,850 / 2015 Jetta 1.8T Highline, $27,385 / 2015 Passat 1.8T Highline, $32,690. Vehicles shown for illustration purposes only and may include optional equipment. Visit vw.ca or your Volkswagen dealer for details. Volkswagen , the Volkswagen logo, Das Auto & Design , Tiguan , Jetta and Passat are registered trademarks of Volkswagen AG. © 2015 Volkswagen Canada.

Sunwest Auto Centre • www.sunwestvw.ca • 250-338-1221 • sales@sunwestautocentre.com • 401 Ryan Road, Courtenay • DLR# 8182

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.MARCH 20, 2015

Open candlestick flare to bridge gap until CVRD settles on plan for gas Methane burning system expected by end of the year; CVRD downplays risks to birds from burner BY DREW A. PENNER Echo Staff The Comox Valley Regional District plans to begin burning landfill gas by the end of the year, in a bid to reduce its environmental footprint and fall in line with BC environmental regulations. It has selected an open candlestick flare system, at a cost of $255,158 USD ($321,287 CDN), to deal with the estimated 22,000 tonnes of methane produced annually by the Comox Valley Waste Management Centre. “We don’t currently collect gas from the landfill,” said Marc Rutten, general manager of engineering services for the CVRD. “It just goes into the atmosphere as methane.” Perennial Energy, a West Plains, Missouribased company that won the contract through a competitive process, says the equipment complies with the US Environmental Protection Agency’s requirements for non-assisted flares. The move comes as the regional district is working on a comprehensive $10.6 million effort to shutter the existing the current garbage dump and move forward with a $21.6 million expansion at the Cumberland site. A landfill flare is considered a “temporary solution” to meeting the Ministry of Environment’s landfill gas regulations, a 2008 piece of legislation requiring operators of garbage dumps of this size to collect, destroy, use or sell the emissions by 2016. “That’s the purpose of this project,” Rutten said.

The Comox Valley Regional District is moving forward with a plan to flare landfill methane generated at the Cumberland dump site. “We’ll be collecting gas in the future and flaring it which is much better for the environment.” Generally landfill gas works out to about 4558% methane and 3545% carbon dioxide. Experts say landfill gas that doesn’t get flared off has an outsized ability to promote the greenhouse effect in the atmosphere. EBA Engineering Consultants Ltd. has begun looking at other ways to use the methane, including selling the gas into the existing gas pipelines grid, generating power through micro turbines or reciprocating engines, producing heat, setting up a combined heat and power system, or convert-

ing the emissions into compressed natural gas or liquefied natural gas. “We’re hoping for some beneficial end use of the gas we collect,” he said. “If we’re not flaring it we’ll be using it to generate electricity, or put into Fortis’s gas system, or something like that.” The regional district chose the open candlestick flare system - instead of a covered flame design - because it gives officials more control over methane burning levels. While the regional district reports both designs can be “problematic to bird populations” and points out that “flares that are sporadic in operation can cause harm to birds if they

use the flare as a perch,” it says it’s confident our feathered friends won’t be adversely affected at the Cumberland landfill. “These types of flares don’t normally have an impact on birds,” Rutten said, noting Pacific Northwest Raptors Ltd. could expand their scarecrow scheme that’s already in place at the dump to deal with any problems that crop up. “They can focus their efforts on any part of the landfill.” Currently there’s no good data on birds injured or killed by methane burners, according to the CVRD. On top of the flare station, the regional district is preparing to install 19 vertical and two horizontal landfill gas collection wells and a gas collection header system in the soon-to-be decommissioned waste site. A $45.3 million solid waste budget, which focuses on Phase 1 of Campbell River and Comox Valley dump closures, has been approved in principal by the Comox Strathcona Waste Management board and is now set for ratification. “Closing these landfills is essentially putting a big plastic tarp over it - although it’s a lot more sophisticated than a tarp,” he said, referring to the geo-membrane material meant to direct precipitation away from contaminates underground. “From within that tarp you’re going to collect gas and continue to remove methane.” The Cumberland landfill add-on is expected to open in 2017.

THE

Leaving Well WORKSHOP

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Bundle mobile with Optik TV and Internet, and save up to $100 on any new smartphone. ™

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*Offer available with any activation of a new TELUS smartphone on a 2 year postpaid consumer rate plan. Promotional discount is the lesser of $100 and the price of the eligible device before tax. The mobility and TELUS Home Services accounts must be in the same name. †Offer available to consumers and businesses operated by a sole proprietor. TELUS Home Services are TV, Internet and TELUS Home Phone. Linking of home services and mobility accounts required to receive the $5/month discount. Only one discount available for each mobility account. The mobility and TELUS Home Services accounts must be in the same name. TELUS, the TELUS logo, Optik, Optik TV, telus.com and the future is friendly are trademarks of TELUS Corporation, used under licence. © 2015 TELUS.

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY. MARCH 20, 2015

17 Mortgage Consulting

ECHO

EXTRA

Ballet Victoria returns to The Sid

Local ballroom dancers place well This past weekend (March 13 &14), local couple & competitors John Burke and Doreen Thompson competed at the 53rd UBC Gala Ball DanceSport competition in Vancouver. With over 200 competitors entered in the weekend events, they placed 2nd in Senior 3 Pre Championship Ballroom and 3rd in Senior 2 Pre Championship Ballroom. The couple’s next competitions will be the Canadian Close DanceSport Championships in Calgary April 3rd & 4th and the 23rd Annual Island Fantasy Ball May 2nd & 3rd at the Beban Park Social Center in Nanaimo. For more information on where you can get tickets for the Island Fantasy Ball check out www.islandfantasyball.com

The passion and drama of a musical genius rocks the stage in Amadeus: Dances With Wolfgang coming to the Sid Williams Theatre on March 27, part of the theatre society’s 2014 - 2015 Blue Circle Series. The music of Mozart and Queen’s Freddie Mercury meet in this incredible balletic journey to stardom performed by Ballet Victoria. The ballet follows the tumultuous career of one of the world’s most famous composers; his unbridled talent torments and consumes him in this

poignant ode to the artist that features classical and contemporary choreography. A choreographer employs the body of his dancer as an instrument. Ballet Victoria artistic director and choreographer Paul Destrooper chooses the genius of Mozart and Mercury as his inspiration to do that and more as dancers’ legs become piano keys and a feather becomes a baton. Mozart’s music will blend with selections from Freddy Mercury as Matthew Cluff dances the lead role of Amadeus and

Andrea Bayne becomes his muse. Destrooper has chosen to blend the music of the two masters as he feels their lives, though lived centuries apart, had many parallels. Both were notoriously innovative, both were incredible showmen and both continued to work though at a time when they knew death was at hand. “The pageantry with which both lived lends itself well to the drama of dance,” said Destrooper, “This ballet is about raw passion, about lives with ﬂair, it is dramatic but as always,

has the light touches of humour Ballet Victoria is known for.” Now in its 12th season, Ballet Victoria is an innovative company dedicated to originality and uses narrative, humour, depth, and classical and popular cultural references to create works that attract a diverse audience. Destrooper choreographs to well known classical and popular music in ways that allow the dancer’s movements to tell a story and gives audiences a familiar connection to each show. (Continued on page 18)

One DAY ONLY Saturday, March 21

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.MARCH 20 2015 all ages and will have you singing and clapping along as Steve performs a one of a kind Concert showcasing the “Real Elvis” on stage. March 20th, live at the Sid Willams Theatre - 422 Cliffe Ave, Courtenay, 7:30

PM to 10:00 PM. Tickets are $27.50 PP and available now at Theatre Box Office: 250.338.2430 www.elviselite.com for more info on Steve www.sidwilliamstheatre.com

Helen Austin’s young son Charlie at his first-ever Fiddle Fest

Dance at Fiddle Fest Fiddle Fest is a tradition here in the Comox Valley. For 15 years, the young ﬁddlers of Fiddlejam have had an annual spring weekend of concerts, music workshops and a rocking Contra dance, all at the Big Yellow Merville Hall. The main entertainers this year are the Foggy Hogtown Boys, in concert at 7:30pm on Friday, March 20th (www.foggyhogtownboys.com). The Foggies will also lead musical workshops on Saturday, March 21st. Workshops, at $5.00 each, will be from 10:30am to 2:30pm. The Band members will teach ﬁddle, mandolin, guitar, banjo and bass to all comers, beginners included, with some jamming thrown in for fun. Doors open at 10:00am. The hall will be open all day so you can even use the kitchen to make your lunch. Saturday night, at 7:30pm, join those frantic Foggies, along with Fiddlejam, for a $10.00 “whoop

it up” Community Contra dance with June Cannon calling the moves. Come early for a Contra lesson. Youth are $5.00 and there is a special family rate. All are welcome to come and dance and meet friends, old and new. Contra dances will be taught on the spot. The Big Yellow Merville Hall is right on the Old Island Highway, between Campbell River and Courtenay. Friday concert tickets at the door are $20.00 adult and $10.00 youth. In advance at Long & McQuade, Courtenay; Blue Heron in Comox; and The Music Plant, Campbell River. Saturday dance tickets are at the door. What: Fiddle Fest Concert and Contra dance with The Foggy Hogtown Boys Where: Big Yellow Merville Hall, Old Island Highway, Merville When: Concert Friday, March 20th. 7:30pm Contra Dance Saturday, March 21st. 7:30 pm FMI: Craig - 339-4249

Ballet Victoria returns (Continued from page 17) Destrooper and his team of twelve professional dancers perform at various venues throughout the province, provide community and school outreach, and collaborate within the artistic communities of professional music organizations. The company has presented over 60 new works. Principal dancers are Andrea Bayne and Matthew Cluff. This is the only North

Island stop on Ballet Victoria’s tour of Amadeus: Dances With Wolfgang. Tickets for this Blue Circle Series performance are $44 for members, $49 for general public, $34 for students and groups of 10 or more. Members can add this show to a 4 or more pack for just $34. Purchase in person at the Ticket Centre Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm, by phone 250.338.2430, or online at sidwilliamstheatre.com.

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Package P k iincludes l d Steve Elliott performs Elvis gospel tunes Friday night at The Sid

Steve Elliott performs Gospel songs of Elvis Steve Elliott’s “How Great thou Art” - The Sacred and Inspirational Songs of Elvis Presley is coming to the Sid Williams Theatre tonight. Born in Nanaimo, this multi -award winning vocalist and performer will bring us the “Gospel side” of the King in a two hour concert, that will inspire and move you. Elvis was brought up in the small religious town of Tupelo where his mother took him to church faithfully. Here, Elvis would discover his voice and knowledge of Gospel music that would shape his life forever. Of course, his career took him in a different direction but he never forsook his faith and he longed to inspire people in the only way he could ... through song! Elvis recorded three full Gospel records and they still continue to sell today in the millions.

“I feel that this too is my true inspiration as a singer ... You cannot fake these songs,” says Elliott. “When I perform them, I really feel connected to God and my audience. People really appreciate the way he put such passion into them. I really feel blessed to be able to do this for a living.” Expect to hear those wonderful songs like, “He Touched Me”, “Crying in the chapel” and fast Upbeat Songs like, “Swing Down Sweet Chariot” and “By and By”. Of course, the audience is always anticipating those big powerful Songs like “Walk on”, “How Great Thou Art” and “ American Trilogy.” “Elvis never had the opportunity to perform a full Gospel concert, and I know he would have wanted to.” This is a must see for any true Elvis fan The show is open to

Suit & Shirt & Tie & Pant Alterations Rentals Available From

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OUR 4 FOR 3 TIRE SALE. IT’S TIME TO SAVE. Buy four selected Goodyear tires for the price of three from March 23 - April 25, 2015. See in-store for details.

I Belong “When I Am 64” plays on March 28th. Support L'Arche and attend this great event. *Buy four selected Goodyear tires for the price of three from March 23 - April 25, 2015. See in-store for complete details. Offers applicable on our Every Day Pricing (EDP) and valid only with a minimum purchase of four (4 identical tires in one transaction. Not valid for Goodyear National Accounts or Fountain Tire Elite Accounts. Inventory may vary by location. All applicable taxes (ie: GST, PST, HST and tire taxes) are extra. ®™ Trademarks of ) AIR MILES International Trading B.V. Used under license by LoyaltyOne Inc, and Goodyear Canada Inc. Fountain Tire is licensed by AMVIC in Alberta.

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View art at home studios Mary Reed and Gail Neuls are very excited to exhibit their paintings in their home studios Mar. 21st and Mar. 22nd. (Sat. & Sun. ) from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. both days. Gail has a very unique way of expression that compels the viewer to discover depth and vision. She begins with direct transcriptions from nature, usually through photographs and, without losing all reality, allows the process to evolve. The experience is captured in a decorative manner with vibrant rich colors and lots of line. Having completed 2 very large commission paintings inspired her to continue in this direction with another very large painting to be unveiled at the tour.

Gail is most anxious to share this new experience. Mary has lived and painted most of her life in the Comox Valley and received all her art credits from North Island college over a period of 9 yrs. and has won several awards. Mary is a realistic impressionist painter who loves art in a number of subjects from people, animals, and landscapes. Mary just ﬁnished a series of landscapes capturing the ﬁltering light and the beautiful colors found in Paradise Meadows. We hope you will join us in our homes at 3350 Fraser Road, Courtenay, and 3509 South Island Highway, Royston. If needing directions call 250-338-2238 or 250-871-5300.

These young women - still in their teens most of them - were workers in the Triangle Factory.

Remembering the women of the Triangle factory fire TheatreWorks plans original production and will ‘strike’ March 25 in remembrance By Pippa Ingram On March 25, 1911 one of the worst factory fires took the lives of 146 young, poor immigrant women at the Triangle Factory in New York. This tragic incident was made even more horrific due to the lack of basic safety standards that should have been in place. Emergency exit doors were barred and stairways were blocked trapping garment workers within. After 100 years the garment industry still appears to ignore the ramifications of poor safety procedure and horrific conditions continue as showed by the 2012 in the Tazreen Fashion factory on the outskirts of Dhaka, Bangladesh. It was the “deadliest factory fire in the nation’s history” with at least 117

people confirmed dead in the fire, and 200+ injured. TheatreWorks’ upcoming production, Threads of Change, is set to tell the heartfelt tales of the young and courageous women in the Triangle Factory debacle and will be launching their original performance in May, 2015. The cast consists predominately of women who will share the stories about how their united struggles, both before and after the tragedy, overcame their cultural and economic differences. Their bonding and the support they gained by their efforts was instrumental in forming the International Ladies Garment workers Union and were significant in advocating change in legislative laws for safety standards.

TheatreWorks will be commemorating the anniversary of the Triangle Factory Fire by reenacting the strike that was a long and drawn out hardship for the garment workers but was supported by Unions and the suffragettes. Theatreworks cast and family will be striking in remembrance on March 25 at 5:00. Look for the costumed procession on 5th Street and Cliffe Ave. or near the Bridge at Lewis Park. Feel free to honk and acknowledge the bravery of the young women and remember the sacriﬁces they made to better their working conditions.

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20 www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.MARCH 20 2015

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A scene from ‘Trick or Treaty?’

CVAG film series concludes with hard-hitting documentary The Comox Valley Art Gallery/TIFF Winter Film Series concludes this Sunday, March 22 at 5pm with ‘Trick or Treaty?’. This provocative documentary is a fitting film with which to place director Alanis Obomsawin alongside the likes of Jean-Luc Godard, Hong Sang-soo, and recent Cannes champion Nuri Bilge Ceylan, for Trick or Treaty? truly proves Obomsawin a master of the art form. Alanis Obomsawin has spent decades chronicling the state-sanctioned indignities and injustices visited on First Nations communities, creating a remarkable body of work driven by equal parts outrage and compassion.

Trick or Treaty?, Obomsawin’s most recent feature documentary, shines a light on the most important document in the history of Canada’s First Peoples: the infamous Treaty 9, a 1905 agreement in which First Nations communities supposedly relinquished sovereignty over their traditional lands - a precedent that is routinely invoked whenever governments are challenged about rights issues involving Aboriginal communities. Against the backdrop of numerous key recent events, such as Chief Theresa Spence’s hunger strike and the rise of Idle No More and other youth-oriented Aboriginal movements, Obomsawin (Continued on page 21)

Magnificent Baltic, alaska & coastals Dave Frinton co-founder / President CruisePlus

e just received some more inventory for this excellent 26 night package departing on June 10th. For $5599 CAD pp you’ll have 2 nights in Copenhagen, then a 24 night cruise on the elegant ms Eurodam with an extensive itinerary including Hamburg, Tallinn, St Petersburg (overnight), Helsinki, Stockholm, Berlin, Oslo, Kristiansand, Stavanger, Shetland Islands, Glasgow, Isle of Skye, Inverness, Edinburgh and Newcastle upon Tyne. The price is for a high category balcony stateroom and includes roundtrip Vancouver air, a $100 per stateroom onboard credit and all taxes. This is exceptional value, but you must book before March 31. Speaking about northern cruises, but this one a little bit closer to home, we have a really terriﬁc 15 night package to Alaska on May 31st. You will board the Amtrak train (in business class) to Seattle, where you’ll enjoy one night 4 star hotel. You will then board the ms Statendam for the best cruise itinerary in Alaska – with ports including Ketchikan, Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Anchorage, Homer, Kodiak, Sitka and Victoria before your transportation back to Vancouver. The price for a high category ocean-view stateroom is only $2499 CAD pp including a $100 per stateroom onboard credit and all taxes. We’ve got lots of Alaska options, but this one is very special and there’s a June 28th departure

Picturesque Copenhagen that is only $100 more. Ask about two 14 night roundtrip Vancouver sailings June 14 and 28 and two 7 night roundtrip Vancouver deals we have on September 13 and 20. We have two Vegas & Coastal cruise deals in May. This includes your ﬂight to Las Vegas, 3 nights in a 4 star hotel, air to San Diego and all taxes for $999 CAD for an oceanview (May 10th on the ms Zaandam) or $1099 CAD for a nice balcony (May 2nd aboard the ms Noordam). If you prefer to stay in San Diego instead of Las Vegas, we have that option available too. Please call CruisePlus at 250-390-0220 or toll free at 1-877-722-2202. We’ve got a great team of ethical, noncommissioned travel consultants. Come visit us – we’re located in the old Winchelsea House restaurant located on the corner of Lantzville & Caillet roads in Lantzville. For the ﬁrst look at our deals, please remember to sign up for our emails at

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1-877-722-2202 | cruiseplus.ca ‘New bookings only. Prices are per person based on 2 sharing and subject to availability at the time of booking. CruisePlus Management Ltd. BPCPA #3325-0

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.MARCH 20, 2015

Trick or Treaty

Poet Laureate ﬁnalists performing Friday

(Continued from page 20) interviews a string of legal, historical, and cultural experts - as well as people whose forebears were present when the treaty was signed more than a century ago - about the corrupt genesis of Treaty 9. The deeper Obomsawin digs, the more disturbing the revelations. It gradually becomes clear that the printed copy of the treaty is not the only valid version. Even more startling, the First Nations signatories themselves were not able to see the written treaty until decades after the signing, and then in a language they didn’t understand. As powerful, provocative, and important as any of her previous ﬁlms, Trick or Treaty? once again demonstrates why Obomsawin is one of Canada’s most vital cinematic voices. Tickets are $13, $12 for CVAG members, available at the CVAG Gift Shop, 580 Duncan Ave, Downtown Courtenay (6th and Duncan) and at the door if available (Door: cash only, exact change appreciated). To purchase tickets over the phone call CVAG at (250) 3386211. All screenings are at the Rialto Theatre on Sundays at 5:00pm (Driftwood Mall - 2665 Cliffe Ave, Courtenay). For complete Film Series information visit our website at www.comoxvalleyartgallery.com or follow us on Twitter @CVAGFilm for updates and news.

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Hopefuls will read/perform their works today at Courtenay Library Words and verse, emotion and intensity, this Friday afternoon the public will get a chance to hear and see the ﬁnalists chosen for the Comox Valley Poet Laureate Search. The CV Community Arts Council event, being hosted by the Courtenay Library, will lead off with a reading by noted author Linda Rogers, a former Victoria poet laureate and a member of the jury selecting the local poet. Rogers says she found the range of local poetry submissions striking. “I am excited to see the diversity in poetry that represents the Courtenay area,” she says. “From street to formal, stage to page, their voices form a choir. I’m thinking of your ﬁrst poet laureate as a conductor and hope everyone will join in the celebration and lamentation, whatever is needed.” A total of 15 poets have submitted their work to the contest, which carries an honorarium of $1000 and the chance to open for Shane Koyzcan at his sold-out show at the Sid Williams Theatre on Tuesday. “All the candidates have very strong applications,” says

Jury member Linda Rogers Josie Patterson, a young songwriter and spoken word artist who has joined Rogers, rapper Eric Ettinger and North Island College English Department chair Anne Cumming on the jury. “I’m excited to see what the ﬁnalists are like in performance.” Patterson said she believes “poetry outreach in the community, especially as far as youth are concerned, is es-

sential.” She said that in addition to quality of writing and performance, she is looking for the candidate who has the best “motivation and ideas towards poetry in youth, and giving them a voice.” She called the contest “such an amazing opportunity” for writers of verse. “I am so grateful to be a part of this.” The Linda Rogers reading begins at 3:30 p.m. Friday,

followed by the ﬁnalists beginning at 5:30 p.m. The winner of the Comox Valley Poet Laureate Search will be announced at the Koyczan show Tuesday evening. The search is sponsored by the CV Community Arts Council, North Island College English Dept., the City of Courtenay, School District 71, Cumberland Village Works and Vancouver Island Regional Library.

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.MARCH 20 2015

Village begins sprucing up final resting spaces Council votes on first step of cemetery master plan implementation BY DREW A. PENNER Echo Staff In the face of continued vandalism, deteriorating pathways and spreading moss, Cumberland has voted an action plan for improving its main cemetery into play. The Village council selected a series of recommended and optional projects to complete in 2013 - totaling $47,000 which it hopes will inspire pride and respect for a locale treasured by many, while preparing a space for future burials. “We tried to pick out projects that will give that bang for the buck, seeing as council has so many other priorities and there’s limited funding,” said Rachel Parker, deputy corporate officer. “We’ve gone for the ones that we see had the best value.” In 2014 the Village set $50,000 aside in a reserve for cemetery work. A 2014 cemeteries master plan was produced as a guide for the development of the facility, located along Minto Road. After earmarking $10,000 to cover a certificate of public interest for the Chinese and Japanese cemeteries, and another $3,000 for a Chinese Cemetery survey, the Village was left with $37,000 to play with. It came up with a list of recommended projects including planting 25 trees, opening new interment areas and putting $5,000 towards a 25-year perpetual care fund. Parker said tidying up the perimeter should be the first plan of attack, since discarded concrete and garbage has sullied the community facility in recent years. “We think it’s a good investment just to clean that up,” she said. “I think it’s really important for the public to see the Village is making an investment in the cemetery and I think that’s a good first step.” Village politicians and staff are seeking ways to put a stop to the destructive use of ATVs and trucks in the cemetery, which, like much of the Village, is

Empty bottles and concrete slabs dot the Minto Road cemetery perimeter.

Cumberland hopes people will be inspired to care more about their cemetery and avoid causing damage to the property with trucks or ATVs.

pany to lock the cemetery up at night. Coun. Jesse Ketler said all this extra love invested into the cemetery will have a big impact. “Cleaning it up will

probably decrease vandalism,” she said. “If we’re spending more time there and putting more effort into it, it will show that we value it.” (Continued on page 23)

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The history of Cumberland is etched on its tombstones. just a few burnouts away from a recreational trail network. “We have a little bit of vandalism every year,” Parker said. “We have trucks go through there and tear up the grass.” On top of supporting the slew of recommended projects, such as survey and design work, installing (but not connecting)

an underground irrigation system and developing marketing materials such as a brochure and an onsite kiosk, council voted for a basket of optional projects - costing an extra $10,000. This includes top dressing roadways, installing natural or “green” burial area border landscaping and paying a security com-

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Tech support

I suspect there’s a lot more people working in ßtech here than we realize. ... It’s becomig more and more like you can work from anywhere.” PATRICK HAYES Highwire Press

Chamber of Commerce to boost technology business industry via expo this fall BY DREW A. PENNER Echo Staff Patrick Hayes taps away at his laptop in the brightly lit Red Tree Café. From Tin Town in Courtenay, the 32-year-old is in the midst working on reams of code for Highwire Press, a digital content and hosting company based in the Silicon Valley region. “There’s a whole sexy world of venture capitalists, billionaires and tech entrepreneurs,” Hayes said, recalling the environment he witnessed over three-and-a-half years - as well as the reality of the daily grind. “It’s good work, but it’s not glorious.” Provincial politicians and the local business community are looking for ways to harness the potential of developing a vibrant tech sector in the Comox Valley. The jobs are lucrative, there is little environmental impact - at least on the surface - and the allure of promoting yourself in a region at the forefront of the digital sphere is strong. Hayes and his wife decided to leave the San Francisco rat race behind when they began planning for a baby, not wanting to raise their child in the city. The computer systems analyst’s story mirrors that of many technology industry workers who have either continued their digital jobs from a new home in the Comox

Valley or started companies from the comfort of this picturesque Eastern Vancouver Island locale. Following an industry roundtable last year, the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce has now announced it will hold a North Island tech expo in the Comox Valley this fall, as it seeks to shine a light on the technology-based business community. The October 23 event will feature a guest speaker and highlight local ﬁrms, as organizers attempt to add gas to the Valley’s tech sector engine. “This is an industry that isn’t necessarily front and centre, but technology affects every single one of us every day,” said Dianne Hawkins. president and CEO of the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce, adding the organization has identiﬁed the tech sector as a key area to focus on. “There’s little pods of things happening all over the place.” That’s something Hayes would generally agree with. “I suspect there’s a lot more people working in tech here than we realize,” he said. “The thing about high tech stuff is it’s becoming more and more like you can work from anywhere.” And he thinks the key to building a strong tech sector will be for local governments to continue to focus on quality of life issues. “For people who can work wherever they want,

Patrick Hayes at work if you can make this an attractive place to work, they’ll come,” he said, adding that will mean focusing on making the community more “livable” through densiﬁcation, public transit development and protection of natural features. Another key component could be local governments adopting open data policies to spur innovation, he added. Courtenay councillor Bob Wells, who moved to the Comox Valley for the very quality of life reasons pointed to by Hayes, said the City is has begun implementing new software systems that will make the community just that much more high tech.

Village sprucing up cemetery (Continued from page 22) Coun. Sproule applauded the work of staff to look at the $338,000 in suggested work and pick out the most important elements to get started on. “I think you’ve done a really good job, because there are so many things in the plan,” she said. “And we’d like to do them all, but you’ve looked at

what we have left in the budget and picked those out. Those are doable and really important.” Sproule says she’s glad the Village is shining a light on something that has remained largely in the background. “We haven’t really done much with our cemetery for so long,” she said. “It’s almost been invisible until we got this cemetery master plan.

“And I think it’s a growing place.” Mayor Leslie Baird said she’s pleased the projects are moving forward. “I think you’ve covered many of the items we were wanting to look at,” she said. “I know when we were doing the process and doing the master plan there was a lot of concern that we would do the plan and not implement anything.”

“The City of Courtenay has actually developed an asset management software program,” he said. “It helps them look at all their projects.” Perhaps most striking is his personal story of leaving behind a top post available in Calgary to enjoy the pace of life the Comox Valley has to offer. He ran the internet department for Shaw Cable for six years but ultimately decided to build a tech support business here, instead. Now the Chamber of Commerce wants to draw attention to all the players that have been growing the technology scene and says its fall expo will be the perfect vehicle through which to do it. “I’m just really excited about the opportunities,” Hawkins said. “It’s time for our community to see what we have.”

24 www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.MARCH 20 2015

Highland extends deadline for its International Baccalaureate Program Highland Secondary School is extending the deadline for their International Baccalaureate (IB) Program. “We have had a number of applicants for September of 2015,” reports Andrew Black, the IB programme coordinator, “but we do need more in order to have the programme run next year. We are encouraging students and parents to take a closer look at IB and the many advantages it offers the university-bound student.” Highland’s two year IB program - now moving into its fourth year - provides an opportunity for students who wish to excel academically and who wish to attend col-

lege or university after high school. In fact, IB coursework includes university level content, providing an excellent foundation for future academic success. Students may opt to take the whole IB Diploma or to select individual course options, choosing the courses that best suit their interests and aptitudes. IB English, French, History, Biology, Chemistry, Math, Art, Theatre and Theory of Knowledge are all on offer, taught by specially trained teachers! Students may easily combine IB courses with regular BC course offerings. All IB students earn a BC Dogwood graduation

Grade 12 IB students at a recent retreat to the VIU Deep Bay Marine Research Centre. Jack and Noah are preparing to do a night beach seine to sample and identify marine life.

Celebrate Water Day on March 21 “Take the Pledge: Tap Into Water” is the theme of World Water Day, March 22, 2015. Considering the extended Boil Water Advisory in December/January, and the potential drought conditions this coming summer, many people are thinking a lot more about water. Consider also that the provincial government is in the ﬁnal stages of enacting a new Water Act which will have further impact on our watershed. The population of the Comox Valley is 68,000. How many of those 68,000 people realize that our community does not own its own watershed? “We go to the sink, open up a tap, ﬂush the toilet or step into a shower: and out VOILA! Out comes the water. But where does our drinking water come from?

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And how can we protect it?” says Linda Safford of CV Water Watch. On Saturday March 21, a “Meet & Greet” educational session, sponsored by CV Water Watch and the CV Council of Canadians, will be happening between 11 am and 4 pm in the park at the Courtenay courthouse, on England Avenue. There will be people who have worked on local water issues to talk with; there will be tables with information, and the materials and opportunity to write letters. We invite you to take a few moments to stop by and learn how you can help to ensure there will be water for our children and their children, for seven generations to come. Bring your empty plastic bottles - we will recycle them!

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certiﬁcate in addition to their IB credentials. According to Mac Gold, a 2014 IB graduate now studying at UVic, “In every one of my courses I have seen at least a glimpse, if not the entirety, of what we will be studying. “The issues students are having in university with concepts, I’ve had explained to me one on one with my high school teachers; I think that makes a massive difference. I have literally seen every topic in my university courses within IB.” Students report that the most difficult transitions they face when they move to post-secondary education are the challenges of effective self-discipline and time management. The IB Diploma Program provides students with a solid background in these areas. “Life after high school becomes largely about knowing how to balance time, whether that be with university or a job,” said Gold. “You reach a point in your life where you need to know how to manage large workloads over extended periods of time. I think IB really helps with that; when I and some

other students made a video about IB last year the most repeated praise for IB from students was its time management development. I think that students taking one course, or all six, will find that this will help them significantly with their future.” Most importantly, IB encourages students to widen their perspectives and to learn how to think deeply about local and global issues. “I think that although IB teaches students more about each specific subject it also teaches you how to think critically and how to think about a topic from all angles,” reports Gold. “That kind of mind set is valuable not only in school and post-secondary, but also in life. I think many people feel more able to give their full educated opinion on issues of large controversy because of this kind of mindset development.” For more information, check out the IB Program tab on highland’s website or contact Andrew Black, the IB coordinator, at Andrew.Black@sd71.bc.ca. Check us out on Facebook at www.facebook. com/HighlandIB.

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Commissions, trailing commissions, management tees and expenses all may be associated with mutual fund investments. Please read the prospectus before investing. Mutual funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. Rates and prices as of March 17. 2015 . Rates and prices subject to change and availability. RBC Dominion Securities Inc.* and Royal Bank of Canada are separate corporate entities which are affiliated. *Member-Canadian Investor Protection Fund. RBC Dominion Securities Inc. is a member company of RBC Wealth Management, a business segment of Royal Bank of Canada. ®Registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under licence. © 2015 Royal Bank of Canada. All rights reserved.

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

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Andy Everson performs a log blessing ceremony at Courtenay Elementary with the help of students Alexzander, Josalyn, and Jade and their teacher Heidi Jungwirth

Courtenay Elementary begins carving project with a blessing Courtenay Elementary School celebrated the beginning of their aboriginal carving project this Tuesday. The school had a special ceremony led by Andy Everson to bless the logs that will be turned into the centerpieces of the school’s garden gate project. All 185 students squeezed into the school’s outside covered area to watch as Andy Everson conducted the ceremonial blessing of the logs. This included singing, drumming, and brushing the logs with cedar boughs. The ceremony ended with the lead carver on the project, Karver Everson, joining his uncle in spreading eagle down feathers on the logs, which represent peace.

The entire project has been funded by a grant from Artstarts in Schools, a non-proﬁt organization that aims to bring professional artists into BC schools. The logs were generously donated by Western Forest Products. Grade 5 and 6 teacher Heidi Jungwirth, who is leading the project and originally put in the grant application, described the event as emotional and moving: “Having all the kids watching intently as Andy’s chants echoed through the outdoor space made all the work we’ve been doing very worthwhile”. Already the students have all worked with John Powell to learn about K’omoks art styles and techniques and with school district staff

to learn the story of Queneesh, and the totem that goes with it. Between now and June the younger students will be selecting and painting an animal, which will be displayed as part of the new gates for the school community garden. The older students will also be more directly involved in painting and ﬁnishing the poles being carved. The school is planning to complete and unveil the entire project on June 22nd as part of the community’s celebration of National Aboriginal Day. They are conﬁdent that this project will be an ongoing symbol of what is possible when the community comes together to support children.

Toscano's is now OPEN FOR LUNCH 11:30am - 2pm Monday to Friday. Join us for Lunch by March 31 and Come in and enjoy the Italian lunches you have been missing for the last seven months. We look forward to seeing you all!

CARRIERS WANTED No collection required. Great exercise! Call Comox Valley Echo • 250-334-4734 or drop by 407-D 5th Street, Courtenay COURTENAY Rt. 7125 – Salsbury, Bood, Barford Rt. 7134 – Salsbury, Mills, Rachel, Houlgrave

Comox Valley Council of Canadians

COMOX Rt. 1125 Rt. 2107A

Special talk on effects of EU trade agreement

Rt. 2118

Stephen Harper promotes the new trade agreement with the European Union by describing it as the most comprehensive trade agreement ever signed and points out that it’s with the largest integrated market in the world. He tells us that it’s about much more than removing tariffs. It’s also about government procurement, regulation, professional and industry standards and investment rules. Yet most of us know

little about this agreement and others that the government is negotiating. “Will they beneﬁt those of us who live and work on Vancouver Island? What will their affect be on jobs, our local economies, our local governments and on our environment?” asks Alice de Wolff, chair of the Comox Valley Council of Canadians. “Are We Being Sold Out? Jobs, Trade and the Economy” is an evening of information and discussion co-sponsored by the Comox Valley Council of

Canadians and the Campbell River, Courtenay and District Labour Council. It will take place in Courtenay on Thursday, March 26, 7 PM in the Rotary Room at the Filberg Centre. Three speakers will stimulate the discussion. Ellen Gould is a longtime trade and policy researcher who is particularly watching a new agreement called the “Trade in Services Agreement”. She is based in Powell River and is associated

with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. Brenda Sayers is the spirit behind the Hupacaseth First Nation’s court challenge to the Canada China Foreign Investment Protection and Promotion Agreement, and has toured the country talking about First Nations concerns about trade. Alice de Wolff is a long time trade activist and is the current chair of the Comox Valley Council of Canadians. The event is open to the public.

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Plaque on ‘Walk’ dedicated to mom spoke at the induction, The plaque is installed taught her how to write now, right in the pavement and instilled a love of draon Fifth Street, in front of ma and public speaking the Rattan Plus store. skills. It’s one in a series in She didn’t forget an earthe Comox Valley Walk of ly employer, either. Mike Achievement, honouring McLaughlin, former ownlocal residents who have er of the famed Old House gone on to make their restaurant, was present mark in the world. and thanked for allowing But this plaque is parher to learn the value of ticularly special for its reservice by working there. cipient. Louise Carvalho, a “Ted Holekamp - the former Highland Secondﬁrst one to make me feel ary student, has dedicated like a lawyer ... not only to the award to the memory be one, but to be cool at of her mother, Sheila, who the same time,” she said. passed away last year. Louise chose the phrase Louise was honoured “A world without borders” with the induction into the to go on her paver stone. Walk of Achievement on “We all have a tendency Dec. 21, just before Christto erect borders. We’re mas, on one of her visits constantly throwing up home from France, where these silly borders. If you she now lives. have a border you want to Proud father Dr. Lui get rid of - stamp it out,” Carvalho and brother Sishe said. mon were among the large She noted that the crowd of friends, former award, while in her name, teachers and employers is “truly a community who came out to honour achievement.” the outstanding student, * A memorial mass for accomplished lawyer and Sheila Carvalho is being even better human being. offered on Sunday, March Louise works as an in22 at 10:30 a.m. at the ternational lawyer and has Christ the King Church served in such postings as in Courtenay. All are welWalk of Achievement ceremony: From left to right, Cumberland Mayor Leslie Baird, CVRD chair Bruce Joliffe, Courtenay Mayor Larry Legal Advisor to the Eurocome. pean Union on Economic Jangula, Comox Mayor Paul Ives, recipient Louise Carvalho, and Walk of Achievement committee member Jackie Green. Development in Kosovo followed by three years as Legal Advisor to EULEX, the European Union Rule 2082 Park Drive 1100 Arrowsmith Ave of the Mission in Kosovo. $ $ For two years she worked “MLS# 386070 “MLS # 386065 in Brussels for OPCW, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, which earned the 2013 Nobel Peace Prize. You've been waiting for this Comox home to come on the market that is close Fabulous custom built home of more than 2200 sqft is situated on a large And she has recently to the hospital, shopping & great restaurants. Enjoy the mountain & ocean sunny lot in the desirable Courtenay East views from the upstairs or deck. begun working in Geneva with CERN, the European #11-1935 Capelin Place 1693 Little River Organization for Nuclear $ Research which earned $ the Nobel Physics Prize in MLS # 384485 2001. MLS# 383652 While her practice is International Administrative Law, Louise has found that when she takes Fabulous ocean & coastal mountain views from this exceptional designed time to work within the townhome to enjoy year round. Open concept, loft, vaulted ceilings and 2 Zoned Industrial Light that is located close to CFB Comox base comes with many private balconies. Ideal for seasonal or full time residence. community she has had uses warehousing, offices, automobile body shop, industrial equipment sales $ extraordinary experiencand service, garden nursery and commercial greenhouse use and processing, B-1033 Monarch Drive veterinary clinics, animal hospital, wood processing, and many more es and made wonderful MLS # 382708 friendships. Sheila Carvalho - the Walk of Achievement plaque is dedicated 2625 Muir Road, Unit 10 IMAGINE! And that’s mainly why to her by recipient Louise Carvalho CROWN ISLE FOR UNDER she was inducted into the $ $400,000 While Louise’s list of everything her children (not a condo Walk of Achievement, acor townhouse) mls #387617 when did was “infectious”. cording to committee accomplishments growing up is almost too She said her mom and One of the few Duplex ranchers available in Crown Isle. An open floor plan with member Dave Durant. 9 ft ceilings and 10 1/2 ft Vaulted ceilings in the living area along with a gas He noted that while in long to list - including dad “egged us on confireplace. Two bedrooms with an ensuite off the master bedroom along with a winning the top award for stantly” and “visited us walk-in closet. A den or office off the main entrance. Enjoy living without strata Kosovo, for instance, LouNew Listing !!! 2 bedroom, 2 bath in desirable Courtenay East fees but still enjoy the Crown Isle lifestyle! ise organized events and Highland grads - she is everywhere”. modest and gives all the “I have a family support Want your fundraisers to help orLaughter is like a house in credit to the Valley’s pub- I wouldn’t trade for milphans. this ad windshield wiper, lic education system. And lions of dollars,” she said. Call Me !!! “You have chosen to be it doesn`t stop the rain Louise also mentioned selﬂess. It’s for that rea- her mother. but allows us to keep going ! She noted that her the many inspiring public son that we are honouring you today. You under- mother gave up working school teachers in her life. “Those teachers made stand what it means to as a Registered Nurse in Ocean Pacific Realty order to be home for her a huge impact in my life,” be inspired ... and you are and her brother. Her enshe said. One, in particu250-897-9189 (c) (e) waynemcloughlin@remax.net inspiring to all of us,” he Wayne’s thusiasm and support for lar, Tim MacKinnon, who 282 Anderton Road, Comox said. 250-339-2021 (o) quote of the week

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Ice senior boys go 2-2 at provincial tourney CODES COUNTRY LANES Bowling highlights from Codes Country Lanes: Monday AM - Barb Lane 251, Micki MacDonald 241, Evelyn Foot 194, Kathleen Wagstaff 174, Roy Brekke 219, Bob Sharp 238, Arnie Morrison 219, Heather Abraham 199, Dave Stacey 193, Ria Tjart 193. Monday PM - Rick Rodriguez 211, Ivan Ally 266, Pat Huntley 201, Lucille Smith 194, Erma Wilson 287, Val Johnson 189, Colleen Torrie 207, Lyle Torrie 192, Kelvin Davis 198, Bruce Ram 171. Monday Youth - William Derksen 139, Brycen Burgess 137, Jack Friesen 100, Ava Friesen 68. Tuesday Breakfast - Jane Wedge 203, Barb Pottruff 227, Laurie McWillis 234, Marilyn Shetterly 194, Mary MacArthur 197. Tuesday 12:30 - George Andrews 175, Ev Andrews 215, Allison Bennett 139, Garry Pearson 149, Judith Munro 139. Tuesday Adult - Duwanee Granneman 217, Ross McWillis 233, George Ghinis 247, John West 232, Ed Carefoot 254, Ian Taylor 195. Wednesday 9:30 - Art Wesner 190, Ria Tjart 194, Marie Israel 245, Heather Abraham 191, Pat Stauffer 186, Paul Riley 204, Pat Ailles 178, Bert Brown 191. Tuesday CRA - Leona Wagner 134, Cori Pagnoni 155, Daniel Erb 146, Lindsay Clayton 123, Brian Mitchell 161, Carly Buchan 125, Gary Scavarda 92. Wednesday CRA - Karen Slater 124, Clint McColl 157, Michael Campbell 184, Larry McCooey 183, Tiffinee Nicol 178, Jessica Anderson 114, Russell Enright 123, Lyle Farnham 96. Wednesday Adult - Matt Casavant 224, Chad Kelly 232, Tannis Pond 217, Dave Pond 203, Al Gavel 228, Mike Espey 251, Sontina Espey 252, Ross McWillis 217, Ken Bird 288, Rick Granneman 216, Bruno Bagden 246, BRIAN BOOTH 325, Tom Nurse 243, Rose Stenabaugh 192. Thursday GA - Vera Winter 207, Bob Van Nes 230, Bea Tomkinson 192, Mina Putnam 224, Barb Casey 207, Bruce Ram 172, Dorothy Broadbent 164, Grace Rodriguez 249, Ivan Ally 213, Linda Meers 211. Thursday Adult - CANDACE McLELLAN 300, PAUL ZORZ 308, ANDREW STUBBING 317, Ed Carefoot 224, Lorne King 220, Jordan Austin 226, Lindsay Henwood 152, Darrell Funk 164, Jessica Davies 165, Jessica Giroux 278, Scott VanAchte 258, Rick Kroeker 263, Janet Ellis 190, Kevin Gurnham 189. Friday GA - Arnie Auerbach 207, Ickle Brown 219, Bert Brown 220, Ken Scavarda 214, Roy Brekke 206, Jim Bennett 230, Gerhard Sorger 209, Joan Lucas 192. Special O - Zach Z 140, Morgan Bell 173, Jamie Bennett 174, Matt Cadwell 191, Mary Wells 174, Colin Wells 186, Paul Riley 183, Trevor Carter 153, Marilyn Shetterly 178, Allison Bennett 162.

The Ice returned from a successful provincial championships with a 2-2 record, identical to last year. In the opening round game Isfeld faced a much taller Charles Hays Rainmakers team from Prince Rupert.

After trailing 16-13 at the end of the ﬁrst quarter the Ice were outscored 2211 in the second. Had it not been for a tough shooting second quarter Isfeld would have been even closer to the Rainmakers, ﬁnally losing 62-49.

Golfing news Glacier Greens, Saturday Mar. 14th - The weather at 8:30 was rain and wind so a lot of golfers stayed home. Some came out and then went home, but 35 stayed and played. The rain and wind stopped just as they started. Good for those who stayed, here are the results: HCP 0-16 1st Low Gross Terran Berger 73, 2nd Chris Kalnay 74. 1st Low Net Dave Wacowich 68 c/b, 2nd Willie Oliver 68. Snips Hole #8 Chris

Kalnay, #9 Dave Wacowich, #16 Dave Brooker. HCP 17+ 1st Low Gross John Pringle 85, 2nd Ken Doll 91. 1st Low Net Len Doyle 66, 2nd Nick Mykitiuk 71, Snips Hole #2 Nick Mykitiuk,. No Pot Of Gold winner this week. Winner of Ben Gill challenge closest to the pin on hole #15 was Wayne Mabee. Remember get your entry in for the Shootout. We have been lucky with the weather this winter. Till next week, see ya. - Submitted by Ron Carter

Davis Malton lead all scorers with 15 on 5-9 3-point shooting while Nic Xylinas added 11 and Noah Kaefer chipped in with 12. Xylinas was the team’s leading rebounder with 11. In game number two Isfeld faced a tough, quick McNair Marlins squad from Richmond. After being down just 7 in the ﬁrst half ( 38-34) the Ice ran out of gas and lost 77-58. The struggle against McNair was rebounding. Whereas the night before against Charles Hays the Ice outrebounded the taller Rainmakers 43-40 McNair owned the glass outrebounding Isfeld 4734. Of those 47 rebounds 20 came on the offensive glass. That lack of defensive rebounding proved to be too much to overcome. Nic Xylinas and Noah

JamCan Curling 2015 (6-12 years) Two fun ﬁlled days of playing curling on ice! NO experience is necessary! Learn about the game of curling in a fun way! All you need are clean shoes, a helmet and warm clothes! Don’t miss out on the fun! Register as an individual

Our website is www. cvdbc.com and our email is playbridge@shaw.ca For more information, please contact Linda Marinus at (250) 338-2544. D’Esterre Duplicate Bridge Results for Tuesday, 10th March (11 tables): N/S - 1. Jack and Carol Bradshaw; 2. Tom and Betty Thomsen; 3. Phil Sandford and Vic Vlaj; 4. Dianne McKinnon and Joan Erickson. E/W - 1. Dick and Lynn Sangster; 2. Tie, Karin Franzen and Ann Cook, Dianna Rickson and Evelyn Ware; 4. George and Trish Kirkwood. Results for Friday, March 13th (13 1/2 Tables): N/S - 1. Tom Dugdale and Dianna Rickson; 2. Phil Sandford and Maureen Olafson; 3. Dianne McKinnon and Ruby Paulson; 4. Lyall and Maureen Ashbaugh. E/W - 1. Bob Dugas and Paul Bozenich; 2. Peter and Glenda McGrath; 3. Dick and Lynn Sangster; 4. Denise Holst and Betty Fountain. Results for Saturday, 14th March (8 1/2 tables): N/S - 1. Jean Tait and Denise Holst; 2. Dianne McKinnon and Ruby Paulson; 3. Doug and Penny Poole. E/W - 1. Irene Smith and Betty Fountain; 2. Harvey Piercy and Ann Cook; 3. Jack and Carol Bradshaw.

Fraser Valley number 4 Charles Best 77-48. After a poor shooting ﬁrst half in which the Ice found themselves down 27-24 and outrebounded 22-15, Isfeld staged a rally in the third quarter outscoring the Penguins 14-6 and posting a 5 point lead. In the 4th quarter the Ice continued their hard work on the glass and timely shot making to beat Dawson Creek 55-42. In the second half the Ice held the Penguins to 15 points and kept them off the glass by outrebounding them 22-11. Isfeld ﬁnished 22-11 for the season with their second straight trip to the 3A provincials. After struggling before the Winter Break with a 3-3 record the Ice closed out the season going 19-8.

Last day to register for JamCan Curling

Bridge club news CV Bridge Club Thursday “play and Learn” sessions will be held again on March 26 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm at the Lion’s Den in Comox. Play hands and discuss the bidding, play and defense after each hand. The cost is $5.00 and if you have any questions please call Jack Bradshaw at (250) 703 - 0397. Monday, March 9, 2015 A 1/2 Bob Dugas - Barrie Turnham 1/2 Jack Bradshaw - Carole Bradshaw 3 Sharon Hysert - Dianna Rickson B 1 Glen Parsons Dave Proctor 2 Barbara Morris Howard Cohen C 1 Tom Dugdale - Jeanette Baron Thursday, March 12, 2015 A 1 Allen Hopwood Lorraine Gargan 2 Marilyn Hannah Jane Cunningham 3 Carole Bradshaw - Dianna Rickson 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.

Kaefer led the team with 28 each. After an evening of soul searching and an early morning practice to correct the issues from the day before the Ice faced a tough, physical and much bigger LV Rogers team from Nelson. Playing with a renewed commitment to the defensive glass the Ice outrebounded the Bombers 38-30 winning the game 60-52. Davis Malton led the team in rebounding with 10 and chipped in with 14 points for his ﬁrst double double at the tournament. Xylinas and Kaefer each scored 22. This win set up a Saturday showdown with the upset minded Dawson Creek Penguins. The previous night Dawson Creek had dismantled

NOW AVAILABLE Call Rod about our

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FOOT

OR as a team of 4. Registration deadline is March 20th. PICK UP YOUR REGISTRATION PACKAGE AT THE LEWIS CENTRE. Saturday - Sunday March 28th & 29th Comox Valley Curling Club $25 (includes lunch both days)

2015 Memberships Join now and enjoy member benefits through March 31, 2016! • Full play annual membership • Annual limited membership • Intermediate membership (ages 19 to 39) • Corporate membership • Social membership • Junior membership Call the Golf Shop at 250-703-5031 for details.

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399 Clubhouse Dr., Courtenay

250-703-5050

28 www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.MARCH 20 2015

Calm in the chaos

Q: What was going through your mind when you dropped into the pipe in the finals? Like, what were you focused on? A: When I’m at the top, standing there, staring down the center of the pipe with coach Trennon, looking at the huge crowd, I’ve got the world’s biggest butterflies. But as soon as I get the go-ahead from the starter, I start my music and fist bump my coach. I’m ready. I’m in my own zone. Once I drop into position above the pipe, everything fades away except the task at hand. It’s truly a calm in the chaos.

Q&A: Cassie Sharpe reveals how she got over the’world’s biggest butterflies’ BY DREW A. PENNER Echo Staff Cassie Sharpe knows what a turnaround is all about. After a mishap in a New Zealand pipe last fall where she suffered a broken collarbone, the 22-year-old Comox native has been ﬁghting her way back to contention in the international arena. She hit the gym hard and made use of the knowledge and technical support of Canadian National Halfpipe Team trainers to improve her game. Picking up a silver at the FIS World Freestyle Ski & Snowboard Championships in Austria this year wasn’t enough for Sharpe. She pushed herself to master the left cork nine and pulled the trick off for the ﬁrst time in competition at the SFR

Freestyle Tour’s Ski Halfpipe World Cup Finals in Tignes, France. Oh, and she also won gold in the process. The Echo caught up with Sharpe over a trans-Atlantic email connection to get a sense of what the win felt like from behind the goggles. Q: First of all, congratulations on your big gold. How does it feel to have clinched the top spot in that competition? A: It feels incredible. All the hard work and hours I’ve put into following my dream are paying off in a big way. Showcasing what I can do in a big contest like SFR World Cup Finals was a truly special thing for me.

Cassie Sharpe says winning gold at the SFR World Cup Finals was a “truly special thing” for her. your training that helped prepare you for this victory? A: All the time I’ve spent cross training really has a lot to do with my success. Gym, airbag, biking, trampoline - it’s all fun, but its all hard work. Also my invitation onto the Canadian National Halfpipe Team

Q: What do you think were the key aspects of

NOW WITH

Q: What’s next for Cassie Sharpe? A: I’m in France now until the 22nd competing in a charity event put on by France’s Marie Martinod for ELA [l’Association européenne contre les leucodystrophies]. It’s an all girls event, which I think is something so important - to come together as women of the sport and put on an incredible show!! Then I’m back home to Comox for a couple weeks, then onward to Whistler for WSSF (World Ski and Snowboard Festival) for the last competition of the season.

0 84 %

FOR UP TO

FINANCING†

has made a huge impact. Having world-class coaches Trennon Paynter and Marc McDonnell has been game changing. Q: Tell me about what it was like for you to throw down that left cork nine for the ﬁrst time? A: It was so nerve wrack-

ing. I was at the top of the halfpipe playing through all the possibilities of what could happen. I felt like I’d trained it enough on the trampolines and air bag that it would come around to my feet. I was conﬁdent, but that doesn’t take away from all the nerves.

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LEASE FOR $70 BIWEEKLY FOR 60 MONTHS WITH $0 DOWN THAT’S LIKE PAYING

FINANCE FOR 96 MONTHS WITH $0 DOWN OWN IT FOR

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Limited model shown♦

GLS model shown♦ 2015

LEASE◊ OR FINANCING†

DEALER INVOICE PRICE OF $14,558‡ INCLUDES $636 IN PRICE ADJUSTMENTSΩ, DELIVERY AND DESTINATION FEES.

2015

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ELANTRA L MANUAL

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FINANCE FOR 96 MONTHS WITH $0 DOWN OWN IT FOR

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LEASE◊ OR FINANCING†

DEALER INVOICE PRICE OF $16,275‡ INCLUDES $719 IN PRICE ADJUSTMENTSΩ, DELIVERY AND DESTINATION FEES.

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Limited model shown♦ 2015

HWY: 9.8L/100 KM CITY: 12.9L/100 KM▼

CLEAROUT

TUCSON GL

LEASE FOR $114 BIWEEKLY, THAT’S LIKE PAYING

57 0.9 0%

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OR GET

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LEASE FOR 60 MONTHS WITH $0 DOWN◊

DEALER INVOICE PRICE OF $23,286‡ INCLUDES $473 IN PRICE ADJUSTMENTSΩ, DELIVERY AND DESTINATION FEES.

HWY: 9.7L/100 KM CITY: 13.0L/100 KM▼

Limited model shown♦ 2015

Limited model shown♦

SANTA FE SPORT 2.4L

LEASE FOR $150 BIWEEKLY, THAT’S LIKE PAYING

75 1.9 0%

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LEASE FOR 60 MONTHS WITH $0 DOWN◊

DEALER INVOICE PRICE OF $27,381‡ INCLUDES $1,313 IN PRICE ADJUSTMENTSΩ, DELIVERY AND DESTINATION FEES.

2015

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LEASE FOR $170 BIWEEKLY, THAT’S LIKE PAYING

85 2.99% 0%

WEEKLY LEASE◊ OR FINANCING† OR

FINANCING FOR 84 MONTHS WITH $0 DOWN†

LEASE FOR 60 MONTHS WITH $0 DOWN◊

DEALER INVOICE PRICE OF $30,315‡ INCLUDES $1,479 IN PRICE ADJUSTMENTSΩ, DELIVERY AND DESTINATION FEES.

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®/™The Hyundai names, logos, product names, feature names, images and slogans are trademarks owned by Hyundai Auto Canada Corp. ‡Dealer Invoice Price of $14,558/$16,275/$23,286/$27,381/$30,315 available on all new 2015 Accent 5-Door L 6-speed Manual/Elantra L 6-speed Manual/Tucson GL FWD Manual/Santa Fe Sport 2.4L FWD/ Santa Fe XL FWD models and includes price adjustments of $636/$719/$473/$1,313/$,1,479. Prices include Delivery and Destination charges of $1,595/$1,595/$1,760/$1,795/$1,795. Prices exclude registration, insurance, PPSA, fees, levies, license fees and applicable taxes. Delivery and Destination charge includes freight, P.D.E. and a full tank of gas. *The customer prices are those reflected on the dealer invoice from Hyundai Auto Canada Corp. The dealer invoice price includes a holdback amount for which the dealer is subsequently reimbursed by Hyundai Auto Canada Corp. ΩPrice adjustments of up to $636/$719/$473/$1,313/$1,479 available on all new 2015 Accent 5-Door L Manual/Elantra Sedan L Manual/Tucson GL FWD Manual/Santa Fe Sport 2.4L FWD/Santa Fe XL FWD models. Price adjustments applied before taxes. Offer cannot be combined or used in conjunction with any other available offers. Offer is non-transferable and cannot be assigned. No vehicle trade-in required. ◊Leasing offers available O.A.C. from Hyundai Financial Services based on a new 2015 Accent 5-Door L 6-speed Manual/Elantra L 6-speed Manual/Tucson GL FWD Manual/Santa Fe Sport 2.4L FWD/Santa Fe XL FWD with an annual lease rate of 0%/0%/0.9%/1.9%/2.99%. Biweekly lease payment of $70/$78/$114/$150/$170 for a 60-month walk-away lease. Down Payment of $0 and first monthly payment required. Total lease obligation is $9,100/$10,140/$14,820/$19,500/$22,100. Lease offers include Delivery and Destination of $1,595/$1,595/$1,760/$1,795/$1,795. Lease offer excludes registration, insurance, PPSA, fees, levies, license fees and applicable taxes $0 security deposit on all models. 20,000 km allowance per year applies. Additional charge of $0.12/km.†Finance offers available O.A.C. from Hyundai Financial Services based on a new 2015 Accent 5-Door L 6-speed Manual/Elantra L 6-speed Manual/Tucson GL FWD Manual/Santa Fe Sport 2.4L FWD/Santa Fe XL FWD with an annual finance rate of 0% for 96/96/84/84/84 months. Weekly payments are $35/$39/$57/$75/$85. $0/$0/$2,500/$250/$0 down payment required. Cost of Borrowing is $0. Finance offers include Delivery and Destination of $1,595/$1,595/$1,760/$1,795/$1,795. Finance offers exclude registration, insurance, PPSA, fees, levies, license fees and applicable taxes Financing example: 2015 Accent 5-Door L 6-speed Manual for $14,558 at 0% per annum equals $35 weekly for 96 months for a total obligation of $14,558. $0 down payment required. Cash price is $14,558. Cost of Borrowing is $0. Example price includes Delivery and Destination of $1,595. Finance example excludes registration, insurance, PPSA, fees, levies, license fees and applicable taxes ♦Prices of models shown: 2015 Accent GLS Auto/Elantra Limited/Tucson Limited AWD/Santa Fe Sport Limited AWD/Santa Fe XL Limited AWD are $21,144/$26,794/$35,759/$41,444/$45,094. Prices include Delivery and Destination charges of $1,595/$1,595/$1,760/$1,795/$1,795, levies and all applicable charges. Prices exclude registration, insurance, PPSA, license fees and dealer admin. fees of up to $499. Fees may vary by dealer. ▼Fuel consumption for new 2015 Accent GLS (HWY 6.3L/100KM; City 8.9L/100KM); 2015 Elantra Limited (HWY 6.7L/100KM; City 9.7L/100KM); 2015 Tucson Limited AWD (HWY 9.3L/100KM; City 11.6L/100KM);2015 Santa Fe Sport Limited AWD (HWY 9.8L/100KM; City 12.9L/100KM); 2015 Santa Fe XL Limited AWD (HWY 9.7L/100 KM; City 13.0L/100 KM); are based on Manufacturer Testing. Actual fuel efficiency may vary based on driving conditions and the addition of certain vehicle accessories. Fuel economy figures are used for comparison purposes only. ∆The Hyundai Accent/ Elantra received the lowest number of problems per 100 vehicles among small/compact cars in the proprietary J.D. Power 2014 Initial Quality StudySM (IQS). Study based on responses from 86,118 new-vehicle owners, measuring 239 models and measures opinions after 90 days of ownership. Propriety study results are based on experiences and perceptions of owners surveyed in February-May 2014. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com. ▲Government 5-Star Safety Ratings are part of the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA’s) New Car Assessment Program (www.SaferCar.gov). ‡†♦Ω*Offers available for a limited time and subject to change or cancellation without notice. Dealer may sell for less. Inventory is limited, dealer order may be required. Visit www.hyundaicanada.com or see dealer for complete details. ††Hyundai’s Comprehensive Limited Warranty coverage covers most vehicle components against defects in workmanship under normal use and maintenance conditions.

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.MARCH 20 2015

30 www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.MARCH 20 2015

CARRIERS WANTED EARN $$$$$$$$ COURTENAY Rt. 7125 – Salsbury, Bood, Barford Rt. 7134 – Salsbury, Mills, Rachel, Houlgrave COMOX Rt. 1125 Rt. 2107A Rt. 2118 Rt. 2142 Rt. 2112A

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OFFER ENDS MARCH 31ST

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Forte SX AT shown ‡

2015

LEASE +

UP TO 60 MONTHSΦ Φ

LX MT

LEASE FROM

DOWN

159

HWY / CITY 100KM: 6.1L/8.8L

MONTHLY WITH

DOWN AT

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Offer includes delivery, destination, fees, and an $800 lease credit*. Consumers can elect to take an additional 10,000 km allowance in lieu of the lease credit. Offer based on new 2015 Forte LX MT (FO541F) with a selling price of $17,502¤.

PAYMENT

On leasing offers only, on select models.

2015

LX MT

That’s like paying only

2015

1.6L LX MT

That’s like paying only

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Rio4 SX with Navigation shown ‡

LEASE FROM

151

HWY / CITY 100KM: 6.3L/8.8L

MONTHLY WITH

DOWN AT

APR FOR 60 MONTHS ¤

Offer includes delivery, destination, fees, and an $800 lease credit*. Consumers can elect to take an additional 10,000 km allowance in lieu of the lease credit. Offer based on new 2015 Rio LX MT (RO541F) with a selling price of $15,602¤.

WEEKLY Ω

Soul SX Luxury shown ‡

LEASE FROM

HWY / CITY 100KM: 7.8L/9.9L

172

MONTHLY WITH

DOWN AT

22,982

∞

CLEAROUT!

0.9%

APR FOR 60 MONTHS¤

Offer includes delivery, destination and fees. Offer based on new Soul 1.6L LX MT (SO551F) with a selling price of $18,682¤.

CASH PURCHASE PRICE FROM

2015

INCLUDES A CASH CREDIT OF

5,800

Offer includes delivery, destination, fees and $5,800 in cash creditw. Offer based on new 2015 Sorento LX AT (SR75BF) with a selling price of $28,782∞.

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Offer(s) available on select new 2015 models through participating dealers to qualified retail customers who take delivery from March 3 to March 31, 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. ¤Representative Leasing Example: Lease offer available on approved credit (OAC), on new 2015 Rio LX MT (RO541F)/2015 Forte LX MT (FO541F)/2015 Soul 1.6L LX MT (SO551F) with a selling price of $15,602/$17,502/$18,682 is based on monthly payments of $151/$159/$172 and includes delivery and destination fees of $1,485/$1,485/$1,665, $22 AMVIC fee, and A/C tax ($100, where applicable) for 60 months at 0%/0%/0.9% with a $0 down payment/equivalent trade, $0 security deposit and first monthly payment due at lease inception. Offer also includes a lease credit of $800/$800/$0. Total lease obligation is $9,038/$9,535/$10,345 with the option to purchase at the end of the term for $5,765/$7,167/$8,957. Lease has 16,000 km/yr allowance (other packages available and $0.12/km for excess kilometres). Other taxes, registration, insurance and licensing fees are excluded. Offer ends March 31, 2015. ΩLease payments must be made on a monthly or bi-weekly basis but cannot be made on a weekly basis. Weekly lease payments are for advertising purposes only. *Lease credit for 2015 Rio LX MT (RO541F)/2015 Forte LX MT (FO541F) is $800 and available on lease offer only. Consumers can elect to take an additional 10,000 km allowance in lieu of the Lease credit. Lease credit varies by model/trim and is deducted from the negotiated selling price before taxes. **$500 Competitive Bonus offer available on the retail purchase/lease of any new 2015 Forte, 2015 Forte Koup, 2015 Forte5, 2015 Rondo and 2015 Optima from a participating dealer upon proof of current ownership/lease of a select competitive cross-over vehicle. Competitive models include specific VW, Toyota, Nissan, Mazda, Hyundai, Honda, GM, Ford and Chrysler vehicles. Some conditions apply. See your dealer or kia.ca for complete details. ∞Cash purchase price for the new 2015 Sorento LX AT (SR75BF) is $22,982 and includes delivery and destination fees of $1,665, $22 AMVIC fee, A/C tax ($100, where applicable) and a cash credit of $5,800. Dealer may sell for less. Other taxes, registration, insurance and licensing fees are excluded. Offer ends March 31, 2015. wCash purchase credit for 2015 Sorento LX AT (SR75BF) is $5,800 and available on cash purchase offer only. Cash purchase credit varies by model/trim and is deducted from the negotiated selling price before taxes. ‡Model shown Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price for 2015 Forte SX (FO748F)/2015 Rio4 SX with Navigation (RO749F)/2015 Soul SX Luxury (SO758E)/2015 Sorento SX V6 AWD (SR75XF) is $26,695/$22,395/$27,195/$42,095. Highway/city fuel consumption is based on the 2015 Rio LX+ ECO AT/2015 Forte 1.8L MPI 4-cyl AT/2015 Soul 2.0L GDI 4-cyl MT/2015 Sorento LX 2.4L GDI 4-cyl 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. 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.