Comox Valley Echo - June 5, 2015

Now Open Sunday 10-4 www.comoxvalleyecho.com COURTENAY, BRITISH COLUMBIA • Friday, June 5, 2015

250-871-1177 • 2967 A Kilpat rick Ave., Cour Open Daily 9:30 tenay - 5:30 Sundays & Holidays 11-4

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VOL. 21, NO. 42

HUNT FOR HISTORY

SPORTS

22.St. John the

33.Have a great

Divine celebrates 100 years

outdoor workout for KidSport

DEVELOPMENT FEES MAY RISE IN CITY.13 14.COMOX READY TO TRY ‘PARKLETS’ ENTERTAINMENT

NEWS

30.Check out all 05.RCMP pay

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30.ENJOY A CENTURY OF FASHION

NIC’s Fine Arts opens a world of possibilities Explore printmaking, painting, digital visual arts, ceramics, and more at North Island College. Develop your individuality, critical-thinking skills, and creativity knowing your courses transfer to fine arts degree programs across Canada. Register for the program or individual courses.

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.COURTENAY,BC JUNE 5, 2015

ECHO

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250.334.4732

331B 6th St. Courtenay

Courtenay’s $1 million winner is talk of the town

BY MICHAEL BRIONES Echo Staff Dale Wiedenman loves to play the lotto. He does it twice a week, he says.

The Courtenay man doesn’t have any personal numbers that he bets on regularly. He just buys quick picks.

This has been a long-time routine for the 79-year-old former BC Telephone employee, who has been playing ever since the lotto started.

Wiedenman’s persistence finally paid off when he won the guaranteed $1 million prize in the May 27 Lotto 6/49 draw to become Courtenay’s newest millionaire.

welcomes

Bert Jaeger

Wiedenman notes that he is definitely the talk of the town.

“This is a very happy moment in my life. I have been happily married for 58 years and I put winning right up there with my wedding day,” Wiedenman said.

Wiedenman said he didn’t buy a round of coffee at that time because he didn’t have the check then. But it was suggested to him many times by his friends.

Wiedenman plans to go on a nice cruise with his wife.

He also plans to share his newfound wealth with his three children and grandchildren.

The winning ticket was purchased at Thrifty Foods in Courtenay.

Bert first joined the team at Crown Isle in the spring of 2000. Having just graduated from the Professional Golf Management Program at Camosun College, he was eager to make a positive and lasting impact on the golf operations at Crown Isle.

For the past fifteen years Bert has worked extremely hard in servicing our golf facility and its membership, along with building his own name as one of the top golf instructors that the Comox Valley has to offer.

Over the past ten years Bert has thoroughly enjoyed teaching golf to players of all ages, but as anyone who knows Bert would say his true passion lies with teaching kids the game of golf.

Bert recently obtained his License in Real Estate from the Sauder School of Business at University of British Columbia and will quickly become an integral part of the Real Estate team at Crown Isle. Bert’s strong work ethic, attention to detail, and extensive knowledge of the Crown Isle Community and Comox Valley will be a valuable addition to the team. Bert is excited to assist current residents in selling their home and helping new residents find their dream home.

399 Clubhouse Drive, Courtenay

To buy or sell in Crown Isle, call us today!

Wiedenman went to check his ticket while running errands and he initially thought he had won $1000 and was thrilled about that.

“After checking my ticket, I went over to my favourite restaurant to share the news with some friends that I had won $1,000,” said Wiedenman.

“I was missing more than a few zeros and I immediately returned to tell them I was in fact $1 million richer.”

Wiedenman says the next time he visited his favourite local restaurant he received cheers along with a standing ovation from patrons and staff who wanted to share in his excitement.

Office: 250-703-5054 | Fax: 250-703-5034

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JUNE 5, 2015

The proud parents of Ziqing Wei traveled from their home in Beijing, China, to attend their daughter’s graduation.

3

Valedictorians Cassie Jeffrey and Liam Galway delivering their address in Filberg Park.

Highland kicks off grad season in style

BY PHILIP ROUND Report and photographs special to the Echo The graduation season in the Comox Valley kicked off in style on Saturday when 126 students of Highland Secondary School in Comox were honoured at a commencement ceremony in a sunlit Filberg Park.

K’ómoks First Na-

tion Councillor Meilisa Quocksister, herself a former student at the school, opened the proceedings by welcoming guests to the traditional territory of the KFN. School principal Dean Patterson and viceprincipals Lee McKillican and Greg Kochanuk presented certificates to the successful students, and those of aboriginal

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or Métis heritage also received a symbolic gift of an engraved bead or woven sash as a tribute from their communities.

Patterson congratulated the Class of 2015 on their achievements and

wished well in their future endeavors.

He said graduation was a rite of passage for young people, marking a very important transition in life after 13 years in school.

To laughter, he added: “From high school working at McDonalds, to university working at McDonalds.”

Several hundred parents, relatives and friends attended the event,

COURTENAY CENTENNIAL SATURDAY, JUNE 6

ELEVATE THE ARTS

HERITAGE FASHION SHOW

COMOX VALLEY ARTS COUNCIL

(Continued on page 4)

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UPCOMING CELEBRATIONS JUNE 3 - 7

among them the mother and father of Ziqing Wei, who had traveled from their home in Beijing, China, to see their daughter graduate.

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Graduating students dancing the minuet on the lawn in Filberg (Continued from page 3)

Kristy Lloyd receives the Osler Shield, which is presented annually to the school’s outstanding all-round student. With her are, from the left, Highland principal Dean Patterson and vice-principals Lee McKillican and Greg Kochanuk.

Kristy Lloyd was presented with the Osler Shield, awarded annually since 1938 to a student who has performed outstandingly well in academics, citizenship and either athletics or fine arts.

Lloyd was described as an exceptional achiever, hard worker and all-round volunteer in many activities in and out of school, and also an inspirational leader to others.

The valedictorian address urging fellow grads to seize and own their own futures and forge their own identities was given by Cassie Jeffrey and Liam Galway, who broke in to a surprise dance routine that wowed the crowd in the middle of

their presentation; and the singing of O Canada was led by Margaret Lyster.

The ceremony had been preceded by the grads dressed in all their finery touring the Comox area in classic cars, and ended with the school’s traditional graduation performance of the minuet under the direction of Maria Buckley. Later the students were bused to Mount Washington for a celebratory meal and party lasting well into the early hours. ❑ The extensive album of photographs from the ceremony and the minuet that followed can be viewed on the Comox Valley Echo Facebook page, which can also be accessed via the home page of the Echo website at www.comoxvalleyecho.com

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JUNE 5, 2015

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Property tax bills have only just arrived for this year, but already the first indication of a further increase next year has been flagged to Courtenay’s mayor and council.

On Monday the council unanimously approved in principle the City’s share of the 2016 RCMP budget, amounting to $5,146,394.

Without any change in the number of police or civilian support staff employed, that represents an increase of more than $202,000 on this year’s figure.

And City staff say that figure alone is the equivalent of bumping up taxes by 1.25 per cent for 2016 before any other aspect of the municipal budget is considered.

RCMP accountants say the biggest reason for the increase is a planned police pay raise of 2.5 per cent, along with related costs such as the employer’s pension and EI contributions.

The average current salary for a constable in the Comox Valley is $85,200, for a corporal $91,650, and for a sergeant $99,050, according to the figures provided by the RCMP to City Hall.

And they note that further annual pay raises of 2.5 per cent are being penciled in to RCMP budgets for the next five years.

Because of the size of its population, Courtenay is responsible for covering 90 per cent of the RCMP’s costs of policing the City.

The balance comes from the federal government.

The City presently pays for 30.4 of police posts at the local detachment.

The costs of employing 19 more are covered by the provincial government (for the rural areas and Cumberland) and 11.6 by the Town of Comox.

(Continued on page 6)

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BY PHILIP ROUND Special to the Echo

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JUNE 5, 2015

Plea to keep sidewalk falls by the wayside

BY PHILIP ROUND Special to the Echo Residents of five homes on Second Street in Courtenay have asked City Hall not to dig up and totally remove an existing sidewalk outside their homes - but their plea fell by the wayside at Monday night’s council meeting.

The residents welcomed most aspects of a plan for improvements to the appearance of the street, but objected to the proposal that an existing concrete sidewalk on its north side, between Cliffe and Duncan, should be taken out and replaced with grass.

Its removal would still satisfy an OCP requirement that sidewalks should be available on one side of a local road. But the residents argue that while that rule is appropriate for new subdivisions that might otherwise end up with no sidewalks at all, it should not be an excuse to rip up existing walkways when neighbourhood roads are undergoing improvement.

“In an older established area close to downtown, Tom Pater and Suzanne Camp standing on part of the Old Orchard sidethe removal of an existing walk that will be removed for good under a street enhancement plan.

sidewalk would effectively decrease walkability, contrary to the City’s intent to provide a more pedestrian-friendly city core,” they wrote in a submission to council. Further, “the Old Orchard plan is already clear in its goal to increase sidewalk connectivity in our neighbourhood. To fragment the existing network of sidewalks is coun-

ter to that goal.”

The residents say City staff suggest it would be cheaper to get rid of the sidewalk rather than bring it up to standard during the works to repave and landscape parts of the street, but the residents question this.

At the council meeting, director of engineering Lesley Hatch said the

plans had been presented to a public open house in January and they were now ready to go out to tender with the finished design.

The overall project had been years in the making, and would result in a narrowing of the pavement aimed at calming traffic flows and enhancing the landscaping.

(Continued on page 7)

RCMP pay raise set to bump up taxes recent times, mainly on the grounds of the significant additional costs, but partly because the City senses it pays more than its fair share already.

On Monday night that position was reaffirmed by council, which decided not to increase the “establishment strength” at the local detachment paid for by Courtenay property owners, which will stay at 30.4 full-time equivalent posts.

Although the budget has been agreed in principle, that move is mainly to allow the RCMP to take steps to lock in federal funds for the other 10 per cent it needs.

A final decision on whether to accept all the spending plans will take place during Courtenay’s own budget debate early next year, although in the past the council has honoured its “in principle” decision once it has been made. ❑

(Continued from page 5) Some of the municipal budget contribution also helps pay for wider police services outside the Valley, such as the divisional RCMP headquarters on the Lower Mainland and Island-wide services.

The sums involved are so significant to the City budget that it tries to offset some of the annual bill by drawing on provincial traffic fine revenue it currently gets back from the government, and from some of the profits it receives from slots income at Chances Gaming Centre.

Those two sources presently help pay for four of the 30.4 RCMP members, so partially reducing the call on general taxpayers.

Previous requests by the RCMP to Courtenay to increase the number of police it funds have been turned down in

Property Tax Notices City of Courtenay property tax notices were mailed as of Monday May 25, 2015. If you have not received your notice within a reasonable time, please contact the Finance Division, City Hall 250-334-4441 or email ȴQDQFH#FRXUWHQD\ FD Property taxes are due on July 2, 2015.

Please ensure that your Home Owner Grant application is completed, if you are eligible, and is received with your payment at Courtenay City Hall by this date. A 10% penalty will be applied to all outstanding balances after July 2, 2015, including any unclaimed Home Owner Grants.

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Home Owner Grants

New for 2015! Claim your Home Owner Grant online at www.courtenay.ca/eHOG Or, Fill out the home owner grant application form on the back of the property tax notice, and mail, fax, or drop R΍ your application to City Hall. To avoid the late penalty, the completed form must be received at City Hall by July 2, 2015.

Payment Options Through your Banking Institution: You may pay in person at most financial institutions. If your financial institution R΍ers telephone or electronic banking, we accept payment via this method as well.

You must still complete your Home Owner Grant and send it to City Hall via mail, email to ȴQDQFH#FRXUWHQD\ FD, fax at 250334-4241, or drop R΍ in person.

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By Mail: Please make cheques payable to the City of Courtenay and mail along with the completed Home Owner Grant application, if applicable, to 830 ClL΍e Avenue, Courtenay BC, V9N 2J7. Post marked payments dated prior to but received after July 2, 2015 will be subject to the 10% penalty.

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Not valid for groups of 12 or more. Tee times can be booked up to 3 days in advance. Must mention ad at time of booking.

Offer valid Friday and Saturday only until July 31.

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JUNE 5, 2015

Sidewalk sidelined

Police Blotter

(Continued from page 6)

The Comox Valley RCMP responded to the following incidents between May 26 and June 1: ■ During the early morning hours of May 25th police were called to a residence on the 1800 block of Cumberland road in Courtenay for an attempted break and enter. The home owner heard a noise and saw a male attempting to open a window. The suspect was scared off. This investigation is continuing. (2015-6686) ■ On May 25th police were called to a residence on the 4700 block of Condensory road in Courtenay to a report of a stolen vehicle. The owner reports finding a bike, which was later, found to be stolen as well, in place of her car. Later in the day the Nanaimo RCMP located the car abandoned but not damaged. (20156691) ■ On May 28th police were called to a report of a man pawning stolen property at a local pawnshop. The man was known to police and later located after having committed several other crimes. The man is now in custody and awaiting court. (20156705) ■ Police took a report of a theft of a 5.5 horse power boat motor from off of a boat located on the 100 block of Stubbs place in Courtenay. (20156710) ■ During the early morning hours of May 31st police happened upon a vehicle that was being driven in an erratic manner. The vehicle was stopped and the, “New”,driver was exhibiting signs of alcohol impairment. The driver refused the road-

The project includes improving the sidewalk on the south side of the street, which provides a continuous route from Cliffe westward, whereas the north side section to be uprooted went nowhere other than to front five properties, she explained.

But two of the residents who attended the meeting, Tom Pater and Suzanne Camp, told the Echo the sidewalk was actually a well-used complete circuit around the block of properties between Second and First Streets. Replacing it with a grass verge might look attractive at the start, but pedestrians would inevitably walk along it as they had done for decades, creating an informal trail.

While they acknowledged questions were raised by councillors about why an existing sidewalk could not be retained as part of the plan, they considered the answers of staff unconvincing -- and they were disappointed when no elected official proposed to pursue the matter any further. Council simply voted to receive the residents’ letter but took no further action on it.

After Hatch said the design for the street could accommodate an additional north side sidewalk at a future date if it was really warranted, Mayor Larry Jangula commented that if the residents wanted to see one installed, they could pay for it themselves.

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.

www.comoxvalleycrimestoppers.bc.ca

Calem David SMITH

Michael Douglas PINDAR

DOB: 1980-04-23 180 cms, 81 kgs, Brown hair, Brown eyes Warrants: Care and control while impaired, Care and control over .08, Flight from police Dangerous driving And warrants in other jurisdictions ‘ Comox Valley file # 2014-4233

DOB: 1975-07-11 175 cms, 77 kgs, Black hair, Brown eyes Warrant: Cause fear injury / damage Comox Valley file # 20154920

Courtenay ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF HISTORY

1915– 2015

TORY ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF HIS

1915– 2015

T Courtenay and District Museum The is i celebrating the City’s 100th anniversary with the publication a of a coffee table style book with the help of the Comox Valley Echo.

It is a high quality magazine style publication with a durable cover.

Historically rich content focuses on activities of people who have shaped our community over the decades. Proceeds from the sales of book copies will help the museum with funding development of programs and activities. Copies are $5.00 each which includes GST, and are available at the Museum and the Echo.

side screening devise and was given a 90 day immediate roadside prohibition and had his vehicle towed and impounded for 30 days. (2015-6814) ■ On May 31st police took a report of an attempted theft of a pickup truck while it was parked on the 2300 block of Mansfield drive in Courtenay. The suspect pried open the truck door and then tampered with the ignition. A residential garage door opener was the only thing reported missing. (2015-6831)

Community Services Directory now on-line Creative Employment Access Society (CEAS) is pleased to announce that the Comox Valley Community Services Directory is now available free of charge from the Society’s website www.ceas.ca. The Directory contains listings, program descriptions and contact information for more than 300 helping services.

“The directory has been available in print format for many years and it has proven to be an invaluable resource for workers in the public sector, social services, education and health care. By making it freely available on-line, we hope to bring the benefits of this wealth of information to the whole of our community”, says Bruce Brautigan CEAS Executive Director. To be eligible to be listed, services offered must be available in the Comox Valley at no charge or provide pricing which is significantly reduced for people on low incomes.

For more information, please contact directories@ceas.ca or call 250 334-3119.

BLACK CREEK-OYSTER BAY (BCOB) WATER SERVICE AREA Community Information Meeting Join us for a community information meeting to review the comprehensive BCOB water rate study.

Tuesday, June 9th, 2015 at 7:00 p.m.

LIVING WATERS FELLOWSHIP CHURCH 2222 Regent Road, Black Creek The CVRD will present information on well water capacity and conservation issues. There will also be a discussion on monthly volume thresholds and the rate increases that come into effect for the billing period ending June 30, 2015.

For questions or inquires, contact the CVRD’s engineering branch at 250-334-6056 or by email at: engineeringservices@comoxvalleyrd.ca Prior to the meeting, residents are encouraged to review the frequently asked questions (FAQs). The FAQs provide clarity on the 2015 water rate review. www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/waterratereview. follow comoxvalleyrd

7

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JUNE 5, 2015

One-of-a-kind fire training centre opening this summer

BY PHILIP ROUND Special to the Echo Construction work on Courtenay’s state of the art fire training centre is progressing well and it should be open by late summer.

City fire chief Don Bardonnex told City councillors the finished facility, close to Home Depot, will be one-of-a-kind on Vancouver Island -- the closest equivalent being in Surrey.

The training centre will feature computer-controlled natural gas burners to create instant and varying fire scenarios within vehicles and structures, and plenty of space for fire trucks to maneuver, as they would need to in a real-life emergency.

A wide variety of realistic training opportunities will be available at the flick of a switch, and he hopes the facility will also encourage the recruitment and retention of more volunteer fire fighters - a big issue not only locally, he suggests, but also right across North America.

In Courtenay’s case, a full complement of volunteers is 50 men and women, and they currently have 47 on call in addition to six full-time staff.

But with an average 18 per cent annual turnover as people inevitably move in and out of the community, they are constantly recruiting and training.

More than half the local volunteers have served for five or fewer years, but he is immensely proud that for the first time in his 39-year firefighting career, every member of a team with which he had been involved will soon

Work continues on site for new Courtenay Fire training centre close to Home Depot have at least ‘fire fighter 2’ credentials. That full complement of achievement in the Courtenay contingent is a wonderful tribute to the individuals’ dedication to public service, he adds.

He hopes the “superb” new training facility and the imminent arrival of a big new fire truck currently being tested in Winnipeg will prove to be real incentives for more volunteers to sign up to serve in Courtenay.

But his department does not intend setting up as a fire training business, although other fire-rescue departments will certainly be encouraged to rent the new training facility at rates set to ensure costs are covered.

Looking back on events of 2014, Bardonnex says crews responded to 686 callouts in Courtenay or the neighbouring fire protection districts for which they take lead responsi-

15104.74 18011.94 1190.40 0.8039 (decimal places) 22.26 45.04 110.07 5.15 22.19 0.96% 1.71% 2.30% 3.03% 1yr: 1.750% 3 yr: 2.060% 5 yr: 2.350%

Hydro crews were able to leave part of the pole where bird was nesting attached to the new replacement pole.

The new training centre will include a series interconnected shipping containers kitted out as homes and offices, enabling multiple firefighting scenarios to unfold. bility. Of those, 480 were genuine emergencies and 206 false alarms or other minor incidents such as fireworks being let off.

The figures represent a very small increase in emergency responses and a decrease in non-emergencies, although overall the figures have been relatively steady in recent

79.13 54.36 66.17 54.66 38.88 36.14 28.44 11.34 24.65 40.66 53.56 15.26 19.28

years.

No significant injuries or any fatalities were reported during 2014, he adds.

As well as responding to 911 calls, staff also carried out 1,468 business inspections during the year and attended or hosted a number of events promoting fire safety.

Circled area shows where well-camouflaged bird is nesting

For the birds For the most part replacing a pole that has reached end of life is fairly standard practice for BC Hydro crews. Recently, in the Royston area this standard practice turned out to be not so standard. While preparing for the pole replacement the Courtenay District Line Crew discovered a family of small nesting birds that called the pole top home. They exercised ingenuity installing a new pole while maintaining the old pole top and nest in place. The crew agreed that it was a win-win. They replaced aging infrastructure and kept a place for the birds to call home.

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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 June 2, 2015. Rates and prices subject to change and availability. RBC Dominion Securities Inc.* and Royal Bank of Canada are separate corporate entities which are a˜liated. *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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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JUNE 5, 2015

9

ECHO

OPINIONS

LETTERS

Politicians have lost respect for voters Alberni Valley Times newspaper reported on the visit by Federal Green Party leader Elizabeth May and captioned the column with “Green Party MP opposed” to coal movement through the Port of Alberni. She also opposes Natural Gas development because “fracking is bad technology”.

It is a grail of the Green Party that usage of any fossil fuel threatens the environmental safety of the planet. Whipping opinion against what is feared or unknown is a political tactic. Whipping the voter with cries of “for our children and grandchildren” is a distraction that keeps the blinders of emotion focused on the environment and on green energy proposals.

Where does the money come from to pay for those green projects?

The Green Party and the New Democratic Party offer deficit spending.

Cap and Trade of Carbon credits/debits, and a Carbon Tax per ton produced are ways of offloading pollution cost onto the consumer-taxpayer. However, moving forward with man’s creativity is better than surrendering to the crushing costly panic of climate action.

Canada’s Liberal Party

is erratic on policy and seeks the support of expensive workers and lobby groups. The Conservative Party is at least focused on promoting a way forward even if they will not listen to anyone.

Oversight by politicians fills the kitchen pot with many conflicting solutions.

Advisory groups study issues endlessly. Plebiscites are emotional quagmires with no decisions or wrong directions. People need to demand a functioning Parliament with a bureaucracy that serves the people responsibly.

Our elected representation seems to have lost respect for the voter. Demand more from legislators through informed voting.

Bruce E Hornidge Port Alberni

ADRIAN DIX NO HELP Once again Adrian Dix blowing off steam as usual not doing any research on the topic.

On May 25th, 2015 in the legislature during question period, Adrian Dix was asking Energy minister Bill Bennett why his political assistant was the successful candidate for the advertised job as Director for Policy with B.C. Hydro.

Dix claims that this political assistant has no util-

COMOX VALLEY ECHO Published by Black Press Ltd.

407-E Fifth Street, Courtenay, B.C. V9N 1J7 www.comoxvalleyecho.com Phone 250-334-4722 • Fax 250-334-3172 1-866-415-3535 Circulation 250-334-4734 E-mail: echo@comoxvalleyecho.com Publisher Dave MacDonald Editor Debra Martin Office Administrator Deb Fowler Circulation Manager Hedi MacDonald Production Manager Ryan Getz The Comox Valley Echo is a member of the British Columbia Press Council, a self-regulatory body governing the province’s newspaper industry. The council considers complaints from the public about the conduct of member newspapers. Directors oversee the mediation of complaints, with input from both the newspaper and the complaint holder. If talking with the editor or publisher does not resolve your complaint about coverage or story treatment, you may contact the B.C. Press Council. Your written concern, with documentation, should be sent to B.C. Press Council, PO Box 1356, Ladysmith, B.C. V9G 1A9. For information, phone 1-888-687-2213 or go to www.bcpresscouncil.org. All original content in this publication is copyright material belonging to Black Press. Any re-use or reproduction without the expressed, written consent of the copyright owner is strictly prohibited.

ity experience, no experience in energy policy, no crown corporation experience, no regulatory experience, and no policy analyst experience.

This is no different than the new NDP government in Alberta. The new Minister of Finance of Alberta is a former social worker.

What does a social worker know about debits, credits, and financial statements especially when this new minister of finance cannot even fill out his own income tax return and pays someone else to fill out his tax return.

Dix’s comments are unsatisfactory for the $102,878 taxpayer funded salary he receives as a MLA. Unbelievable!

Joe Sawchuk Duncan

BAD MINUTE-TAKING Special Town of Comox, town hall meeting convened on May 5, 2015. The meeting’s stated purpose was to be a forum in which town residents would be enabled to address the proposed development on Comox Ave. The proposed project being a scheme to replace the Lorne pub’s former footprint in the way of harmony to acknowledge our town’s nautical theme with its historical antecedents.

The town residents who

addressed the Comox Special Meeting of May 5, Council had very divergent 2015. viewpoints which are now The net effect of this chill ensconced into the public on free speech is to tamper record and posted on the down our constitutionally town’s website for all to protected behaviours. read. Let us ask ourselves As ‘the development’ if this is in fact ‘the min- [which sells real estate and utes’ about one hundred or liquor] is being promulso of us heard debated in gated by Council, our colreal time on May 5, 2015 ? lective political discourse Each citizen who val- has been breached. In witiantly spoke at the Special ness to the ‘omission from Session that evening did the minutes’ there exists so by duly exercising their the citizens who listened respective freedom(s) of intently to my representaopinion and expression as tion, a heartfelt thank you. set forth in our Charter of These folks know what Rights and Freedoms. they heard and applauded “Political expression” too on that evening the and even the word ‘opin- Rec Centre. ion’ is one of the “fundaNo one can erase their mental rights” specifically minds. This person will mentioned as being en- begin to petition Council shrined by the Charter. to enact an amendment to Each citizen’s ‘represen- the official minutes of ‘the tation’ entered into the Special Meeting’ in an efnow published minutes fort to resuscitate our colwere rightfully reworded lective political discourse into accurate synopses as promised by the Charwith the notable exception ter. of this person’s expresThe minutes are the mesion of careful thought and dium. opinion. The Town of CoR. Davis mox chose to sum up my Comox remarks in one short sentence. Namely, this twenty- TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION year plus resident was in Our country has now opposition to ‘the develop- been presented with the ment’.

Truth and Reconciliation Amazingly, the Town Report. Its was every thing of Comox chose to redact some of us feared. It is part this person’s freedom of of our oral and written Caexpression which in turn nadian history. When it has now purportedly taint- was presented P.M. Harper ed the proceedings of the and cabinet minister Ber-

nard Valcourt’s responses said volumes about their attitudes and explains for me why the problems for First Nations people continue to this day.

Stephen Harper wants to build a monument to the victims of communism on the space allocated for a new court house in Ottawa. Yet he signed a 31-year trade deal with Communist China. The hypocrisy is overwhelming.

The real disgrace in our history is what happened to First Nations children.

They were rounded up, placed in schools/ camps, had experiments conducted on them, were beaten, starved, sexually abused, died at the same rate as soldiers in WW II, and their parents mostly never notified.

If Canada is going to build any sort of monument to anyone in this country it ought to be to the First Nations children were subjected to this genocide.

We need this monument to remind each and every one of us what happened in this country and to ensure it never happens again. If the Prime Minister thinks its a good idea to build monuments for victims we ought to start with those victims who were citizens of Canada.

E. A. Foster Comox

10 FRIDAY.JUNE 5, 2015

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BEEFS & BOUQUETS THE COMOX VALLEY’S FIRST AND BEST READER’S FORUM Email to: echo@comoxvalleyecho.com A BIG BOUQUET to Nancy and Gord and Gord’s wife for coming to my rescue at the Super Store parking lot on Friday when my car wouldn’t start, after shopping. Nancy phoned my husband in Comox to come and escort me home after Gord applied his jumper cables to get my car started. It is still a mystery why it wouldn’t start as the battery was fairly new. I am so grateful for their kindness. Thanks again!

FIRST, beautiful bouquets to each musician and singer at Sunday’s Best Country Music Tribute Ever,

Sat, June 9

Meat Draw and Dancing 2pm - 5pm

Tue, June 9

Euchre 1:30pm

Wed, June 10 Drop in Darts 1pm Thu, June 11 Crib and Gucci 6:30pm Fri, June 12 Crib and Gucci 6:30pm Friday Night Meat Draw Sat, June 13 Meat Draw + Dance

Ball Cap Steak Night last Friday of the Month

hosted by the Evergreen Club! Every performance was wonderful in its own way special way, with performers up to the age of 90! Ken McLeod also deserves a bouquet as he was a wonderful MC and money was raised for the Sonshine Lunch Club, a very worthy cause. SECOND: I paid to go to a concert, to listen to and enjoy the performers.

What I did not go to see were dancers distracting the wonderful show.

They continued to dance across the front and down the aisle, some going very fast, talking to each other, and even dancing alone.

Hardly once did they sit down and enjoy the entertainers. Also, it appeared that a video was being taken of the music. If that is so, there will be many blurs with dancers blocking the view. In church, do dancers go up front and dance down the aisle when someone is singing gospel songs? At a funeral when someone is singing a tribute to a loved one who passed away, do you get up and dance? NO??

Then stop doing this at a concert! You are all wonderful seniors in the community, but there is a time and place for your dancing. I felt it was annoying to the audience and disrespectful to the musicians and singers, and I do not think I am alone with this beef. There was ample time to dance before the show, then you should have sat down and enjoyed the entertainment.

I love to dance, too, but please enjoy your dancing every Friday at the Seniors Centre and refrain from doing this at future concerts.

Nurses Week such an enjoyable experience. Warm thanks to: Atlas CafĂŠ, Dairy Queen, Panago Pizza, Plates Catering, Quality Foods, Supreme Convenience, Tim Hortons, Thrifty Foods. And last but not least, to those surgeons and anaesthetists who so kindly and generously brought goodies to work with them. Thanks from the bottom of our hearts and bellies.

DEAREST DRIVER of the silver sedan who HIT me while I was riding my bike on Dyke Road the afternoon of Monday June 1st. You HIT me and just drove away like nothing had happened. What is wrong with you? Seriously folks, be careful. We are so vulnerable out there.

SUCH A SHAME! I ran into a city Councillor at Pinegrove Park, one of our great city’s beautiful parks. We were both walking our dogs, on leashes, it was a nice sunny warm day. I offered a kind greeting ‘Good Morning’; however this city councillor did not have the time or need to talk to a mere citizen. After all, it is not campaigning time.

THE OPERATING ROOM NURSES of St. Joseph’s General Hospital would like to extend our sincere thanks to those who made National

OK! OK! I have had enough!! My family and I moved here from Vancouver a few months ago, and YES! we own a god awful

BEEF - It’s hard to believe there are still people not cleaning up after their dogs in Cumberland. Seriously, have some pride

KUDOS TO CAPTURING ISLAND LIFE: Four young at heart seniors (all over 80) went on a birthday trip to Painters Lodge and April Point recently, which included an invigorating shuttle ferry ride! We want to rate this adventure and give it a “10â€? to the people we met: Katie, for arranging the owers and making the cheesecake; Kathleen, Jessie and of course the Chef for a beautiful, healthy lunch; ferry crews for their assistance and smiles; gift shop clerks for their friendliness and help. You gave that extra effort with such a welcoming attitude and are a credit to Oak Bay Marine.

You are the heart and soul of this team and we appreciate your dedicated commitment. What a wonderful day, God bless you all for being there to make our day so memorable. We live in Paradise, don’t we?

PITBULL!! I ďŹ nd it funny that every week “someoneâ€? has something bad to say about Pitbulls, I have a sneaky suspicion that its the same uninformed person, writing their beefs about Pitbulls, because if you did your research they were actually nanny dogs and looked after children!

In my years I have had many Pitbulls and have only experienced how loving and gentle they are.

I have three cats and a 14-year-old daughter, that has grown up with my dog and he’s been nothing but gentle and loving. People get bit and severely hurt by dog bites everyday and you never hear about in the paper, you know why? Because PITBULL ATTACK!! Sounds more dramatic and news worthy then LAB ATTACK!! and so many people love to get bent out of shape and jump on the bandwagon. I have said it once and I will continue to say it! YOU HAVE A BAD OWNER YOU’LL HAVE A BAD DOG!! In the 70s people wanted to ban Dobermans, in the 80s it was German shepherds, 90s it was the Rottweiler and now it’s the Pitbull, when are we going to hold the owner accountable and stop blaming the breed?!

in yourself and your community, please pick up after your pets. BOUQUET - To all the good folks in the downtown area, that put out water bowls, my dog and I thank you for your kindness IT WOULD BE NICE if there was some consistency regarding the information available regarding Stage 2 Watering Restrictions. The Comox Valley Regional District website indicates: Stage two water restrictions mean that residents may use a sprinkler to water a lawn only under these restrictions: an even numbered address, on Tuesday and Saturday between 4:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. and between 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.; an odd numbered address, on Wednesday and Sunday between 4:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. and between 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.

The ‘other’ local newspaper reports: People living at an even numbered address can use a sprinkler to water a lawn on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 4 - 7 a.m. and from 7 - 10 p.m.; People living at an odd numbered address can use a sprinkler to water a lawn on Wednesdays and Sundays from 4 - 7 a.m. and from 7 - 10 p.m.

So which is it?

TO THE PERSON sending us all Peace, Love and Incense. I have a few suggestions for you. First you live near an airport or in close proximity to one, expect aircraft noise, you drive down a country road with farms on it expect to smell Manure. As to your suggestion that “could they not ďŹ nd a way to deodorize the manure, are you for real? Does, your man... smell, maybe it is offensive to someone using the facilities after you, would you mind taking a

small deodorant pill so we don’t smell it. You mentioned did anyone know of a tropical island for sale.

Funny you should ask, it may not be tropical, but there is one just off the coast of Victoria for sale for a cool $50 million. Oh but wait, you might get upset about the sound of the water lapping on the beach, the cry of the eagles, and of course there are those blasted, boats with people on them having fun and laughing, and of course those planes again. If you don’t like it her might I suggest you move to Aklavik, no farms producing manure and not a lot of planes either, just the sound of the snow machines and the falling snow.

A HUGE SALMON BOUQUET to AE Marine. I was the customer with the “truck full of disappointed women�.

We had a guest from Victoria and loaded up for a day of ďŹ shing at Kitty Coleman. We got out there and had an engine issue.

Loaded boat back up and thought we would stop by AE on a late Friday afternoon. Dennis gave us a few minutes of a very busy day to spot the problem and do a quick repair! 10 bucks later we were on our way to salvage the day and land a big salmon. You guys are the best!

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FRIDAY.JUNE 5, 2015

11

BEEFS & BOUQUETS PUT MY BEEF with the other guy’s beef about the problem finding a replacement screen door for his patio door at our local lumber supply company. Our landlady made arrangements with said company to put the cost of the door on her account. When my husband went to find the screen door, the warehouse man showed him the screen doors in stock and recommended he bring in the old door to make sure he got the right size as even a 1/4 inch out would make it not fit. Hubby drove home and returned with the door.

He went into the store to the cashier and told them that he would like to buy a screen door like the one he had outside by his truck.

The clerk took a look at the door and stated they didn’t sell those there. When my husband said that there were a number of them outside in the warehouse and he just needed to verify which one was the right one, the clerk said he didn’t have any. When my

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THE COMOX VALLEY’S FIRST AND BEST READER’S FORUM Email to: echo@comoxvalleyecho.com husband again stated there were some in sto ck he was told that no there wasn’t and he knew what was in stock and they didn`t have any for sale and my husband would have to order one. Well isn’t that just dandy when a retail store stocks items it doesn’t actually sell!! So hubby trucked off to another retailer and bought a set of wheels and did a DIY job unbending the door and replacing the wheels and hope it lasts through the summer. Maybe by next summer the local lumber yard will want to sell the stock that has been sitting in their warehouse for the past year.

BEEF to the people who think it is their right to smoke on their balconies and patios. Sorry, smoking is not a right; you know what is a right, the right to not have second hand smoke come in my windows. We in our building have lived pleasantly together since we bought in a few years ago. Most of the people in our building are considerate enough not to smoke close to the building and a big bouquet to you for that. The majority of the people in our building do not smoke and when you smoke on your balcony or patio it comes in the windows of the people beside you, beneath you, above you and below you so that’s pretty selfish of you. Thank you for ruining this beautiful sunny breezy day as we cannot have our windows open because of you. Also a huge beef to our management company for not addressing this so not impressed with the way you manage our building.

TWO BUNCHES OF FLOWERS isn’t enough to apologize to the two separate owners

of the two parked vehicles I hit on the morning of May 5th. I was experiencing a neurological medical condition where I suddenly did not know where I was or what I was doing, a condition which fortunately no one else was hurt during my medical emergency. I would like to apologize to each of you personally and explain what happened if you would please stop into the HMCS Alberni Museum and ask for the director. I also want to express my gratitude to volunteers and members of the Downtown Comox Business community for lending a hand to take care of the museum during my two plus weeks in hospitals thus keeping the Memorial open as much as possible and to all the people who have volunteered their time to drive me to work until I am able to drive again.

AFTER READINNG the ignorant spandex comment last week, I knew to expect replies in the next beefs and bouquets. I’m not going to comment to that person and the reason is, is that people who feel the need to say things like that are trying to cause others to react, and it was proven that we do. They feed off the responses because they have nothing better to do and they find it funny. It’s best to not respond to it at all and honestly I don’t think it should’ve even been given the time to even print it. Another issue that comes up in the beefs and bouquets every week which is getting very tired, is the pitbull debate. There will always be good and bad dogs of every breed and ANY breed of dog is capable of unpredictable behaviour and aggression, just like humans. Some are good and some are bad.

The best thing to do as a dog owner is to make sure it’s under control when in public situations and don’t open yourself up to an opportunity for your dog to do anything out of its ordinary character. Just like humans, dogs have intuitions too and can react to some people or other animals that may be apprehensive of their presence and I mean this about all dogs, not just pitbulls. I think the better we all try to live in harmony the better things will be which includes ignoring those who choose to make comments that they know the majority of others will oppose.

Life is too short to waste personal energy into responding to crap like that.

THE SALVATION ARMY sends a bouquet of flowers to the patrons of QF for your generous purchase of food that goes towards helping those in need on a daily basis in our community.

We would also like to thank Little Caesar’s for their donation of pizzas which are very popular and also appreciated by those in need.

I WOULD LIKE TO SEND a reply out to the person Sending Love last week, I sure hope you find your desert island, you’ll be much happier there. There is an airport here so planes will fly, there is an airbase here so cadets will learn how to fly. The farm has been on the Dyke forever, and I for one am thankful they use manure instead of chemicals. There is so much to be thankful for in this beautiful valley, and less complainers here would be one more thing to make us all happier. Sending Love, Peace and Incense back.

P.

ON BEHALF of the George Vanier Girls Rugby

THIS WEEK’S WINNER, DRAWN AT RANDOM FROM SUBMISSIONS RECEIVED UP TO TUESDAY, IS: Colleen Devlin, of Courtenay Winner of two classic cheese baskets from Dairy Queen Winners, you may pick up your prize certificates at the front desk of the Echo, 407-D Fifth Street, during regular business hours. Thanks to everyone for the great submissions- keep ‘em coming!

team, we would like to thank Coastal Community Credit Union, Walmart, and The Ladies from The Royal Purple for all their support of our Rugby program. Your support helped us achieve our goal of winning a second straight AAA Provincial Championship!

A HUGE BOUQUET of sunflowers and children’s laughter to all those parent and grandparent volunteers who help make school such a better place for our precious children. Especially at Arden School not only did we just have two big events- a tree planting and Penny Carnival with lots of great family volunteers - we also have a weekly hot lunch program with dedicated, caring help. Our lunch program has rocking grandparents and even a great grandma who give up their time each week - incredible... and greatly appreciated!

MANY, MANY HEARTFELT bouquets and ‘thank yous’ to Dr. Beal, Debbie and RAHT (I hope I remembered that correctly) Carly at the VanIsle Vet Hospital. Tues, May 25 my lab Jake had a really bad day, and when he refused supper, I knew something was WRONG. (Continued on page 12)

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

SO I’M NOT THE ONLY ONE hating that “music” on Fifth St! It used to be light and unobtrusive. Visitors remarked on how nice it was.

Now we are blasted with teenybopper style whining and wailing that goes on and on. Sometimes it’s even commercial radio!

Always way too loud. This is chasing shoppers away from Fifth, not encouraging them to linger. The kids have their own music in their earphones anyway.

Is the intention to drown out the traffic or what?

Please let’s return to the mellow, relaxing style that offended no-one.

A BOUQUET to the lady in the CIBC bank on Cliffe that found me and gave me my money that I’d forgotten to take out of the cash machine on Wednesday 27th at 11ish.

HERE’S HOW IT WORKS! Our weekly feature, Beefs and Bouquets, is intended to be a light-hearted forum for you, our readers, to express brief views on issues and events in your lives.

It’s not intended to hurt people or make unsubstantiated and libelous comments.

Names won’t be published with the beefs and bouquets; however, we do need your full name, mailing address and telephone number for verification purposes.

Each week someone will win a 2 Classic Cheese Basket Meals from Dairy Queen.

Have fun with this!

CA$H

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

1-800-222-TIPS VISIT OUR WEBSITE:

www.comoxvalleycrimestoppers.bc.ca

12

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JUNE 5, 2015

Beefs & Bouquets (Continued from page 11) I called Vanisle thinking I would have to go through a voice mail system, but to my surprise, they were still open!! Debbie had me bring Jake in, and Dr Beal was wonderful, and after 3 hours, we discovered that Jake was REALLY sick, and would probably need surgery. Carly, the RN for animals, brought me in to see my boy, and took care of him all night. The next day, Jake did have to have surgery, and is currently on the mend. This tale could have had a very, very different ending, were it not for Dr Beal, Carly and Debbie. I cannot express how much I appreciate the care, concern, and compassion of these three ladies, as well as Jessica, his RN for Wed night. In fact, the entire st aff at this Hospital have always been wonderful to me, so thank you so very much to everyone.

Fishing was hot EB Horsman 2nd Annual fishing derby at Pacific Playgrounds was a great success with over 30 spring salmon weighed in. This year’s winner was Todd Hedquist from Houle Electric and top bottom fishing was Paul Pearson from Drewry. This year we raised $500 For the BC Children’s hospital. We would like to thank all our local sponsors: Gone Fishing, Boston Pizza, Butchers Block, CV Marine, Tyee fishing, Seal Bay Campground, Mulligans golf course, Tim Hortons, Progressive Systems, Drewry Electrical, Subway, Houle Electric and Webster Electric.

Local wineries win medals Two Comox Valley wineries won a number of top awards at the 35th edition of the All Canadian Wine Championships.

Another record number of 1356 entries from 237 wineries, meaderies and cideries were critiqued by a panel of 19 accomplished judges over three full days in Prince Edward County, Ontario.

The Blue Moon Estate Winery won a gold medal in the Tree Fruit, Dry category for its 2014 Phoenix, along with a

silver for its Black Moon, and bronze for its 2014 Moon Light.

They also added a bronze for its cider, 2014 Raven’s Moon.

The Beaufort Vineyard and Estate Winery won a double gold for its White Hybrid Blend, 2014 Beaudacious, along with a gold for its 2014 Epic and silver for 2014 Beauhemian Blonde, in the same category.

Beaufort added a bronze for its 2014 Pinot Gris and a silver for its 2014 Rosé

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RE “SENDING LOVE, peace and incense.” Poor snookums ... did the bad people in those loud airplanes disturb your mid-morning nappy time? And gasp! Did those mean farmers ruin your lovely drive to the grocery store with their fertilizer? And did you really have to roll up your windows!!

Well, we can’t have that now can we. I mean, Snookums needs their mid-morning nappy and peaceful drive so I guess we’d better get it fixed. I’m thinking we could put up a no fly zone just around your house, we could even maybe station a F18 here permanently so that if anyone dares disturb your nappy time we can blow them out of the sky real quick. I’m also thinking we could build you a special road, just for you, from your house to your favorite grocery store, we could route it so that it only passes by sweet smelling flowers and beautiful scenery.

Would you feel better then? After all... we’re all here to make you happy.

A CHALLENGE TO PIT BULL OWNERS: Sorry pit bull owners, it’s time to fess up. How much more denial do we have to put up with? Your motive for owning a pit bull isn’t because it’s a cuddly lap dog, a dog

that will fetch, a seeing-eye-dog, or a dog to watch-over the baby while she plays in the back yard. No, anyone who can read a dog book knows the premiere dog for aggression is the pit bull, inbred to enhance its ability and willingness to fight and clamp down. The pit bull is a remnant of an unkind age when mankind took pleasure in and allowed dog fighting. I think it’s safe enough to assume owning a pit bull gives the owner an image of importance. If one can’t be noticed and respected on one’s own merit, then get a brooding dog, one to intimidate, one that clears the sidewalks for the owner tucked safely behind. Seems everyone but potential owners know about the pit bull life cycle: pit bulls are often surrendered as owners discover their doggy likes to bite (usually other dogs), momma’s going to have a baby; the landlord won’t allow pets (especially one that scares other tenants); the pit bull is being neglected or beaten (by the owner); so, the pit bull ends up at the pound where it’s difficult to find adopters willing and capable of re-training an adult pit bull; which leads to euthanasia. So, here’s the thing. Pit bull owners need to accept and stop denying, the breed is by definition, aggressive, and the breed can be (what’s a nice word?) stubborn. For that reason pit bulls do not need short-tempered owners with self-image problems; owners in denial about what their dog (on a bad day) is capable of. The breed needs to have an owner who is honest enough to understand a pit bull is capable of lurching at a passing dog or a stranger making the mistake of staring. A pit bull owner is someone who’s patient beyond Job, someone who’s willing to train and train, and train some more; someone who will walk that pit bull, put in leash time with it, teach it to follow (not pull); someone who looks for opportunities to socialize their dog (not encourage it to be sullen, defensive); someone who understands the pit bull isn’t just to make the owner feel safe, the rest of the community needs to feel safe too -- so a pit bull owner needs to reassure others his dog isn’t going to attack them.

That’s what it takes to be a pit bull owner. And, sadly while I have seen some like this, I haven’t seen many.

Enjoy the free Elevate the Arts Festival June 3-6 in downtown Courtenay live performances, arts, crafts and culture.

Great family friendly event!

250-338-2702

THANK YOU TO ALL OUR SPONSORS, VOLUNTEERS and PARTICIPANTS… COMOX VALLEY YOU ARE AMAZING!

CAN YOU OLUNTEER? CV Senior Peer Support Needs Volunteers

YIKES! Comox Valley Senior Peer Support has a wait list for service. WE NEED YOUR HELP. If you can spare an hour a week to visit a vulnerable, lonely senior – please call or email: 250-871-5940; seniorpeercounselling@shaw.ca We are looking for volunteers who are 50 plus. Training is provided.

Help make an elder’s life easier.

250-871-5940 491-B 4th Street, Courtenay

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JUNE 5, 2015

Big increases in development fees under consideration by Courtenay Public open house on Tuesday to gather feedback

BY PHILIP ROUND Special to the Echo Courtenay councillors are considering big increases in the contributions that have to be paid by developers towards City infrastructure costs -- particularly when new single-family home projects are proposed.

Consultants from Urban Systems have reported back to council with details of a study they carried out prior to indicating appropriate development cost charges (DCCs) that could be levied in the future.

DCCs are contributions paid by developers to the City’s expense in upgrading or constructing roads, storm drains, water mains, sewer pipes and parkland when new projects are proposed.

City taxpayers continue to pick up around twothirds of such expense, partly on the grounds that, when complete, any new development brings in fresh income on an annual basis from property taxation, and partly because the wider community benefits from overall infrastructure investment.

But all local governments require developers to pay some of the

upfront costs of new or enhanced infrastructure, and in Courtenay’s case the municipality’s fee structure for DCCs hasn’t changed for ten years.

The bills to developers have, however, risen since 2005 because the regional district also charges DCCs for some of its infrastructure costs and it has increased its fees in more recent times.

The City recognized that with inflation pushing up many construction costs over the decade, and the pace of growth slowing down, it needed a detailed analysis of what fair charges might look like for the future.

But there were some raised eyebrows in the council chamber when consultant Dan Huang said they had calculated the appropriate City DCC for each new single-family home in a development should go up from about $6,700 to $10,727 - an increase of around 60 per cent.

When the Regional District DCC for the same property is added to the proposed figure, the total would amount to $20,407 per house, a cumulative increase from the present fees of about 25 per cent.

Such new rates, he noted, were broadly in line

with total DCCs already charged by neighbouring municipalities.

He also recommended increases in rates for multi-family developments, commercial properties and industrial land, but the percentages were not as high.

City Mayor Larry Jangula said that while DCCs were paid in the first instance by the developer, they obviously got passed on to the homebuyer in the price of a property. The council had a concern about affordable housing, and a big

increase in DCCs would only serve to push up new housing costs further.

But the City’s director of engineering, Lesley Hatch, said if a developer got a bigger break, all other taxpayers would have to pick up the extra costs for the essential infrastructure improvements.

It was a matter of getting a fair balance.

The consultants had also investigated whether there were specific areas (like downtown in general) or particular projects (such as an affordable housing complex) where

DCCs could legally be waived or reduced in a bid to encourage new development. There were opportunities to do that, said Huang, and some had been tried elsewhere.

But CAO David Allen said any concessions would need to be carefully thought through in Courtenay’s case to be sure they were going to be effective and not just leave City taxpayers with more costs to cover.

“If you want to provide incentives, you can” he said. “But there is no free lunch - in the end somebody’s going to pay.”

And Huang added that while it was obvious every

13

developer would like zero per cent DCCs, council needed to think of the bigger picture and the financial impact on all its residents when coming to a decision. The City has now arranged a drop-in information session on the proposals to gather feedback from developers and interested members of the public on the proposed charges and potential waivers.

It will be held on Tuesday (June 9) from 4-7 p.m. at the Crown Isle Resort clubhouse in Courtenay. More details of the proposals are posted online at www. courtenay.ca/DCC As well as revising its DCC bylaw, the City has updated its processes on subdivision approval, including posting an online step-by-step guide for those considering applications. Details can be viewed at www. courtenay.ca/subdivision

Knights of Columbus help hospital with new chapel On May 21st Knights of Columbus Council #4597 presented a cheque for $500.00 to St. Joseph’s Hospital.

The money is for candle holders to be used in the new chapel under construction.

In the photograph, taken in the hospital Healing Garden, are from left to right: Joe Nagy and André Melançon, Grand Knight; Brian Ducedre, Chaplain St. Joseph’s, Jane Murphy, President and CEO, and Leesa Lyster.

Crown Isle seeks to restore residential zoning to some commercial land

BY PHILIP ROUND Special to the Echo Fresh interest in home-buying has led to a rethink over land zoned for commercial use on the Crown Isle estate north of Ryan Road in Courtenay.

The Silverado Land Corporation, which owns large areas of vacant property in the area behind the Costco store and alongside the new Galaxy Motors development, will shortly host a public meeting about its proposal to seek rezoning of some commercial sites for housing purposes.

Such a switch would turn the clock back to something more closely aligned to the original Crown Isle master develop-

ment plan, which envisioned more residential properties on a wide strip sandwiched between new commercial developments and the estate boundary, which backs on to Elderberry Crescent and Salal Place.

There were objections from those neighbourhoods some years ago when Crown Isle successfully secured rezoning of some of the land originally designated for residential to commercial use. Now it is proposing to reverse that move.

Last September, plans for a 31-property subdivision on land already designated residential in the same area were suddenly withdrawn after Crown Isle’s Ron Coulson alleged City engineering staff were continu-

ally making fresh demands for changes.

But a variation on that subdivision, now proposed to include 27 lots alongside an extension of Crown Isle Boulevard, is now back in the system, with final engineering drawings just delivered to City Hall showing how issues such as the roads and other infrastructure would be laid out.

The company hopes to get subdivision approval and a development permit for the properties -- to be known as The Rise -- within the next few weeks so it can begin road construction and lot servicing. If that happens, the aim is to get house construction underway later in the fall.

Crown Isle’s director of real estate, Jason Andrew, told the Echo there had been a lot of early interest in the proposed development, not least because the lot sizes would allow properties to be marketed at a lower price than people might imagine for Crown Isle.

The site location, near a growing selection of retail stores, the new hospital, North Island College, recreational facilities, and excellent road and transit routes was “phenomenal,” he added, revealing that specific interest had already been expressed in 15 of the 27 lots.

Because “tons of people” had been enquiring, it had led them to think again about whether more land should be made

available for further phases of residential building in the area, both as single family lots and as multi-family projects.

Crown Isle’s priority was to get permission for the first phase of The Rise so they could get on with that aspect of the project, but in parallel they would be seeking public input into the idea of switching some of the commercial zoning to allow for additional residential development.

“There’s now a whole different feeling here,” he added. “Things are super-busy and it’s not just the real estate. You can see it in the restaurant and the number of people playing golf. There is so much more positive energy about.”

14

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JUNE 5, 2015

Comox to introduce ‘parklets’ on a trial basis Komox Grind to be the first to have curbside seating in town the area and support local businesses.

They are paid for and maintained by local businesses, residents or associations, not the Town of Comox.

At the end of the trial period, Muir said a report will be submitted to council that will include analysis and monitoring of the

BY MICHAEL BRIONES Echo Staff The Town of Comox is looking at allowing the establishment of a “parklet” café on a trial basis until Oct. 1.

Komox Grind Espresso and Smoothie Bar at #105-1811 Comox Avenue has expressed interest in this pilot project.

Parklets are becoming popular tools used to create vibrant social spaces in cities such as Vancouver, Quesnel and more recently Cumberland.

Komox Grind customers have shown preference for outdoor seating, and is an ideal candidate for this town initiative.

Coffee shop owner Tanya Archambault was approached and asked whether she wanted to be part of the project. At first, she wanted a parklet two parking stalls in length but she later decided to start small and opted for one parking stall length.

Parklets, also known as street seats or curbside seating, are public seating platforms that convert

Council split, Sheraton plan moves

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Parklets are the product of a partnership between the city, local businesses, residents or neighbourhood associations. Most have distinctive design

that incorporates seating, greenery, bike racks, and accommodate unmet demand for public space on thriving neighbourhood retail streets or commercial areas.

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City councillors have given third reading to zoning and official community plan bylaws that would allow a proposed residential subdivision to move forward at 2745 Sheraton Road in east Courtenay.

The council was split on the proposal, which relates to a conceptual plan for 19 lots for which subdivision approval has yet to be sought.

Four councillors voted in favour of allowing the bylaw amendments to move to the next stage - Councillors Manno Theos, David Frisch, Rebecca Lennox and Bob Wells - while

Mayor Larry Jangula and Coun. Erik Eriksson voted against.

The City’s chief administrative officer, David Allen, said several questions raised at a recent public hearing concerned access and safety concerns relating to the design and layout of roads and crossings, along with site drainage issues, would be fully considered at the subdivision approval stage. What council had to decide was the overarching land use question - whether or not the more intensive residential development of the site was acceptable.

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JUNE 5, 2015

15

Call for action to widen Ryan Road sidewalks

BY PHILIP ROUND Special to the Echo A call for action to widen and improve sidewalks alongside Ryan Road hill was heard by Courtenay Council on Monday.

Electric scooter user John Higginbotham said the issue was even more pressing than in the past because of the construction of the new Comox Valley Hospital.

For people not traveling in vehicles, access between downtown and the top of the hill has long been an issue. The sidewalk on the north (college) side of the hill is narrow, and rough land gently slopes away at the edge furthest from the road.

The route was well used by pedestrians, electric wheelchair and scooter users, cyclists, and even skateboarders as the only safe way to avoid busy traffic moving up and down the hill.

But he explained the sidewalk’s narrowness and the rough verge means that if two scooters meet, it is only possible for them to pass at one point between the intersection with Back Road and the entrance to North Island College.

He suggested all the authorities involved need to get together to work out what to do about the problem. His proposed solution is they construct a four-metre wide paved path, with a parallel but maybe slightly narrower sidewalk on the less-used south side of the road.

Higginbotham said Comox Valley MLA Don McRae was promising to look at the possibility of grant aid for such a construction project, but called on the City Council to take the lead in convening a meeting of all those potentially involved in resolving the issue.

Chief administrative officer David Allen agreed staff should look in to the matter and report back.

Higginbotham also made a fresh offer to councillors to escort them as they ride an electric scooter around Courtenay, the aim being to demonstrate the accessibility problems faced by people using such transport.

Courtenay has done a lot to improve the situation in recent years, he noted, but there is still more to accomplish. Better accessibility on the street and within buildings helps everyone, he suggested, whether they have mobility issues or not.

Mayor Larry Jangula is one who has already taken up the challenge. He said the experience had proved to be a real eye-opener. “The world looks very different when you can’t just get up and change your plan when you face an obstacle,” he commented.

Not staying in Vegas: Dave Smith with the 57-seater coach he bought and brought from Nevada to the Comox Valley.

Coach from Vegas is company’s new flagship

BY PHILIP ROUND Special to the Echo It’s often said that what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.

But when Comox Valley businessman Dave Smith happened to find out that a sleek 57-seat passenger coach was up for sale there, he wasted no time in checking it out.

Impressed by what he saw, he didn’t need to roll the dice to help him decide to buy the MCI (Motor Coach Industries) vehicle.

And by playing his cards right, he got rapid approval from the authorities to spin the (steering) wheel around to bring the coach north to Canada.

Now it’s the flagship of his business - Comox Coach and Shuttle Ltd., which offers transportation services for groups and businesses not only on Vancouver Island and the Mainland but also across the border to and from the United States.

Smith, who previously owned Comox Taxi, says the coach had a lot of mileage on its clock, but because it had spent its life operating in dustdry Nevada and neighbouring states, there was not a spot of rust on it and the quality of past maintenance meant it was in almost unbelievable

condition.

Both the interior and exterior which was originally Disneylandthemed -- have been refreshed and new paintwork and logos applied to promote the business, especially the regular shuttle services Smith and his drivers provide to groups heading to Moutcha Bay Resort between Gold River and Tahsis, and other sports fishing and recreational lodges on the Island’s west and north coast.

Smith says his coach is the only one with such a high seating capacity to be based north of Victoria, and it joins four other vehicles in his fleet: a 47-seater bus and three 15-seat vans, all operating out of McPhee Avenue in Courtenay.

Bookings by wedding parties and sports teams are an important part of the business, but in partnership with local travel agencies, Smith is also transporting groups to or from destinations far and wide this summer.

For example, he’s already brought disembarking cruise passengers back to the Valley from Seattle, and he’s ready to run trips to the same city for baseball fans when the Blue Jays play the Mariners.

Direct short vacation trips to casinos south of the border and poten-

tially to cities such as San Francisco are also in the cards thanks to the US licence Smith obtained for his company and its new vehicle - and for which he praised the American authorities for their “super-fast service.”

He doesn’t offer ticket sales for trips; that’s the preserve of either travel agents or private group organizers. But he takes care of the transport needs for such groups.

He’s also taking his new coach to ‘show and tell’ promotions on the Island so people can see for themselves what the vehicle is like, complete with its televisions, sound system for both music and public address and -- as might be expected in a vehicle from Vegas - great air conditioning.

It’s all a far cry from operating a local taxi business, which is what Smith did locally for years.

“Now most bookings are weeks or months into the future,” he notes.

“It’s good to be booking things six months rather than six minutes ahead - and as everything is pre-booked, we have really good control over timings and scheduling.”

For more information, Comox Coach and Shuttle Ltd. can be contacted at 250-898-8533 or via email to info@comoxcoach.ca

Huge plant could digest region’s organic waste

BY PHILIP ROUND Special to the Echo Organic kitchen and yard waste from the Comox Valley could be collected and turned into mountains of useful compost at a huge plant in Campbell River if a plan being promoted by the City Council there wins support.

On Monday a delegation from the city briefed Courtenay Council on

proposals for an ‘regional organics management facility’ on 10 hectares of land at the Norm Wood treatment centre, which the City of Campbell River already owns.

If the project goes ahead it is estimated that up to 13,000 tonnes of compostable waste currently dumped each year at landfill sites in the region, including Cumberland, could be put to practical use - and slow down the

rate at which landfills fill up.

Locally, the idea is that collections of both household and business organics would feed into a transfer station at the existing Cumberland waste management site, for bulk onward transport to Campbell River.

The trucks used would be those that would otherwise be returning north empty after depositing general garbage at the

Cumberland dump from more northerly communities. Finished compost would be made available for sale and also supplied to participating municipalities for landscaping and horticultural work.

Campbell River’s acting city manager, Ron Neufeld, and the city’s community planning manager, Amber Zirnhelt, advised Courtenay Council that they have now identified a preferred proponent for the project

and the technology required to successfully deliver it.

A bid for a $6.3 million grant from gas tax refunds to fund the necessary capital works has been submitted, with a decision expected this fall.

If the money is forthcoming, they hope to have the centre up and running by early 2017.

The project is a much bigger version of the experimental processing of

organic waste from 6,000 homes in Comox and Cumberland currently taking place at the Comox Valley waste management centre.

Zirnhelt told councillors an estimated 35 per cent of all household waste is organic in some form, so a permanent facility and collection network could have a major impact on diverting such material from landfills and putting it to good use.

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Renowned stained glass master donates work to Beachcombers

Essay winner Haley Richardson with her teacher Shawn Holland

Mark Isfeld student lands grand prize in A&E essay writing contest

By Michael Briones Echo Staff Haley Richardson wrote an essay in English class.

To her, it was nothing more than a school assignment that she had to fulfill.

But her Grade 12 English teacher at Mark Isfeld Secondary, Shawn Holland, had other things in

mind. Holland told the class about the A&E Lives That Make a Difference Essay Contest. The winner gets $3,000.

“He gave us an option to submit our essay to the contest,” said Richardson.

“He encouraged everyone to give it a shot. I had nothing to lose so I submitted my work.”

(Continued on page 18)

Beachcombers School & Little Oysters Preschool has received an extraordinary art donation by contemporary artist and stained glass master Ted Goodden.

The work is two panels totalling 40 square feet and is valued at $18,000.

Imagine looking through an opalescent oyster-white lattice, evocative of venetian blinds, through to a coastal forest.

Huge cedars are stirred by a swirling sun, evoking trees swaying in a rhythmic dance reminiscent of the paintings of Emily Carr. The work is stunning.

The stained glass is being installed in Beachcombers School’s new preschool, the Little Oysters Preschool.

“We have been renovating a large ocean view classroom for our Little Oysters Preschool. The stained glass is just lovely and is perfect for our nature-inspired program.

Our future preschool children will remember the stained glass as one of their first and treasured memories of school,” said Wendy Preston, Beachcombers School Principal.

The new preschool facility is planned to open in September.

“We are absolutely

Stained glass work by Tedd Goodden and apprentice Nicole Tritter to be featured in the new Little Oysters Preschool classroom. Beachcombers School is fundraising for the installation costs. thrilled with this donation,” said Preston.

Ted Goodden moved to Hornby Island in 2012 from Ontario.

When he left, The London Free Press lamented,

“it is a huge loss for London,” quoting Al Stewart, Director of London’s Art Exchange Gallery. “He’s known as one of the finest stained glass artists in the country.”

“After speaking with Ted, I was really astounded when I realized that this extraordinary donation might actually happen.

(Continued on page 18)

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JUNE 5, 2015

Volunteers help plant Courtenay Mile of Flowers

Isfeld student takes top prize in A&E national essay contest

The annual Mile of Flowers plant-in was held along Cliffe Avenue last week under the supervision of Courtenay park workers. The project was started by Kath Kirk to mark Canada’s centennial. And this year will be the Courtenay Centennial version of the project.

Rotarians provided a free barbecue to the volunteer planters.

(Continued from page 17)

Stained glass master donates to school (Continued from page 17) It is such a gracious way for Ted to ‘arrive’ on the West Coast,” said Zoe Lambert, Executive Coordinator of Beachcombers School. “I wish to give a huge heart-felt thanks to Ted Goodden and his apprentice, artist Nicole Tritter, who spent three months creating this work. And a big thank you to Mac’s Oysters for their donation towards installation costs.”

The school is currently raising money for material and installation costs. There is over $3,000 worth of materials and manufacture costs. If you wish to add your name or business to the donation plaque, please

contact Beachcombers School.

Any donation will be greatly appreciated.

Goodden trained under two of the last remaining European stained glass masters. In Canada he apprenticed with Dutch master Theo Lubbers (19311990) and in the U.K. under renowned British artist Patrick Reynties (b. 1925). Impressive cathedrals and public buildings in Europe, Canada and the US bear their work.

Goodden has worked for the venerable British Victoria & Albert Museum restoring Medieval stained glass; has produced new works for a 16th century building in Wales, completed a $100,000 public art project in

London, Ontario, to mention just a few of his works. He has over 75 exhibits and installations in Europe, Australia and North America to his name.

Beachcombers School and Little Oysters preschool will be hosting a Grand Opening of the new preschool space in early September. You may also book a tour of the school at any time by emailing principal.beachcombers@shaw.ca.

Beachcombers School & Little Oysters Preschool have an excellent program that includes nature and coastal studies, visual arts and music.

For more information you can see their website at www.BeachcombersSchool.ca.

Richardson’s essay was about the Franklin Expedition. It was a major discovery with significant national and international historical value. It solved one of the world’s great mysteries.

“I heard about it in the news and I thought it was just fascinating,” said Richardson. “I went to learn more about it and my topic came out from there.”

In April, Richardson received unexpected news. Her essay was chosen grand prize winner of $3,000 in the Grade 9-12 category of the contest. Her piece was chosen from thousands of submissions the contest organizers received.

“I was shocked,” said Richardson. “It’s hard to believe I won because I knew there were going to be a lot of students that would be entering the contest.”

Richardson’s essay focused on the excitement and significance of finding a lost piece of Canada’s history. She described the role Inuit legends played in its success, describing how “It showed that the aboriginal mythology was more than just stories, but as much a part of our history as anything else.”

She wrote that “Franklin’s Expedition has made all Ca-

nadians, aboriginal and nonaboriginal alike, realize that we are more than just explorers.

We are storytellers and fablemakers, and that our historyand by extension our culture-is a mosaic, rather than a photograph.”

“The Franklin Expedition was a huge international success story for Canada,” recounts Dr. Libby O’Connell, Senior Vice President, A&E. “Haley’s essay captures both the excitement of the nation, and the significance of the discovery. Her eloquent writing and unique perspective made her essay standout amongst her peers.”

Richardson has shown a knack for writing, however her career choice is nowhere near that area of expertise. She is planning to take up science at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ont. Next year. She is happy to win the prize money as it will be extremely helpful to her post-secondary studies.

“Every little bit helps,” said Richardson, who is contemplating on majoring in biology.

Richardson’s English instructor also got credit for motivating his class to take part in the contest.

Holland will receive $1,000 for use in his classroom.

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JUNE 5, 2015

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SYMPHONY & FIREWORKS COURTENAY AIRPARK | SAT, JULY 4TH | 3PM – 11PM FREE EVENT | VISIT COURTENAY.CA/100 FOR MORE INFO Bring a blanket, your lawn chairs, a picnic, and your friends and family to enjoy this once in a century celebration! • Children’s performers and all-day concerts and entertainment • Entertainers include: Kumugwai Dancers, 7 Storey Circus, Jili Martini Band, Reunion, The Mutts, Carlos and Carlita, Azucena Flamenco • Strathcona Symphony Special Finale Concert and special guest artists, at approximately 8PM, sponsored by TD Canada Trust & Vancouver Island InsuranceCentres ‡ &HOHEUDWLRQ ´UHZRUNV DW DSSUR[LPDWHO\ 30 SUHVHQWHG E\ -5 (GJHWW ([FDYDWLQJ ‡ &LWL]HQV RI WKH &HQWXU\ DQQRXQFHPHQW DQG WULEXWH DW DSSUR[LPDWHO\ 30 VSRQVRUHG E\ &DQDGLDQ :HVWHUQ %DQN

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JUNE 5, 2015

HUNT FOR HISTORY WITH JUDY HAGEN

St. John the Divine celebrates 100 years In the fall of 1914, the Review newspaper was full of items about farm produce and the war, but there was also a small note that the Church of England had purchased property on Lake Trail Road. Gus Westrup of Lazo had been given the contract to build their new church.

The Anglicans were not the first congregation to “move” across the river.

The Presbyterians had completed the new St. George’s two years earlier.

As business developed in anticipation of the arrival of the E&N Railroad, subdivisions with residential housing had shifted the population to the west side of the Courtenay River.

The new vicar, the Reverend E. P, Laycock who had arrived in 1912 after Reverend Willemar had retired, was an architect.

His plan for the church was an ancient design, reflecting the “forum” of Rome, a rectangular hall with a door at one end and the altar at the

the Victoria branch of the Women’s Auxiliary, the frontals and dossals, worked in the “old Italian school” donated by All Saints, London and the carved oak lectern was a gift from St. Peter’s, Colchester.

The first wedding in the new church was in June when the Manager of the Bank of Commerce married Miss Maud Glazebrook of Grantham.

“The dainty bride was prettily clad in white voile, with a long train, trimmed with shadow lace, white satin girdle, pearl necklace and carried white roses and orange blossoms.” (Review 10 June 1915).

St. John the Divine Parish was a sister church to St. Andrew, the little white church on Mission

St. John the Divine Anglican Church on Fifth Street this year (Photo by Linda Hughes) other. It would be the first “basilican” or apsidal plan to be used by an Anglican church in British Columbia.

By the end of November, it was noted that “good progress was being made with the new church building” and on 31st of December it was announced that the dedication would be held on January 13th at 7:30 p.m.

The building was nearly completed, but the “interior lining to the

church has been omitted owing to the lack of funds as it was deemed right to expend only such sums as were actually given.” (Review 17th January 1915) It must have been cold inside the church when the Lord Bishop, the Reverend C. G. Hepburn (B.A.), of the Columbia Coast Mission, dedicated the new building to St. John the Divine.

There was a heavy snow storm that night and as the Bishop, assisted by A.

Bischlager A.K.C., vicar of Holy Trinity, Cumberland, were conducting the service, a tree fell across the electrical wires and the church was plunged into darkness.

“Fortunately a number of storm lanterns and lamps were available and after a slight pause the service proceeded.” (Review 17th January) The altar was made and given by Mr. S. Taylor; other altar gifts were the communion vessels from

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Hill. Eventually these two parishes, plus St Mary’s in Grantham and St. Catherine’s in Fanny Bay would be served by the Courtenay clergy.

In 1914, as the new minister was overseeing the building of the new St. John the Divine church, it is recorded that “While all this construction was under way Mr. Laycock turned in his horse and buggy and bought an automobile. He was the first clergyman in the Diocese to be motorized”. (From history of St Andrews church p.7) During the war years, a special service of intercession was held every day at 10am. During the great Spanish ‘flu epidemic of 1918, church services were cancelled on the 9th of October and did not resume until December 15th.

At the end of the Great War, the valley was filled with optimism.

In 1922, the Church Committee asked the Women’s Auxiliary to assist in raising the necessary funds of $75 to purchase the property adjacent to the church.

The women raised $70 and the parish added the last $25.

After the land was purchased, the ladies continued fund raising until all the costs were met. When completed, the parish hall had been built for $5,545.50.

The Anglican Young Peoples Association was the first branch on the island and they encouraged other AYPA groups to form in Powell River, Grantham, Nanaimo, Comox, Dove Creek and Qualicum.

Their activities included corn roasts, hikes, summer camps, study groups, dances and conventions.

Several of the earliest members went on to full time church service.

After the Second World War there would be many changes.

(Continued on page 26)

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JUNE 5, 2015

23

SPRING IN THE GARDEN

For the love of roses ...

BY ELLEN PRESLEY Anderton Nursery I love the rose greenhouse - getting lost in the wonderful beauty and fragrance of each sensational rose. As if from some magical guidance, they have all bloomed for the first of June and the show is spectacular. Here are a few of the head turners.

Developed by the Kordes Nursery in Germany, ‘La Perla’ is a gorgeous, double creamy white. Part of the Clean ‘n’ Easy series, it is bred for its disease resistance and continuous blooms. As with all tea roses it produces beautiful long stems making it great as a cut flower and the blooms are long last-

ing. It is a low grower at 2.5 feet tall and only 1.5 feet wide which makes it good as a ground cover or shrub, in a container or in the garden.

The traditional red rose is symbolic of love and romance.

And Select roses’ hybrid tea ‘Grand Amore’ says it all. They claim it to be the ‘perfect red cut rose without all the fuss.’ This rose is stunning - a bright red with a lovely sheen to its petals and dark green foliage.

It has won many awards, including the coveted ADR designation with its resistance to black spot.

This vigorous, well branched rose produces dozens of long stem roses

Select roses’ hybrid tea ‘Grand Amore’ says it all whe it comes to lovel and romance

The grandiflora ‘Strike it Rich’

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all summer. It grows 4 feet by 3 feet.

Weeks Roses are producing some wonderful varieties.

The grandiflora ‘Strike it Rich’ produces super long elegant buds of gold with a rosy pink edge on red stems and then opens to reveal lovely petals with yellow-orange tones.

These luscious 5” flowers elude a strong sweet spicy fragrance with a hint of fruit.

A strong vigorous grower which produces loads of blooms and is disease resistant. This upright bush grows 4-6 feet and is great in the garden or as a specimen.

As with all roses remove spent blooms to encourage re-bloom and in early Spring remove old canes, dead or diseased wood and cut canes that cross.

Cut all remaining canes about one third.

For all the Downton Abbey fans, Weeks Roses has created ‘Anna’s Promise’ the first of the series in the Downton Abbey Rose

‘Anna’s Promise’ from the Downton Abbey Rose Collection Collection. (Anna Bates is the lady’s maid to Lady Mary Crawley) This 5-6 feet grandiflora rose is outstanding -a gorgeous bicolor of golden tan and pink blush with a copper reverse.

The 4”blooms are very upright and emit a spicy fruit fragrance (grapefruit and apple scent).

The long strong stems, glossy green foliage, and abundant flowers make this rose perfect for bouquets.

(Continued on page 24)

24 www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JUNE 5, 2015

(Continued from page 23) According to Weeks marketing directors, they will be creating roses that will be ‘elegant, beautiful and romantic but also surprisingly dramatic and tenacious...just like the show and characters’. Who will they choose next?

The floribunda ‘Julia Child’ is as remarkable as the woman it is named after. It has won awards for its reliable performance.

The iconic Chef chose this rose to bear her name because she loved the butter gold color and the licorice candy fragrance. It is considered one of the best yellows on the market because of its constant flowering old-fashion blooms, incredible health and almost perfect rounded 3 feet by 3 feet bush shape.

This rose is great as a cut flower, in a large container or in the garden.

A very popular grandiflora rose is the ‘Wild Blue Yonder’. In 2006, it was the AARS winner and became the first lavender toned rose to take the award in over 20 years.

The deep ruby-red-purple blossom with a lavender center has a lovely citrus rose fragrance and the blooms are 4 1/2’ in diameter. This rose is exceptionally disease resistant and grows 4-5 feet tall. It is one of the few roses that actually improve in bloom strength with each passing year.

We have several David Austin roses such as ‘Sir John Betjeman’. Named after the English poet, this rose produces 3” double full blooms. It starts off with rosettes of bright deep pink and the color intensifies as it ages. It forms a healthy and bushy 3 feet shrub and the deep pink flowers add a nice contrast to some of the lighter colored roses.

Another lovely pink is ‘Harlow Carr.’ This has the typical cup shaped double blooming Austin rose but

Had trouble growing roses? Try a carpet rose - tough little flowers that aren’t fussy in the purest of rose pink.

Lovely rounded shrub of 4 feet by 3 feet heavenly laden with blooms that seem to touch the ground. The foliage starts off bronze

and then turns green but perhaps the most striking characteristic is the ‘old rose’ fragrance that many new roses lack. A truly charming rose for the cot-

tage garden!

If you ever had trouble growing roses before and love them but are afraid to try again - then choose a carpet rose. These are

tough little roses that are not fussy to grow. They don’t care how you prune them and are drought tolerant. (Like all drought tolerant plants they need to get established first before you start to neglect them).

These roses have a two tier root system which allows their surface roots to take whatever moisture they can find at the surface and tap roots that seek out any water deeper in the soil. Carpet roses are profuse bloomers from Spring to Fall and extremely disease resistant, low maintenance and make an excellent ground cover. We have them in yellow, pink, coral, amber and red.

There is a rose for everyone and every garden. Whether you put

The floribunda ‘Julia Child’ them in the garden bed or containers, there is a rose just waiting for you to take home and enjoy.

You will be rewarded with fragrance and beauty...as you sit back and enjoy the summer.

Happy Gardening!

Cycletopia on Denman Island: Denman Home and Garden Tour welcomes cyclists with a free draw The Denman Island Home & Garden Tour, one of the Island’s most beloved and long-running events, is offering an extra-special invitation for cyclists: anyone biking on the Tour (that includes electric bikes) can enter their name into a free draw to win a collection of tempting prizes.

“We want to turn Denman Island into Cycletopia for the weekend - it’s already a garden utopia,” says Laura Busheikin, Cyclists’ Draw Coordinator. “This is a way of lowering the greenhouse gas emissions of our event, and encouraging people to be physically active.

“Cycling around Denman adds a fun element to what is already a great experience, and as an added bonus, you get chance to win a basket full of gift cards, beautiful hand-made objects from local artisans, and yummy things to eat and drink.”

108 cyclists entered the draw when it was launched at the 2013 Tour. Busheikin says she is hoping to exceed that amount this year. “We want lots and lots of bikes so we really make an visual impact that tells people about

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the joys of green transportation.”

As a further attraction, this year the Island has a new all-purpose trail set apart from the main road which offers cyclists a safer, more tranquil option that weaves through trees and parkland.

Prizes include passes for the Pacific Mist Hydropath at the Kingfisher Resort & Spa, a $100 gift card from Mountain Equipment Co-op, a Denman Island Chocolate gift pack, a bicycle helmet from Mountain City Cycles in Courtenay, earrings (from used bicycle parts!) from Rose Pedal Jewelry, a gift certificate for a night’s stay at Cumberland’s Riding Fool Hostel, gift certificates to the Broken Spoke Cafe and Bicycle Shop, organic coffee from the Denman Island General Store, organic tea from the Denman Island Guest House, a ceramic tea-bowl from master potter Gordon Hutchens, and a three-hour electric bike rental for two from Qualicum Beach Pedego.

Rentals of electric bike rentals for the Tour are available from Qualicum Beach Pedego (250218-9333); they will meet you at the Buckley Bay ferry terminal to

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set you up with the bike .

This year’s Tour, which takes place June 13 and 14, includes a spectacular rose garden, a permaculture farm, Denman’s first commercial vineyard, soaring views, cozy hollows, and the Denman Island Chocolate Factory which boasts a new green roof.

Delicious home-made lunches are offered at the Community Hall.

Tickets for the Tour are available on-line or at Art Knapp’s, Blue heron Books, Home & Garden Gate and the Rusty Rooster.

To enter the draw, once you’re on the Island drop by the porch of the Community Hall (follow the signs). More info: www.denmanconservancy.org/home-and-garden-tour/ find us on Facebook, or call 250-335-2089.

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JUNE 5, 2015

25

s c i t n o d o h t r O e n i l e Shor n o l h t a i r T Tri K

It was sunshine and smiles all around for the over 450 participants who took part in this years Shoreline Orthodontics Tri K Triathlon. The race sees participants challenge themselves to either complete all three disciplines or join a team and share the fun. Aspen Park was the winner of the school participation award. For complete results see trik.ca.

View our FB page for full photo coverage.

26 www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JUNE 5, 2015

St. John the Divine Anglican Church marks 100 years (Continued from page 22)

Coastal Community Credit Union employees participate in a fundraising effort every Friday. At the end of the month, the proceeds are donated to a local charity. For the month of April, the money went to the Comox Valley Hospice Society. Fourth St. branch manager Robert Buckley presented the $300 cheque to Hospice president Audrey Craig.

You have previously mentioned the benefits of Memorial Society membership. How can I lock in todays better rates for use down the road?

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Members of the Memorial Society can lock in current funeral prices at Toneff Funeral Services by prepaying the balance of their final arrangements. As mentioned before in this column, any prepayment is held “in trust” by Canada Purple Shield. You can arrange monthly payments or place a lump sum in trust to complete these financial arrangements.

In 1950, it was decided to build a new parsonage on property adjacent to St. Andrew’s. Completed in 1957, it was the fifth parsonage for use of the ministers who served the parish.

In 1960, with a budget set at $23,000, the church was enlarged and renovated.

The nave was doubled with a spacious narthex under a gallery at the north end of the church.

Under the bell tower was a new entrance with long ramp to allow those who required wheel chairs to attend services. The brown wood exterior of both the church and hall was covered in stucco.

In 1961, St. John the Divine Parish was given autonomy from St. Andrew’s church.

In the past 50 years, the successive clergy of the parish have left their legacy in the church building. The Reverend William Lunney proposed a mosaic depicting St. John the Divine. It was designed and created by Pat Embleton who made four thousand intricate pieces to form the beautiful mosaic placed on the outside of the church in 1967.

Rev, Lunney was also inspired to have stained glass windows for each of the twelve apostles.

Cannon Eric Scott, Rector from 1968-1981, commissioned a unique metal cross for the Sanc-

Q: I have difficulty hearing my television even with my hearing aids. I turn the volume up but it doesn’t help. What can I do?

tuary. Formed in groups of three to represent the Holy Trinity, the facets of metal are to reflect each parishioner as they come into the church.

The interior of the church was repainted during the tenure of Father John Lancaster (1981-2003). the new colours are similar to Italian frescoes. The Eagle Lectern carved by Ron MacDonald, a local artisan, was the idea of Rev George Daley (2004-2011).

On June 10th, Bishop Logan McMenamie assisted by the current Rector, Fr. Anthony Divinagracia, will preside over a Thanksgiving service to honour the 100 year Anniversary of Saint John the Divine.

WHAT IS EATING THE LEAVES OF MY SNOWBALL TREE?

Jennifer Frey, Registered Audiologist

A good signal to noise ratio is important for hearing impaired television viewers. Usually the sound from TV speakers must travel through the room to reach your hearing aid microphones but if the sound is brought closer, listening is made easier. If you have a wireless TV system, TV sound can be delivered directly through your hearing aids or to headphones. The distance factor is eliminated and the signal to noise ratio improved significantly. Many hearing aids are Bluetooth enabled and Bluetooth TV systems are compatible with many television models. In addition, Closed Captioning can be selected in your TV menu with your TV remote control. Many programmes have added this feature for severely hearing impaired viewers. Don’t assume that your hearing problems are beyond solution - call me today for a complimentary evaluation.

Marnie

The culprit is likely the larvae of the viburnum leaf beetle, a pest very active in the valley right now. It targets many viburnum species, particularly ones with little hair like viburnum opulus ‘sterile’ or the snowball tree. Larvae are busy chewing holes in leaves, and soon they will climb down into the soil to pupate and emerge in late summer as adult beetles to chew on the newly re-grown leaves. Control at this time of year would be hand picking or spraying with an approved insecticide. Homeowners need to get a handle on this, because repeated defoliations over a number of seasons can weaken or even kill a plant.

For more information, pick up a fact sheet on the viburnum leaf beetle life cycle and control options at the information desk.

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What should I be doing this month in the garden?

Here is a list of things to do this month.

-Prune back your rose bushes after the first bloom to encourage more blooms.

-Prune pines while the candles are still soft. (June is best) -Be sure to deadhead any perennials that may have already bloomed as well.

-Very important: Get rid of those weeds in the garden before they go to seed!

-Mulch your gardens immediately after weeding to prevent weeds from taking over your gardens.

-Prune all spring flowering shrubs such as azaleas, rhodos, spirea, camellias and lilacs right after they finish blooming to avoid removing next year’s flower buds.

-Continue to dead head (remove dead flowers) your annuals to encourage continued blooming.

-Pinch back your chrysanthemums and asters now to promote better flowering for the fall. Discontinue pinching after June so they will be able to develop flower buds for the fall.

-Trees and shrubs growing in containers can be planted anytime during the growing season but planting in June gives plants a full season to become established before winter.

-Remove foliage from spring bulbs after they have turned yellow, dried out and are easily pulled.

How long will my heat pump take to pay itself back?

This question really depends on what you are comparing a heat pump to. Attodays energy prices when you compare a heat pump to an oil furnace youwill reduce your heating cost by about 65%-75%. If you compare a heat pumpto electric heat, heating costs will be reduced about 60%-70%. A naturalgas furnace rated at 80% efficiency will have almost the same operatingcost as a heat pump. There are many factors when deciding on a new heatingsystem.

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JUNE 5, 2015

27

New councillors press for proactive stand on homelessness

HAIR CARE

What is all the rage about this new hair care line you have?

Council also accepted it was early days with much work needing to be done to esh out the skeleton proposals, and when all that work is complete the package -- including the ďŹ nancial implications -- should go to a referendum before being implemented to ensure the wider electorate is on board.

The City’s debate on the issue was at the request of the regional district, which coordinated a non-binding referendum on the topic coinciding with last November’s civic elections.

Back then, voters were asked how much property tax they would be willing to pay to reduce

homelessness. Although 29 per cent of voters said they were not willing to pay anything at all, 46 per cent agreed a ďŹ gure of up to $10 a year on an average home would be acceptable, and a further 25 per cent would be willing to pay up to $5.

Having ascertained that more than 70 per cent of voters were ready to pay at least something, the regional district is now trying to work out what the most effective way forward might be.

Its questionnaire to all the local governments is the ďŹ rst step in that process.

There was lengthy discussion on the issues at Courtenay

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July 2nd! That’s right, property taxes and Home Owner Grant claims are due July 2nd. If that makes you think “uh oh� and want to check your bank balance, here are some stress-easing property tax tips: 1) Most mortgage lenders have the option to collect property taxes with your mortgage payments and pay them automatically to the city. The upside is your taxes are taken care of and you’re not stressed out on July 1st.

The downside is you don’t earn interest on the money and some lenders charge a ‘tax management fee’; 2) Many municipalities have a Tax Installment Prepayment Plan to debit your account from Sept – May each year. They don’t charge any fees, but again don’t pay interest. 3) If you’re a DIY type, you can save up using a high-interest savings account and automatic transfers from your chequing account every month; this way you’ll have your property taxes saved for July and earn interest too!

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Should I have my denture rebased?

If the teeth on your denture are in good condition but it has become loose over time you may be a good candidate for a rebase. This procedure entails keeping the existing denture teeth exactly where they are and replacing the rest. What was loose (due to natural changes in anatomy over time) may once again have suction. Also, if your denture base has staining or seems more prone to breaking/cracking these days then a rebase should address these issues as well.

An evaluation of your denture by a professional will determine if it is able to be rebased. At the Comox Denture Clinic we can typically complete a rebase as a same day procedure where we see you in the morning and then again in the afternoon. This procedure has the ability to increase fit, function and sometimes appearance for a significantly lower cost than having new dentures fabricated.

(Continued on page 28)

Dr. Colleen Clancy & Dr. Ann Lu Dentists

Pockets refer to the level on the tooth where the gum attaches. These levels help dentists and hygienists determine gum health. 3 mm pockets or less are ideal and can be cleaned with regular flossing and brushing. Anything deeper can trap plaque and harbour bacteria. If deep pockets are not cleaned, bacteria can cause inflammation in the gums and bone surrounding the teeth. This causes even deeper pockets until eventually, the foundation of the tooth is undermined and the tooth becomes loose.

Deep pockets can also be a source of bad breath.

People can’t measure their own pocket depths. They can be measured by their dentist or hygienist. Some deep pockets are reversible with specialized care. It is important to seek the proper treatment for deep pockets because deep pockets can lead to tooth loss and/or toothaches.

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What's the oddest thing you've ever taken out of someone's eye?

A wasp. A patient mentioned that she had a feeling of irritation in one eye. When I looked at her eye with the microscope, I was shocked. The wasp was small (perhaps juvenile or a tiny species) but it was very scary-looking under magnification. Luckily it was not alive and it hadn't harmed the patient. This week I took out some seed husks in one patient and sand in another. Sadly, many people just get bits of plastic in their eyes from packaging and shopping bags.

council, with three of the newlyelected members - Councillors David Frisch, Bob Wells and Rebecca Lennox - pushing hard to take a proactive stand on the issue.

But Coun. Erik Eriksson cautioned about the implications of setting up a regional district service without more speciďŹ cs of what it wanted to achieve; and Mayor Larry Jangula was opposed to funding such a service at all, as it would siphon off signiďŹ cant sums of money to pay staff and administrative charges.

What are gum/tooth pockets?

Wait – property taxes are due when!?

DENTISTRY

Courtenay councillors have decided the opening stand they will take to help tackle homelessness - with the new kids on the block taking the lead to send out a proactive message.

Council has agreed the regional district should set up a new regional service to coordinate local government actions to address the issue in the Valley and develop a housing trust fund.

They believe such a service should be funded from taxation, with the preferred rate being 5 cents for every $1,000

of assessed property value, which would raise an estimated $504,000 a year if implemented across all Comox Valley jurisdictions.

On the face of it, that infers an average residential property assessed at $300,000 would pay an extra $15 a year. But City ďŹ nance staff say that would not actually be the case, because the calculation does not take in to account the different levels of taxation businesses pay, so the residential rate would be lower.

Staff will work on the numbers to see what it would really mean before any commitment is made to an actual ďŹ gure.

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BY PHILIP ROUND Special to the Echo

Shingles is very common. It is estimated that 1 in 3 people will experience it in their lifetime. The pain can be excruciating and for some people can last for months or even years. Most people over 50 know someone who has had shingles and has seen how bad it can be. It presents as pain or tingling, and rash on one side of the body. Most commonly the chest and back, but also the head, neck or face can be affected. The complications can be debilitating.

There is a vaccine available, ZostavaxŽ. It is very effective. In adults 50-60 it prevents 70% of shingles cases. In adults over 60 it prevents 51% of shingles cases. Even if you do still get shingles after getting vaccinated you will experience 73% less pain. It is indicated for adults over 50. Many pharmacies stock the vaccine, and if you are over 50 and have had chickenpox in your lifetime you don’t need a prescription from your family doctor. You can see your pharmacist and get your injection right in the pharmacy. Check with your pharmacy as not all pharmacies provide this service.

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28 www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JUNE 5, 2015

NIC, Project Watershed unite for blue carbon research North Island College has signed a memorandum of understanding with Comox Valley Project Watershed to restore the estuary environment and research new guidelines for blue carbon research in B.C. “NIC students are bringing science to life - mapping eelgrass, improving estuaries and creating positive change in their own community,” said NIC Science Department Chair Christine Hodgson, who is also a Project Watershed member.

Blue carbon is carbon captured by salt marsh grasses, eelgrass and other aquatic plants. The grasses provide critical fish habitat, storm surge protection, and value for shellfish operations. They also absorb carbon up to 100 times faster and more permanently than terrestrial forests - making their habitat crucial to understanding and reducing CO2 levels in the atmosphere.

Project Watershed is the leader in blue carbon

NIC student Jamie Lund hands the GoPro camera to a KFN student while documenting eelgrass beds in the K’ómoks Estuary. Photo: Island Life Photographics research in the K’ómoks Estuary. It researches, plants, and maps eelgrass and salt marsh grasses.

In 2014, it received federal recognition and a $230,000 grant from an international research in-

stitute on climate solutions, as well as a $10,000 provincial grant to hire a student summer intern.

The agreement could create a protocol for other coastal communities in-

terested in restoring their own estuaries and support the creation of blue carbon greenhouse gas offsets under the B.C. offsets system.

“There are many opportunities for the public

and communities to get involved by planting intertidal eelgrass and restoring the shoreline with us,” said Paul Horgen, the Chair of the Board of Directors for the Comox Valley Project Watershed Society.

In conjunction with NIC’s Centre for Applied Research, Technology and Innovation, Hodgson received a $25,000 Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada grant to map the distribution of eelgrass relative to Shellfish Aquaculture sites, and monitor habitat with NIC students, the K’ómoks First Nation, Pentlatch Seafoods and Comox Valley Project Watershed.

NIC student Jamie Lund’s research into the distribution of eelgrass beds near the Royston Wrecks involved Project Watershed and a group of K’ómoks First Nation students.

Her work, as well as Beatrice Proudfoot’s digital estuary maps, were presented at a Project Watershed Conference in the Comox Valley in March.

For more information on the Blue Carbon Pilot Project visit www.projectwatershed.ca. For more information on applied research at NIC visit: www.nic.bc.ca/CARTI.

Cumberland wants committee to look at cutting cost of sewer project

BY MICHAEL BRIONES Echo Staff The Village of Cumberland has spoken. And they’re saying, the price tag of the proposed South Sewer Project is simply too expensive for them to bear.

They expressed this view at the Committee of the Whole meeting last week that had over 70 people attending.

Cumberland council heard the sentiments of the community and recommended the South Sewer Project Select Committee look for alternatives that

would trim the cost down and make it economically feasible.

“We’ve heard very loud and very clear from Cumberland residents that that’s too much money,” said Mayor Leslie Baird.

“We’re to go back to the select committee and see if we can find some costsavings somewhere. I am not sure if there are other solutions out there but I certainly hope there are.”

The cost of the project went up another $7 million when the Comox Valley Regional District opted for Cape Lazo to be the preferred outfall solu-

tion for its Liquid Waste Management Plan.

The whole project is around $57 million with Cumberland’s share of the capital estimated at $15.5 million. That would mean Cumberland residents would be required to dig deeper into their pockets and fork out over $1,500 a year. Business owners will also face higher taxes.

For residents in Royston and Union Bay, Baird said the rates are going to be double because they currently don’t have a sewer system.

She said Cumberland council was disappointed

the CVRD chose the Cape Lazo option.

“We were hoping for option 1 which I believe is $9 million cheaper,” said Baird.

The project has already received $15 million grant from the Union of British Columbia Municipalities but Baird said there’s just not enough tax base to make it work.

Cumberland needs this project because its current liquid waste treatment is out of compliance and is required to meet the federal Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations by 2020.

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This situation has been ongoing for a number of years but Cumberland has not been penalized because it is currently working towards a solution.

“As long as we’re doing that we should be okay,” said Baird. “Unfortunately, if we don’t find alternatives, we don’t know what we will be doing.”

Getting proactive on homelessness (Continued from page 27) If extra tax money was to be collected, he would rather it went into a fund from which grants could be awarded towards specific projects.

Jangula also raised questions about the results of the non-binding referendum, noting almost 70 per cent of people in Courte-

nay hadn’t even voted.

Council was being asked to come to a view based on the opinions of only 30 per cent of the electorate, and they were split.

But councillors pointed out that they were all sitting at the table thanks to the same 30 per cent, so if the referendum was not legitimate, nor were they. ❑

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JUNE 5, 2015

29

CVRD staff sticks with Zamboni as its ice resurfacer

BY MICHAEL BRIONES Echo Staff The Comox Valley Regional District is replacing its ice resurfacer at the Comox Valley Sports Centre this year.

The board of directors approved staff recommendation to directly award the contract to Crocker Equipment Co Ltd in the amount of $115,709.89.

As well, it approved short term financing not exceeding $110,000 to be repaid within five years of entering into the agreement.

The CVRD has two Zambonis. The Arena One ice resurfacer has reached the end of its life cycle and needs to be replaced this year.

Staff has chosen not to put this to tender. They explained to the board that

staying with Zamboni machines would ensure compatibility with existing products. As well, with Crocker as the exclusive provider for parts and services, it would mean maintenance efficiencies for service calls and annual servicing of both machines.

Other benefits to standardizing the CVRD fleet with Zamboni include operation of the equipment, safety, staff training and familiarization. Staff could also strip the old Zamboni of reusable parts as replacements.

The CVRD has already budgeted $100,000 for the purchase of a new Zamboni this year. But in order to make up the balance of the price, staff suggested the CVRD reduce the $150,000 budget for this year energy retrofit project, which has yet to be determined.

CVRD’s greenhouse emissions the lowest recorded since 2009

BY MICHAEL BRIONES Echo Staff The Comox Valley Regional District’s greenhouse emissions continue to be on the downward trend.

The CVRD has been tracking energy use and GHG emissions since 2009 and last year’s emissions at 1899 tonnes are lower than all the previous years, representing a 23 per cent reduction.

As well, the regional district has maintained its carbon neutral position through the acquisition of carbon offsets since 2012.

In its quest to maintain its status, staff has updated the board on the state of the regional district’s corporate energy inventory and also sought endorsement on a strategy to achieve carbon neutral commitments.

One of the major projects the CVRD is hoping to start this year that’s under the carbon neutral ini-

tiative is the Comox Valley Sports Centre energy retrofit. The project involves installation of a heat reclaiming process whereby waste heat captured off the arena ice plant is converted it into space and water heating at the recreation centre.

“This would result in significant energy cost savings of around $40,000 per year,” said Vince Van Tongeren, the CVRD’s policy and sutainability analyst. “It will reduce natural gas usage at the site and further reduce the CVRD’s corporate emissions by another 100 tonnes per year.”

Staff informed the board they’re still working on securing funds from multiple partners that include FortisBC, BC Hydro and Ministry of Energy and Mines. The project is estimated to cost around $400,000.

Staff also reviewed local offsets in the Comox Valley Community Car-

bon Marketplace. They’ve been evaluating three local projects - Eatmore Sprouts, Lazo Tyee Farm/ Sieffert Market and Tree Island Yogurt as possible carbon offsets for purchase towards the regional district’s carbon neutral obligations.

However, the three businesses are still being developed and are not ready for investment for the CVRD’s carbon offset purchase. Other projects identified for consideration once they’re developed included Cumberland Community Forest and the estuary eel-grass sequestration.

“If they are fully implemented, it could reduce community greenhouse gas emissions by 200 tonnes,” said Van Tongeren. Staff has also identified to the board a variety of options available in the open market for verified carbon offsets the CVRD could purchase.

(Continued on page 30)

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One of many career highlights for Oyster River fire department’s chief and deputy chief. Pictured here at the Oyster River fire hall in 2014 upon acquisition of a new fire truck are from left to right, Oyster River fire department’s retiring fire chief Niels Holbek, Comox Valley Regional District Puntledge-Black Creek (Electoral Area ‘C’) director Edwin Grieve, Strathcona Regional District Oyster Bay-Buttle Lake (Electoral Area ‘D’) director Brenda Leigh, and incoming Oyster River fire department chief Bruce Green.

CVRD welcomes new chief to the Oyster River Volunteer Fire Service The Oyster River Volunteer Fire Association didn’t have to look far for a new fire chief.

With Niels Holbek set to retire at the end of June, the Comox Valley Regional District has given the job to deputy chief, Bruce Green.

Holbek has served the community as a firefighter for 37 years and has been fire chief since 2007.

His replacement, Green, has a wealth of experience as he has provided 25 years of service to the department and has served as deputy for the same amount of time as Holbek has been chief.

“On behalf of the CVRD, I extend congratulations to Niels on his retirement and am pleased to welcome the new chief, Bruce Green, to his new post,” said CVRD Director Edwin Grieve, Pun-

tledge-Black Creek, (Electoral Area ‘C’).

“The community has been well-served and will continue to be.”

“We are grateful of the long-term service by both Niels and Bruce and are very appreciative of their dedication and professionalism,” said Strathcona Regional District Director Brenda Leigh, Oyster Bay-Buttle Lake (Electoral Area ‘D’).

“We know this will be a smooth transition with Bruce’s knowledge and expertise of the job and the region.”

The Oyster River Volunteer Fire/Rescue Association provides fire protection, rescue, extrication from motor vehicle accidents and emergency first responder service in the Black Creek, Oyster Bay, and York Road areas. More information can be found on their website at www. oysterriverfire.ca .

NOTICE:

It has come to our attention that an invitation to attend a Free Dinner conference promoted by Yancey Events and Cash Flow Strategies LLC has been sent out bearing the Best Western Logo and carrying the Best Western brand name. We would like it known that Best Western and specifically Best Western – The Westerly Hotel & Convention Centre is in no way affiliated with this event. Attendees joining this conference will be receiving a light snack, as booked by your host. Best Western – The Westerly Hotel & Convention Centre holds no responsibility for the advertised conference or meal promotion.

The Westerly Hotel & Convention Centre

30 www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JUNE 5, 2015

WHAT'SON In the Comox Valley 5 FRIDAY VOTE BY PROXY • Friday, June 5 to protect Wildwood Ecoforest at the Extraordinary General Meeting for members of The Land Conservancy of BC. Deadline is today to vote by proxy. Meeting takes place 7pm June 12 at the Prospect Lake Community Hall, 5358 Sparton Road, Victoria. For info contact savewildwood@gmail.com, phone 250-246-6727 PEARL ELLIS GALLERY IN COMOX • Presents: “WEST COAST RENDITIONS” a SHOW & SALE by CHARLOTTE DEPTFORD” From June 2nd - 21st . Open Tues - Sat from 10 am - 4 pm, Sun 1 - 4 pm, Closed Monday. Free Admission. Located at 1729 Comox Avenue. FMI and to see a virtual gallery of the current show go to www.pearlellisgallery.com CYCLING • Come join us on our Friday rides. We are a road cycling group of active adults and members of the Cross Canada Cycle Tour Society (CCCTS) www. cccts.org. At 10am (except in the months July and August when the start time changes to 9AM because of the heat). We meet at the Filberg Centre’s lower parking lot, 411 Anderton Courtenay, before setting off on a bike ride. See www.cccts. org under tabs Day Rides/Comox Valley for the schedule or email bikehikepeople@gmail.com COURTENAY LEGION • Meat draws every Friday, 5-7 pm.

COMOX LEGION • Meat draws every Friday, 3 p.m. Open to all Legion members and signed in guests.

6 SATURDAY COMOX VALLEY RELAY FOR LIFE • Saturday, June 6th, 7pm to Sunday, June 7, 7am at the Vanier Track. Early Bird Registration is on now, only $10. Visit: relayforlife. ca/comoxvalley or call Tracy at 250.668.6794.

STRAWBERRY TEA • June 6th from 10am - 2pm at Grantham Hall at 6040 Old Island Hwy. (across from Tsolum School). The Tsolum Rebekah Lodge is celebrating 40 years with a Strawberry Tea. We will be serving Strawberry Shortcake with local strawberries plus tea/coffee for $5.00. There will be baking and some very unique crafts plus door prizes. Please join us for an old fashioned Tea. LOBSTER BOIL • Benefit on June 6 at 6:30 PM Christ the King Church hall. $50 per person. Tickets available at Christ the King office, Laughing Oyster Bookstore, Red Carpet Consignment. All proceeds go to support the resettlement of a Syrian refugee family in the Comox Valley. FMI: Val Macdonald evmacdonald@shaw.ca COMOX VALLEY FARMERS MARKET • 9-12 every Saturday at the Headquarters Road fair grounds, Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay. Come for the freshness, stay for the fun!

FMI: Mkt. Mgr. Vickey 250.2180321 or or www.comoxvalleyfarmersmarket.com & keep in touch on Facebook.

COURTENAY LEGION • Meat draws every Saturday 2-5 p.m. in the lounge. Dancing to Gord Kruger and friends.

COMOX LEGION • Meat draws are held every Saturday 3 p.m. plus Ace of Spades draw.

8 MONDAY CRIBBAGE • Every Monday night, 7:00, at the Royston Hall, corner of Old Island Highway and Royston Road. No need to bring a partner.

FMI: 250-334-1883.

LADIES AUXILIARY DROP-IN BINGO • Comox Legion Ladies Auxiliary Drop-in Bingo, upper hall. Doors open 6 pm, bingo 7 p.m. All money goes to charities. Free coffee and tea.

9 TUESDAY ROYAL PURPLE DROP-IN BINGO • Every Tuesday night, 7 p.m., at the Elks Home on Sixth St. COMOX VALLEY WOOD CARVERS • If you are interested in any type of wood carving please join us at the Royston Community Hall every Tuesday from 9:30 AM to 3 PM for a day of carving and learning about carving. No experience necessary.

FMI call Al at 250-331-0156 or Jim at 250-339-5350.

DUPLICATE BRIDGE • Every Tuesday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 1 p.m., Comox Seniors Centre.

10 WED. PLAY BRIDGE • Every Wednesday at 7:00 pm at the Royston Hall, 3902 Old Island Hwy and Royston Road. FMI: 250-334-1883 or roystonhall.com and on Facebook FUN DARTS • 1 p.m. on Wednesdays at the Courtenay Legion.

More players (Legion members and their signed-in guests) always welcome.

COMOX LEGION • Comox Legion Drop in Darts move to Wednesdays for the Summer months. Check in until 7.25 p.m.toe line 7.30. Blind draw mixed doubles (where possible), Entry $2.25 pp. Why not take in a beer and burger for $10.00, 5.00 pm until 6.00 p.m. then a game of darts. FMI 250-339-9592

11 THURSDAY CANADIAN HARD OF HEARING ASSOCIATION • (CHHA - CV Branch) are pleased to have Amy MacLean from CONNECT HEARING as our presenter for the Thursday June 11 meeting. 10 - 12 am at the Tsolum building (building near the river, behind the Lewis Center). Annual Meeting will precede the presentation. FMI contact Glenda 250 3387792. Please watch for future announcements giving details of the fall Speech Reading classes.

12 FRIDAY TRIBUTE TO COUNTRY MUSIC GREATS • On June 12 The Courtenay Legion Br. #17 is presenting Tribute to Country Music Greats featuring Garth Brooks (Steve Hill), Alan Jackson (Aaron Halliday), The Judds (Darla & Candy). This will be held in the Upper Legion Hall on June 12. Advance tickets available at Courtenay Legion Lounge, Laughing Oyster Book Store or call Marjorie Walters at 250-3350656. Tickets are $30.00 advance or $35.00 at the door.

A century of fashions Don’t forget the Evergreen Club presents their fashion show “Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed” on Saturday June 6th at 7pm in the Florence Filberg Centre.

The Comox Valley Heritage Commission has kindly lent out their wonderful panels on the history of this amazing community we live in.

Give yourself time to peruse and walk down memory lane.

You’ll find the history displayed an interesting read to contrast the ‘then and now.’

This will be an extra special fashion show showcasing a century of fashion.

This fun show is for all ages so why not make it a night out for grandma, daughter, and granddaughter?

It will be an entertaining night showcasing what was worn throughout the decades.

The evening starts with the Denman Island and District Lace making Group doing a demo in the lobby; an artwork that you need to see up close to appreciate the process.

Doors will open at 5:30 to allow guests to do just that and socialize.

Assorted cheese trays and coffee/tea will be served prior to the show and a no host bar will be available.

Guests are invited to be part of the show as well.

There will be a prize for the most original outfit, so enjoy a reason to dress up!

Don’t miss out on this evening of fashions, food and music.

Two local shops from Downtown Courtenay, LaCache and Jim’s Clothes Closet, will be showcasing the fashions of today.

LaCache have beauti-

Don’t miss out on Fashions Through the Decades featuring left to right: Judy Finneron, Mary Ann Tait, George Bentham and Lee Mc Isaac (Photo submitted by The Evergreen Club) ful modern fashions and accessories that complement a show of vintage items perfectly.

Tickets are $15.00 each

and may be purchased at Courtenay Recreation’s Filberg office or at LaCache on 5th St. in Courtenay.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ART ■ Campbell River Artist, Charlotte Deptford, is presenting a collection of her most favorite Acrylic and Watercolor paintings at the Pearl Ellis Gallery in Comox, June 2 to 22.

Charlotte would love to meet and chat with you. A reception will be held June 7, from 1-4pm. Pearl Ellis is located at 1729 Comox Ave, is open daily Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 4pm, Sundays 1pm to 4pm. For a visual tour of the show visit our web site at www. pearlellisgallery.com ■ Georgia Straight Jazz Society has coordinated a month-long event at Rhodos Coffee, beginning on June 1st, with members of Comox Valley Camera Club. A selection of

framed photographs will be displayed, and on sale, for the duration, and jazz music will be played during regular daytime business hours. Special in this event will be the evening reception, between 5 and 8 pm, on Friday June 5th (which coincides with “Elevate the Arts” activities in Courtenay), with live Jazz, and tapas-type dishes for sale. Everyone is invited to drop in, and meet society members and discover why it is that Courtenay has become the renowned new centre of ‘where jazz is at’ in British Columbia.

WRITING ■ Calling all book authors - As a contribution to the City of Courtenay centennial, the Comox Valley Writers’ Society is com-

Sorry, but tickets must be purchased ahead of time and not at the door.

For more information call 250-338-1000

piling a history of book authors from the Comox Valley and surrounding communities. This applies to authors of all genres and includes those with self-published books as well as books produced by mainstream publishing houses. For further information or inclusion in this project please contact Terry at tn-james@shaw. ca or 250-338-0597. Deadline is June 5.

■ Denman resident Sheila Carnegie has once again become a best selling author with the release of her third book “Tales from Old Toad Island, Humourous Adventurs of Esmerelda Perkins, Book Two”. She will be at Abraxas Books on Denman Island on June 6th from 1-4 pm for a book signing and will have her three books available.

(Continued on page 31)

CVRD’s greenhouse emissions the lowest since 2009 (Continued from page 29) Since 2012, the CVRD has budgeted $25 per tonne for carbon offsets as recommended by the provincial government. It adds up to $50,000 per year.

The board’s direction in the past has been to purchase offsets for as little as possible and using remaining funds to invest in local climate related projects such as the energy retrofit and blue carbon initiative.

Staff recommended the CVRD buy verified carbon offsets from the Granger South Jordan landfill gas collection and utilization project in Utah at about $1.50 USD/tonne. The CVRD has until June 2 to complete this.

Cumberland director Gwyn Sproule said upon reading staff ’s selection of carbon offsets list, she asked why no Vancouver Island projects were considered.

“We are also provided the opportunity with the

Nanaimo landfill gas capture and I don’t see that there and that’s more local,” Sproule said. “And in my own personal self, I’d rather contribute to something at least that’s in Vancouver Island.”

Van Tongeren said the Nanaimo project is in the range of $18 per tonne and added that if the board is willing, they could pursue it.

Staff also asked the board to approve approximately $3,542 and also that the remaining

2014 carbon offset funds be allocated to Community Carbon Marketplace emissions reduction project investment options ($18,683) and the Comox Valley sports centre energy retrofit project ($25,000).

The committee of the whole received the recommendation for the board’s approval with an amendment suggested by Courtenay director Bob Wells that options for more local carbon offset opportunities be considered in the future.

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JUNE 5, 2015

9 & Dine is Back at Sunnydale!

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ■ Get your creative juices flowing! On Sunday June 7th, Victoria author Julie Paul is offering a one day writing workshop in Cumberland. This exploration will include writing prompts and exercises, as well as in-class readings and is open to writers of all levels and genres. The workshop runs June 7th, 9 am - 3 pm, at Purusa Movement+Mind, 2703 Dunsmuir Av., Cumberland. Cost is $75. To register please call 250-3368702 or email traciskuce@ gmail.com.

■ Just in time for Fathers’ Day, author Neil Cameron will be signing his book, Sunday June 7 at 2 pm at Laughing Oyster Bookshop, Downtown Courtenay. The long-time editor of the Campbell River Courier Islander newspaper recently published a collection of stories titled: Fishing, Family and Friends - 25 years of Stories from the Salmon Capital of the World. All are invited to meet the author at Laughing Oyster Bookshop, 286 Fifth Street, at 2 pm.

■ This month’s Fat Oyster, the last before the summer, is featuring 3 dynamic award-winning authors on Wednesday June 10th at the Fanny Bay Hall - Cynthia Flood, Renée Sarojini Saklikar and Judy LeBlanc. The evening will begin with three young aspiring grade 11 and 12 writers from the Comox Valley.

This Fat Oyster reading will be on Wednesday June 10 at 7:00 pm at the Fanny Bay Hall. Doors open at 6:30. The cost is by donation at the door. For more information please see the Fanny Bay Hall website at: http://fannybaycommunity.com/fat-oyster-reading-series/ and Facebook

Anderton are set for Sundays, July 28 and August 9 and 23. FMI: http://www. georgiastraightjazz.com

at: https://www.facebook. com/fatoysterreading.

MUSIC ■ Indigo Jazz members John Hyde, Rick Husband, and Dale Graham have been the First Friday feature at the Zocalo Café for five years. This Friday, June 5, marks the trio`s last appearance before an extended summer hiatus.

If you love fine melodies and rhythmic nuance, this group plays your kind of music. Catch the last Indigo Jazz of the season, this Friday at The Zocalo Café in downtown Courtenay. Music starts at 7 pm, admission is by donation and drop-ins are welcome throughout the show.

■ The Celebration Singers will joyously salute the City of Courtenay during their spring concert at the Sid Williams Theatre on Sunday June 7th at 7:30 PM. In honour of the City’s 100th year the choir will add this exciting show to June’s homecoming events. Don’t miss this chance to wish Courtenay a musical Happy Birthday! Tickets are $15 (adult) and $10 (child -12) and are available at the Sid Williams box office or on line at www.thesidwilliamstheatre.com Get your tickets early! www. thecelebrationsingers.ca ■ Talented young Victoria musicians Quinn and Qristina Bachand have acquired a big following internationally, in Canada, and here on the North Island. We’re very fortunate to have them performing in concert at the Big Yellow Merville Hall on Thursday June 11th. Advance tickets are available at Long and McQuade in Courtenay, $18 for adults, $12 for youths, or online at https://www. eventbrite.ca/e/qristinaquinn-bachand-mervillebc-tickets-16606091266.

They’ll also be available at the door on the concert night, Thursday June 11th, $22 adults, $15 youths.

■ The Georgia Straight Hot Jazz Society features The Armi Grano Concert on Thursday night, June 11 at the Avalanche Bar and Grill. Admission $10 members /$12 non-members. Coming up: June 18, Jennifer Scott and Rene Worst. The Summer Concerts at The Gardens on

•$22.00 plus gst •includes 9 holes of golf

and dinner

•tee off between 3pm-5pm •Book tee-times at the pro-shop

31

Call to book your tee-time

(250) 334-3232 5291 North Island Highway, Courtenay

Society. The morning session is $20, the afternoon session is $40, and there is a discounted price of $50 for those who take both. The afternoon session is strictly limited to 10 registrants. Advance registration is required for both sessions. To register, or for more information, phone Dale at 250 339 6989.

ETC.

■ Take a musical vacation with Jordan Hanson of DrumVictoria who is returning to the Comox Valley for three jam-packed days of rhythm-making, June 12 -14. Instruments are provided for all workshops (djembe, krin duns, balafon, bells and shakers), and workshops are open to ALL levels of playing experience. To register with paypal, go to www. courtenaydrumcamp. com or register through Monica Hofer (detailed brochure available on request) by emailing drumdeva@gmail.com.

Preregistration and payment is necessary to hold your spot! All workshops take place at the Royston Community Hall.

■ On June 12 The Courtenay Legion Br. #17 is presenting Tribute to Country Music Greats featuring Garth Brooks (Steve Hill), Alan Jackson (Aaron Halliday), The Judds (Darla & Candy). This will be held in the Upper Legion Hall on June 12. Advance tickets available at Courtenay Legion Lounge, Laughing Oyster Book Store or call Marjorie Walters at 250-335-0656. Tickets are $30.00 advance or $35.00 at the door.

■ Love to sing? Do you want to sing more confidently? Would you like to develop your skill and comfort with improvisation? Want to get to the heart of the songs you sing?

There’s a vocal teacher you need to meet.

Jennifer Scott is considered by her peers and fans to be the finest jazz vocal improviser in Canada.

She is also a skilled and intuitive teacher. Jennifer will be offering two vocal workshops in Courtenay, at the Lower Native Sons’ Hall, on Saturday, June 20th, sponsored by the Georgia Straight Jazz

■ The streets, alleys and halls of Downtown Courtenay are on the brink of transformation as the final elements of the 4th annual Elevate Arts Festival converge for June 3-6. Over 250 artists and performers and hundreds more volunteers and community partners are putting the final touches on their contributions to this mash up of art, culture, ideas and urban reclamation.

Visit www.elevatethearts. com for all the details including a downloadable schedule of events.

■ Coastal Black Winery and Gladstone Brewing Company are teaming up to provide spirits for an upcoming event at Coastal Black Winery to build homes for struggling hardworking local families. On June 6, 280 guests will be seated in the Coastal Black barn surrounded by Latin American themed décor, dine on Latin American tapas from Beez Kneez Catering, and enjoy the dynamic Latin American pop infusion band from Vancouver, Locarno.

If you are interested in attending this amazing evening please visit www. habitatnorthisland.com or pick up tickets at the ReStore in Campbell River or Courtenay, Gladstone Brewing Company or Coastal Black Winery.

■ Ever been curious about what exactly a Spirit Medium does, or have you ever wondered if you are really communicating with Spirits as a Medium?

This is your opportunity to find out. On June 6th, Kari McCuish, local Medium and Tarot Reader will be conducting a workshop at Winds Of Change on 5th Street to help you answer these questions.

Come and learn how to safely and easily connect to people and pets that have entered the Spirit Realm and in doing so gain understanding of the benefits the connection can bring. For more in-

Be prepared to see everything from aerial ballet to art to music and much more at this weekend’s ‘Elevate the Arts’ Festival in downtown Courtenay. formation please contact Winds of Change at 250338-5095 or Kari at 250336-2525 ■ 7 Story Circus, your local community circus, presents, “Collide’oscope” on June 8, 12 & 13. Featuring Aerialists, Acrobats, Stilting, & more.

This is our big year-end show with over 90 performers coming together, over three nights, to create a show you won’t forget!

Monday June 8, Doors @ 5:30pm & Show @ 6pm: Opening Act by Community Circus 1 kids. Friday June 12, Doors @ 6:30pm & Show @ 7pm: Opening Act by Aerial Arts Students. Saturday June 13, Doors @ 7:30pm & Show @ 8pm: Opening Act by Aerial Arts Students. At Courtenay Recreation’s Lewis Centre, 489 Old Island Highway.

Admission at the door: $12/person or $25 Family Pass. For more information check out www.7storycircus.com & on facebook.

FILM ■ Wachiay Friendship Centre is hosting the movie Finding Dawn (https://www.nfb.ca/film/ finding_dawn/) at 1:15 pm Wednesday June 10th at the Wachiay Friendship

Centre, 1625 McPhee Ave, Courtenay.

Discussion to follow.

Please join us for this compelling documentary about the murdered and missing Aboriginal women in Canada.

For more information phone 250-335-0364

DANCE ■ Over the past three years, Comox Valley’s Danette Bell has been building an idea for all ages and all abilities. “Love To Perform Theatre Arts” is an educational centre where a community of theatre enthusiasts work together in a year-round training program.

Nearing this Spring’s Showcase entitled, “Cabaret Noir: Celebrating The Artistry”, evening performances on June 19th and 20th, it’s all hands on deck as the creative team and students prepare to present an experience that engages all the senses!

Tickets are available now, by reserved seating only; you can purchase tickets at the Old Church Theatre on Tuesdays and Wednesdays between 4:00pm and 9:00pm or by contacting luv2per4m.ta@gmail.com to learn about our upcoming Summer and Fall training programs!

32 www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JUNE 5, 2015

GOLF NEWS SHOOTOUT AT GLACIER GREENS On Saturday May 30th clear skies greeted the one hundred and four participants who teed it up for the 20th anniversary of the Glacier Greens Saturday Men’s Club “Shoot Out” tournament. This popular annual event is played over three weekends with three different formats. First its Best ball, then Scramble and finishes with the dreaded Alternate shot.

After the last putt had dropped and the scores tallied the team of Dave Wacowich and Carl Webber are leading the gross side with (66). Mike Berger and his son Terran as well as James Dickson and Kevin Hunt are tied for second place with (67).

Rob Borland and Steve Peters, Doug McArthur with Jim Livingstone and Pete Hill with Ron Morrison round out the top five with (71).

On the net side the team of Dave Osborne and Derek Bullard are leading the pack with (52.5). Second place is Bill Chiki and Bill

O’Neill at (54). Next at (56.5) is Al Pasanen and Armin Reckhard. Three teams are tied at (57.5) and they are Al Waddell and Mike Pollock, Adrian Haut with Joe Dunham and Pete Hill with Ron Morrison.

Team K.P.’s went to Joe Dunham & Adrian Haut on hole # 4 sponsored by Scott Fraser of Royal LePage, Dave Brooker & Rod Cobham on hole # 7 sponsored by the Sat Men’s Club, Dave Osoborne & Derek Bullard on hole # 12 sponsored by Gary Wiebe of Boston Pizza, Dave Wacowich & Carl Webber on hole # 15 sponsored by Bill Kelly of Bill Kelly Golf and to Bill O’Neill & Bill Chiki on hole # 17 sponsored by Bill Girard of Canadian Western Bank.

Next Saturday the 6th of June it will be the Scramble format.

- Submitted by Len Doyle, Sat Men’s Coordiantor

RAIN AT CROWN ISLE? You bet! And as everyone will say it was very needed!

Not only was the rain needed, time was needed for the Crown Isle ladies to catch up on coffee chats, bookwork and cleaning! Not many ladies ventured out into that del-

uge at 8 am.

Kudos to the ladies who golfed in the Zone 6 2015 Amateur/Senior tournament held at Morningstar and Eaglecrest Golf courses. Congrats to Katy Macaulay who had a stellar weekend shooting the 2nd low net overall in both in the Senior and Amateur divisions, Dee Horie who won 3rd low gross in her flight of 1-12 and Sheila van Gisbergen who won 1st low net in her flight of 13-21.

Besides being a great golfer, Dee Horie is also our hardworking rep for the Zone 6 junior girls.

In the Vancouver Island Junior Girls Championship held at the challenging Nanaimo Golf Course Abi Rigsby of Crown Isle and Shirin Anjarwalla of Nanaimo tied with low gross of 79. On hole 1 of the playoff, Shirin sunk a 15 ft putt to win the Championship trophy. In the Zone 6 Junior championship at Pheasant Glen, Shirin posted a low gross of 145 and won the Juvenile trophy. The AAA High School Championships are being held at Alberni Golf Course. Dee says it is wonderful to watch the girls engage in friendly competition and the hugs all around after the play is

For more information please contact Linda Marinus at (250)338-2544.

BRIDGE NEWS VALLEY DUPLICATE BRIDGE Monday, May 25 A 1 Jack and Carole Bradshaw 2 Tom Dugdale - Jeanette Baron 3 Gayle Cousins - Dan White B 3 Dave Mosher - Howard Cohen Thursday, May 28 A 1 Jack Bradshaw - Bob Dugas 2 Tim Kennelly - Pete Marinus 3 Dianna Rickson - Sharon Feduniak B 1 Doug Nash - Ken Hooper

2 Gary Priestman - Irene Pearl 3 Allen Hopwood - Lorraine Gargan Our club is located on Nordin Street across from the Comox Mall under the Museum and Art Gallery.

We offer guaranteed partnerships, so if you’re visiting or your regular partner is away, make sure you come out to play anyway.

If you don’t have a regular partner, I’m sure you’ll meet one.

Our Website is www. cvdbc.com and our email is playbridge@shaw.ca.

completed, Many thanks to the Karches and Flemings for organizing the Couples’ hidden partners tournament. Events like this don’t happen without someone stepping up to the plate!!

AND THE WINNERS ARE: Mens’ low gross: Bruce Russell and low net:Herb Linhart Ladies’ low gross Carol Ann Roulston and low net Liz Ellis 1st overall in the hidden partners team: John Roulston, Ron Coutts, Daneen Karch and Donna Cunliffe

2nd place on a countback: Art Quinney, Frank Foster, Kathy Thompson and Janet Phillips 3rd place: Ken Nuyts, John Johnson, Rosemary Smith and Linda Glanville Don’t forget ladies to sign up for the Captain’s Cup on June 13th on the website and Crown Isle Field Day’s “Honour Your Captain” on June 7th in the locker room. The next Crown Isle Nine and Wine is on July 8th. Remember to wear your red and white.

- Submitted by Donna Cunliffe

D’ESTERRE DUPLICATE BRIDGE Results for Tuesday 26th May (14 tables): N/S - 1. Tom Dugdale and Jeanette Baron; 2. Harvey Piercy and Judy Morrison; 3. Barb McCrindle and Denise Holst; 4. Colin Park and Bernice Blonarwitz.

E/W - 1. Trish Heyland and Irene Pearl; 2. Grace Whetter and Wendy Peddie; 3. Jane Jenssen and Carol Ante; 4. Roy and Patricia Lowe.

Results for Friday 29th May (11 tables): N/S - 1. Gary and Fran Priestman; 2.

Cynthia Tree and Pat Pantuso; 3.

Tom Dugdale and Dorothy Branch; 4. Jean Tait and Evelyn Ware.

E/W - 1. Roy Hagg and Keith Ware; 2. Dick and Lynn Sangster; 3. Jane McCarroll and Barbara O’Neill; 4. George and Trish Kirkwood.

Results for Saturday 30th May (10 tables): N/S - 1. Jack and Carole Bradshaw; 2. Tom Dugdale and Neal Jackson; 3. Dick and Lynn Sangster; 4. Dorothy Branch and Corrine Montgomery.

E/W - 1. Tom and Betty Thomsen; 2. Harvey Piercy and Louise Elliot; 3. Keith and Evelyn Ware; 4. George and Trish Kirkwood.

PATIENTS OF DR. ALISON STOCKS

Sea Cove Medical Clinic

#201 -1757 Beaufort Ave, Comox, BC V9M IR8 I 250-339-5335L seacovemedicalclinic.com

Dear Patients: It is with great regret that I have to inform you that I will not be returning to work due to health issues.

However, I am very happy to be able to inform you that we have found two excellent Family Physicians who are excited to take half of my practice each. One you may have met already is Dr. Bonnie Bagdan, and the other is Dr. Jonathan Kerr, who is joining us from Ontario.

They will be starting this summer. Until then coverage will continue to be provided by Dr. Judith Hammond and Dr. Shannon Marshall, with help from Drs. Hemmerich, Ostry, and Brailey.

It is with sadness I leave my practice. I have enjoyed the privilege of being able to share some of your life journey with you. However, I have great confidence in Dr. Bagdan and Dr. Kerr, and it is a relief to me to Know you will be in capable hands. Yours, Dr. Alison Stocks, MD

“At this time Dr. Bagdan and Dr. Kerr will not be accepting NEW patients”

The best method for the early detection of prostate cancer?

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DIAMOND

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Comox Valley 5 Anniversary TELUS Motorcycle Ride For Dad:

Saturday, June 6 RideForDad.ca LOCAL PRESENTING SPONSORS

1:00 pm JULY 1st Lewis Park GOLD

Tickets selling Monday, May 18th, at The Cumberland Empire Days Parade

Bayview Chiropractic, Comox Valley Echo, Comox Valley Record, Delaney Relocation, First Insurance, John’s Independent, McDonald’s Comox Valley, T. Dale Roberts, The Eagle, The Medicine Shoppe, Used Everywhere, VI Insurance Centres, and Westjet

Chances are 1 in 6000 (total tickets for sale) to win a grand prize. BC Gaming Event License #72812

Know your limit, play within it. 19+ Problem Gambling Help Line 1-888-795-6111

www.bcresponsiblegambling.ca

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JUNE 5, 2015

33

Outdoor FitCamp tomorrow benefits Valley KidSport Saturday June 6 is National Move for Health and Fitness Day and BodyNetix Professional Fitness Training and Rice Toyota Courtenay want to celebrate by teaming up with an on-location Outdoor FitCamp with proceeds going to KidSport Comox Valley.

The Outdoor On-Location FitCamp is on Saturday, June 6 at Simms Millennium Park starting at 9:30am and will run for about an hour.

“BodyNetix FitCamp is a fantastic way to be active and get into shape, our clientele includes people of all ages and abilities. We offer over 27 different classes per week and the professional trainers on our staff caterer to the needs of the individuals

in a fun and team like group environment” explains Megan Penney, Coowner of BodyNetix.

“We are excited to be offering this On-location FitCamp with the proceeds of the drop -in fees going directly to Kid Sport Comox Valley”.

KidSport Comox Valley was formed in 2008 and is one of over 40 chapters in BC. The local organization is 100% volunteer. KidSport believes that no child should be left on the sidelines and all children should be given the opportunity to experience the positive benefits of organized sports.

KidSport provides financial grants (up to $300) to remove financial barriers that prevent kids from playing

organized sport.

In 2015 61 children in the Comox Valley were proudly sponsored to participate in a sport of their choice. All donations and money raised in the Comox Valley goes to gupport local young athletes.

Andrew Rice of Rice Toyota Courtenay has been a member of BodyNetix for the last 3 Years.

“I believe the BodyNetix FitCamp is the most effective way to get into shape, gain overall strength and improve cardio. June of 2014 I had my femur reconstructed from a previous injury.

As soon as I was able to start a fitness program again I have been going to classes twice a week, and now,

8 months later I am in better physical shape than I was prior to the surgery.”

Rice Toyota is proud to be paired up with BodyNetix to support KidSport at this event.

“On behalf of BodyNetix, my team and I would like to welcome all past and current members as well as new people to try out our Outdoor FitCamp on Saturday,” says Megan Penney.

“We have a great class planned including music and smoothie bar for after the workout. Please contact myself at 250-871-2400 or admin@bodynetix. com to register or for more details.”

Former NHL goalie named honorary colonel of search and rescue school at 19 Wing

BY MICHAEL BRIONES Echo Staff Former NHL goaltender Kelly Hrudey was appointed the first honorary colonel of the Canadian Forces Search and Rescue School at 19 Wing Comox.

The designation is part of the Air Force Honorary program.

Hrudey is currently a hockey broadcaster with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and Sportsnet for the Calgary Flames as a commentator.

During his professional hockey career in the NHL, he played for the New York Islanders 1984-85 before he was traded to the Los Angeles Kings late in the 1988-89 season. Hrudey played six full

seasons with the Kings, including leading them to the Stanley Cup finals in 1993 against the Montreal Canadiens, where they lost in five games. His busiest NHL season was in 1993-94, when he played in 64 games for L.A. Hrudey played his final two years in the NHL with the San Jose Sharks, retiring after the 1997-98 season at the age of 37.During his 15-year career with the Islanders, Los Angeles, and San Jose, Hrudey compiled a record of 271-26588 with a goals against average of 3.43, with 16 shutouts.

Aside from being a hockey commentator, Hrudey is involved in junior hockey. He is one of the owners of the BCHL’s Nanaimo Clippers, which are now up for sale.

Kelly Hrudey Conceived and Written by

6955523

ALEX MUSTAKAS

Top Shelf Feeds

Orchestrations & Vocal Arrangements by

ROBERT FOSTER

100% ISLAND OWNED

NO

MEAT OR BONE MEAL IN OUR FEED What’s going into your Eggs or Chicken?

Jun 12 - Aug 29 Tickets from $25

Help us name our new ferries.

We’re proud to be introducing three new Intermediate Class Ferries to our fleet. They will become part of our shared culture and history, serving British Columbians and visitors for decades to come.

Celebrate the beauty of coastal British Columbia and our marine heritage by submitting your best vessel names.

1.800.565.7738

chemainustheatre.ca Luxurious Theatre Getaways from $137 per person

You could win over $500 in ferry travel. Contest ends June 9.

MADE ON THE ISLAND * FOR THE ISLAND

6993976

To enter, visit bcferries.com.

34 www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JUNE 5, 2015

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JUNE 5, 2015

35

CARRIERS WANTED EARN $$$$$$$$ COURTENAY Rt. 7101B – Lake Trail, Edgett, Willemar Rt. 7103 – 1180 Edgett & 1335 13th Rt. 7125 – Salsbury, Bood, Barford Rt. 7134 – Salsbury, Mills, Rachel, Houlgrave Rt. 7137A – Lake Trail - M’akola Housing COMOX Rt. 1108 – Highwood, Foxwood, Garston, Kelsey, Beaconsfield Rt. 1110 – Skeena, Pritchard, Chinook, Nimpkish, Chilcotin, Noel Rt. 2105 – Strathcona, April, Aitken Rt. 2111 – Anderton, Bolt, Bunting, Cormorant Rt. 2112 – Meadowlark, Aspen, Murrelet, Towhee Rt. 2118 – Comox Ave, Mack Laing, Baybrook, Orchard Park Dr. P.M.Q’s – C.F.B. Comox MIRACLE BEACH Rt. 6111 – Seaview Road VALLEYVIEW Rt. 3126 – 9th St E, Waddington, Jutland, Malahat, Brooks

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

36 www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JUNE 5, 2015

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JUNE 5, 2015

37

Comox Valley Nissan wins Award of Excellence The staff at Comox Valley Nissan celebrates the winning of the Nissan Award of Excellence presented to New Car Manager Brandon Longson by Nissan Canada representative Jaimy Hutton for the 4th year in a row. “Without our customers, we are nothing - our customers continue to drive us to grow and improve as a dealership and because of that we have been able to achieve unrivaled recognition on a national level, so thank you Comox Valley!” says Brandon Longson.

:30 Saturday 9:30-5 Sunday 11-5

• Toss Pillows at $9 • Desks starting at $98 • Solid Wood Dining Tables starting at $398 • Sideboards starting at $398 • Shoe Cabinet $98 • Queen Size Memory Foam Mattresses starting at $398 • Sofabeds starting at $498 • T.V Units starting at $88 • Swivel Rocker Recliners starting at $698 • 100% Leather Sectionals starting at $1598 • Stressless Chairs starting at $1498 • Dining Chairs starting at $88 • 100% Leather Loveseats starting at $898 • 100% Leather Swivel Club Chairs starting at $698 • Leather Bar Stools starting at $168 • Coffee Tables starting at $198 • Queen Storage Beds starting at $698 • Outdoor Sectionals starting at $1398 • Bookcases starting at $98 • Many Items Below Cost!!

Victoria and Nanaimo stores only!

VICTORIA 661 McCallum Rd., Millstream Village 250-475-2233

NANAIMO 1711 Bowen Road 250-753-6361

38 www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JUNE 5, 2015

OF FE R

vw.ca

From

0% 72 *

for

APR

or up to

$3,500

** CASH DISCOUNT

on other select models

Highline model shown

2015 TIGUAN

2015 PASSAT

2.0 TSI Trendline FWD

1.8L Trendline TSI manual transmission

Monthly lease from the equivalent of $99 bi-weekly

Monthly lease from the equivalent of $89 bi-weekly

THAT’S LIKE PAYING

WEEKLY with $5,920 down at 1.9% APR for 48 months†

TIGUAN SPECIAL EDITION Introducing the Tiguan Special Edition with more than

$1,300 IN ADDED VALUE rearview camera heated seats keyless entry

30

MONTHS on select models

Highline model shown

$50

EN DS JU NE

THAT’S LIKE PAYING

$45

WEEKLY with $5,281 down at 1.9 % APR for 48 months†

$1,000 TDI DISCOUNT Up to

***

GoTDI® Clean Diesel, 1,296 km (highway) per tank

17" Fortaleza alloy wheels Climatronic® dual-zone climate control rain-sensing wipers, and much more

2015 JETTA 2.0L Trendline manual transmission STANDARD REARVIEW CAMERA Monthly lease from the equivalent of $69 bi-weekly

THAT’S LIKE PAYING

$35

WEEKLY with $2,451 down at 1.9% APR for 48 months†

$1,000 TDI DISCOUNT Up to

Highline model shown

***

GoTDI® Clean Diesel, 1,058 km (highway) per tank

See the falls in a Jetta with available automatic rain-sensing wipers.

Where will you go this summer with your new Volkswagen? *Limited time finance offer available through Volkswagen Finance, on approved credit based on a new and unregistered 2015 Tiguan FWD Trendline (#5N21V4) / Passat 1.8T Trendline (#A322R1) / Jetta 2.0L Trendline (#163VJ1) base model with 6/5/5-speed manual transmission. Base MSRP of $26,750/$25,580/$16,595, including $1,760/$1,605/$1,605 freight and PDI, financed at 0% APR for 72 months equals 156 bi-weekly payments starting from $139/$139/$89. $5,066/$3,896/$2,711 down payment due at signing. Cost of borrowing is $0 for a total obligation of $26,750/$25,580/$16,595. PPSA fee, license, insurance, registration, any dealer or other charges, options and applicable taxes are extra. **$3,500 /$2,000/$2,000 discount on MSRP available on cash purchase only of new and unregistered 2015 Tiguan 2.0T Highline 4MOTION® / other select Passat models / other select Jetta models. Discount varies by model. ***$1,000/$1,000 discount on MSRP available on cash purchase, finance or lease of select new and unregistered 2015 Passat TDI Clean Diesel / Jetta TDI Clean Diesel models. Based on Natural Resources Canada’s (NRCan) estimated fuel consumption rating of 5.4 L/100 km (highway) for the 2015 Passat TDI Clean Diesel equipped with manual transmission and a 70 L fuel tank capacity. City rating is 7.9 L/100 km.

Estimated fuel consumption ratings of 5.2 L/100 km (highway) and 7.7 L/100 km (city) for the 2015 Jetta TDI Clean Diesel equipped with manual transmission and a 55 L tank. Actual fuel consumption will vary based on driving conditions, driver habits and vehicle’s additional equipment. Please refer to NRCan’s Fuel Consumption Guide 2015. †Lease payments of $215/$258/$193/$150 on the Tiguan / Tiguan Special Edition / Passat / Jetta must be made on a monthly basis and cannot be made bi-weekly. Bi-weekly equivalent payments shown for information only. Limited time lease offer available through Volkswagen Finance, on approved credit, based on a new and unregistered 2015 Tiguan FWD Trendline (#5N21V4) / Tiguan Special Edition / Passat 1.8T Trendline (#A322R1) / Jetta 2.0L Trendline (#163VJ1) base model with 6/6/5/5-speed manual transmission. $1,760/$1,760/$1,605/$1,605 freight and PDI included in monthly payment. 48-month term at 1.9% APR. $5,920/$5,707/$5,281/$2,451 down payment, $260/$310/$240/$200 security deposit and first monthly payment due at lease inception. PPSA fee, license, insurance, registration, any dealer or other charges, options and applicable taxes are extra. Total lease obligation: $16,216/$18,083/$14,537/$9,627. 64,000-kilometre allowance; charge of $0.15/km for excess kilometres. ††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 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 end June 30, 2015 and are subject to change or cancellation without notice. Models shown: 2015 Tiguan 2.0T Highline R-Line, $44,315 / 2015 Passat 1.8T Highline, $31,295 / 2015 Jetta 1.8T Highline, $25,990. 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”, “TDI”, “TDI Clean Diesel”, “Tiguan”, “Jetta”, “Passat”, “Trendline”, “Highline”, “4MOTION” and “Climatronic” 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.JUNE 5, 2015

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40 www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.JUNE 5, 2015