Comox Valley Echo - September 4, 2015

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VOL. 21, NO. 55

ARTS

COMMUNITY

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Proponent of coal mine project slams EAO office for bias

BY MICHAEL BRIONES Echo Staff The head of Compliance Coal Corporation has accused the Environmental Assessment Office of placing roadblocks for its Raven Underground Coal Project.

The company had an application for an Environmental Assessment Certificate for the Raven Project but withdrew it in March this year.

In its letter to the EAO, it cited “some misinformation that is circulat-

ing in some communities regarding the Raven Project” as the reason for backing out of the process.

Since March, according to the EAO, Compliance had not indicated what its intentions are regarding the project. It had given Compliance until August 28 to provide its plans for Raven.

But Compliance president Stephen Ellis told the EAO the reasons behind the withdrawal “included may considerations in addition to those slated in

our letter.”

“I see little merit in sitting down with the EAO to review EA options for the Raven Project,” said Eliss in his letter to the EAO.

“This process has been protracted over an excessive period of time and has been exceedingly costly. It has discouraged two major international firms

(Itochu and LG) who have involvement in coal projects in many countries to exit from the project after making a substantial investment in Raven.

It has become a concern to Compliance Coal that the EAO will continue to place roadblocks ahead of the Application for the Raven Underground Coal Project and into the Application review irrespective of whether the Application meets or exceeds all of the AIR requirements.”

Ellis went on to express to the EAO about biases

that exist in the Working Group, whose composition includes members who have publicly opposed the project based on “information not related to the technical merits of the project.”

“We realize that the expiry of the AIR [Application Information Requirement] was June 7, 2015 under the Environmental Assessment Act, Prescribed Time Limits Regulation and that suspension or termination of the EA may occur.

(Continued on page 4)

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

Something for all at Black Creek Fall Fair Black Creek’ biggest event of the year, the Black Creek Fall Fair, happens Saturday September 12 from 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. at 2001 Black Creek Rd. Entry is by donation and there’s something for everyone: Pancake breakfast, live music all day with Jenn Forsland, Anela Kahiamoe, and Larry Ayre; artisans, food vendors, friendly competitions, a huge silent auction, and the ever-expanding Kids Carnival.

It’s a great day to spend with your family and experience the best the rural community has to offer.

Want to enter a strongman/woman competition, or a BC Fairs and Exhibitions contest?

Details are at www.blackcreek-cc.com.

All fair proceeds support the non-profit Black Creek Community Association, proudly serving the community since 1958. See you at the Fall Fair!

Coal mine proponent slams EAO office for bias (Continued from page 3)

Look Ma, no hands! Green Party federal leader Elizabeth May tries out a recumbent bicycle at Broken Spoke bike and coffee shop in downtown Courtenay as owner Mike Collins assists. May also visited the Comox Valley Exhibition on Friday prior to an evening rally.

“We believe however that the EAO are not treating the proposed Raven Underground Coal Project in a fair and transparent manner and that the Project would never be able to achieve an EA Certificate given the built-in biases in the review process, the lack of Working Group expertise in screening the application and the EAO’s reluctance to acknowledge that in fact the AIR has been complied with. The very commitment of the BCEAO in working towards an effective and efficient EA on the Raven project is in doubt.”

Under the Environmental

Assessment Act and the Prescribed Time Limits Regulation, an EA may be suspended or can be terminated if the information required by the Application Information Requirement Guidelines has not been provided within three years.

CoalWatch Comox Valley Society, which has been monitoring the process involved in the Raven project, has already requested the EAO to terminate the project. “ The Compliance letter to the EAO sounds to me like sour grapes,” said CoalWatch president John Snyder.

“CoalWatch’s view continues to be that Compliance Coal has been afforded due process dur-

ing the EA process, and Compliance has nobody to blame but themselves for the position they’re in.”

Compliance had over three years to provide the necessary information but their efforts in doing so, said Snyder, have been far from adequate.

“CoalWatch still contends that our request for the EAO to terminate the Raven Coal EA is a reasonable one,” said Snyder. “It appears that the ball is now in the EAO’s court, on how to assess the appropriate next steps for the Raven Coal EA.” Ellis told the EAO they are currently considering their options and seeking advice on how to address this issue.

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Generous car donation will help family find a home

BY MARY LEE Echo Staff Habitat for Humanity ReStore takes receipt of various commodities of all shapes and sizes on a daily basis but rarely is a motor vehicle in any condition donated to the Courtenay outlet.

It has happened before but never a car in as good a shape as the one donated August 26.

It happened in the morning soon after opening. An elderly women approaching 94, who has asked to remain anonymous, drove her well maintained, low mileage car to the store on her own accord and handed over the keys.

“She claims she no longer has any use for it and wanted to give it away before it was taken away,” commented Karen Bezaire, Communications and Marketing for the Courtenay location.

“After dropping the car off our administrator, June Mallare, drove her home.”

The generous donor has lived in the Comox Valley her entire life and purchased the then brand new Honda Civic in 2002 from Island Honda as indicated by the license plate holder bearing the dealer’s name.

Retail value for the car is still to be determined and will be based on the market value for the vehicle’s make, model and year. However staff are

Karen Bezaire, Communications and Marketing, and Tom Beshar, Resource Development Officer for Habitat for Humanity display a very pristine, well cared for Honda Civic donated August 26 to the Courtenay Restore. optimistic they will do quite well on the resale given the low mileage of only 76,000 km.

“That’s pretty much a trip to Quality Foods and back for the past dozen years,” remarked Bezaire.

All proceeds from the sale will go towards the next Build project, which will take place in the spring of 2016 in Campbell River.

Bezaire noted that the process is now underway

to identify a family to take possession of the home upon completion.

Habitat for Humanity will host an information session October 16 to educate families on how to apply for a chance to receive

an affordable home.

On Vancouver Island the affordable housing crisis is at an all-time high for lower-income families.

One out of every five families lives in a household that is either too

250-338-8564

small, needs repair or is unaffordable.

Donations, volunteering, monthly giving, and shopping at a ReStore help support Habitat for Humanity’s local building projects.

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Downtown Courtenay facelifts are an ongoing attraction

BY MARY LEE Echo Staff The Broken Spoke may look more like a ransacked shack on the outside but that has not deterred customers from entering the premise while it undergoes a major facelift.

This popular bike and coffee shop is one of four businesses located in the retail complex at the corner of Fourth Street and Fitzgerald in downtown Courtenay. While major renovations are underway

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on the building’s exterior, business has been relatively unaffected on the inside.

The refurbishment project is part of the Downtown Courtenay Business Improvement Association (DCBIA) Fac_ade Improvement Program, a program that provides grant money to property and business owners wishing to renovate, restore or redesign their commercial storefront and building façade.

The 2015 grant was

Commercial complex at Fourth and Fitzgerald gets a great new facelift awarded to Phil Diede and wife Uthai Srilamai, owners of the building complex. Diede and Srilamai took ownership in 2014

7

and immediately wanted to address the much needed structural repairs to the building.

Because their location

faces two street fronts, Diede was eligible for the highest grant possible of $10,000 or 50% of the total cost.

One of the criteria for each successful applicant is to ensure construction is completed within the calendar year of being awarded the grant. Diede spared little time and went straight to work hiring a designer and contractor, two individuals who have collaborated before.

“I spoke with a few design guys and finally selected Jim (James Matthews Design) who recommended Lacasse,” shared Diede. “They met my criteria for budget and my tenants appreciate their work ethics, commenting often on how polite and accommodating they have been throughout the project so far.”

James Matthews Design worked closely with Diede and Cale Lacasse, project manager of Lacasse Construction, in selecting a design that attracts clientele to the location and to achieve the overall objective of visual appeal.

“We selected materials that were attractive and wise economically and environmentally,” commented Lacasse. “The wood used for the main feature over the Broken Spoke entrance is actually reclaimed from used shipping pallets, an idea Jim came up with.”

Although not finished, the wood work on the tower, the building’s main feature, is already grabbing attention and positive comments. Construction is set to be completed toward the end of September.

(Continued on page 8)

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

All candidates meeting Oct. 5

Lerwick Road widening starts next Tuesday Construction to add an extra lane and other improvements on a section of Lerwick Road is set to begin.

Starting Tuesday, September 8, from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm weekdays, Lerwick Road will be reduced to two lanes between Malahat Drive and the entrance to Thrifty Foods Crown Isle Plaza.

Construction is scheduled to be completed by the end of November.

One lane of traffic in both directions will be maintained.

A Courtenay-Alberni Riding All Candidates Meeting is scheduled for Oct. 5.

Members of the public are welcome to attend this community event, held at the Sid Williams Theatre on October 5th from 6-8pm, and hear from the candidates for the next Federal General Election, which will be held on October 19th.

This event is presented by the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce.

The Chamber is strictly non-partisan and receives no funding from any level of government.

Please note: The Campbell River Chamber of Commerce will be hosting an All Candidates Meeting for Vancouver Island North, date TBD.

The improvements will add an extra driving lane, as well as new sidewalks and fencing.

Traffic control personnel will be onsite to assist all commuters, including vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians.

If you have any questions about this project, please contact the City of Courtenay Engineering Department at 250334-4441 or email engineering@courtenay.ca

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School Opening for 2015-2016 School Year Schools have varying start-up times so please visit the school district website: http://sd71.bc.ca or contact schools directly for accurate information.

School Bus Schedules, Transportation and Bus Passes for 2015-2016 Tuesday, September 8, 2015 – Regular morning pick-up. Elementary school dismissal/pick-up will be at 11:47 am; all other schools will have dismissal/pick-up two hours earlier than the usual times for your school.

Wednesday, September 9, 2015 – Regular morning pick-up and after school drop off as per regular school year schedule.

School bus routes together with transportation details—are published on the school district website: http://sd71.bc.ca.

Some students are eligible for school bus transportation based on the district policy and a recent review of transportation in our district. To ensure that eligible riders are provided with first option on available seats, all students who wish to access school bus transportation during this school year must have registered for busing (form is available at the schools or on the school district website). The student is then provided a bus pass if he/she meets the eligibility requirements. Commencing September 21, 2015 bus drivers are instructed to expect all students to present a bus pass as they enter the bus. Some courtesy seats will become available in October for those who have applied and do not meet the eligibility criteria.

Elementary Schools

Student Registration

If your child is not already registered for elementary school—registration will take place at your catchment school. To learn what your catchment school is and to obtain school contact information, please use the link found on our website: www.sd71.bc.ca (under “schools”, click on “school locator”). Legal identification is required to register a student in a BC public school for the first time—details are available on our website.

Secondary Schools

Students enrolling at the secondary level will register at their catchment school and new students must bring identification and a document that verifies their home address: Lake Trail Middle School (7 – 9), Telephone (250) 334-3168 Georges P. Vanier Secondary (8 – 12), Telephone (250) 338-9262 Highland Secondary (8 – 12), Telephone (250) 339-5525 Mark R. Isfeld Secondary (8 – 12), Telephone (250) 334-2428 Cumberland Community School, (K-9) Telephone (250) 336-8511 Glacier View Secondary Centre, Alternate Programs (including: Independent Learning Program (Grades 10-12); Senior Alternate Program (Grades 10-12); KEY Program (Grades 8-9); and Bridgeway Program (Grades 7-9), please contact: (250) 338-2752.

Nala’atsi Program (Grades 10-12), First Nations Alternate Secondary Program: please contact: (250) 331-4040.

Navigate will register students who plan to study the BC curriculum from home or abroad. Please visit their website: (www.navigatenides.com) or contact: (250) 337-5300.

Home-schooling students may also register through their neighbourhood school.

Please visit our school district website (http://sd71.bc.ca) for the most accurate information or contact the school board office at (250) 334-5500.

Grants have been awarded annually since 2013 through an application process available on the DCBIA website.

“Selection is made annually in May by an Infrastructure Committee

based on the business owner’s ability to demonstrate that their project will enhances the attractiveness of the downtown core with its visual appeal,” explained Dr. Colin Wilson, Committee Chair.

Over the last two years, DCBIA has awarded

$20,000 in grants to help improve business properties. The 2014 recipients were Mudsharks/Gladstone Brewery of $9,000 toward improvements to the ever-popular patio area, and Ski Tak Hut for $1,000 toward new signage.

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

9

ECHO

OPINIONS

LETTERS

Please learn the laws about crosswalks This is an open letter to all drivers in the Comox Valley, reminding them of the laws surrounding crosswalks. Namely: it is mandatory to wait until the crossing party has reached the opposing sidewalk before driving through a crosswalk.

Since moving to the Valley one year ago, I have noticed a complete disregard for pedestrians by cars supposedly stopping at crosswalks. There is a tendency for many drivers to slow down somewhat, continuing to creep slowly towards those crossing, only to accelerate rapidly once pedestrians have passed the midway point of the road. The result is the driver passing through the intersection dangerously close - often within one metre - to those crossing the street.

I have noticed this phenomenon in drivers of all age groups and genders, and am especially incensed when I see this happening to parents crossing the street with young children.

This has happened to me on multiple occasions, including times when I have had to hold out my hand to drivers and yell for them to stop while my two-year-old crosses the road.

Children are unpredictable. There is no way for a driver to tell when a child will break free of their parent’s hand and run back into the street. Moreover, there is no place that you

could possibly need to be so urgently that you would risk killing a child.

I would also like to remind drivers that stopping is not optional when a crosswalk does not have flashing lights. Furthermore, stopping is not optional if a pedestrian does not activate the flashing lights at a crosswalk. While these features make a pedestrian’s intent to cross more obvious, it is the driver’s responsibility to watch out for pedestrians, and to stop accordingly.

I urge you all to please drive with less haste and more caution, and to respect pedestrians’ rights to cross the street safely.

Dr. Stephen Nap Comox

A CHEAP SHOT In a recent letter to the Environmental Assessment Office, Stephen Ellis, COO of Compliance Energy Corporation (CEC) slammed the EAO for bias against the Raven Underground Coal Mine project and for repelling investors.

However, in blaming the EAO, Mr. Ellis ignores the following: CEC failed to enter into credible consultation with local First Nations groups.

CEC failed to gain social license from local impacted communities. All local governments requested credible studies and EAO review process before approving a coal mine that could impact

COMOX VALLEY ECHO A division of Black Press Ltd.

407-E Fifth Street, Courtenay, B.C. V9N 1J7 www.comoxvalleyecho.com Phone 250-334-4722 • Fax 250-334-3172 Classifieds 1-866-415-3535 Circulation 250-334-4734 E-mail: echo@comoxvalleyecho.com Publisher Keith Currie Editor Debra Martin Office Administrator Deb Fowler Circulation Manager Sandy McNulty 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.

over 1000 jobs in the shellfish growing industry and livelihoods in eco tourism and organic farming.

CEC withdrew its revised environmental impact application after the EAO identified a number of issues. Mr. Ellis, however, attributed the withdrawal to “misinformation circulating in the community.”

CEC’s geological evidence claiming the coal mine would not negatively impact groundwater or Baynes Sound shellfish industry was strongly discredited by an independent geologist who concluded the studies lacked scientific rigour and credibility.

CEC failed to adjust its 2009 economic figures of a strong global market for coal to present and projected market conditions that have triggered coal mine bankruptcies and thousands of layoffs throughout BC. (Quinsam coal mine to the north of the Raven site has laid off its workforce because of current market conditions).

CEC failed to provide evidence to its own auditors that it has adequate resources to develop a viable project.

Clearly, failure lies not with Environmental Assessment Office bias, but with CEC. Cheap shot, Mr. Ellis.

Sharon Small Denman Island

WHY PEOPLE DON’T VOTE This past week the Comox Valley has been graced

with with the appearance of the leaders of two of our major political parties.

As one who is interested in the politics and the governance of our country, I was completely underwhelmed by both the advance publicity and the opportunities each party provided ordinary citizens to assess their leaders.

First ... Thomas Mulcair and the NDP. It was only by accident that I learned of his visit.

With a little research I determined that he would speak at the Filberg and I along with a large and enthusiastic crowd anxiously awaited his arrival.

Warmly introduced by his sister, he proceeded to read his speech from a teleprompter. His was a canned message likely given many times previously.

He read flawlessly to polite applause and after an ovation, promptly left the floor. There was no question period. Eventually, the crowd quietly dispersed.

Well at least we got to see him in the flesh.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s visit ....

On Thursday, passing by my television I heard the commentator say that Prime Minister Harper would be in Comox that evening.

Researching the Conservative web page for details of his appearance, I came up completely empty handed.

A telephone call to our member John Duncan’s

constituency office yielded little fruit. When I told the person answering the phone what I had learned on TV, and upon asking for meeting details, I was greeted by surprise and the comment “I don’t watch TV”.

She did volunteer that I could phone their campaign office and perhaps learn some details.

“Butch” answered the phone there and advised that the National Office was handling the “Invitations”.

The message was plain and simple. This was not a meeting for the curious or for that matter, the general public.

Wow ... we are in the beginning stages of an election campaign and this party does not even allow constituents the opportunity to get within a mile of their leader, who just happens to be our Prime Minister.

Earlier this afternoon, while discussing the leaders visits with several friends, a young fellow sitting close by entered the conversation with the comment....most of my friends don’t vote, they just don’t care.

Is it any wonder?

Dave Wilson Courtenay

UNSAFE ROADS I’m wondering if anyone who is connected to roadways has ever driven Lazo and Knight Roads. Lazo is in dire need of repair and has been for quite some time. My main concern is safety related. There is a

major safety issue concerning pedestrians/cyclists along the route of Lazo/ Knight.

The primary unsafe spot is at the corner/hill of Point Holmes and I’m just thoroughly amazed there have been no accidents (of which I’m not aware, at least) at that location.

There is no safe method of passing walkers/cyclists at that corner. Lazo is very narrow, full of twists/turns and rises where a driver is not able to see what scenarios are popping up until many times one is almost upon a likely problem of avoiding pedestrians/cyclists.

I honestly don’t know how people can feel confident walking/cycling on this route but I certainly understand this is an excellent circle route to take originating from points in town. I realize this involves the Town and the Regional District so this would take some collaboration on both parts as to solving this safety issue.

Since this IS such a popular route to obtain some exercise, as well as, beautiful views along the water, this makes perfect sense to me to widen the road for a pedestrian/cycling path.

I, myself, am not a cyclist but for their safety AND for the safety of vehicles, perhaps this could be put on the agenda for consideration by the Town/Regional District.

Mona Wile Comox

10 FRIDAY.SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

www.comoxvalleyecho.com

BEEFS & BOUQUETS A CHALLENGE to all the creative minds ... how about a Christian flag?

Some months ago, the fish that was used to identify Christians was noted in this column. Also, would people search out the meaning of the Rainbow long ago? It was a promise ... a bridge with a promise. Thank you to the Echo for providing a page for freedom of speech.

THE COMOX VALLEY’S FIRST AND BEST READER’S FORUM Email to: echo@comoxvalleyecho.com location etc. This lady did everything for me and we three discussed everything. Their opinion was that my rod was broken.

These ladies kept me company but after about three-quarters of an hour, one had to leave and she

BEEF to Harper at Comox airport terminal. Do you really need 8-10 black Suburbans with blacked out windows and 10-15 fully armoured police, with submachine guns. As a vet I find your actions scary.

NIX TO THE IDEA of three more floors to Berwick.

We currently have very few Drs. accepting patients into their practices.

We would be bringing many more Seniors to the valley. There is nowhere for seniors that need increased levels of care now.

The hospital is bulging at the seams, extended and intermediate beds are full. If Berwick builds on it should also have to support their clients that develop problems (not unusual with the age of clients) with increased levels of care.

MANY METRES of thanks to Fabricland/Red Barn and Huckleberry’s Fabrics from the Comox Valley Schoolhouse Quilters Guild for their donations of fabric and batting.

Their generosity enables us to provide quilts and other quilted items to many in the Valley from infants to seniors.

NOT A BEEF nor a bouquet. Just wondering what all the fuss is about with Canada Post cancelling home delivery? Hundreds of thousands of Canadians already have been living without it. I’ve never had it, and I’ve lived in 6 different areas of BC and the Yukon.

BIG BOUQUETS to the two young men working for Courtenay Glass. They went above and beyond; not only did they do a great job they also helped explain the workings of the new windows. Also removed flowers and plants and replanted them so they wouldn’t get stepped on while they were working. Courtenay Glass, you are the best.

BOUQUETS GALORE! Monday, Aug. 17, driving home about 5:30, I drove up Dingwall Ave. and made a left onto McLaughlin.

Very suddenly my right front wheel pulled me to the left and I had no control over my vehicle except to stop! It was quite a shock! I climbed out of my van and at the same time two other ladies driving by pulled to the side and came over.

We all examined my front wheel (which was turned inward to the left); other wheels were straight. My vehicle was just inside the centre line but not close to the curb! Put flashing lights on. I was thinking where is my BCAA card, when one lady asked me if I had BCAA and I said yes, she had her cell phone and the number ready! She phoned it in for me and then talked to the two truck driver re:

pecially to the two lovely ladies who stayed with me. God bless you and love and blessings to all of you! I must also thank my son-in-law who had my vehicle ready to drive at 4 pm the following day with two new tie rods. One apple pie coming up!

left me with her name and phone number if I needed anything! Most of my family were on holidays so I had no one to phone, except my son-in-law who wasn’t home. However, that was where we had to two the van. He does all van repairs. During our wait almost every vehicle that passed stopped and asked if they could help.

Also several people on the street came out and offered us water and fruit!

Wonderful people! I was overwhelmed! This very kind lady with me made the time shorter. She called the tow company twice! Finally he turned up - very very busy! I went with him to tow the van. When we arrived, my lady friend was behind us.

When the driver said he would drive me home, my lady left. Bouquets galore to all these people and es-

A BIG ‘BOO’ to those of you looking for watering infractions! My lawn is somewhat green because it’s shaded, and has a working septic field underneath it. My shrubs are green because I use recycled household waste water to keep them that way. If you want to point a finger, point it at our elected officials who allow golf courses to water their greens, and car dealerships to wash their cars, not to mention a thirsty, but lovely ‘mile of flowers’ in town. They are all protecting their investments, and so am I. JUST A LITTLE NOTE to whoever owns the annoying loud little yellow car with the wing on 7th street in Cumberland: Is the car for sale? Advertise it ... if it is I will buy it off you just for the pleasure of seeing it crushed.

FORTUNATELY, we have enough Comox Lake water for local car dealers to promise free car washes

Spring Blooming Bulbs The North islands largest Selection of daffodils, tulips and Many more Mon-Sat 8:30-6 Sundays 9:30-5 www.artknappcourtenay.ca for life! Car washing at home has been”illegal” under stage 3 rules for the past 61 days. It is time to review this unnecessary, irrational and irritating aspect of the CVRD bylaw.

WHEN INTEREST RATES are so low and markets so volatile, why are BC seniors not give the opportunity to invests in our P3 hospital and LNG? Sure things for New York investors and Malaysia’s Petronus. BC investors would want Canadian jobs - first. Decent jobs, paying significant taxes to fund Canadian services. Election issue-for sure!

LOGGING our water shed, has caused quite a stir, In past, impacts were quite obscure.

Now it seems somewhat clear, Constant boil water orders are something we fear.

The Province has taken the lead, And the 3 players need to make speed!

Before loggers start to shout, Most here, have figured this out.

Many watershed logs go offshore, While reliable water is no more.

I WAS DEEPLY CONCERNED when I read about a possibly serious traffic hazard on the 17th street bridge because of a tantrum by the Council of Canadians. Apparently they were upset about

not being able to attend the recent Conservative party rally in the valley.

Considering they are running a “Not Harper” campaign I have to think these people are really quite naive to expect to be invited to the affair when it was quite obvious to everyone that their only purpose was to obstruct the proceedings in order to possibly get publicity for their organization. However their childish actions did serve to give me pause to consider whether these people really have any credibility when it comes time to offer input on serious adult issues. It appears to me that this group only exists because they enjoy listening to their own noise.

I WOULD LIKE TO SEND a huge bouquet to “Chi-

Your Source For Professional Framing For Over 35 Years

mo” for the wonderful thing he did for a Korean vet at the Canex store.

My dad was very excited to get the hat badge and to find out you paid for it was the most special way to say “thank you for your service”. Now I say to YOU, “Thank you for your service”.

BOUQUETS to all of you who are still filling their hummingbird feeders.

The Annas stay with us year round and depend on a little help from their friends and what a joy to see them in mid winter!

COWICHAN RIVER stakeholders are once again concerned about protect-

ing aquatic life in the river. It doesn’t need to be this way -They identified reservoir management as the issue, two decade ago. Let’s hope that the CVRD moves much more quickly to convince BC Hydro to leave our reservoir full when droughts are predicted.

TRUCKLOADS for their favourite blooms to our 3 Olympic athletes - Brad, Chris & Robert. We are so proud of you. Anyone looking for a soulnourishing volunteer job should join these athletes. All of them are Olympians! No sports expertise necessary.

A GREAT BIG BOUQUET of roses and wrenches to Complete Auto Care on Anderton in Comox.

Not having taken my winter tires off and it being the first week of July, I turned in there on impulse. They took them off, put on the summer tires, which were on their rims, in the back of the car since last summer and off I went. Service was fast, courteous and inexpensive. Having been advised by my regular automotive service centre the brakes needed replacing and it still being July and too hot to go anywhere, I once again rolled into Complete Auto Care on Anderton Rd., in Comox. Complete Auto Care phoned an hour or so later to advise me I didn’t need new brakes.

They suggested a service job on the brakes and a lube and oil change. I did that. Drove to Alberta and back with no problems and a lot more money in my pocket. If you’re looking for a new auto service company or a second opinion on repairs, give Complete Auto Care a try. I did on the spur of the moment and I’m really glad I did.

I saved money and got good service. Hope the new owner and his family enjoy their new home in the Comox Valley.

TRUCKLOADS for their favourite blooms to our 3 Olympic athletes - Brad, Chris & Robert. We are so proud of you. Anyone looking for a soulnourishing volunteer job should join these athletes. All of them are Olympians! No sports expertise necessary.

www.comoxvalleyecho.com

FRIDAY.SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

11

BEEFS & BOUQUETS FIFTH NIGHT IN A ROW to be awakened by the barking of a dog. Goes on for hours ... Surely the owners of this dog on Livingstone Road can hear it? Yes we all can hear it! Your neighbours need their sleep!

A BOUQUET to the female Mountie working at the Knight Street circle on Air Show day. Due to an unplanned event we were quite late arriving to the show and were considering forgetting it all together for this year. Your encouragement to forge ahead was the best thing we heard all day. Your kind words were much appreciated. Keep up the good work.

A BEEF to all those beachcombers who remove rocks from our beaches.

While your gardens look lovely with the addition of said rockery, removing items from the beach participates in the destruction of the habitat for our beach dwellers and intertidal creatures. I understand that one of the rules outlined by BC Parks, of the Province of British Columbia states, “Do not remove anything from the beach.�

In many areas of the country, and this province, ďŹ nes result from removal of beach bits. Perhaps, if it hasn’t happened already, our local law makers could start looking at a similar strategy. To the rock lovers, we won’t watch but returning these rocks to where mother nature intended would be appreciated by all members of our ecosystem.

A BEEF to the guy in Comox who throughout the summer has chosen to ignore the stage 3 water restrictions including washing, cleaning, hosing down or spraying off his vehicles as he pleases. Be it your white Ford pickup, your tent trailer, or your little white boat, your selďŹ sh actions are representative of your heightened sense of entitlement. What is on the agenda for this week ... maybe hose down your van? It is time you start thinking of the entire community bud ... rather than just your own household.

A HIGH-FLYIN’ bouquet to the organizers of the Comox Air Show. In true Air Force style the show’s organization was tremendous and noticeable. Not a detail left undone. All performers outdid them-

THE COMOX VALLEY’S FIRST AND BEST READER’S FORUM Email to: echo@comoxvalleyecho.com selves especially given the tempermental skies. The worst part of the show for me was a couple of the announcers. They seemed more interested in hearing themselves talk about themselves than they were interested in anything else. Referring to the refurbished Canso as “that thingâ€? was reective of their interest in the show.

However, congratulations to Stocky on becoming an honourary Snowbird ... well earned and deserved.

A BEEF to those drivers that use Aspen Park in Comox, along Bolt Ave and Aspen Rd, for their own private parking lot-including for some overnight stays.

A stretch along Aspen Rd. has been destroyed so now you are working on ruining the

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A PILE OF GARBAGE to the garbage company that

does the city of Courtenay and Comox! Again you throw things around that I have to pick up once you leave. Your service is below substandard, I don’t know how this company keeps getting renewed contracts! It makes me wonder if there’s some inside/cityhall schmoozing.

I do want to say however that the service I received years ago when another company was doing the work, I never had a problem, my garbage was not once thrown around to be picked up and the drivers were courteous and friendly - we need these guys back!!

community. Does it really think that tearing out a much used and perfectly functional crosswalk and painting a bunch of coloured stripes on the

IT COULD BE A BOUQUET to the Editor who asks the question about bylaw enforcement that outlaws green lawns. Perhaps the ďŹ rst question should be is this a necessary bylaw?

In some communities it is, but we have plentiful water supply. It used to be “pristine�. Consider the CVRD bylaw enforcement that will evict a property owner from his land on the Dyke - is this a well thought out bylaw and enforcement? Then there is Maple Pool. Another questioned bylaw. Judges have ruled that bylaws are laws. In court, laws will be upheld. Bylaws need to be well researched, with public input -we need to live with them. 200 local Governments in BC with 200 different bylaws for the same services.It’s time for the Province to set some guidelines.

Ball Cap Steak Night last Friday of the Month

A BIG LUMP OF MULTICOLORED BEEF to Comox Town Council for considering spending several thousand dollars of taxpayers’ money on a rainbow crosswalk to show that this town does not discriminate against the gay

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road would prove how tolerant folks in Comox are? Is this supposed to change anybody’s attitude? All it would prove is that Council is willing to squander a chunk of our tax dollars simply because someone purportedly representing a small group asked it to do so. So let’s hear it for all the other groups in town who would like to see a symbol of their identity and solidarity on public display. How about painting all the sidewalks emerald green and putting a wee plastic leprechaun on every street corner. (No pots of gold, though - a bit pricey, these, and likely to require frequent replacement.) Or how about a large inatable haggis oating above the Town office and thistles planted along all the boulevards? (No prizes for guessing who’d be

THIS WEEK’S WINNER, DRAWN AT RANDOM FROM SUBMISSIONS RECEIVED UP TO TUESDAY, IS: Elvera Penner, of Courtenay Winner of two classic cheese baskets from Dairy Queen Winners, you may pick up your prize certiďŹ cates 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!

in favour of that idea.)

Or how about stopping in its tracks this ridiculous $14,000 waste of public money?

BEEFS to all the anti Harper people.

Your continued display childishness never ceases to astound me. I am in disbelief that you would actually consider boycotting a ďŹ ne local Winery. I think that my cellar needs a few more bottles. Do your children know you act like that when you leave your home’s? You didn’t see the current government followers acting all crazy when your people came to town. More of a civilized bunch I guess. It reminds me of elementary school.

Bullies in the school yard thinking that they are all that. If your leaders condone such behavior of you how do you think they will govern? Well recess is over, it’s time you put away your placards and signs go to class and learn how the world really works. If not head to Kalona with your boycotts, I hear that Tom Mulcair just visited a Winery there today.

I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE A MOMENT to send a HUGE bouquet to: the wonderful couple (I thank you so so much!), the paramedics, the ďŹ remen, and all who were there to help me at the scene of my serious accident on Aug. 12 on the Island Highway. I travel from Qualicum to Comox for work, and on that evening home, I swerved to miss a deer on the highway and ended up ipping my car into the center median. I was so very lucky I wasn’t more seriously hurt. Someone was looking out for me that day!

Thank you to you all, I am forever grateful.

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!

ICBC INSURANCE RATES are increasing dramatically with increased injury cost- directly related to higher speeds and lack of enforcement. Bring back photo radar or other forms of technology to take high risk drivers off our roads.

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Higher speeds=higher carbon taxes=higher insurance costs=more victims of the Ministry of Transportation Policy.

WOW, THE COMING FANNY BAY Christmas Craft Fair will be short a very popular FINE KNITTER this year as the present craft fair manager is tossing crafters, myself as well.

He ďŹ gures that he needs new crafters to keep thing fresh, OK, what about the people, my new and repeat customers? I have been offering my wares that I put a lot of time into for well over ten years at the Fanny Bay Christmas Craft Fair. I live here and it’s always been ďŹ rst come ďŹ rst in. I have many customers who seek me out each special season for my Fine Knitting and my husbands’ ďŹ ne hand stitched quilts. People ock to my table each year and I do very well thank you. I feel this is too much and have to speak out, I guess I am history for now at the Fanny Bay fair but look for JC at Union Bay Nov 23 SUNDAY. BOUQUETS to BC Hydro Spokesman, Steven Watson, for ďŹ nally clarifying the Comox lake water situation. Rains in August will not make up for leaving the reservoir less than full by generating power until June 16th. This winter is predicted to be warm and wet-the picture is pretty clear for BC Hydro and CVRD - brown grass will not help the ďŹ sh-BC Hydro-Leave the reservoir full in May 2016!

12

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

Get educated about ‘Customer Choice’ natural gas program FortisBC advising customers to do homework before signing up with an independent marketer

BY MARY LEE Echo Staff When FortisBC recently launched the Customer Choice residential program in Whistler, Vancouver Island, the Sunshine Coast, and Powell River, independent natural gas marketers began a doorto-door campaign to sell gas.

It’s part of the amalgamation of gas utilities, a plan that allowed FortisBC to combine its services into one entity as of February 2014 and offer a common rate throughout the province resulting in a cost savings for Vancouver Island ratepayers.

Independent marketing activity is completely legal and permitted by the BC Utilities Commission (BCUC) but tempers are being fueled as marketers and salespeople make the rounds throughout the Comox Valley.

The graph provide online by FortisBC depicts the price range and is intended to help Vancouver Island residents understand options under the Customer Choice program. FortisBC encourages customers to do their homework and contact independent marketers directly to acquire all the necessary information before making a decision to sign a Consumer Agreement.

Image Source: FortisBC.com

Robert MacMillian is one such customer who was recently approached by an independent provider. The experience left him doubting its legitimacy. “The presentation was fast paced, profoundly de-

ceptive and not conducive to making an informed decision, especially for people that don’t read the ďŹ ne print or do their own research,â€? explained MacMillan. “Solicitors are encour-

aging ďŹ ve-year contracts.

Our representative did not mention that the cost of gas rate would be $5.89 per gigajoule (GJ), which is well over twice the current oating price of $2.486/GJ.�

Debbie Bowman answered her door to a young gentleman from Access Gas who presented a graph depicting uctuating gas prices over the last ďŹ ve years. “At the highest, about ďŹ ve years ago, the prices were double what they are now. The problem is that I went over all my bills from 2011 to the present and was surprised to see that I’ve been paying the same rate since I moved into this house,â€? remarked Bowman. “I’m not sure what the graph was that he showed me. Seems like scare tactics to get unsuspecting homeowners to lock into a ďŹ ve year plan.â€?

Gas prices quoted by marketers are not regulated by the BCUC and FortisBC states that they do assume any responsibility for the accuracy of the marketers’ rates shown.

Instead, FortisBC advises customers to do their own

homework before signing a contract. “We encourage customers to ask the marketer questions about the terms of the contract, including the length of the contract, the price of natural gas throughout the duration of the contract, and what happens if you move,â€? states Roger Dall’Antonia, Executive Vice President, Customer Service and Regulatory Affairs in an online news release dated August 25. “Gas marketers are required to provide this information, and customers can ďŹ nd more questions to ask on our website.â€?

Competition opened to a portion of British Columbia’s natural gas market for commercial customers in 2004 in response to the BC Government’s energy policy in 2002.

(Continued on page 13)

From the stories of

P.G. Wodehouse INT E R

Natural gas rates: you have a choice

VEN ES

Starting November 1, 2015, you’ll have a choice when it comes to buying natural gas. A program FDOOHG &XVWRPHU &KRLFH OHWV \RX EX\ JDV IURP DQ LQGHSHQGHQW JDV PDUNHWHU DW o[HG UDWHV DQG WHUPV or from FortisBC at a variable rate. Independent gas marketers may knock on your door to discuss these options. Either way, FortisBC would still deliver your gas. To learn more about your options, visit fortisbc.com/yourchoice.

Adapted by

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&KDUW VKRZV JDV PDUNHWHUV UDWHV IRU D UDQJH RI o[HG WHUPV YDOLG DV RI September 1, 2015. Marketers typically offer D YDULHW\ RI UDWHV DQG RSWLRQV &KHFN JDV PDUNHWHUV ZHEVLWHV RU FDOO WR FRQoUP FXUUHQW UDWHV **Residential variable rate valid as of July 1, 2015. FortisBC’s rates are reviewed quarterly by the British Columbia Utilities Commission.

A gigajoule (GJ) is a measurement of energy used for establishing rates, sales and billing.

One gigajoule is equal to one billion joules (J) or 948,213 British thermal units (Btu).

The Customer Choice name and logo is used under license from FortisBC Energy Inc. This advertisement is produced on behalf of the British Columbia Utilities Commission.

15-018.20

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

Province confirms it now owns the Washington Apartments

13

Ask The Dentists!

Drs. Manny Karamanis & Brett Burry

BY MICHAEL BRIONES Echo Staff It’s official. The provincial government is the owner of the Washington Apartments.

Comox Valley MLA Don McRae was scheduled to make the announcement on Thursday morning that the BC government has purchased the apartment complex, which is the largest in the City of Courtenay.

The government’s objective for providing $3.6 million of the $7.6 million total purchase cost is to preserve affordable housing in Courtenay.

There was a chance that the complex would be privately purchased and redeveloped, likely affecting tenants, who include singles, families, seniors and women transitioning away from domestic violence.

What do Paint, Tools, Shoes, Mattresses, and Dentistry Have in Common?

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Answer - People who purchase the cheapest paint end

The Washington apartments on Ryan Road are now owned by the government The complex, located at 1027, 1029 and 1033 Ryan Road, provides 120 residential rental apartments and is currently fully occupied.

“The purchase of the

Washington Apartments represents an excellent benefit to the buildings’ residents and the broader community,” said McRae. “Courtenay is experiencing low vacancy rates - and

increased rents - for bachelor and one-bedroom apartments, and it’s rare for a fully occupied building to be sold without changes to rental rates.

(Continued on page 14)

FortisBC advises doing your homework before signing a long-term contract (Continued from page 12) The BCUC later introduced greater customer choice that allows residents the option to purchase natural gas from independent companies, a program that has been underway in the Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley, Interior and Kootenays since May 2007.

FortisBC has no role in overseeing the activities of the independent marketers.

“We facilitate the Customer Choice program under the BCUC regulations,” explained Michael Allison, Manager of Corporate Communications. “Our role is neutral.”

Allison stressed that the choice will always remain with the customer.

“FortisBC does not make it a practice to go soliciting customers unless it is by appointment and usually pertaining to a safety or mainte-

nance issue.”

Natural Gas customers can access comprehensive details about the Customer Choice residential program on the FortisBC website (fortisbc.com/choice) and are recommended to take the following steps in making a decision whether to sign on with an independent gas marketer.

• Ask what company the salesperson represents and request to see his or her company identification.

• Clarify the term of the contract, the benefits and if there are any penalties. Fixed rate terms can be one year up to five years.

• Be cautious about showing personal information to a salesperson as shown on a FortisBC bill.

• Ensure you read and understand the details of the marketer’s offer before signing an agreement.

• Understand the choices, which are to take no action and continue to

Bursaries for Medical Students School District No. 71 (Comox Valley) administers annual bursaries (2 x $2,500 each) of interest to graduates of G.P. Vanier Secondary School who are presently taking courses leading to a career in the medical field. A letter of application indicating the area of study and including references and copies of current grades must be received by the undersigned by 4:00 pm, Monday, September 14, 2015.

Please mark envelope “James Small Memorial Bursary Application” Russell Horswill, Secretary Treasurer School District No. 71 (Comox Valley) 607 Cumberland Road, Courtenay, B.C., V9N 7G5

buy your natural gas from FortisBC at a variable rate, or sign a fixedterm, fixed-rate agreement with a gas marketer.

• Be cautious of the penalties in breaking a contract. There is a 10day, penalty-free cancellation period during which an agreement can be cancelled. Thereafter, there are fees to break an agreement, which could be costly.

FortisBC will continue to provide customers with gas services should they choose not to sign a contract.

Contracts signed with a gas marketer will take effect after November 1.

Residents concerned over a solicitor’s approach or their experience can initiate a dispute online at fortisbc.com or through FortisBC customer service at 1-888-224-2710.

“Feedback is valuable and it is taken into account by the BCUC for their annual reporting on the program, expressed Allison.

up using more, taking more time, and having a questionable result. Bad shoes are uncomfortable, hinder walking and all movement, and make life generally unbearable. Poor mattresses cost you the comfort you need for the 1/3 of your life you spend in bed. So, what's this got to do with dentistry?

All dentists have similar initial training. That is where the similarity ends, despite our governing body stating that every dentist is identical in style, expertise, and ultimate capability to every other dentist in the province. Just thinking about that logically defies common sense. Dental degrees are a license to learn, like a private pilot's license. It's our professional obligation to continue with our education annually. Some colleagues devote hundreds of hours annually to upgrade their skills, and others 'make do' with their 30 hour requirement by cramming at a dental show to get their ticket 'stamped'. Some invest 7 figures in technology – other offices have duct tape on some equipment to 'make do' for another while yet. There is a logical extension here that some offices must charge more money for their services than others – just to keep their doors open. A colleague in another city is at the top of his game. He charges $1700 a tooth for one procedure, whereas his competition around the corner charges $1000. His restorations frequently last 20+ years, where his colleague has failures in a few years. It's not much different than buying a cheap tool or a good one.

You may pay 50% more and get 5-8 times the use out of it! Some people blindly sit on a telephone calling around for the 'cheapest crown' or root canal – and are shocked to discover that you actually do get what you pay for sometimes! Higher fees don't necessarily guarantee better work – but generally more qualified practitioners must charge higher fees than lesser qualified ones. Inappropriate dental treatment may cost you much more than a minor discomfort. It can, and often does, cost you the ability to sleep, to chew, and may contribute to aching and headaches. Our best advice is to find someone you trust. Ask around.

The one question to really shy away from is the 'who is the cheapest dentist' question. We've seldom seen that one end up as a happy ending for the patient!

Call the Dental Hotline at 1-800-617-2936 and schedule a FREE Implant Consultation.

Acreview Dental 750 Comox Road, Courtenay, BC

1-800-617-2936 (Dental Hotline) www.AcreviewDental.com

14

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.SEPTEMBER 4, 2015 of current conditions, is your office planning to review the current expansion plans of the Natural Glacial plant?

The Ships Point trustees are seeking advice on this matter from the premier. “We have not been able to determine which provincial agency is responsible for regulating commercial water use,�

Patterson said.

Although Ships Point is part of the CVRD, it

is not included in the regional district’s water distribution system that is drawn from Comox Lake.

Ships Point’s water supply comes from their own well. Natural Glacial Waters also has its own water well.

Patterson said the problem with this is Ships Point and Natural Glacial are extracting water from the same aquifer. “That is a concern,� said Patterson.

(Continued on page 15)

Province buys apartments (Continued from page 13)

Natural Glacial water’s bottling plant at Ship’s Point

Residents question company’s use of water during Stage 4 restriction No reply from BC premier upsets Ship’s Point trustees

BY MICHAEL BRIONES Echo Staff Ships Point Improvement District are upset with BC Premier Christy Clark for failing to answer their concerns over commercial water use especially during this period of very dry weather conditions.

The board of trustees sent a letter to the premier

on July 24 and to date have not received a reply.

The drought has led to water usage restrictions on Vancouver Island. At Ships Point it is at Stage 4 while in other parts of the Comox Valley Regional District it is at Stage 3.

Ships Point trustees raised concerns about shrinking water supplies that will affect their ability to provide water to the

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around 300 households and also ďŹ re protection to the community.

Board of trustees chair, Gary Patterson wrote in his letter, “while we are making every effort to reduce our water usage, a local bottling plant - Natural Glacial Waters at Rosewall Creek - is expanding their capacity to bottle water and ship it overseas. As trustees, we are under in-

creasing pressure from our ratepayers to explain this discrepancy.�

Some of the questions they raised are: Have bottling plants in B.C. been asked to reduce their consumption? How do we determine the allowed capacity for the Natural Glacial plant? Who is responsible for ensuring such plants do not exceed their allowed capacity? In light

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With this purchase, our government is demonstrating its commitment to preserving affordable housing in B.C.�

Tenants expressed relief their rental rates and tenancy agreements will remain in place. “There’s a demonstrated need for affordable housing in Courtenay, and we’re pleased to see the government step forward and conserve existing affordable rental stock in the area,� said Mayor Jangula. “It’s great news for residents of the Washington Apartments, and indeed for everyone in Courtenay. This purchase will add stability to the rental housing market.

The property is a great location because it’s near major transit lines and the centre of town and is well situated for shopping and access to support provid-

ers.�

The building includes 111 bachelor suites and nine one-bedroom suites, and will be directly managed by BC Housing. The site of the apartment complex is located in an established commercial neighbourhood that include Superstore, Royal Bank, Coastal Credit Union and Canadian Tire.

Since 2001, the B.C. government has invested $4.4 billion to provide affordable housing for low-income individuals, seniors and families.

This year, nearly 102,500 B.C. households will beneďŹ t from provincial social housing programs and services.

Last year, the B.C. government invested over $2.9 million to provide subsidized housing and rent supplements for nearly 750 Courtenay households. To ďŹ nd out more, visit www.bchousing.org.

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Cinema #1: “The Transporter Refueled� PG: Violence; coarse language Captiview available Friday - Monday: 7:00 (8:50) & 9:45 (11:35) Tuesday - Thursday: 5:50 (7:40) & 8:40 (10:30) Saturday - Monday Matinees: 12:30 (2:20) & 3:30 (5:20) Friday Matinees: 3:30 (5:20) Cinema #2: “Inside Out 2D� G: No advisory Saturday - Monday Matinees: 12:45 (2:40) & 3:45 (5:40) Friday Matinees: 3:45 (5:40) Cinema #2: “American Ultra� 14A: Frequent violence; coarse language; drug use Friday - Monday: 6:50 (8:40) Tuesday - Thursday: 5:40 (7:30)

Cinema #2: “Sinister 2� 14A: Violence; frightening scenes Friday - Monday: 9:30 (11:20) Tuesday - Thursday: 8:20 (11:10) Cinema #3: “Straight Outta Compton� 18A: Frequent coarse language Friday - Monday: 6:30 (9:10) & 9:35 (12:15) Tuesday - Thursday: 5:20 (8:00) & 8:30 (11:10) Saturday - Monday Matinees: 12:10 (2:50) & 3:15 (6:00) Friday Matinees: 3:15 (6:00) Cinema #4: “Trainwreck� 14A: Sexually suggestive scenes; coarse and sexual language Captiview available Friday - Monday: 6:40 (9:00) & 9:40 (12:00) Tuesday - Thursday: 5:30 (7:50) & 8:50 (11:10) Saturday - Monday Matinees: 12:20 (2:40) & 3:20 (5:40) Friday Matinees: 3:20 (5:40)

Box Office Hours for September 4th – 10th Friday - Monday: 6:00 – 9:55, Tuesday - Thusday: 5:00 – 9:00, Saturday - Monday Matinees: 11:45 – 3:55, Friday Matinees: 2:45 – 3:55

MARINA PARK VITALIZATION PROJECT UPDATE The Town of Comox will be holding an open house with the intent to give the citizens of the Town of Comox an update on the Marina Park vitalization project.

Staff and the architect of the project will be on hand to answer your questions and you can inform yourself regarding this great project that we are planning within the Town of Comox Marina.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2015 TIME: 6:00 PM TO 8:00 PM WHERE: D’ESTERRE HOUSE, COMOX SENIORS’ CENTRE 1801 BEAUFORT AVENUE, COMOX We look forward to welcoming you at the Open House!

Richard Kanigan Chief Administrative Officer

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

15

SUMMERTIME - fUN -

795 Ryan Road 250.334.9638

www.gotorickys.com Residents upset about water (Continued from page 14) “The water from the hills supplies their well and ours. There should be some restrictions on this company. They take water at a cost of a penny per liter. Are there restrictions? The government has just stonedwalled us of what’s going on.”

The groundwater drawn from wells in the province is largely unregulated and there is very little information available in determining whether supply from these sources is drying up.

According to a BC Water and Waste Association report, BC is one of the last jurisdictions in North America that does not license, regulate or monitor groundwater extraction. It means water bottling companies could draw water without having to inform the quantity to anyone even though it can be linked to and may affect natural habitat like salmon-bearing streams or the water supply of a community.

Environment minister Mary Polka admitted that the state of BC’s aquifers is difficult to assess.

“It’s part of what we’ll look at with the rates we’re charging (for water use) and whether they are sufficient to cover the management of the resource,” said Polka in a Vancouver Sun article on July 16. The government’s new groundwater rate structure will let big water companies such as Nestlé bottle water for $2.25 per million litres next year.

Premier Christy Clark recently ordered a review of the rates following a backlash from the public because Nestlé currently pays just $596.25 for its use of 265 million litres of water annually.

It’s not known how much Natural Glacial pays from the amount of water it draws to bottle water that is shipped overseas.

Sweet way to boost legacy fund

Jorden Marshall of Hot Chocolates with the Centennial fundraising chocolate bars. The labels feature heritage photos from the Courtenay and District Museum archives.

Courtenay has discovered a sweet way to celebrate the city’s 100th birthday.

Commemorative chocolate bars for Courtenay’s centennial year are available at Hot Chocolates on 5th Street.

The bars are $4 each, with $1 from each sale going to the Centennial Legacy Endowment Fund.

The chocolate bars feature a variety of photos from the Courtenay and District Museum’s archives.

The chocolate would be a perfect pairing with other Centennial fundraising items.

Select wines are available at four Comox Valley wineries: 40 Knots, Blue Moon, Beaufort, and Coastal Black.

You can also make a festive addition to your wardrobe with a Centennial t-shirt, at the Courtenay Recreation Lewis and Filberg Centres. Only $20 including tax. Limited sizes available.

Blundstone leather lined round toe pull on boot.

Lighter, softer and a more durable sole. Rustic Black, Black, Burgundy, Walnut & Rustic Brown Available in women’s 6 to Men’s 14

The Comox Valley Community Foundation was founded in 1996 and administers a variety of funds received each year through endowment funds, bequests, living donors, and other gifts.

The funds are invested in perpetuity, and the interest earned becomes available to the community through annual grants, scholarships, and bursaries administered by the CVCF. Since 1996, the foundation has awarded $1.5 million to a wide variety of community groups and students.

Funds collected for the Centennial Legacy Endowment Fund will be directed back to the community through grants supporting youth initiatives and communitybuilding projects.

To learn more, or to make an online donation to the fund, visit the Canada Helps link found at www.cvcfoundation.org

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16

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

Back to School might not be entirely back to basics this year New curriculum to be introduced this fall in response to technology

BY MARY LEE Echo Staff Only a few shopping days remain to purchase those necessary items to ensure that children returning to the classroom next week are well equipped for their upcoming school year.

While parents are busy checking off the long list of essentials to buy and emptying pocket books in the process, teachers across the province are busy preparing to implement major changes to the curriculum, changes that will have an impact on grade schoolers in Kindergarten through 9 starting this fall.

British Columbia’s curriculum redesign is in response to the technologyrich world students are entering into where the rate and pace of change

in how information is accessed and how we communicate have grown exponentially.

The BC Government went right to the experts in the field of education and engaged the BC Teachers Federation (BCTF), a body of professionals who know first hand what goes on inside the classroom.

It’s taken the BC’s Ministry of Education the past three years in collaboration with more than 100 of the provinces’ teachers to develop the curriculum changes with the first phase rolling out in September.

“Parents, teachers, educators all share the same goal - student success,” expressed Mike Bernier, Minister of Education, in an online News Release.

“The new curriculum will help ensure students have the skills they need

School is open for business for the teachers who reported back a week prior to the students’ return on September 8. Teachers at École Puntledge Park Elementary and throughout the Valley spent the week collaborating on the new learning models and sharing ideas. The new curriculum is voluntary for grades K - 9 this year and will be mandatory for the 2016- 17 school year.

The government has yet to report on the curriculum changes for Grades 10-12.

al u n n A t s r Fi

to turn their dreams into reality in our constantly changing world.”

So what exactly is on the agenda for young pupils and what is the cost to BC families?

In the first phase of the three-year transition, parents and students can expect to see more flexible learning methods being introduced that connect the core subjects to a student’s particular interests and hobbies with more of a hands-on approach.

This “learner-centred and flexible” curriculum will maintain a focus on literacy and numeracy, but will also support deeper learning through what the Ministry of Education’s calls “concept-based and competency-driven approaches.”

Cross-curricular competencies, as defined by the Ministry, is the principle that education should lead to the development of the whole child-intellectually, personally, and socially.

These competencies, which are further defined as thinking, personal and social, and communication, represent a unified approach to learning that spans all courses and grades with the purpose of enriching a student’s learning experience.

(Continued on page 17)

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.SEPTEMBER 4, 2015 (Continued from page 16) “Teachers are optimistically apprehensive and cautious at the same time,” explains Nick Moore, Comox District Teachers Association President “It’s change, yet it’s exciting because we’ve been asking for change for a long time.”

Reading, writing and arithmetic - the basics in education - will still remain at the core. Learning models will also honor the way in which today’s students think, learn and interact to develop them to be critical thinkers and communicators able to adapt in the world.

“The crux behind it is that students should be able to walk

out of school with skills to do whatever they want to do and find out whatever they need to know,” summarizes Moore “We want well-rounded students rather than just people who know stuff.”

This first phase will affect Grades K to 9 and is completely voluntary.

By 2017-18 school year the entire K-12 curriculum will be phased in and efforts will continue to ensure subject areas and grade levels remain consistent with province-wide learning standards.

“Teachers may try some, all or none of the new learning models,” explains Moore.

“This year will be an experi-

mental phase and our school district is one of the leaders in this [change].”

A reason why School District 71 (SD71) is a leader in this change, as Moore explains, is because of Superintendent, Sherry Elwood, who is innovative to lead teachers forward with the new curriculum.

Educators are also being innovative using opportunities such as Professional Development Days, three of which SD71 purposefully places at the beginning of each school year before their students return to the classroom to prepare for the school year.

This year that time is dedicated to learning the ropes of the

new curriculum and assessment procedures, sharing each others work knowledge and experience and working together to build new teaching objectives.

Parents will not experience any financial cost as the Ministry of Education rolls out the new curriculum.

The cost of doing business the new way is being absorbed by the teachers who are investing their own time to navigate through all the changes underway, which will become mandatory for K to 9 in 2016.

The Ministry has not yet released a report on what is expected for Grades 10 through 12.

It will be a slow process,

17

confusing at first and likely to evolve over time.

For now Moore cautions parents to expect change on how their children are being taught in the classroom and how they will be assessed at year end.

“Expect to hear buzz words about competencies around the house over the next little while, states Moore.

“And talk to your child’s teacher.”

■ A dedicated website to help students and parents understand and learn about the new curriculm taking shape this school year is available at curriculum.gov.bc.ca and at bced. gov.bc.ca.

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The North Island Hospitals Project (NIHP) is hosting a community information session to provide an update on the new, 153-bed Comox Valley Hospital slated for completion in late 2017.

The meeting will start with a presentation, followed by a question-and-answer session related to the procurement, design and construction of the new facilities.

The NIHP team and representatives from selected proponent Tandem Health Partners will be on hand to answer questions and gather input.

For more information visit the NIHP website at: nihp.viha.ca

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Cut this ad out and submit your entry to the sports centre customer service front desk (at 3001 Vanier Drive) or at the aquatic centre front desk - as of September 14 - (at 377 Lerwick Road.)

18

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.SEPTEMBER 4, 2015 where fingers are rolled from side to side to get a clear impression of the whorls and ridges. But now it only requires three quick presses on an electronic pad - their two thumbs together, and four fingers together on each hand, eliminating the old system of having each finger rolled separately. The difference as well is, there will be no black ink smudges to wash off afterward.

But the biggest advantage of this new technology is the fingerprints are sent to Ottawa electronically and the results are returned much quicker. It can take minutes, an hour to a day, compared to the past when they were sent by post to Vancouver where the fingerprints are scanned individually and take two to four months to process and clear.

(Continued on page 19)

Here we

grow again

Septen Financial Ltd. is pleased to announce that

Comox Valley RCMP detachment’s service assistant, Dianne Israel and Brad Fairall explain the fingerprinting procedure on the new Live Scan electronic fingerprint scanner.

New RCMP fingerprinting tool helps speed up criminal checks

BY MICHAEL BRIONES Echo Staff Getting a criminal record checked has become a lot more efficient at the Comox Valley RCMP detachment.

Sunday October 4th, 2015 Florence Filberg Centre

11 am - 3 pm WEDDING PRIZE PACK DOOR PRIZES FASHION SHOWS STAGE PRESENTATIONS

The police department has just received a Live Scan electronic fingerprint scanner that dramatically reduces wait time.

Fingerprinting is still done via the conventional old ink and card method

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.SEPTEMBER 4, 2015 (Continued from page 18) Dianne Israel, an RCMP detachment service assistant, said this latest tool is a huge help in processing a myriad of criminal records, especially those that fall into the “vulnerable sector submissions” category - people such as coaches, daycare workers, teachers and youth social workers. It helps weed out pardoned sex offenders who’ve changed their names and might be working or trying to get work with vulnerable populations.

The new electronic fingerprint machines also helps to speed pardons, immigration applications and name changes.

“It’s very quick,” said Israel. “It speeds things up phenomenally. The fastest response I had back on a vulnerable sector print from sending to receiving was three minutes.”

Israel, however, warns that it does not always work that way. It all depends on the time of day the fingerprints are taken and the volume of checks that are being sent.

As well, Israel also wants to make it clear to their clients in the community that they are not going to get an instant criminal record check. It will take about two weeks to get the results.

“The front counter gets overwhelmingly busy between phones, clients coming in for other purposes and whatever, so we have a two-week turnaround still,” said Israel. “Sometimes they’ll get it quicker. But as soon as September hits, school has started, all the sports are starting again and the volume certainly picks up. Even if we get the criminal checks back, there’s still more that we have to do. So we have a system where we file them according to the day it was received and they go in order.”

Brad Fairall, who is one of the service assistants at the detachment, said the biggest hiccup in the past, was all those wanting to coach a sports team, if they got a vulnerable sector hit and the response didn’t come through right away, the onus was on the sports organization.

“They can say, I’ve known you for 13 years and you’re a good guy but you can’t coach those kids, you can’t chaperone until we get that vulnerable check back that says negative,” said Fairall.

The problem, according to Cst. Don Sinclair, the RCMP media liaison, is a lot of them do not think four months ahead.

“They’re figuring a couple of days I’ll get it back and I can be a coach,” said Sinclair. “Sorry.”

The Comox Valley RCMP detachment is only one of a handful of departments in the province that has this high-tech equipment.

19

20 www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

Fall Registration

2364-3 Rosewall Crescent, Courten ay BC, V9N 8R9

Phone: (250) 338-1313 E-mail: info@tripleheatdance • www.tripleheatdance.com

4th Annual Open House - Wednesday Sept 2nd 5-7pm FREE Come meet the faculty and try some sample classes For ages 3-Adult Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop and Musical Theatre

Fall Registration Hours: Tuesday Sept 1st - Thursday Sept 3rd 2-6pm

- Musical Theatre - Voice & Performance Technique - Hip Hop - Core Conditioning

......................................

- RAD Exam Ballet & Pointe - Open Ballet - Contemporary - Jazz - AIDT Tap and Modern

......................................

2015/2016 Classes Offered: - Acro - 'Little Feet' Programs - Adult Drop In Classes (Ballet, Hip Hop and Tap)

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

21

Fall Registration VALLEY DANCE CENTRE WE FOCUS ON FUN, ACHIEVEMENT & SUCCESS.

Fall Registration/ Open House

Amanda Rodgers, B.Ed Dance, Owner/Director

For Ages 2 to 5 Years

August 28 & September 3-4

• FunDance

For 5 Years Only

• Jazz • Ballet • Tap

For Ages 6 to 18 Years • Jazz • Jazz progressions • Ballet (RAD exams) • Modern • Lyrical • Fusion • Tap • Modern Stage • Musical Theatre • HipHop • ACRO FOR DANCE

from 4pm-8pm at studio.

Offering top quality training in various dance styles!

Classes offered in: ISTD ballet (examinations), ballet, jazz, Al Gilbert syllabus tap, adult tap, musical theatre, Com ! adult musical theatre, ry it tage! pro "Stagepetitive T gra tea contemporary, o S ns tro tk sessiod & te perfor m - ta m" n I and lyrical. k n e ch ma in 8 wefor 3-5 aars nex nique nce g t lev to t e y el! he 6-8

Adult Programs 18+ • Jazz • Ballet • Tap • HipHop • Tai Chi

REGISTER NOW CALL 250 334 1074 or email office@valleydancecentre.ca MEET THE STAFF REGISTER IN PERSON WEEK 1.

Mon Aug.31 11am-4pm Tues Sept. 1 11am-4pm Wed Sep 2 3pm-7pm Thur Sep 3 11am-4pm

WEEK 2.

Tues Sep 8 11am-4pm Wed Sep 9 3pm-7pm ur Sep 10 11am-4pm Fri Sep 11 9am-1pm

250-897-5769 • 120B Headquarters Rd. Courtenay www.vireoschoolofperformingarts.com

FIRST DAY BACK MONDAY SEPTEMBER 14 4655 A MADRONA PLACE, COURTENAY

www.valleydancecentre.ca

TAEKWONDO RESPECT LESSONS

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All classes taught by

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Classes

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Mon & Wed Tues & Thurs Cumberland Rec Queneesh Elementary

First-time discoveries and cool adventures begin with Scouts.

After all, it’s the perfect place for kids to be kids – and have a lot of fun along the way.

Register Now! 250.218.6968 • paul750@live.ca

Comox Valley Registration Night

RED DRAGON TAEKWONDO

Thursday Sept, 10th 6:30pm – 8:00pm Comox, Courtenay & Cumberland groups @ Driftwood Mall FMI: Chris Tickner (250) 339.2424 scouts.ca/findagroup It starts with Scouts.

COMOX VALLEY

World Taekwondo Federation

s e l u d e h c S l Fal Swimming

Aquafit

Yoga Fitness

Skating

Swim & Skate Lessons

Shinny

Hockey

Leadership Courses

22

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

Fall Registration Laurie Tinkler

Comox Recreation COME PLAY WITH US!

SCHOOL OF DANCE

CELEBRATING 33 YEARS in the COMOX VALLEY

SP AVAILACE A in so BLE m

Registration by phone 250 897-8885 or online at laurietinkler.com • Jazz • Lyrical • Ballet • Pointe • Tap (AIDT) • Hip Hop • Highland (SDTA) • Irish • Contemporary • Modern stage/ • Modern (AIDT) Musical Theatre • Stretch & Strength • Adult Jazz & Tap • Ballroom • Adult Highland

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for information contact:

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We make families smile!

Program Registation on Now!

Dale Stewart 339-0952

#17A 2755 Moray Ave, Courtenay www.laurietinkler.com

dalegstew@gmail.com

Want to learn how to quilt?

Expand your quilting skills?

Quilting Classes Books & Pa erns Demos • Notions • Fabrics

Registration for New Swimmers Sports Centre Tuesday Sept 8 5-7pm Thursday Sept 10 5 – 7pm

Call or email to receive our Class Schedule

New swimmers please bring a swim suit and goggles for a quick assessment by a Sharks Coach.

SWIM WITH THE

Comox Valley “Sharks” AQUATIC CLUB 1930 Ryan Rd. East, Comox sewfun@telus.net 250.339.4059

find us on

Swim programs for all ages and abilities.

Please check our website:

www.sharks.bc.ca for details of programs and how to register.

Comox Community Centre 1855 Noel Ave info@comox.ca 250-339-2255 www.comox.ca/recreation

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR MUSIC LESSONS

Black Swan Music School

COMOX VALLEY UNITED SOCCER CLUB Comox Valley United Soccer Club Fall programs available for youth born 1998 - 2007 and Adults of all ages

For more info, please visit our website at www.cvusc.org or email us cvuscsoccer@gmail.com

• Celtic Fiddle • Old time Fiddle/ Fiddle Jam tunes • Violin - Suzuki • Flute • Penny Whistle

David Stevenson - Instructor Long & McQuade Music Education Centre

250-338-3899 or David @ 250 890-0297

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

Fall Registration

23

First female Search and Rescue Technician retires

BY MARY LEE Echo Staff

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581 McPhee Avenue Courtenay, 250-338-4890 www.4rseducation.com

PIANO LESSONS

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FIRST LESSON FREE! Beginner to Advanced

orte Music Studio Jocie Brooks BMus, ARCT, Registered Music Teacher

250-338-0293 • iocie@telus.net • fortemusicstudio.ca

Spaces Available in September

Tammy Negraeff never wanted the fame and she certainly did not invite any publicity into her life.

Yet for the past 18 years she navigated through her attention grabbing career choice with a quiet humility, and clever certainty.

Humble, honest and a person of integrity are some of the many compliments and accolades shared among friends and colleagues at Negraeff ’s retirement function held Friday, August 28 at the Griffin Pub. In a nearly packed house, members, affiliates and family of the search and rescue community - both serving and retired - joined Negraeff in celebration of her 25 year Canadian Armed Forces career in true military fashion, with a jovial roasting.

The Valley is where her unique career story began and is where the chapter ends, albeit with less fanfare.

Negreaff made headlines in 1997 for being the first female to successfully complete the Search and Rescue Technician pre-se-

Tammy Negraeff broke the gender barrier and successfully became the first female Search and Rescue technician graduating in 1998 off Course #32. Negraeff returned to the Canadian Forces School of Search and Rescue (CFSSAR) here in Comox from 2008 to 2011 to instruct SAR Techs candidates. (Credit: 19 Wing) lection course and continued to captivate audiences and fellow tradesmen across the Air Force as she surpassed the grueling challenges of each and every phase of the ninemonth training course.

As she landed on the graduation parade square

Government Licensed. References available.

Kids learn best, being active outdoors, having fun and learning as they go Serving the Comox Valley for 12 Years

311 PRITCHARD RD., COMOX

Warrant Officer Dan Lamoureux, a fellow SAR Tech who instructed with Tammy Negraeff at CFFSAR presents her the Canadian Armed Forces Certificate and pin for her 25 years of honorable service.

PHONE 250-339-4772 CELL: 250-702-0532 comoxk idz@live.ca w w w.comoxk idz.net

Tammy Negraeff prefers not be referred to as the poster-girl for breaking gender barriers but she and fellow SAR Technician Lance Teichrib were the face of 19 Wing for the 1999 Airshow Poster, many of which can still be found hanging on merchants’ walls throughout the Comox Valley.

to receive her SAR Tech wings in June 1998, so did her namesake on the pages of magazines and on covers of newspapers.

Negraeff, the first woman to become a SAR Tech in one of the most intense and physically demanding military occupations - a trade that hasn’t catered to the female specimen since the days of the parabelles in the 1950s and 60s.

Catered is a term to be used loosely. Wickedly humourous and very quick on the retort, Negraeff was putting out racy comments rather than putting up with it, often leaving her male course mates and counterparts dumb-

founded.

“There’s no catering to Tam,” expressed several of her colleagues during the colorful speeches at her retirement, “It’s about keeping up!”

Mentally fit as she is physical, Negraeff thrives in the outdoors spending as much time as possible combing through British Columbia’s peaks and valley by foot, bike, skis, or a parachute. For her, it’s away of life than a job necessity, so she can’t really comprehend all the fuss surrounding her achievement not only to perform but excel in this maledominant field.

(Continued on page 25)

24 www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

25

Fair Memories celebrated at 141st Comox Valley Exhibition Friday, August 28.

An online search to ďŹ nd out which falls fair are the oldest in British Columbia or in Canada at large won’t render a deďŹ nitive answer but one thing that is apparent, this country loves a good fair whether its history is deep rooted or not. The Comox Valley

BY MARY LEE Echo Staff Just seven years younger than the nation itself and perhaps one of Canada’s longest running fairs, the Comox Valley Exhibition (CVEX) opened to the community for its 141st consecutive year

is no exception.

Celebrating “100 Fair Memories,� CVEX yielded a fairly robust turn out despite the wild range of weather patterns not experienced in the Valley for the majority of the summer.

(Continued on page 26)

Livestock one of the attractions at the Exhibition

First female SAR Tech retires at Comox party

Back to School

(Continued from page 23) Negraff had to come to terms with her position in society as a trailblazer for women upon accepting her role, her last military post, as an instructor at Regional Cadet Support Unit in Esquimalt where young female cadets looked to her as an example of the limitless possibilities their career paths can follow. “Tam was never comfortable being typecast as the ďŹ rst female SAR Tech. She wanted to be recognized for just being a SAR Tech as that was accomplishment enough,â€? shared close friend Warrant Officer Kent Gulliford. “I’m not sure she really understood what she has meant to many women who have reaped the beneďŹ ts of her quiet determination and perseverance.â€?

Negraeff now lives in Richmond, BC where she quietly perseveres in a similar career ďŹ eld as an Emergency Management Coordinator.

She chose Comox as the place to hang up the orange ight suit as it is home to many past and present serving brethren of the SAR trade.

Rescue!

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26 www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

(Continued from page 25) High winds and rain with intermittent sunny breaks didn’t stop crowds from partaking in the variety of displays, exhibits, rides, games, music and animals at the exhibition grounds on Headquarters Road.

The three-day family ďŹ lled affair ofďŹ cially began Friday with the opening ceremonies emceed by the Comox Valley Echo’s very own Keith Currie, Publisher, and long time member of the CVEX Board of Directors.

The ďŹ rst entertainment of the weekend included a beautiful singing of the National Anthem acapella style by Ashlyn Smart, Aspen Park Elementary student. K’umugwe Dancers performed

The K’umugwe Dancers from the K’omoks First Nation performed at the opening ceremonies on Friday. ■For more fall fair photos please see our facebook page.

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their stories of tradition and culture through song and dance, appropriately weaving together the Valley’s history in agriculture and its ancestry with the K’omoks First Nations.

The opening ceremonies were also a time to acknowledge the volunteerism of two young adults pursuing post-secondary education who have given much time and energy to ensuring the event’s success.

This year, two scholarships, which are awarded annually, were presented to Tianna Greenhill and Max Quinn. Greenhill enters her third year at the University of Missouri while Quinn will continue to pursue his aeronautical engineering degree following a summer co-op program at 19 Wing Comox.

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28 www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

Swing Street play the Music of Bacharach and Gershwin

Street Life performs to open the 10th season of Georgia Straight Jazz Society

I heard about a fisherman who says he caught a neon-coloured pike up in Yellowknife last week.

Shouldn’t that guy get his eyes checked?

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CAN YOU HELP? I HAVE MILDEW ON MY VEGGIES, AND MY FRUIT IS FALLING FROM THE TREES BEFORE IT RIPENS. I WATER IN THE EVENING ACCORDING TO RESTRICTIONS.

Marnie

To help control the mildew, spray veggies with Natria, the new bio-fungicide that suppresses mildews and blights.

Evening is not the best time to water. Rot, fungi and blights thrive in hot wet conditions. Watering very early in the morning before the sun hits your garden will help reduce evaporation and allow the water to soak in before evening.

Watering your vegetable garden to a depth of 4 to 6 inches should be enough for established plants through summer, reducing amount as the days grow cooler and shorter.

Plants may wilt somewhat during the heat of the day, but this doesn’t necessarily mean they are dry. Check your soil for moisture before you water. They likely don’t need it every day, especially if you mulch. Young fruit trees may require a deep watering once a week, while older trees are more resilient. Mulch around trees to help prevent water loss as moisture stressed trees will simply drop their fruit.

Why should my teenager learn about saving and investing?

Agopsowicz, Trombone.

There will be some jazzy treatments of the Bacharach tunes as well as some fun renditions of familiar Gershwin tunes.

For the Bacharach tunes, Ronda will be using a toy called a harmonizer.

Through the harmonizer, Ronda will be emulating the Dion Warwick backup trio - no easy feat.

Jacki will be featured in some beautiful Gershwin ballads and will bring her dynamic musical prowess to the whole evening.

The evening will include a sombre interlude.

Over the summer, one of the finest musicians and loveliest human beings you could wish to meet, died in a tragic traffic accident.

(Continued on page 32)

School starts soon and with it Lice infestation, What can I do about this?

A quick internet search revealed some interesting photos and theories about this. The fisherman actually blamed his eyes (actually his polarized lenses) at the first sight of the fish, which I probably would have done too.

But I suspect his colour perception is fine, after looking at the photos. My favourite theory is that the colouration was due to the fish’s adaptation to its environment. Many coldblooded animals use a variety of pigmented cells called chromatophores to change their appearance. Interestingly, animals with colour vision have a variety of colour-specific pigment cells within their retinas (and humans with colour vision deficiencies often have problems with a specific retinal pigment cell or “cone”).

We all make sure to get a pedicure before summer but how about looking after our feet once sandal season is over? Feet often become worse for wear during the summer months and if you are anything like me, you love digging your toes in the sand. But that comes with a consequence....dry, rough feet. Now is the time to come get another pedicure to address these issues; to deeply clean, hydrate and smooth and to prepare our feet for our fall footwear. Come experience a Level 10 Pedicure, they are like no other! We will also teach you how to care for your feet at home. This along with investing in a good foot file and proper foot cream is also helpful to maintain soft feet and extend the benefits of your pedicure. Check out our Pedicure menu at http://www.level10eurospa.com/feet/ FYI: I am back from maternity leave as of Sept.

15th and look forward to seeing everyone!

WEALTH MANAGEMENT

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Help! My feet have taken a beating this summer and are very dry, rough and I can't seem to get them clean! What to do?

Thursday September 10th marks the opening night of the tenth anniversary year for Georgia Straight Jazz Society.

Live jazz will be featured on the stage at Avalanche Bar and Grill on Eighth Street every Thursday at 7:30 pm until the end of May. So please mark your calendar, and remember you’re always welcome to come down and meet the friendly community of jazz aficionados and share the greatest jazz scene on Vancouver Island.

We are excited to start the year with a super show and super line-up when Street Life performs an evening of music

by Burt Bacharach, and George and Ira Gershwin.

The band is Bill Street, drums; Don MacKay, Bass; Mike Eddy, Piano; Jacki Zbirun, vocals; Ronda Kuehl backup vocals; Jay Havelaar, Trumpet, and Jeff

Lara D. Austin

Investment and Wealth Advisor

It’s critical that today’s youth play a more active role in their financial future, as the pension cushion that retirees currently enjoy may not be there tomorrow. After all, in 1991, 41% of Canadian employees were covered by a defined benefit pension plan. Today, that number is down to 30%—and is expected to decline further. Financial literacy is a lifelong affair, and support and resources from financial professionals can help set your teen up for long-term success.

250-334-5606 | lara.austin@rbc.com www.laraaustin.com This article is supplied by Lara D. Austin, Investment & Wealth Advisor with RBC Dominion Securities Inc. Member-Canadian Investor Protection Fund. Lara can be reached at 250-334-5606 or lara.austin@rbc.com.

Lice are tiny insects. They feed on human blood, live at the surface of the skin clinging to the hair shaft and reproduce very quickly. When a new louse is hatched it take 9-10 days before they can reproduce. You can sometime prevent contracting lice by avoiding close contact and not sharing things like hats or scarves.

Some believe that using a drop or two of essential oils such as Tea Tree Oils in shampoos and other hair products may make the hair less desirable for lice.

If treatment is necessary there are several products available at your Pharmacy. A Pharmacist can recommend a treatment plan that may work for you or your child. We are beginning to see more resistance to treatment. Some feel that using vinegar after the treatment can aid in removal of the nits when combing.

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

How is dental health connected to overall health?

How prevalent is hearing loss in Canada?

Dr. Colleen Clancy & Dr. Ann Lu Dentists

In July 2015, Statistics Canada released results of a 2012/2013 Canadian Health Measures Survey among Canadians aged twenty to seventy nine. The prevalence of measured hearing loss rose with age from around 10% among people under age fifty to 65% at ages seventy to seventy nine. This study excluded people over eighty, ages at which hearing loss is even more common. Canadian hearing care professionals recommend a base line hearing evaluation by the age of fifty and periodic hearing tests thereafter.

Identifying and treating hearing loss sooner rather than later means better treatment outcomes. Call us today for a complimentary hearing evaluation.

Medical research has observed a connection between poor oral health and other health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and bacterial respiratory infections.

Your dental health can affect your general health as oral bacteria can enter the blood stream. There are health conditions such as diabetes and osteoporosis which may mean a patient is more at risk for dental problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss.

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What can I add to my garden for fall color?

In most gardens, foliage plays a key role in the fall design however, texture is important too! Mix different leaf sizes, shapes and color to create impact. Don't forget to use evergreens! They are the bones of the garden especially in the cold months to come and they come in different colors. Your garden is sure to be a showstopper if you include fall containers or decor (such as pumpkins and gourds) to create colorful focal points and lead the eye through the landscape. Once autumn has arrived, your landscape will blaze with colorful foliage. Here is a short list of the best plants for fall color to add to your gardens. Trees- any of the maples, especially japanese maple varieties and the sugar maple, dogwood, smoke tree, witch hazel, stewartia.

Shrubs- barberry, burning bush, caryopteris, fothergilla, beauty berry, nandina firepower. Perennials- ornamental grasses, black eyed susan, chrysanthemums, asters, helenium, fall crocus, cyclamen. Evergreens- golden threadleaf cypress, dwarf blue spruce,variegated holly, euonymus, variegated yucca.

Dr. Colleen Clancy and Associates #98-1742 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay, BC V9N 2K8 Phone: 250-338-2599 Web: www.drcolleenclancy.com

What is my Credit Report and why is it important?

To qualify for big loans, like mortgages or lines of credit, lenders look at your credit report as a major factor in their decision. It’s a listing of all the ‘credit instruments’ in your personal name, including credit cards, cell phone services, vehicle loans, and personal loans and includes your borrowing, balance and payment history for each account. Most mortgage lenders require at least 2 different instruments reporting for 2+ years. They are looking to see that you make your required monthly payments on time and that you use these accounts responsibly. The addition last year of mobile phones to credit reports is something to especially be aware of, as forgetting or refusing to pay a phone bill now has negative impact on your credit. If you have disputes with a company, consider paying the minimum and disputing any charges formally for a later refund. This will keep your credit strong for when you need it. For more information on credit or a complimentary credit review and mortgage consultation, give us a call today!

525 Cliffe Ave.Courtenay

I brush really well twice a day. Is it that important to floss?

DENTISTRY

DENTISTRY

Jennifer Frey, Registered Audiologist

29

How can I make my bathroom safer?

Dr. Colleen Clancy & Dr. Ann Lu Dentists

Brushing well keeps the cheek and tongue/palate surfaces of teeth clean, but the bristles on both electric and manual toothbrushes aren’t effective at cleaning the surfaces between teeth. The surfaces between the teeth also don’t interact very much with the tongue and cheeks so it is easy for bacteria to accumulate in these areas. Flossing is meant to agitate the plaque and biofilms that collect here. Plaque and biofilms are colonies of bacteria that irritate the gums, underlying bone, and can cause cavities.

At first, flossing may be a slow and tender process. However, with regular flossing, you’ll find you will be much faster. As the gums become healthier and less inflammed, flossing will feel very comfortable.

Bathrooms can be a very unsafe place for people with mobility challenges. Items like a raised toilet seat, bath seat and hand held shower make the bathroom easier to manage. You may also consider installing grab bars or a floor to ceiling pole to provide a secure hand hold and an aide for rising from a seated position. If you would still like to enjoy a nice bath, a Bath Lift provides security, comfort and convenience all in one. Drop by The Home Medical Shop® and let one of our knowledgeable staff show how these items can Make Life a Little Easier™. In addition, some Medical Plans may cover the cost.

Dr. Colleen Clancy and Associates #98-1742 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay, BC V9N 2K8 Phone: 250-338-2599 Web: www.drcolleenclancy.com

Send your questions for any of these professionals to us by mail, email or fax Professional: Question:

COMOX VALLEY ECHO 407 - E Fifth Street, Courtenay, BC V8N 1J7 or send your question to Keith Currie at kcurrie@comoxvalleyecho.com or by fax to 250-334-3172

30 FRIDAY.SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

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CARDS OF THANKS

FAHL â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Elvin â&#x20AC;&#x153;Alâ&#x20AC;?

October 7, 1920-September 1, 2015 Al Fahl of Courtenay, born Oct. 7, 1920 in Saskatoon passed away peacefully on Sept. 1, 2015 in Comox, B.C. Predeceased by his wife of 53 years, Dorothy (Dot).

He leaves behind 1 sister Mid and sons Art (Shirley), Pat (Chrissie), Don and daughters Terry and Bonnie (Brian), 12 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren, as well as many good friends.

Al will be loved and missed by all whose lives he touched. His funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 5, 2015 at 2:00pm at Comox Valley Funeral Home, Cremation and Reception Centre, 1101 Ryan Road, Courtenay.

For those wishing, donations in his name to your local SPCA would be appreciated.

Comox Valley F H

Richard James Etches APRIL 25TH 1950 - AUGUST 17TH 2015 Born in Vancouver to James and Ida Etches.

Predeceased by both parents and survived by his only sister Sylvia Cromack (John), his niece Christine Selda (Jamie) great nieces and nephews River, Jasper and Cedar, Nephew William Cromack (Emma) great nieces and nephews Henry, Charlotte and Kate.

Richard may you rest in peace ... So many things left unsaid.... We loved you and will miss you.

A private service for the family has been arranged.

SWEDBERG - Roy July 30, 1927 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; August 21, 2015 Born in Holdfast, Saskatchewan, Roy passed away peacefully in Comox, BC. Roy was predeceased by his son Bruce. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 51 years Midge, daughters Cheryl (Rick) Gawryluk and Kim Swedberg, son Eric Swedberg, granddaughters Reed Steele and Chloe Cowieson.

Roy spent 26 years as a member of the RCAF in Cold Lake, Trenton, 2 Wing, 4 Wing and Comox.

UNERAL OME CREMATION AND RECEPTION

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BISHOP, Ariel May June 17, 1923 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; May 10, 2015

Sadly Mom passed away on Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day, May 10, 2015 at Cumberland Lodge.

She was the daughter of an English Canadian Robert (Bob) Ferguson Lennox and an American, Esther Ann Stepman. Her birth on June 17, 1923 took place in Eureka, Montana.

Her stay in Montana was short. They lived Roosville, B.C. until 1925 when they moved to Chilliwack, living on McConnell Road, now Castleman Road, near her Uncle Joe Lennoxâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s farm. In 1933 they moved into the B.C. Forest Serviceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Assistant Ranger Residence at Cultus Lake.

Mom attended her first year of school at Camp River School.

Following that she attended schools in Sardis and Chilliwack, graduating in 1942. In 1943 she attended Pitman Business College in Vancouver and took a position with an insurance firm in the Credit Foncier Building.

During her school years Mom met Leonard Dale Bishop, a Sardis lad. On July 18, 1945 she married her school chum in the Chapel at the Comox air base where Dad was serving in the RCAF. Following his discharge that year, they settled in the Comox Valley, first in Royston, then in Courtenay.

While Mom was our home support she enjoyed gardening, camping, boating, fishing and touring with Dad. Outside the home she was a long-time member of Courtenayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cedar Rebekah Lodge No. 77.

Predeceased by Dale in 2014, Mom is survived by son Paul, daughter Rosemary (Raymond), grandson, Keegan, sister-in-law Joeslyn Bishop, Sardis, niece Anne, nephews Bruce and David and several Canadian and American cousins.

Mom and Dad will be interred near her Mother in Chilliwack Cemeteries.

Thank you to Dr. Reggler, Dr. Blacklock, Home & Community Care and the doctors and nurses at Cumberland Lodge for your caring support.

0)%2#9 3 ^ -4 7!3().'4/.

Flowers gratefully declined. Private family arrangements.

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DEATHS

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Please call Annemarie 1.800.661.6335 or email: ďŹ sh@blackpress.ca CANADA BENEFIT Group Do you or someone you know suffer from a disability? Get up to $40,000 from the Canadian Government. Toll-free 1-888511-2250 or www.canadabeneďŹ t.ca/free-assessment LOOKING FOR WITNESSES for car accident, Back Road & Ryan, May 16, 2015, approx 1pm. between a red Cavalier & an SUV. (250)756-2400.

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Gwendolen Maud Gammon

CELEBRATION OF LIFE FOR ED YOUNG

nee Ellis March 6, 1918 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; July 25, 2015

Ed is survived by his wife Ellie, sons Gary, Kevin, Greg and families.

We would like to invite you to the Celebration of Life for Ed on Saturday September 12, 2015

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our Mom and Grandma. She left peacefully to join her husband John, granddaughter Lindsay, her parents George and Maud Ellis, her siblings Henry, Owen and Ron Ellis, Kay Richman and Joan Bell.

She will be greatly missed by her daughter, Kathleen, Grandchildren Sean and Stephanie, Yoshi and the extended Ellis family.

Gwen moved to Comox in 1925 when her father purchased and opened the Bay Store, where she later worked until enlisting in the navy during WWII, when she was stationed both in Halifax and overseas in Scotland.

Gwen developed a passion for golf in Comox and won the Ladies championship in 1943 as well as other trophies before moving to Vancouver where she met John and raised her family.

In 1983, she resumed playing golf seriously when she joined the Musqueam Ladies Golf Club where she served many roles including team captain and also won the Club Championship in 1984 and 1989. Gwen always considered Comox home and regularly returned to spend time at the Beach Cottage on Balmoral Beach, with family and childhood friends. She lived her 97 years to the fullest and was always ready for adventure, never complaining or letting anything hold her back. She will be greatly missed.

(July 14, 1931 to October 18, 2014)

1:00PM to 3:00PM A memorial bench has been placed at CFB Comoxâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Airforce Beach Campground (TeePee Park), on the hill overlooking the water.

Dedication of the bench will be at 2:00PM

followed by light refreshments.

Hope you can join usâ&#x20AC;Ś!

For those who love, time is not.

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EDNA RUBY FORESMAN October 4, 1933 August 29, 2015 It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that we announce the passing of Edna Ruby Foresman (nee Ruttan). Edna Ruby passed peacefully from this life on Saturday, August 29, 2015.

There will be a private family gathering in nature, where her heart resided, reuniting Edna with her beloved Herb hand in hand in Union Bay. Left to remember her for battles fought fair and won, a warrior. For those whose voices at times escaped them, are her children; Greg, Marjorie, Rodney, Fraser, Joy, Sean and Rob. There will be a gathering for those who loved Edna at a later date.

To send a condolence to the family please visit: www.yatesfuneral.ca Yates Funeral Service & Crematorium (1-877-264-3848) in care of arrangements.

THE EGAN FAMILY wishes to express a heartfelt thank you to the many friends and extended family for the beautiful cards, cheerful ďŹ&#x201A;owers, delicious and timely home cooking, gourmet baskets and charitable donations. We appreciate the sharing of tributes, memories and thoughtful messages including online, handwritten and in person.

Each act of kindness has warmed our hearts.

Missing you today and always.

www.comoxvalleyecho.com

FRIDAY.SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

CELEBRATIONS

INFORMATION

LEGALS

WITNESS wanted. If you have witnessed or have any information about my boat being hit and damaged by another vessel at the end of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dâ&#x20AC;? dock at the Comox Municipal Marina between August 25th â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 30th, please contact Gary @250-207-8500.

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Information Sought Incident on Hwy 19 near Horne Lake Road We are seeking witnesses, or information from any person, with respect to a motor vehicle incident that happened on May 26, 2015 at approximately 11:00 p.m. along Hwy 19 just north of the Horne Lake Road turnoff. A dark blue coloured Chrysler was damaged when it contacted debris on the highway.

FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS

CELEBRATIONS

CELEBRATIONS

Celebration of Life Notice

Gwendolyn Marsh Forever in our hearts.

Please join us in celebrating the life of Gwendolyn Marsh (born March 24, 1935), who passed away peacefully in Campbell River, BC, on July 19, 2015 with her family by her side. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at the Campbell River Fraternal Order of Eagles Banquet Hall. For those who would like to stay and reminisce, there will be a luncheon following the service. In lieu of ďŹ&#x201A;owers, memorial donations may be made to her preferred charity, the Canadian Cancer Society, or to the charity of your choice.

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Saturday, Sept.5th 8AM to 3PM, no early birds please. Multiple families will be selling.

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CVRD Exhibition Grounds On-site Operations Contractor

The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) is seeking quotations for a contractor to provide the services of on-site operations contractor at the Comox Valley Exhibition Grounds located in Courtenay, BC. The successful contractor will have a diverse background with experience in grounds maintenance, custodial duties, customer service, equipment operation and minor repairs.

The contractor is also responsible, under a separate contract, for the caretaker duties of the Comox Valley Therapeutic Riding Society (CVTRS), an organization that leases space at the CVEG from the CVRD. The successful candidate is required to live on-site at the CVEG and will be provided a suite at a modest monthly rent through the CVTRS agreement.

Request for quotation (RFQ) documents, containing general information and instructions may be obtained from: 600 Comox Road, Courtenay, BC V9N 3P6, email: communityservices@comoxvalleyrd.ca or visit: www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/rdbid.

Quotations must be submitted according to the instructions in the RFQ documents and received by :00pm PaciĂ&#x20AC;c time on Thursday, September th, 0 .

Enquiries with respect to this solicitation should be directed in writing to: Darcy Walters, senior manager of recreation facilities or email: dwalters@comoxvalleyrd.ca

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Alistair Taylor Editor, Campbell River Mirror, 104 - 250 Dogwood St. Campbell River, B.C. V9W 2X9 Or e-mail: editor@campbellrivermirror.com

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GARAGE SALES Comox 1950 Robb Ave Sat 8-12 Furniture, dishes etc

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HELP WANTED

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32 www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

GOLF NEWS CROWN ISLE MATCH PLAY CHAMPIONS After a very eventful summer of golf, Crown Isle ladies’ club crowned their match play champions.

Congratulations to our Captain’s Cup Singles’ winner, the very dynamic and fun loving Evie MacDonald . and to our Doubles’ winners, Rosemary Smith and Linda Foreman. On the “dark” side or Vice Captain’s Cup, the Singles’ winner was Helen Flynn and the Doubles’ winners were Barb Parker and Maggie MacLean.

The only decision our ladies had to make for Tuesday morning golf was whether they wanted to play off the RED tees or the SILVER tees.

AND THE WINNERS WERE: SILVER: 1st low gross: Dee Horie, 2nd low gross:Carol Ayley, 3rd low gross: Maggie MacLean 1st low net: Rosemary Smith, 2nd low net: Sandy Linhart 3rd low net: Lindsay Sparkes, Val Dingwall and Linda Foreman RED: 1st low gross: Raelene Robertson, 2nd low gross: Pat Johnson 3rd low gross: Judy Kafka 1st low net:Gillian Kirk-

patrick and Anne Sands, 2nd low net:Brenda Barrigan and Gwen Rypien 3rd low net: Judy Aldcroft and Barb Parker KP’s: Pat Johnson #16 and Raelene #7.

Our ladies get better every Tuesday and the birdies made this week attest to that! Congrats to Raelene, May M. Dee H., Anne S., Janet P., Carol A., Pat J., and Rosemary S., PAR 5’s: Gwen R., Liz E., Linda S., and Eleanor P. Don’t forget to mark your calendars for the SEASON FINALE of the Crown Isle Nine and Wine benefitting the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation on Oct. 2 with a 4 pm shotgun start.

Sign up as a team or individually.

Everyone welcome. Call the Golf Shop at 250 703-5029, email Rod Prieto at rod@crownisle.ca or register online at www. crownilse.ca.

Submitted by Donna Cunliffe COMOX LADIES TUESDAY SEPT. 1ST 23 ladies played on a cooler day than normal Tuesday, September the 1st. Nancy Riva and Barb Buchanan won low gross and low net for the day with 88 and 68 respectively. Sue Leakey shot 89 with Doris Ellis(92) and Sharon Crowe(94). With a net score of 74, Mary Suchla was sec-

(Continued from page 28) ond low net with Anne Patterson(75), Gi Carlson(75) and Pat Schmidt with 75.

Thanks goes to Keith Gibson from Investors Group, Jesse from the Pro Shop, Adrian from the Tee Box, Looneyrama and Panago Pizza for being our prize sponsors today. Linda Diamond was closest to the bucket, Linda Callender was in the creek on #4.

Closest to the hole on #5 and 14 was Sharon Crowe.

Closest to the hole for #9 and #18 in two shots was Pat Ailles and Linda Verdenhalven won the draw for in the sand anywhere on the course. Our 2 longest putts were sunk by Grace Coulter and Barb Buchanan.

Our Thanks and Good Luck wishes go to Linda Callender as she and her husband plan to move to the mainland. Thanks for all the hard work that you put into the ladies club and as a board member.

Submitted by Nancy Riva PIN DAY AT GLACIER GREENS Tuesday morning and the big question was,”will it rain or won’t it” and so a field of umbrelled and undaunted women took to the course at 9am for another Pin Day. The basic simulated diamond pin was won by Leslie Hauser with a great Low

Net score of 69 and she also took the KP on hole #4. Good for you, Leslie!

Low Gross winner and winner of the KP on hole #15 was Gene Renaud with an 86.

The second Low Net was carded by Wendy Dowe and Longest Putt was won by eagle eye Bernice Henderson. Low putt winners were Rosslyn O’Rourke and Connie Alexa with a 27 and 28 respectively. Respectful putting, ladies.

Congratulations are in order for Marie Israel for her Gold Medal win in the BC Senior Games 55 and over. Marie won the gold for Zone 2, A Division, Low Net. Thanks for bringing home the glory to Glacier Greens, Marie!

Reminder to all the Shoot-Out participants to get their game in order and their money in, as the time is short!

SUNNYDALE LADIES PLAY BACK NINE Sunnydale Thursday Night Ladies August 27 had a good turnout. Welcome new ladies Adelle and Tanya.

We played the back nine and Crystal Friesen and the longest drive on #16 and she had the longest putt on #12! Cheryl Sellers was closest to the pin 2nd shot on #17. Karen

Garrett was closest to the tree on #13. Lisalyn Casanave had a water shot(minus the water) on #11. Jill Marshall had 15 for the lowest putts and Vicki Edwards was the most honest golfer.

Weekly prize winners were: Booster Juice - Ardene Larison Boston Pizza - Coral Tanner Fluids Bar & Grill Lisalyn Casanave & June Fuller Great Canadian Oil Change/Car Wash - Karen Garrett Investors Group Janet Gee/Locals Restaurant Jenny Lavery Investors Group Keith Gibson - Anna Butler Jo Klassen’s Grill - Diane Bowley & Sylvia Stephens Michaels Off Main - Jill Marshall Panago Pizza - Maylene Friesen Plates Eatery - Cheryl Sellers A Step Above Quality Foods - Crystal Friesen Subway - Vicki Edwards Union Street Grill Louise Smiley Whistle Stop Pub - Fran Wright Sox - Marilyn Curley Bracelet - Tanya Yardley Greens Keeper Prize Monique Walker

Colin Campbell, trumpeter, singer, guitarist and outstanding Victoria high school music teacher (retired) will be posthumously honoured during the evening. In addition to the planned music program, the band will be featuring a few of Colin’s favourite tunes and an audio/ visual presentation featuring Colin will be shown at the end of the first set. We will be hosting members of Colin’s family, and making a short statement about his contribution to our local jazz scene, and the impact of his loss to the music community.

On a happier note the society is planning some special concert events throughout the season, as part of the tenth anniversary, so stay tuned to the press releases and the current information posted on the www.georgiastraightjazz.com web site and on Facebook. Comox Valley has become the noted hotbed in BCs jazz community, and if you love the jazz genre, consider becoming a regular member of this friendly group. A great way to make friends, a wonderful rendezvous to meet friends, good food, a special place to bring visitors and, more than anything, the best place to experience live jazz on Vancouver Island. Admission is just $10 for members, $12 for nonmembers.

Courtenay ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF HISTORY

1915– 2015

TORY ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF HIS

5 2015 19 5– 191

Comox Valley donations will locally benefit The Friends in Need Food Bank.

T Courtenay and District Museum The is i celebrating the City’s 100th aanniversary with the publication 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.

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

33

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34 www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

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36 www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

Stocking up at Canadian Tire

READY TO ROLL: Brandie Haffey of Royston, was the name on the lucky ballot drawn for the 2015 Courtenay Shopping Spree sponsored by the Comox Valley Echo, represented by publisher Keith Currie, above. Brandie was joined by her children Kloe (8) and Levis (11), and two mother-in-laws, Biggi and Sheila as they traveled throughout downtown Courtenay and surrounding regions visiting 10 of the chosen stores from a list of 20 participating merchants.

2015 Shopping Spree all about efficiency

BY MARY LEE Echo Staff Brandie Haffey, winner of the 2015 Comox Valley Echo Shopping Spree draw, knows how to shop and where to go to get exactly what she wanted during her $2,015 shopping spree.

In total, 2015 seconds or, approximately 33 minutes were allotted to Haffey to spend her winnings at 10 chosen locations from the list of 20 participating merchandisers.

Although the time limit didn’t keep tightly to the clock, Haffey kept tightly to a list she thoughtfully prepared in the few short days leading up to her big event.

She walked in to her first selected store Visual Sound, headed straight to the display and said, “I will take that one, please!”

She maintained that same determination throughout the rest of the spree managing the distracting requests for goodies of her own from daughter Kloe like a seasoned shopper.

Haffey was shopping at Searle’s Shoes at the time she entered the contest.

It was just one ballot. Her mother-in-law Sheila submitted 12.

Haffey’s name was drawn from over 3,000 ballots collected this year.

The contest entry was straightforward. Fill out a

A stop for groceries at Superstore ballot at one of the participating stores and leave it to chance to win.

Haffey is no stranger to the power of good karma.

In 2008, while living in Calgary she was the winner of a Dodge Journey.

On a later occasion she bought lottery tickets while grocery shopping and won back in cash the same amount as her bill.

The same karma was with her Friday at 4:00 p.m. when Keith Currie, Publisher, phoned informing her to clear her calandar for the following Monday for the shopping extravaganza.

“We don’t normally answer our cell phones while at work but it was later in the day and my boss had left,” exclaimed Haffey.

“I picked up the phone and there’s Keith asking if I liked to go shopping. I screamed into the phone.”

Keith commented that he had to move the phone away from his ear, noting the phone call.

“The entire staff at the Echo could hear her.”

A little less than three days isn’t much time to plan how to spend $2,015 at 10 different outlets let alone spending $200 just to buy groceries.

By the time the spree moved over to Superstore, Haffey was feeling the exhaustion. With some insightfulness, Haffey prepositioned husband Jed, to pack and load her loot so she could be ready for the last remaining merchants.

Of course, the comforts of a chauffeur-driven limo help take the edge off, noted Haffey who focused so intently on the spree she forgot to factor in the champagne for the ride.

When asked if she had any advice for future winners of the Comox Valley Echo shopping spree, Huffy stated matter-offactly, “Keep calm and shop on!”

■ Sponsors of the shopping spree included: Ambassador shuttle service, who supplied the limousine; Rattan Plus; Canadian Tire; Woofy’s; Comox Fireplace and Patio; Superstore; Sublime; Art Knapp; Visual Sound; Searle’s Shoes; Francis Jewellers; The Butcher Block; McKays; McConochies; Island Home Furniture; Shar-On’s Ladies Wear; Packables Travel Solutions; Midland Tools; Tab Imports; LazBoy; Extreme Runners.

Checking out Tab Imports

Loading up on meat

Checking shoes at Searle’s

Some treats at Woofy’s

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

37

Museum celebrates special re-opening with a concert The HMCS Alberni Museum and Memorial (HAMM) in the Comox Centre Mall will be commemorating and celebrating three special anniversaries at one event on Saturday, September 5th at 1:00 pm.

HAMM was given an opportunity in July to move into a much larger facility in the mall.

Since August 1st The Alberni Project Society (TAPS), with a

small group of volunteers have been busied with redesigning a new museum layout in time for HAMM’s Second Anniversary in the Mall.

The new facility has an expanded area for the library/ documentary film section, expanded Great War exhibit and greater space for future guest exhibits from other museums or community functions.

In addition to HAMM’s 2nd anniversary, TAPS is celebrating 15 years since TAP was founded in Seattle in 2000. Since starting off as a simple website of remembrance TAP has grown to include a mobile exhibit unit which covers Vancouver Island through out the year and the full time museum in Comox.

Of special importance of this re-opening celebration is the in-

clusion of Canadian Merchant Navy Veterans Day, usually commemorated on September 3. A special commemorative 30 minute concert by Roger Helfrick will be dedicated to the men and women of Canada’s merchant navy during WWII. Following the concert there will be a brief ribbon cutting ceremony with the founder of TAP, board members of TAPS, plus

Strong, united and dynamic communities full of people who care for one another.

That’s what the labour movement has to offer British Columbians. We’re travelling the province to spread the word.

representatives of the Great War, The crew of HMCS Alberni, the Royal Canadian Navy veterans of WWII, the Canadian Forces Women of WWII, and of course the Canadian Merchant Navy of WWII. The event is free and admission to the museum following the concert is free. Cake and refreshments will be served after the ribbon cutting.

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BCGEU President Stephanie Smith

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Olga is one of 46,000 HEU members united around your care.

Today, and every day.

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38 www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

WHAT'SON In the Comox Valley 4 FRIDAY EVERGREEN CLUB FRIDAY NIGHT DANCE â&#x20AC;˘ This Friday September 4th come on out and enjoy the live music of DOUBLE PLAY. Dancing is from 7:30pm to 10:30pm with our usual coffee break at 9pm. The dance takes place in the Rotary Hall at the Florence Filberg Centre.

Did you know 90% of the admission fee paid goes to pay for the band? Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just $7.00 for members and $9.00 for non-members!

You can see it is definitely worthwhile becoming an Evergreen Club Member!

FMI www.evergreenclub.me or call the Florence Filberg office 250-338-1000.

PEARL ELLIS GALLERY IN COMOX â&#x20AC;˘ Presents: â&#x20AC;&#x153;TRILOGY OF ART FORMâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A SHOW & SALE by â&#x20AC;&#x153;HANS PETERSEN, BEV PETERSEN & KAY BUKTAâ&#x20AC;? From September 1st â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 20th. Open Tues â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sat from 10 am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4 pm, Sun 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 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 â&#x20AC;˘ 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. 9AM.mWe meet at the Filberg Centreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 â&#x20AC;˘ Meat draws every Friday, 5-7 pm.

COMOX LEGION â&#x20AC;˘ Meat draws every Friday, 3 p.m. Open to all Legion members and signed in guests.

5 SATURDAY DANCING FLASH MOB â&#x20AC;˘ Rumoured to be the Valley on Saturday, Sept. 5. Look for local dancers participating in an international West Coast Swing flash mob.

They could be dancing any-

where!

THE COMOX GLACIER WANDERERS VOLKSWALK CLUB â&#x20AC;˘ Is hosting a 5/10 kms walk in Paradise Meadows, Mount Washington on Saturday, September 5th.

Registration starts from Raven Lodge X-Country Ski parking lot at 9:30 am; walk starts at 10:00 am.

For more info please contact Betty @ 250-339-3135 or Ann @ 250-339-4855.

COMOX VALLEY FARMERS MARKET â&#x20AC;˘ 9-12 every Saturday at the Headquarters Road fair grounds, Courtenay. Come for the freshness, stay for the fun!

FMI: Mkt. Mgr. Vickey 250.218-0321 or or www. comoxvalleyfarmersmarket.com & keep in touch on Facebook.

COURTENAY LEGION â&#x20AC;˘ Meat draws every Saturday 2-5 p.m. in the lounge. Dancing to Gord Kruger and friends.

COMOX LEGION â&#x20AC;˘ Meat draws are held every Saturday 3 p.m. plus Ace of Spades draw.

first meeting of the fall will be registration of members/new members. Members stories of their summer trips and their genealogy news. Meeting place: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 1901 20th St. Courtenay. Time: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Parking at the back of the Church. Everyone Welcome. FMI Marlene 250-3343080 NORTH ISLAND RHODODENDRON SOCIETY (NIRS) â&#x20AC;˘ For the first meeting of the 2015-16 season Tuesday, September 8, the North Island Rhododendron Society (NIRS) will feature Bob Zimmerman, one of the top growers and sellers of rhododendron species in the Pacific

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8 TUESDAY COMOX VALLEY GENEALOGY GROUP â&#x20AC;˘ Sept 8th. The

9 WEDNESDAY PLAY BRIDGE â&#x20AC;˘ Every Wednesday at 7:00 pm at the Royston Hall, 3902 Old Island Hwy and Royston Road. FMI: 250334-1883 or roystonhall.com and on Facebook at Royston Community Club

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LABOUR DAY PICNIC â&#x20AC;˘ The Campbell River Courtenay and District Labour Council is hosting a free family barbecue on Monday, Sept. 7 from noon to 4 p.m. at Halbe Hall, 8369 Island Highway, Black Creek. As well as a delicious salmon barbecue there will be fun activities for all ages, including music, jugglers, face painting and a Bouncy Castle.

This event is free and all are invited. Come and join us for a fun celebration of Labour Day! CRIBBAGE â&#x20AC;˘ Every Monday night, 7:00, at the Royston Hall, corner of Old Island Highway and Royston Road. No need to bring a partner. FMI: 250-3341883.

LADIES AUXILIARY DROP-IN BINGO â&#x20AC;˘ Comox Legion Ladies Auxiliary Drop-in Bingo, upper hall. Doors open 6 pm, bingo 7 p.m.

day at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 1 p.m., Comox Seniors Centre.

VANCOUVER ISLAND BRAZILIAN EMBROIDERY STITCHERS â&#x20AC;˘ Meet every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Black Creek Community Hall. Please bring a bag lunch. FMI: Darlene 8971345.

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7 MONDAY

Northwest. NIRS holds its meetings at the Comox United Church, 250 Beach Avenue on the second Tuesday of each month. Doors open at 7 pm followed by a business meeting and the presentation. Anyone interested in membership is welcome and refreshments are served.

COMOX VALLEY WOOD CARVERS â&#x20AC;˘ 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 250-3310156 or Jim at 250-339-5350.

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Volunteers needed for beach cleanup A beach cleanup between Point Holmes and Goose Spit, is set for 10 am - 2 pm, Sun. Sept 13.

Cape Lazo RV & Campground is sponsoring this event by providing a meeting location (clubhouse at 685 Lazo Rd) and some refreshments for the volunteers.

Volunteers can contact Larry MacDonald for details at Cell: 250 650-6585. Email: ayemac@shaw.ca

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250-334-3621

â&#x20AC; 4 Year Suzuki Protection includes 3 Years of No Charge Protection Plan (SPP) on top of 1 Year Suzuki Factory Warranty. SPP (Suzuki Protection Plan) may not be combined with all retail incentives. 3 year No Charge Protection Plan is a supplement coverage plan underwritten by CornerStone United, Inc. and begins immediately after your Suzuki ATV Warranty expires. Suzuki Retail incentives are direct-to-dealer incentives deducted from the MSRP. Retail incentives from $200 (LT-A400FL6, LT-A400FCL6, LT-A400FL6) up to $1,700 (LT-A750XL3) on select models. Models shown have rebates of $500/$400/$400 (LT$ ;/ /7 $ ;/ /7 $ )/ 633 5HEDWH RˡHU DYDLODEOH RQ VHOHFW QHZ DQG XQUHJLVWHUHG 6X]XNL $79 02'(/6 SXUFKDVHG DW D SDUWLFLSDWLQJ &DQDGLDQ 6X]XNL 'HDOHUV EHWZHHQ -XO\ WR 6HSWHPEHU H[FOXGLQJ /7 = Ę­ 1R &KDUJH :$51p 9DQWDJH :LQFK ZLWK 0RXQWLQJ .LW ,QVWDOODWLRQ FRVW QRW LQFOXGHG 9HKLFOHV PD\ QRW EH H[DFWO\ DV VKRZQ /LPLWHG WLPH RˡHUV DUH VXEMHFW WR FKDQJH ZLWKRXW QRWLFH 7KLV RˡHU FDQQRW EH FRPELQHG ZLWK DQ\ RWKHU RˡHUV 2ˡHU HQGV 6HSWHPEHU 3', FKDUJHV IURP WR IUHLJKW FKDUJHV IURP WR WD[HV OLFHQVH LQVXUDQFH DSSOLFDEOH IHHV DQG UHJLVWUDWLRQ DUH H[WUD GHSHQGHQW RQ PRGHO 6SHFL˸FDWLRQV SURGXFW IHDWXUHV DQG FRORXUV DUH VXEMHFW WR FKDQJH ZLWKRXW QRWLFH 5HDG \RXU RZQHUʧV PDQXDO FDUHIXOO\ DQG UHPHPEHU WR REVHUYH DOO VDIHW\ UHJXODWLRQV 6HH \RXU SDUWLFLSDWLQJ $XWKRUL]HG 6X]XNL GHDOHU IRU DYDLODELOLW\ DQG FRPSOHWH GHWDLOV 6X]XNL :D\ RI /LIH

Campbell River

3125 N Island Highway Campbell River 250-286-0752 www.campbellriverboatland.ca

www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

OF FE R

or get up to

0 APR%

84 $6,000

Finance from

for up to

39

EN DS SE PT EM BE R

30

MONTHS* on select models

^ CASH DISCOUNT ** on other select models ^CC amount shown

Highline model shown

Highline model shown

GOODBYE

GOODBYE

2015 TIGUAN

2015 JETTA

2.0 TSI Trendline FWD

2.0L Trendline manual transmission

Finance from $138 bi-weekly with $1,634 down.

THAT’S LIKE PAYING

Finance from $68 bi-weekly with $4,219 down.

THAT’S LIKE PAYING

$69 0% 84

$34 0% 84

at

WEEKLY

for

MONTHS*

at

for

WEEKLY

MONTHS*

We say goodbye to all 2015 models. You say hello to big savings.

Visit your local dealership or vw.ca for more details.

GOODBYE

2015 PASSAT 1.8 TSI Trendline manual transmission

Finance from $118 bi-weekly with $4,104 down.

THAT’S LIKE PAYING

$59 0% 84 at

WEEKLY

for

MONTHS*

Highline model shown

*Finance payments must be made on a bi-weekly basis and cannot be made weekly. Weekly equivalent payments shown for information only. Limited time finance offer available through Volkswagen Finance, on approved credit, based on a new and unregistered 2015 Tiguan FWD Trendline (#5N21V4) / Jetta 2.0L Trendline (#163VJ1) / Passat 1.8T Trendline (#A322R1) base model with 6/5/5-speed manual transmission. Base MSRP of $26,750/$16,595/$25,580, including $1,760/$1,605/$1,605 freight and PDI, financed at 0% APR for 84 months equals 182 bi-weekly payments starting from $138/$68/$118. $1,634/$4,219/$4,104 down payment due at signing. Cost of borrowing is $0 for a total obligation of $26,750/$16,595/$25,580. PPSA fee, license, insurance, registration, any dealer or other charges, options and applicable taxes are extra. **Up to $6,000/$3,500/$3,500/$2,500 discount on MSRP available on cash purchase only of new and unregistered 2015 CC / other select Tiguan / other select Jetta / other select Passat models. Discount varies by model. ††2015 Volkswagen 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 September 30, 2015 and are subject to change or cancellation without notice. Models shown: 2015 Tiguan 2.0T Highline R-Line, $41,565 / 2015 Jetta 1.8T Highline, $25,990 / 2015 Passat 1.8T Highline, $31,295. 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”, “Volksfest”, “Tiguan”, “Jetta”, “Passat”, “CC”, “Highline” and “Trendline” 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

40 www.comoxvalleyecho.com FRIDAY.SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

T S E T A E R G E TH

5 DAY SALE !

R E V E

$1200 MICROFIBER SOFA

488

$ No Payments, No Interest Until 2017

QUEEN MATTRESSES from

198

$

each pc.

SECTIONAL 2 WASHER/DRYER RECLINERS PLUS CHAISE SET

ASHLEY RECLINER

SAVE

298

$ REG. $799

Pair Special 4.2 cu. ft high efficiency REG $4000 washer

1198 $2699

$

NOW 3 PCE SET

7 cu. ft high efficiency Dryer

788

HURRY! SALE ENDS MONDAY 5PM! SAVE UP TO 70% OFF! FREE DELIVERY on all mattresses $999 and up

$1000 PUB STYLE DINING SET

6PC GRAYSON BEDROOM SET

(TABLE & 4 CHAIRS)

498

$ $1500

SAVE UP TO 70%

REG $2400 CHEST ADD $299 NIGHTSTAND ADD $199 SOLD IN SETS

SALE

1098

$

DESIGNER SOFA $2000 BLACK RECLINING SET

798

798

$

$

SOFA

SOLD IN SETS

MO

1300 Homewood Ave. Rd | |250-286-0868 2967 A Kilpatrick 250-871-1177 - SAT9:30 MON 9AM --5:50PM, SUN & & HOLIDAYS DAILY 5:30 SUNDAY HOLIDAYS11AM 11 --4PM 4