Comox Valley Echo - March 25, 2014

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Volume 20, No. 24

Sage Hills pair committed fraud, rules BC Securities Commission

By Philip Round Echo Staff

The Morrison Creek Lamprey is only found in Morrison Creek, making it a rare species indeed

Residents help with action plan for endangered eel-like fish

By Drew A. Penner Echo Staff Morrison Creek begins its journey in spring-fed wetlands, travels west of Marsden Road between Maple Lake and Lake Trail Road, and through rural land before joining the Puntledge River and emptying into the Courtenay harbour. On March 19 several local residents put their heads together with environmental and government officials to figure out what needs to be done to save an endangered eel-like species that only exists in this one aquatic environment.

Jim Palmer, who has worked tirelessly to bring attention to the Morrison Creek Lamprey, says it’s a cool fish that must be protected and studied. “This is strictly a freshwater resident,�

One-of-a-kind fish may not have a jaw but soon it will have protection he said, of the animal, which can live in larval form for seven years and grows to 15-18 cm as an adult. “The same animal seems to be able to have one of two different life histories.�

Jack Minard, executive director of the Tsolum River Restoration Society, said Palmer brought the lamprey to his attention about a decade ago, and commended the man for putting the fish on everyone’s radar. “It’s kind of fascinating,� he said. “It’s pretty neat that we have this indigenous lamprey. It’s not very often that you find

an indigenous species in a little creek locally.�

Since then the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has taken up the cause of the endangered animal.

Nadine Pinnell, a species at risk senior biologist, has been tasked with looking at how to protect the unique fish. “We’re working on developing an action plan for the species,� she said, noting there will be a role for DFO to play as well as for Comox Valley agencies and citizens. “We’re trying to encourage people in the area to take actions that are going to benefit the watershed.�

On the afternoon of March 19, 15-20 people gathered for an afternoon work session as the government listened to concerns of Comox Valley residents.

(Continued on page 2)

Two promoters of the giant but ill-fated Sage Hills development just south of Courtenay committed fraud, illegally raised more than $5 million for the venture, and violated a B.C. Securities Commission ‘cease-trade’ order in the sale of more securities.

Those are the key conclusions of a Securities Commission panel probe that found Theodore Ralph Everett and Robert H. Duke - representing the companies Independent Academies Canada (IAC) and Micron Systems Inc. - raised $5.1 million from investors without issuing a prospectus and without legitimate exemptions to do so.

Everett and Duke raised the money over nine years from 2002-11 to support what they were promoting as a $4-billion sports, educational and residential complex that would be built on 2,000 acres of land alongside the Inland Island Highway over a period of 20 years.

It was so vast a project that the Comox Valley Regional Growth Strategy had special provisions to accommodate it - as long as it progressed in a timely manner.

It eventually became clear that was not going to happen, with suspicions growing as the months passed over the financing of the proposed development.

Subsequently the Calgary-based finance company that had originally loaned the money to buy the land secured a court-ordered sale of the property in a bid to recover its mortgage advance The surprise buyer turned out to be the provincial government, which eyed the land as being potentially useful in ongoing treaty negotiations with the K’ómoks First Nation.

While that sale addressed the issue of the mortgage, it did not necessarily resolve the issue for individuals who had been persuaded to invest in the project - several of them people from in and around the Comox Valley - nor all the suppliers to Sage Hills who had been involved in preparatory work for the proposed development.

In its findings, the BC Securities Commission panel reported that IAC bought the Sage Hills property in 2006, describing it in promotional materials as the company’s “flagship project.�

However, it noted IAC defaulted on payments to the mortgage that had been taken out in 2007.

The panel, chaired by BCSC vice-chair Brent Aitken, further found that Everett and Duke committed fraud by raising $1.45 million from 55 investors after foreclosure proceedings had begun on the Sage Hills property.

(Continued on page 2)

DND announces Aurora upgrades, won’t buy new fleet

By Drew A. Penner Echo Staff The capabilities of Comox-based military forces will get a boost over the long term, local officials said, after minister of national defence Rob Nicholson announced March 19 Canada will beef up its CP-140 Aurora surveillance aircraft fleet by upgrading four more of the planes.

While the news stands in contrast to the Harper government’s 2008 plan to buy 10-12 Auroras starting in 2020, it arrives in the wake of former finance minister Jim Flaherty’s revelation that $3.1 billion in spending on defence equipment would be put off to help the government balance the budget. “They’re great surveillance platforms,� said 19 Wing Comox public affairs officer Cpt. Trevor Reid, of the

The CP-140 Auroras, flown at 19 Wing, are getting an upgrade aircraft which is based on the Lockheed Martin P-3 Orion. “These new upgrades they’re bringing on board are certainly just helping to enhance them all the more.�

Auroras from 19 Wing as well as crew from 407 Long-Range Patrol

Squadron were involved in mapping missions in Afghanistan and helped pick targets for fighter jets during the NATO Libya campaign in 2011. “They proved as a fleet they’re capable of much more than just maritime surveillance and anti-sub-

marine roles,� Reid said. “They have both domestic and international applications.�

Nicholson made the $548 million upgrade announcement alongside previous defence minister Peter MacKay, who is now the minister of justice and attorney general for Canada.

This means work contracts held by Canadian companies like General Dynamics Canada and IMP Group will get an extension. MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. announced March 24 it has signed $64 million contract with Canada’s Department of National Defence (DND) to provide eight radar surveillance systems for integration into the Aurora fleet.

One of the four Auroras typically stationed at the base has been sent to 14 Wing Greenwood in Nova Scotia

for technical work, the Echo has learned.

Reid said the CP-140 planes that have already been upgraded under an overall $2-billion initiative to lifeextend 14 of 18 Auroras were handled through the Greenwood base.

The defence department hopes this approach will buy Canada some time until it is in a better financial position to pick up the tab on a new fleet, though by that time the current birds will be nearly half a century old.

Canada bought the Auroras in 1980-81 as tensions with the Soviet Union soared.

Each Aurora is generally staffed by two pilots, a flight engineer, three combat sensor officers and five airborne electronic sensor operators, not to mention a ground crew that works tirelessly.

(Continued on page 2)

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A2 Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, March 25, 2014

News

Comox Valley Weather

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Tuesday, 25 March Rain ending early in the evening then cloudy with 60% chance of showers. High 8°C.

Wednesday, 26 March Cloudy.

Low 5°C. High 10°C.

Thursday, 27 March Showers.

Low 5°C. High 9°C.

Friday, 28 March Rain.

Low 6°C. High 10°C.

Saturday, 29 March Cloudy with 60% chance of showers.

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

Union Bay candidates elected by acclamation through acclamation, assuring landowners she intended to work as hard for the community’s interests over the next three years as she had in the last three.

A lot of things had been settled and the planning was now in place to move forward on a number of fronts, she suggested. “People may not like everything we do, but by adopting a policy of being very open with landowners, we hope they understand why we are doing things,� Molstad added.

An example would be at the annual meeting, where trustees will present preliminary information about the next steps and longer-term vision on water system improvements, potentially without the involvement of Kensington Island Properties. “We will be planning for the worst, but hoping for the best,� she said. “We need to move forward and we want to share our thoughts with landowners and give them some idea of the money that will be involved. We intend to show leadership.�

Alcock told the Echo she was very pleased to be able to serve a second term, and was keen to carry on the work already started by the board.

Despite the lack of opposition in this year’s election, she emphasized the openness of the board and how she welcomed questions on issues of concern in the community. “I am always ready to explain the issues and try to alleviate concerns,� she said. pround@comoxvalleyecho.com

By Philip Round Echo Staff

Monica Hofer, local African drumming instructor (http:// rhythm-spirit.blogspot.com), donates the proceeds of her last drumming fundraiser to Care-A-Van healthcare providers

Monika Terfloth and Verna Ardron and driver Gerry Grexton for ongoing programs.

Unanimous vote approves regional district budget

By Philip Round Echo Staff For the second year in succession, the board of Comox Valley Regional District was unanimous in supporting the annual budget package on Thursday evening.

Chair Edwin Grieve told the Echo the $67.1 million spending plan and the means of financing it struck a good balance of providing important services while being financially prudent.

Rural area directors were cognizant municipalities faced particular

pressures this year, including notably increased costs of policing, so every effort had been made to hold tax requisitions to last year’s levels for most services.

Meetings to consider the regional district budget line-by-line had stretched over two months, and Grieve thanked directors for their commitment and contributions to the detailed debates. “Where there were disagreements at committee level, everyone was respectful and sensitive to the issues particular constituencies faced,� he recalled.

“I think we are slowly dispelling the myth that at the regional district table we are a dysfunctional groups of guys and gals. “In my view, we’re an astute bunch, and kudos to board members for working so hard to reach a good outcome we could all agree on.� * Details of the proposed 2014 CVRD budget were fully reported in last Friday’s Echo. The report itself was accurate, but a typographical error in the headline stated the total spending amounted to $61m rather than $67m. Our apologies. pround@comoxvalleyecho.com

Sage Hills pair committed fraud says BCSC (Continued from page 1) The panel noted that while Everett and Duke admitted to illegally distributing securities without having issued a prospectus, or having proper exemptions to do so, they denied the fraud allegations.

However, the panel said that “the development of Sage Hills was IAC’s whole business,� and that “they had to have known that without the Sage Hills property, the investors would have no identifiable means of recov-

ering their investment.�

The panel will now hear submissions from BCSC enforcement staff and counsel on appropriate penalties to be imposed in the case.

As previously reported in the Echo, a third respondent in the case, Leonard George Ralph, reached a settlement with the BCSC over his involvement, in which he was ordered to pay a $40,000 fine and was banned from acting as a director or officer of a B.C.-registered company.

In the settlement, Ralph admitted that he failed in his responsibilities as a director of IAC in acquiescing to the illegal sale of securities.

The commission noted that Ralph introduced seven investors who put in $222,183 under a proper friendsand-family exemption to the prospectus requirement. In the process, Ralph lost all of the $200,000 he and family members put into IAC. pround@comxovalleyecho.com

Auroras to get upgrades, not replacements (Continued from page 1) Because the aircraft can travel 7,400 km without refueling, it is a great tool for strategic maritime surveillance.

Last fall, a 19 Wing Comox-based Aurora played an integral part in the seizure of 1.1 tonnes of cocaine in drug busts in the Eastern Pacific as part of Operation Caribbe, Crew members from 407 Long-Range Patrol Squadron spotted suspicious vessels with the help of technicians on the ground on two separate sorties, in a collaborative exercise with the American military.

The Aurora is also used in a joint venture with Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada to patrol for illegal fishing in the Pacific Ocean.

The aircraft have flown sorties over the Persian Gulf, provided Canadian and allied forces with important intelligence during the 2011 war in Libya, and provided search-and-rescue assistance during recent flooding in Manitoba.

The Auroras originally got a 10-year $1.6-billion upgrade in 1999 to prolong their life until 2020.

Harper’s Canada First Defence Strategy from back in 2008 had proposed a surveillance “system of systems� complete with sensors, drones and satellites to protect Canada’s borders and ensure Arctic sovereignty. The plan

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came with a $240-billion dollar price tag attached.

A DND spokesperson told Postmedia that the idea not to spring for new Auroras came from the air force.

Back before the government began to pare down spending DND received $7.6 billion to spend on upkeep, fuel, patrols and exercises in the 2009-10 fiscal year, although analysts say this number has dropped by about 18 per cent.

Defence officials say the Link 16 Datalink, Beyond Line Of Sight (BLOS) satellite communications capability and an improved self-defence system that will be added to the old Auroras will help Canada maintain a world-class surveillance reputation.

The two candidates seeking reelection as trustees of Union Bay Improvement District have been returned unopposed.

When nominations closed on Friday, only current board chair Carol Molstad and the present chair of the fire-rescue committee, Anne Alcock, had been nominated.

So UBID’s administrator, Kevin Douville, declared them elected by acclamation ahead of next month’s annual meeting.

Molstad and Alcock have been reelected for three years, rejoining three other trustees on the board - Bruce Livesey, Alan Webb and Marie Gaudreau.

Douville explained: “All landowners in Union Bay are advised the advance poll opportunity scheduled for Monday, March 31 is no longer required and is therefore cancelled, as is the election portion of UBID’s upcoming annual general meeting to be held on Saturday, April 12 in the downstairs gymnasium at the UBID offices - the former Union Bay Elementary School.�

The AGM will go ahead as planned with reports from trustees and staff and opportunities for questions. The meeting will start at 2 p.m., with landowners encouraged to arrive from 1-2 p.m. to sign-in.

Molstad said she was naturally pleased to receive a vote of confidence

Saving a rare lamprey species and die,� Palmer said of the non-parasitic group. “The parasitic one lives for a whole year before spawning and dying. It continues to feed and grow.�

The lamprey develops sharp teeth and gets distinctive counter shading silver on top and white on bottom. “Nobody knows what it feeds on,� he said. “One of the big questions is, ‘Why is it here in this particular watershed?’�

Finding answers to the life-cycle of the lamprey could reveal clues to the rich ecosystem that supports cutthroat and rainbow trout, chum, pink, Coho, and some Chinook salmon. “What’s so special about this watershed that manages to support this unique species as well as large numbers of salmonids?� he wonders. “It’s very important that the watershed receive some protection and respect for what it is, so it can continue to support the rich variety of aquatic life.

Anyone interested in providing input for the government’s action plan can submit feedback by email to: sara@pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca

(Continued from page 1) A community open house took place in the evening.

Palmer was pleased with what he saw. “There was quite a good exchange of information and views there,� he said. “There’s a lot of work yet to be done both in terms of research and in terms of developing policies around the protection of this species.�

The local input provided some much needed direction for the federal ministry as it charts the next steps of understanding the Lamprey over the next year. “We got some good ideas around doing some more local education and outreach,� she said. “There was lots of discussion around stewardship.�

Still many mysteries surround the Morrison Creek Lamprey.

While all larvae seem to have identical genetic makeup, later in life one group of animals becomes parasitic and one becomes non-parasitic. “It goes through metamorphosis and within a few months it spawns

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Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, March 25, 2014 A3

News

Comox to allow licensed marijuana production

By Michael Briones Echo Staff The Town of Comox plans to endorse federally licensed medical marijuana grow-ops in the municipality.

“We are going to permit it in a couple of zones subject to development permit requirements,” said Mayor Paul Ives. “But for the most part in town, it won’t be allowed.”

Comox is drafting a bylaw that will allow marijuana production in light-industrial sites out near the Comox Valley Airport and some agricultural lands.

Last year, the Conservative government announced plans to overhaul the production of

medical pot, because it believes the current system is out of control and was rife with problems ranging from unsafe grow ops to infiltration by criminals.

As of April 1, the new Health Canada regulations take effect that all home-based medical marijuana production be moved to industrial facilities.

Ives said they’re taking this position to prevent these types of operations from popping up at areas like shopping malls or other commercial establishments.

“We want to be pro-active and make sure that nobody could submit an application for an area that wouldn’t be suitable,” said Ives. “We want to make sure it’s not going to happen in areas

where it shouldn’t happen.”

A lot of municipalities in the province, according to Ives, had applauded the federal initiative.

“They were concerned about the number of small grow-ops in their town that they had no knowledge of and had to deal with neighbourhood issues,” said Ives. “We had a lot of concerns going back to the existing system where firefighters and first responders are going into premises they didn’t know there were grow-ops.

There are fire safety hazards there. So if it’s going to be on a commercial scale, then that is something hopefully we can regulate better.”

However, a group of patients has launched a constitutional challenge over the federal gov-

ernment’s plan. It successfully acquired a court injunction that exempts patients who are licensed to possess or grow medical marijuana under current rules, either for themselves or someone else, from new regulations that would have made the practice illegal.

Unlike Comox, the City of Courtenay will outlaw such operations on any property in the municipality.

It has given first and second readings to a bylaw amendment recently. It will hold its public hearing on April 7, at Courtenay City Hall at 5 p.m.

Ives said the Town of Comox will also be holding a public hearing. The date has yet to be determined.

Anderton housing project Disentanglement techniques to gets third reading save sea lions still new in Canada despite some opposition

By Michael Briones Echo Staff The housing development on 335 Anderton Road is a step closer to becoming a reality.

Despite some residents opposing certain components of the plan, Comox council last week endorsed third reading of two bylaws authorizing rezoning and development of the property.

Some residents living near the housing project have protested the selected access road to the development site and potential prohibition of on-street parking. They let their feelings be known at a public hearing held a week prior to council regular meeting last Wednesday.

They were against the choice of Wallace Avenue to be the road leading to the Anderton development.

The residents preferred an Anderton Road option. However, the latter was not considered because it is a major arterial road that handles a high volume of through traffic and that adding another access point would only create more safety concerns.

One of the residents who spoke at the heated public hearing, Teresa Colby, who lives on Gladstone Street, said the will of the majority of the people at the meeting was against the Wallace Avenue option.

“Only one spoke against using Anderton as an access road,” said Colby. “The public hearing was definitely against the bylaw. They’ve given a few crumbs to the neighbourhood and I don’t think that’s the outcome that we wanted. It was really clear that we didn’t want Wallace as the driveway to the development.”

Councillor Hugh McKinnon opposed the third reading of the zoning bylaw amendment and prior to the vote he offered a compromise that would address the concerns of both residents and developers.

He proposed a one way in and a one way out route at the north end of Anderton Road and also an exit

onto Wallace.

Councillor Ken Grant opposed McKinnon’s suggestion. He said if they were to do that it would significantly alter the development and would have to be “redone” all together at great cost to the developers.

To minimize the inconvenience construction will have on residents in the area, council has added requirements to the development permit. One of them is the construction of a safe temporary access to the site via Anderton Road. As well, council will widen Wallace Avenue to accommodate on-street parking.

Majority of council, except McKinnon, voted in favour of third reading of the residential development that would create 31 townhouse dwelling units. Councillor Tom Grant was absent from the meeting while councillor Barbara Price excused herself from the voting due to conflict of interest.

Jordan Fielder, who lives at the tail-end of Wallace and will feel the impact of the housing development was disappointed with council’s decision.

“The neighbourhood and I are still pretty upset they’re moving forward with it,” said Fielder, who has been very vocal against the Wallace Avenue option because of his physical condition. He is paralyzed from the armpits down due to an unfortunate dirt biking accident.

He uses a wheelchair to move around and fears the housing development will significantly impact his and his family’s quality of life.

“We did get a little bit of compromise there like creating a temporary access road during construction period and allowing on-street parking,” said Fielder. “Widening the street and having cars parked will definitely slow down traffic which is nice.

“There’s nothing more we can do.

They voted on it and so I guess it’s pretty much done. If there was something we could do, I’d be very interested.”

ELECTRONIC SIGN TO IDENTIFY ISFELD A new identification sign close to the main Lerwick Road entrance to Mark R. Isfeld Secondary School has been granted a development variance permit by Courtenay City Council.

The 2.4-metre (8ft) high sign will be positioned at right angles to Lerwick and lettered on both

sides so it can be viewed by approaching traffic from either direction.

It will also incorporate an electronic message board, similar to the one by Quality Foods on Guthrie, with changing details of school or community events being held on the premises.

By Michael Briones Echo Staff Another helpless California sea lion ensnared by some kind of marine debris was spotted in Fanny Bay last week.

It has fuelled the ire of animal lovers, who had originally been calling for the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to rescue Kiyo, the helpless sea lion that sparked public awareness of the sad plight of hundreds of sea lions around Vancouver Island that are suffering from some form of entanglement.

Unfortunately, relieving the animals of their distress is not going to be happening soon.

That’s because disentangling sea lions in the wild is still a new concept in Canada. Only four sea lions have been successfully saved so far in BC using a groundbreaking technique designed by the Vancouver Aquarium’s Marine Mammal Rescue team led by Martin Haulena, who is the only veterinarian in Canada with experience in these kinds of entanglements.

Also involved in the study is Ucluelet-based Wendy Szaniszlo, a Vancouver Aquarium research associate and the marine mammal biologist who got the ball rolling on the pioneering disentanglement project that’s being funded by the Canadian Wildlife Federation.

“It’s a pilot project to develop protocols and techniques for disentangling sea lions in the wild,” said Szaniszlo, who, since 2010, has been documenting and photographing sea lions in distress.

There have been 408 recorded entangled animals but Szaniszlo feels it might just be around 250 as some of them were possibly resights of the same individual. But she added it’s still a lot of hurting animals.

“I think before I was able to do the study, there wasn’t the awareness of how frequently animals are being entangled,” said Szaniszlo.

Supporters of Kiyo and other animals suffering the same unfortunate state have been calling it “shameful” that nothing is being done to relieve them of their pain.

However a rescue operation is not a simple undertaking. It’s time consuming, requires a crew with each member performing a specific task, as well as acquiring a myriad of equipment, boats, and also doing it under the right weather conditions.

“It is incredibly costly,” said Szaniszlo.

The crew has to travel from Vancouver Aquarium to Vancouver Island. Each vessel has to be fuelled

Another distressed animal entangled with marine debris spotted in Fanny Bay and manned by two DFO staff. The cost for the anesthesia and antibiotics for one animal is from $300 to $400.

Szaniszlo said darting the animal with a tranquilizer requires precision “We need a perfect shot,” said Szaniszlo. “One of the challenges is that the animals can become disturbed. So there’s a chance something will go wrong and then you lose a dart. Not only do you lose the potential to disentangle a particular individual at that time but it’s a costly loss of the drug.”

Szaniszlo said they will assemble another rescue operation but would need the expertise to be available.

Haulena led the recent rescue efforts that saved two sea lions, which was only the third and fourth time it has been achieved in Canada. He is out of the country and being the only one knowledgeable in disentangling sea lions, nobody else can take his place. Szaniszlo said one of the goals of the project is to establish qualified veterinarians.

2014 Pidgeon Lake Road Removal of Highway Dedication and Disposal OPEN HOUSE

Comox Harbour Tide Guide All proceeds help support CV Marine Search & Rescue

Monday, March 31, 2014 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Council Chambers at 2675 Dunsmuir Avenue

The Village of Cumberland has agreed to consider the closure, removal of highway dedication, and disposal of Pidgeon Lake Road to the Comox Valley Regional District. Pidgeon Lake Road is a 575m length of highway that runs from Bevan Road to the Comox Strathcona Waste Management Centre.

This open house is the first step of a process that includes Cumberland Council’s consideration of a road closure and highway dedication removal bylaw. Drop in to the open house find out more or search “Pidgeon” at cumberland.ca for more information.

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Cumberland Financial Plan Open House & Village Hall Meeting

Monday, March 31, 2014 at 7 p.m.

Council Chambers at 2675 Dunsmuir Avenue

Join Council members and staff at this informal meeting to find out more about Council’s proposed five year financial plan and how your property tax dollars will be spent over the next five years.

Council’s draft 2014 strategic priorities, the draft 2014-2018 financial plan, and proposed capital projects are available online at cumberland.ca.

If you are unable to attend, you are welcome to submit feedback to info@cumberland.ca by April 7, 2014.

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“The ideal thing is to have a handful of trained vets with marine mammal experience who have some training experience in disentanglement,” said Szaniszlo. “So there’s going to be more opportunities to respond to entanglement reports up and down the coast because, as you can imagine, it’s kind of unsustainable to have one person for all of BC.” At present, the Vancouver Aquarium is working with the Alaska Fish and Game, which is also dealing with the same issue with steller sea lions.

“We’ve put our heads together and are sharing information,” said Szaniszlo. “We lean on them on what they’ve tried and what they have found that worked and try and build on that. Now that we’ve had a few successful trials here, we’re communicating and sharing that information with them”.

Szaniszlo added that they’re hoping Haulena will be able to get up in Alaska in June and be able to train one of their veterinarians.

A4 Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, March 25, 2014

News

70-year-old woman a dedicated volunteer for Cancer Society Recruitment for volunteers is on for organization’s crucial fundraiser - Daffodil Month

By Michael Briones Echo Staff Sandra Mawhinney is 70 years old.

But despite her age, she remains a spirited woman who believes in donating her time to a good cause.

The Comox Valley resident has been helping the Canadian Cancer Society in the last five years as a volunteer and remains deeply committed to it. She’s not slowing down.

Mawhinney donates her time to the society because her entire family on her mother’s side was affected by cancer, and she herself is a cancer survivor.

“I wanted to do something and I love volunteering, so why not do it for the CCS,” said Mawhinney.

The enthusiastic senior is a shining inspiration for the society which is urging Comox Valley residents to join its team during Daffodil Month in April, a crucial fundraising time for

the organization.

“Every three minutes a Canadian hears the words you have cancer,” says Brian LeFurgey, Regional Director Canadian Cancer Society, Vancouver Island. “By volunteering this April you’ll be a part of a team working to change cancer forever so that fewer Canadians are diagnosed with the disease, and more survive.”

Volunteers are needed now, more than ever. Current statistics show that the number of new cancer cases continues to rise steadily as the Canadian population grows and ages.

Mawhinney does a variety of tasks for the society. She has been heavily involved with the Relay for Life and is

also a volunteer staff at the local Canadian Cancer Society office. She does this on top of her part-time work at Curves, where she works as a circuit trainer.

Although the Comox Valley has volunteers performing different things for the society, it’s still not enough.

Mawhinney said, recruiting is getting harder each year.

“I don’t do it at the present time but probably it would be something I’d be doing in the future,” said Mawhinney.

“It’s a really difficult thing to do. It’s one of the problems we always have, recruiting volunteers. It’s a struggle.”

Mawhinney feels she can bring hope to others with her positive outlook, and could be an inspiration to others being a cancer survivor. She enjoys volunteering because she believes that she can really help people and gets a sense of giving back to the community.

“It’s fun, and it makes you feel good to try and find a way to spread awareness and go give back to the community,” says Mawhinney. “It’s a worthy cause, and it doesn’t necessarily take a lot of your time.”

This coming April, Mawhinney said she will spend a lot of time coordinating the local Daffodil Campaign and pin sales.

Almost half of all Canadians are expected to develop cancer in their lifetimes and it is the leading cause of death in this country. In BC in 2013, approximately 23,700 new cases of cancer were reported.

While these statistics are sobering, the society has contributed to making progress against cancer. Today, over 60 per cent of Canadians diagnosed with cancer will survive at least five years after their diagnosis. In the 1940s, survival was about 25 per cent.

“We’re at a point where we can see the difference our efforts are making,” said LeFurgey.

“By volunteering for the society you’ll be helping to build a future where Canadians will no longer fear the word cancer - but we need your help to make it a reality.”

The Society has an urgent need for more volunteers, not only here in the Comox Valley but across British Columbia, to sell the daffodil pin.

These volunteers will work in com-

munities during April to remind us all to buy and wear a pin to show support for those fighting cancer.

“The daffodil pin is a bright and hopeful emblem that says we’re all in this together and we won’t give up until all forms of the disease are defeated.”

Volunteering to sell the pins requires only three or four hours of your time during April - and a small contribution of your time can make a big difference.

Other volunteer opportunities during Daffodil Month include canvassing door-to-door, selling daffodils and organizing special events.

Volunteering is a great opportunity for you to make a positive impact in your community, meet new people, be part of a dynamic team and learn new skills.

If you’re interested in volunteering for the Canadian Cancer Society contact your local Society office or go to cancer.ca and click “Join the Fight”.

By volunteering during Daffodil Month you’ll be helping the Society raise funds so it can continue to fight cancer.

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Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, March 25, 2014 A5

News

Man ‘chased fireman with axe’ Comox Valley RCMP is investigating an attempted assault with a weapon and mischief after receiving a call for assistance from Hornby Island Fire Department on the night of Sunday March 16.

Reports indicated a 50-year-old man at a residence in the 3100 block of Brigantine Crescent on Hornby Island had allegedly chased and thrown an axe at a fireman. __ Police attended and took the man into custody without incident.

During their investigation, officers determined that mental health issues might have been a factor in the incident.

Const. Don Sinclair said the man was taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Comox for assessment and treatment. __ The investigation is continuing, with charges being contemplated.

Welcoming Sign design submissions rolling in Submissions are rolling in to local Tim Hortons as part of the Comox Valley Welcome Sign Design Contest, which runs until March 28. The contest encourages citizens to submit their creative ideas in how to personalize the sign to best reflect the region.

Members of the Comox Valley Signage Committee, pictured here with Quality Foods staff, are also promoting the sales of the Buy A Bottle, Build A Sign water bottles, in

support the projects fundraising efforts. Bottles are available at both Quality Foods locations, Canadian Tire and the Vancouver Island Visitor Centre. Left to Right: Derrell Ball, Lara Austin, Susan Toresdahl, Ron Webber, Ken Grant, Linda Brocklehurst, Rick Gaiga. FMI www.cvsignageproject.com

Gas tax refund could help fund food study

By Philip Round Echo Staff Regional District directors are keen to encourage a research study to see if more local food could be produced and prepared to supply hospitals on the North Island.

The FEED Comox Valley initiative has an opportunity to bid for a $75,000 grant from a Montreal foundation to undertake detailed research into the possibilities, but needs to find matching funds in short order if the project is to have any chance of progressing.

As previously reported in the Echo, the idea is being promoted by Sandra Hamilton of North Island College’s Centre for Applied Research, Technology and Innovation.

And on Thursday she got a big boost from the regional district board when, subject to conditions, directors voted to draw on $75,000 of refunded gas tax money to come up with the money needed.

The biggest condition is that the UBCM the Union of British Columbia Municipalities - approves the use of the gas tax for such a

purpose, as there is no other budget provision within the regional district.

Directors such as rural director Jim Gillis think they have a strong case, and he has offered his Area B gas tax refunds as the source of the matching funds.

Their argument is that if more food is grown, reared and prepared for big public institutions like hospitals or the military base, there will be far fewer trucks driving to and from the Island with supplies.

Such a reduction would cut greenhouses gases - one of the UBCM’s stated priorities for the use of gas tax refunds.

However, as the current proposal is simply for research into the possibilities, it is not guaranteed to get the thumbs up.

CVRD board chair Edwin Grieve has long been a proponent of boosting local agriculture, noting that around third of the Comox Valley is farmland - although most of it underused.

He noted a recent meeting at Dove Creek Hall involving members of the both the Farmers Institute and Farmers Market to consider the research proposal had been a

positive one, with an eagerness to dig deeper into the possibilities.

Letters of support will be sent from the regional district not only to UBCM but also to provincial ministries and Island Health urging support for the next steps.

The research project is intended to address some of the huge unknowns related to the proposal. Hamilton acknowledges the biggest question is ‘Is it economically viable?’” noting the challenge is to compete with the current robust distribution that uses the American interstate network.

“Quite frankly nobody knows if it is or not,” she said in an earlier local government presentation. “Nobody knows if we can grow local food on the Island any more at a commercial scale and get it into a hospital at close to the price that is currently coming up the I-5 with all the transportation costs and all the middlemen.”

A $75,000 grant is tentatively available from the J. W. McConnell Family Foundation to explore the issue in detail if matching funds can be identified. pround@comoxvalleyecho.com

Man gets 9 months jail after stolen car chase

By Drew A. Penner Echo Staff Judge Peter Doherty had stern words for a man who stole multiple vehicles and led police on a car chase March 1. In Courtenay Provincial Court March 20, Richard Harward was handed a nine month sentence, less time served, after he dodged police cruisers, weaved around southern Courtenay and ultimately was tracked down by a police dog once the stolen 2004 Infiniti he was driving hit the ditch.

“The driving was dangerous,” he said. “It deserves a driving prohibition longer than normal.”

The $10,000 car disappeared from a

Headquarters Road residence and was noticed missing at about 2 a.m. Around 40 minutes later an RCMP constable noticed the black car go by, verified it was the one taken, then began to hunt the thief.

Harward took off down Fifth Street and traveled south on Willemar Avenue, going about 50-60 km/h.

Another officer attempted to set up a roadblock by parking his cruiser across the street.

But Harward managed to maneuver the Infiniti around the police vehicle.

He then turned west onto Cumberland Road at the traffic island.

He seemed to have trouble making the car accelerate before driving away at

100km/h.

The game of cat and mouse went on for about 4.5 km before the Infiniti fishtailed going 120 km/h and went off the road.

A female passenger had fled in one direction while Harward took off through the bush.

A police dog was brought to the scene and sniffed out his location.

During the commotion another stolen car was discovered and pinned to Harward.

He got credit for 21 days already spent in custody.

Harward received a nine-month driving prohibition and must pay a $600 victim surcharge by March 20, 2015.

Agriculture and food are the hot topics for CV Transition Town The BC Food Systems Network [BCFSN] ALR Town Hall event on Feb 26 hosted by Transition Town Comox Valley was very successful.

TTCV would like to thank LUSH Valley Food Action Society and World Community for supporting and promoting the event. Big thanks also go out to local farmer’s Arzeena Hamir of Amara Farm [also representing the BCFSN], Barb Odegard of Ironwood Farm, and Gerry McClintock president of the Comox Valley Farmer’s Institute. The event was well attended and informative.

Comments from attendees indicated that more discussion of this issue and others affecting farming in the valley is needed.

Agricultural issues will continue to be a topic for TTCV in March.

TTCV’s next regular meeting Mar 26, 5:30 - 7:30pm at Zocalo [corner of Cliffe and 5th] will feature a short presentation of the findings of The Land Access Study sponsored by the Comox Valley Food Round Table and LUSH [see below] as well as a longer discussion of ideas for actions on the threats to the ALR. What’s happening with agricultural in the Comox Valley? How can we increase food production and help new farmers access arable land in our community? Andrea Lawseth and Moss Dance will present findings from the 2014 Land Access study initiated by the Comox Valley Food Roundtable, including recommendations about how to support new farmers, access unused farmland and create a stronger local food economy.

For more information please contact Elaine Codling http://info@transitiontowncv.org http://transitiontowncv.org/

CARRIERS WANTED No collection required. Great exercise!

Call Comox Valley Echo • 250-334-4734 or drop by 407-D 5th Street, Courtenay Comox Rt. 1102A – Bolt, Anderton, Noel, Marten, Linshart

More time for medical centre marketing A development permit for the proposed Mission Professional Centre to be built alongside the new Comox Valley hospital site has been extended for a year.

Such permits usually expire after 12 months if an applicant is not ready to move forward to the more detailed building permit stage with a view to starting construction.

The development permit for the two four-storey buildings at 2525 Mission Road, intended to host various medical and wellness businesses, was set to run out this month.

Architect Tom Moore said while an anchor tenant - Pure Pharmacy had been signed up, they had not yet confirmed other tenants, so developer Dark Horse Holdings Ltd. was not yet ready to commit to building.

If the City Council would agree to extend the permit for one year they could continue their marketing efforts for what they saw as a very exciting project. The council has now agreed the request.

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A6 Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, March 25, 2014

News client has never had an unlawfully at large conviction before.

Ouimette should get credit for entering a guilty plea, he contended, saying this was a sign he accepted responsibility. Crown Richard Ellsay had asked for 90 days of jail time to be added to the previous sentence.

Ouimette served just three days of his sentence voluntarily in December and then never returned.

He ultimately had to face the music and spent 23 days in custody before receiving his sentence.

Doherty said the intermittent sentence handed down before Christmas represented a judge taking a chance on a lifelong criminal after an extended period of rehabilitation - hope that was almost immediately stomped on

by Ouimette’s disregard for the second chance he was given.

No one likes taxes, but they’re a fact of life. Ignoring them doesn’t make them go away. So this year face them head on and make sure you’re not paying any more then you have to.

I’m accepting new clients and I have convenient evening and weekend appointments available to ďŹ t your schedule.

NDP MP brings anti-Enbridge campaign to Courtenay About 250 people crowded into the Westerly Hotel ballroom Friday night for “Take Back Our Coast�, a forum hosted by New Democrat MP Nathan Cullen. Cullen urged people to ask BC’s

Conservative MPs to tell Stephen Harper that British Columbians won’t accept the Enbridge pipeline.

MAN PREYS ON SENIORS, SKIPS JAIL, PAYS PRICE

By Drew A. Penner Echo Staff A man who tried to steal money from an older woman after being invited in to help with an odd job must now serve 34 days in jail for

that offence after he decided he didn’t feel like serving an intermittent sentence. In Courtenay Provincial Court March 21, Judge Peter Doherty also tacked on 60 more days Joseph Ouimette must serve consecutively for being unlawfully at large and

breaching probation orders.

Doherty said he was concerned by the “predation on older people� and rejected the suggestion of defence lawyer Jordan Watt of McCullough Blazina Dieno Gustafson & Watt that he get just 45 extra days, noting his

Understanding. Business. Accounting. Tax. ! 'UTHRIE 2D #OMOX s s JERAD JERADLANGILLE ca

Special Information Supplement

New Car Dealers Association of BC Proud to celebrate a 30 year relationship with Special Olympics BC Anyone familiar with the New Car Dealers Association of BC knows our affinity for and connection to the Special Olympics BC (SOBC).

Our members are among the supporters of the SOBC, raising funds through our charitable arm, the New Car Dealers Foundation of B.C.

By Blair Qualey longest-standing

This year we are proud to celebrate the 30year relationship between the SOBC movement and the New Car Dealers of B.C., a partnership that has played a critical part in the growth of the volunteer non-profit organization. The SOBC is dedicated to providing opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities

and their pursuit with sports training and competition.

Since 1984, the Foundation has raised more than $3.6 million for the SOBC. One of the many ways New Car Dealers support SOBC athletes and programs is during the annual Vancouver International Auto Show. Each year, partial proceeds of the Preview Gala dinner and awards ceremony go towards the Foundation. This year’s gala will include awards presentation for the 2013 Salespeople of the Year and the first-annual Community Driver Awards.

The 94th annual Vancouver International Auto Show, which runs from March 25 to 30 at the Vancouver Convention Centre, is also a great family-friendly opportunity to check out cool new models and concepts for the year ahead.

It’s the third-largest Auto Show in Canada and B.C.’s new model showcase for the Canadian automotive industry. Leading global manufacturers will be onsite showcasing the hottest new models and trends, with the latest designs and technologies. It’s also a chance for auto enthusiasts to gain hands-on experience with some of the world’s most popular brands.

Visitors at this year’s show will also get to experience a bit of automotive history at Hagerty Classic Alley. On display will be beautiful cars from the 1950s and 1960s, including a special salute to the Ford Mustang and its 50th anniversary celebration.

Two classic cars will also be auctioned off, with 100 per cent of the proceeds going towards two very deserving causes. The first is a 1966

Plymouth Satellite, funds from which will go towards the MS Society of Canada. The second is a 1966 Ford Mustang Coupe, profits from which will be donated to the New Car Dealers Foundation for causes like the SOBC. If you or someone you know is looking for valuable career information, we also have everything you need to know about your options in our industry. And believe me, today, the options are endless, with positions that include everything from salespeople to mechanics, eCommerce Managers and Digital Marketing specialists.

For more information on the show please visit: http://vancouverinternationalautoshow.com Blair Qualey is President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. Email him at bqualey@newcardealers.ca..

Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, March 25, 2014 A7

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A8 Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Opinions ECHO

THE COMOX VALLEY ECHO Publisher Dave MacDonald Editor Debra Martin Advertising Manager Keith Currie Office Administrator Deb Fowler Circulation Manager Hedi MacDonald Production Manager Ryan Getz Phone 250-334-4722 Fax 250-334-3172 Classifieds 250- 334-4215 Circulation 250-334-4734 E-mail: echo@comoxvalleyecho.com

An independently owned and operated newspaper published by Echo Publications at 407-D Fifth Street, Courtenay, B.C. V9N 1J7 All material herein is protected by copyright. Reproduction in whole or in part is not permitted without written authorization from the publisher.

Canadian Publications Mail Agreement Number #0661538

Editorial

Buckerfield’s raises valid MMBC concerns Bravo to Buckerfield’s.

Kelvin McCullough, CEO of Duncan-based Buckerfield’s, which has eight stores in B.C., including Nanaimo, Duncan and Parksville, says the company has no intention of paying for the provincial government’s plans to have Ontario’s Multi Materials B.C. take over its blue box recycling program May 19.

It’s always heart warming to see David stand up to Goliath, and Buckerfield’s is one of many businesses who have decided to stand up against Premier Christy Clark’s heavy-handed move to dismantle a program that works, and works well, in favour of MMBC, a move that could be accompanied by job losses and will result in increased recycling costs for all concerned.

Even the B.C. Chamber of Commerce, which has unfortunately chosen a path that seems to automatically guarantee rubber-stamping government policy without first soliciting members who would be adversely affected, has acknowledged there are a number of legitimate concerns with the MMBC deal.

The B.C. chamber needs to remember that it represents businesses in this province - the vast majority of which are small to medium sized enterprises. It is an organization created to look out for its members, and should never be a pompom waving policy cheerleader for the provincial government, whether it says it is “free enterprise” or not.

Nanaimo city council has signed on to the MMBC deal, and it is causing plenty of concern for businesses. Particularly the newspaper industry and companies which produce or distribute flyers.

The British Columbia Yukon Community Newspapers Association is strongly considering pulling out of the blue box program entirely and starting its own, which poses significant cost issues for the program moving forward. As it sits, newspaper is the most valuable recyclable in the box at $120 a ton. That loss in revenue would have to be made up somewhere, and, surprise, surprise, that would be residential taxpayers and businesses.

As BCYCNA president Hugh Nicholson says: “Without newspaper recycling, the blue box programs would collapse. This is a Trojan horse, not a gift horse.” As has been stated earlier, this shift to MMBC is part of a larger change in provincial regulations that would see the responsibility for managing the recycling of packaging and printed paper shift - away from governments and taxpayers and on to industry and their consumers. As part of this new “producer-pay” model, businesses selling packaged goods or supplying printed paper have to now be legally and financially responsible for the costs of recycling.

John Hinds, CEO of Newspapers Canada, is also steadfastly against the plan.

“The current system is good for the environment, and good for communities to make decisions about what and how they want to recycle,” said Hinds. “And basically, this is transferring it to an international or national group of packagers. I’m not convinced that transferring it . . . internationally is going to have any impact on packaging.”

So we applaud Buckerfield’s for taking this stand and rising its voice above the chorus that is taking the provincial government to task for the projected change. Yes, it is going to be costly for business to implement, but it is taxpayers who will also be hard hit when it’s introduced.

The May 19 start date is just around the corner.

Let’s see how finely tuned the government’s hearing is to the marketplace.

- Nanaimo Daily News

Letters to the Editor

City’s Council of Maple Fools Well, here we are again rapidly approaching another April 1st, benchmarking another year of anguish, uncertainty, and financial hardship for the Lins of Maple Pool and the people in their care.

All imposed and endorsed by Courtenay City Council.

Another year for taxpayers to fund huge legal bills. Another year for us to wonder what new misguided and costly twists and turns council will think of next.

All done in secrecy at City Hall.

It appears that Judge Baird isn’t buying into any of their arguments to make over 50 residents homeless. He appears to be unwavering in his position concerning Maple Pool.

He began by being openly critical of the city’s first attempts to close Maple Pool in court and commented that he “wasn’t born yesterday”.

He adjourned the first proceedings and provided the City with ample opportunity to work out a solution with Maple Pool. A solution that would allow the more than 50 Maple Pool residents to remain in their homes. A solution that was embraced by the greater community. Presumably, because it didn’t fit the City’s agenda, that never happened.

Now Judge Baird has once again openly criticized the city’s arguments to disallow two of the residents to be included in the upcoming court proceedings. Judge Baird, understanding that their rights may have been violated in the City’s actions, correctly allowed them to be included and ordered the city to pay their costs. A decision that will have profound implications to the City, not to mention dramatically escalating the legal costs associated with this mess. Costs that will be paid by a community that supports leaving the residents

in their homes at Maple Pool. All of this seems to fall on deaf ears at City Hall.

It’s clear that there is a gross disconnect between the community’s wishes and our city council, not to mention their blatant disregard for Courtenay taxpayers.

Thank goodness we will have a civic election in November. Maybe then we can finally deal with the Maple Pool problem once and for all. Hopefully then things will look differently. A time for our community to welcome better leadership and governance. A time to put the Council of Maple Fools behind us all.

Harry Koivisto Courtenay

A DEPRESSING SOAP OPERA The (depressing) Maple Pool soap opera is coming to an end by the simple reason that misuse of power and lack of a social conscience cannot stand the fact that the time of calling a spade a spade cannot be postponed any longer And that is exactly what the “the judge overseeing the legal battle between the City of Courtenay and the owners of Maple Pool Campsite has stated in crystal clear terms: Common sense means to wake up to the fact that there are vulnerable human beings being affected by what seems to be an ideologue-ridden agenda that, when convenient, dresses up as (the hated...) nanny state. To invoke the danger of flood in order to save - and evict - the Maple Pool’s so vulnerable tenants, proves again and again that hell is paved by (a flood) of good intentions.

To the City of Courtenay: For more than a decade grants have been given to form “study groups” galore, in order to deal with the problem of homelessness in Courtenay.

Does the gift of the gab alone have the magic wand that can (honestly) deal with the intractable problem of homelessness ?

It is true that the City of Courtenay cannot take over the federal and provincial government responsibilities regarding the abysmal lack of affordable (and social) housing in what is one of the most privileged countries in the world - Canada.

And it is also true that the City of Courtenay has avoided dealing with its share of responsibility, at facing the crescendo of homelessness in its own backyard. It might be that those vested interests running what seems to be a feudal enclave are fighting tooth and nail to keep such an exclusionary political-social agenda on.

And that is exactly what the Maple Pool’s saga seems to be all about - to impose a nonsense, exclusionary, ideologue-ridden social agenda masquerading as a compassionate (...) nanny state; here we go: In the name of the danger of a forthcoming biblical flood, let us “save” - better say evict - vulnerable people but do not invite Noah to build an ark please. “Let them” go to another town - that is what such a sheer “paradise” of alienated nonsense is all about.

The above mentioned judge’s decision forces the City of Courtenay to understand what the expression common sense truly means: The multidimensional - humane landscape of a societal body cannot be manipulated by ideology and vested interests alone. It brings Nature (capital N please) to the picture: keep denying climate change until one’s face gets blue; then call Noah’s ghost to built the most expensive ark in the world ... The City of Courtenay has gone fishing as far as the problem of homelessness goes.

Manuel Fernandez, Courtenay

Answers to some good questions on curling club I am writing in response to the Tuesday March 18th letter titled ‘What is criteria for funding?’. Within the letter Mr. Felson raises some good questions and I hope with what little insight I have into the situation I may be able to answer those questions.

(1.) Q. Why Curling Club members pay nothing to keep their facility going while the soccer players with almost double the participants and playing season had to contribute $400,000 for their facility?

A. The curling center is actually putting up $100,000 of its own money to help restore the facility which is actually owned by the CVRD. On top of that $100,000 the curling center has been maintaining the building out of its own funds for over 50 years, most of it done by volunteers within the club. $100,000 may seem far off from the $400,000 that the soccer club had put in, but the operating expenses of the center are vastly higher than that of a soccer pitch.

(2.) Q. By what objective measures was it deemed the Curling Club project is worth of taxpayers $1.9 million?

A. Though I can only guess at the thoughts of the CVRD board, my guess is that across all of Canada there is not a town/city with a population of 10,000 or greater that does not have a curling facility. If you have not been into a curling club you may not realize the culture behind it. Curling clubs can bring together a community. I ask you to step into that old barn (which was built by curlers with their own money) and see for yourself the atmosphere and culture within it. Furthermore a loan of $1.9 million over the course of 20 years is a far cry from what the swimming pool and hockey arenas are asking of its taxpayers yearly. The

difference here is that the Curling Center paid its own way on the back of its volunteers and its members until this point.

(3.) Q. Is that the criteria by which other projects will be judged when they ask for public funds?

A. This has been an ongoing study as to whether or not the CVRD wanted to upgrade their own facility, not for just this one year but for nearly 10 years. I do believe that with 4 study reports and enough negotiations that the CCVRD board members have done their due diligence in pushing this forward.

(4.) Q. Why is it that Campbell River curlers are able to support their curling Club without any public $$$$ and we can’t?

A. The Campbell River Curling Club actually owns its own building, whereas the Comox Valley Curling Center is actually owned by the CVRD. Upgrading their own facility is making an investment into their own equity.

I’m not trying to be condescending, you asked some questions that I thought I might be able to help shed some light on. As a curler I am definitely biased to the renovations.

Though I am biased these are facts and I hope that they help change your mind as to which way the CVRD has chosen to go. I also invite you to come into our ‘old barn’, see it for yourself. Talk to some of its members, ask any questions about the game, we are not a ‘club’ we are a center and we welcome all people of all ages, of any class.

Benjamin Ruginis Comox

CLOWNS MEET AT WRONG CIRCUS I notice on the front page of Echo Extra

“Comox Valley Clowns meeting on Monday.”

You may have gotten the venue wrong.

Do they not meet at City Hall?

Ralph V. Williams Courtenay

CLARIFYING WATER BILLING Re: A fairer water billing process I would like to follow up on a letter to the editor from R McCulloch, in the Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, March 17th, 2014 regarding the rate structure for the billing of water in the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) electoral areas.

Mr. McCulloch’s first concern was that rural homeowners were being billed for 15 cubic metres of water whether they used it or not.

To clarify this point, the rate includes a minimum monthly charge that every user pays for up to 15 cubic metres. This portion of the rate helps cover the fixed cost of the water system.

In addition, the letter mentions that homeowners need to use more water in the spring and summer for use on their lawns and gardens and yet homeowners will be charged a higher rate for exceeding the 15 cubic metres.

In fact, the CVRD billing cycle was designed to ensure that July and August were invoiced in two separate cycles. There’s a 60 cubic metre allotment for April through July which can be shared over these months.

Similarly, the 60 cubic metre allotment can be shared over the next billing cycle - August through November. The two highest consumption months, July and August, are in two separate billing cycles which allows for spreading water costs over the lower water use months

before and after the summer. In the winter months the water is not “stolen”; rather it is a minimum monthly charge that is independent of the volume used. At this time, the water rate billing structure is not being reviewed by the electoral area services committee.

Marc Rutten, P.Eng. Senior manager of engineering services Comox Valley Regional District

BEWARE OF FINANCIAL FRAUD Every year, millions of Canadians are targeted by fraud regardless of their age, education level, income, profession or ethnicity. March is Fraud Protection Month in Canada and the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) is joining the Competition Bureau and several other organizations in raising awareness about the issue of fraud. It’s an ideal time for Canadians to find out how to recognize, prevent and report fraud should they become a victim.

It’s easy to fall for a financial scam.

Criminals use creative tactics to catch potential victims at different stages of their lives.

Whether you are starting your first job, moving out on your own, maintaining a home or living in retirement, be mindful of the potential scams that could target you. Protect your assets, property and identity by recognizing and reporting the warning signs to the proper authorities and by visiting itpaystoknow.gc.ca to learn more.

Lucie Tedesco Commissioner Financial Consumer Agency of Canada

Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, March 25, 2014 A9

What’s On

etc.

ECHO

‘Best of the Fest’ supports Strathcona group Celebrate spring in the great outdoors with Strathcona Wilderness Institute as we host the Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival ‘Best of the Fest’ Tour , coming to Courtenay on Friday March 28 at the Stan Hagen Theatre at North Island College on 2300 Ryan Rd. Strathcona Wilderness Institute, a non-profit Society, operates the two information centres in Strathcona Provincial Park, as well as offering summer programs, nature walks and hikes at Paradise Meadows.

SWI is hosting the ‘Best of the Fest’ Tour as part of an initiative of expanded outreach and fundraising events to support their work in the Park.

The Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival is the best outdoor film festival of the spring season. The ten short films chosen

by SWI for the Tour evening include Festival Award Winners and Festival Favourites.

In “The Fortune Wild”, a small group of surfers set out to seek riches on some of the most remote beaches of the Canadian coast.

“Cascada” is the story of a kayaker and cinematographer searching the remote Mexican jungle for the perfect waterfall and the perfect shot.

“Chasing Summits” is a paragliding adventure over the stunning peaks of northern Pakistan.

“What Were You Doing at 10?” follows an amazing young mountain biker. In “Castles in the Sky”, a rock climber establishes a new line on Castle Mountain in the Canadian Rockies.

“Return to the Tepuis” is the tale of an expedition team searching for an elusive pebble toad in the ‘islands of the sky’ - the Tepuis of South America. “Through Ice and Time”

Old-fashioned garage sale at St. George’s

St. George’s United Church on the corner of Sixth and Fitzgerald in Courtenay, will be hosting an old fashioned Church Garage Sale on Saturday, March 29th from 10 am to 2 pm. The church itself is selling a number of couches, chairs, a large television, a pool table, a shuffleboard table, etc. and parishioners are donating household items, baking, and a wild assortment of other items. Vendors who want a table of their own are asked to get in touch with the church office at 250-3344961.

Church garage and thrift sales are a time honored way for people to donate items they no longer need and to pick up kitchen utensils, furniture, recreational equipment, knick-knacks, toys, and other things they didn’t know they wanted until they saw them.

All the proceeds will go to operational expenses of St. George’s except, of course, for those vendors who see an opportunity to sell some of their redundant treasures to an audience of shoppers looking for a good deal.

St. George’s is the home of the Sunshine Lunch Club which provides free lunches to an average of about 125 needy people every weekday and has earned the title “The Church With a Heart in the Heart of the City.”

Habitat for Humanity at the Vintage Market

takes a cinematographic journey through the Columbia Icefield. For the full list of films chosen for the SWI-hosted showing, check the website at www.strathconapark.org The ‘Best of the Fest’ film evening in Courtenay is the only scheduled

remaining tickets will be sold at the door.

Follow SWI on Facebook, Twitter or on our website www.strathconapark.org for the most up-to-date information about tickets & films.

stop of the Tour on the North Island.

Doors open at 6:30, films start at 7 pm.

Admission is only $15. Tickets can be purchased in advance by emailing strathconawilderness@gmail.com or coordinator@strathconapark.org Any

North Island College’s Global Learning Initiative presents film ‘In Transition 2.0’

Vintage Market organizers are giving curators of the Comox Valley an opportunity to come together at The Little Red Church in Comox March 29th and 30th to display their collection and talents.

Organizers have given Habitat for Humanity ReStore a space to display their special vintage donations.

Donations for Habitat will also be taken at the door for Habitat’s building projects in the community.

Red Living, Patina Vintage Furnishings and Nest Vintage Living invite you to take a step back in time and enjoy home decor in a new and exciting way. The market runs form 10 till 4 Saturday and Sunday.

North Island College’s Global Learning Initiative and Transition Town Comox Valley invite you to a free screening of a documentary about ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

In Transition 2.0 explores the idea of communities responding to uncertain times with solutions and optimism. By gathering stories from around the world it tells the story of hope, ingenuity, and the power of the transition movement. Learn about communities printing their own money, growing food, localizing their economies, and setting up local power stations.

“In Transition 2.0 takes the viewer through an emotional journey that effectively charts the evolution of the movement from its humble origins in Kinsale, Ireland to an international movement that now attracts the attention of politicians and world leaders,” writes Positive News reviewer, Caspar Walsh.

The Global Learning Initiative is a student driven project at NIC that creates partnerships with local communities and individuals to foster awareness of global issues.

Students learn about health and social practices locally and abroad through experiencing different contexts and cultures.

In Transition 2.0 will be screened Thursday, March 27 at North Island College’s Comox Valley campus in the Stan Hagen Theatre at 7 pm. Admission is by donation to NIC’s Global Learning Initiative. For further information, please contact Susan Auchterlonie at 250-334-5271 or visit www.nic.bc.ca.

The right number for Outdoor Rec. Show The contact number for Linda Marinus, the Chair of the Outdoor Recreation Show for the Courtenay and District Fish & Game Protective Association is 250-338-2544, NOT 250-338-2455 as incorrectly submitted.

Elton John’s Million Dollar Piano at Rialto The Rialto is having a special onetime showing of Elton John: The Million Dollar Piano on Wednesday, March 26, at 7:30 pm.

World-renowned singer, songwriter and performer, the legendary Elton John performs his critically acclaimed concert from The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

At the centre piece of the performance is the show’s namesake piano, featuring more than 68 LED video screens created by Yamaha.

The state-of-the-art piano is the perfect accompaniment to Elton’s greatest hits displaying imagery to complement the entertainer’s fan favourites.

Tickets on sale now at the Rialto: Adults $10.50; Children $8.99; Seniors $8.99.

For more information call (250) 338-5502.

HELP CVG&SS STOCK ITS PLANT SALE Comox Valley Growers & Seed Savers is gearing up for its 8th annual May Plant Sale. Seeds are being started and more volunteer growers are needed. If you have room to do a few extra veggie, herb, flower starts, annuals or perennials, for the sale please contact us. Seeds, pots, and soil can all be provided to you.

The Comox Valley Growers and Seed Savers are dedicated to preserving original “open-pollinated” plant varieties that breed true from seeds saved each year.

Our mission is to conserve and preserve our local plant diversity by encouraging and supporting public participation in growing heritage and non-hybrid food crops and other plants; to maintain genetic diversity and the integrity of our food supply.

CVG&SS invites you to join the ‘growing’ movement.

This year’s sale is Saturday May 24 at Simms Millennium Park from 9am - 12 noon. For more information please contact this year’s plant sale co-ordinator elaine.codling@gmail.com or visit www.cvgss.org

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A10 Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, March 25, 2014

What’s On

Monarch Lions selling reflective address signs at Comox mall Members of the CV Monarch Lions Club will be at Comox Centre Mall on Friday, March 28 and Saturday March 29 to promote their 911 Reflective Address Sign project and will make your customized address sign while you wait.

People have a choice having their address numbers laid out vertical or horizontal.

The blue reflective address sign (6”x18”) with 3” white reflective numbers are so reflective day or night that emergency services personal and volunteers don’t need to struggle to locate your address when you call for help.

A community and fundraising project by the Monarch Lions the 911 Reflective Address Signs are recom-

mended by emergency services everywhere. Often address numbers in rural areas and developments can be difficult to find.

If emergency response people have to drive down a road two or three times to find a house, it could be too late to save a life.

It’s not just for emergency responders; an easily visible address also

helps delivery services, taxis and friends find your home easily.

All the money raised from this project goes directly back into the community.

Monarch Lions members thank everyone who participates in this important project. You are truly helping Lions make a difference in our community

Lions will make your customized 911 Reflective Address Sign while you wait.

They sell for $40.00 each with numbers on both sides.

The pre-drilled holes in each corner allow for easy installation. You can also order your 911 reflective address sign today at www.911reflectivesign. ca or call (250) 338-9602.

Indulge all the senses at ‘A Chocolate Affair’

Take your camera to the Cumberland Forest on Saturday for a Shoot-Out hosted by two professional photographers

Photo Shoot-Out to benefit forest The Cumberland forest is filled with recreation trails for running and biking, amazing trees and streams, heritage landmarks and lots of critters. Which makes it an ideal location for the photo enthusiast to find inspiration.

Photographers Boomer Jerritt and Karen McKinnon, of Illuminate Photo Education, invite you for a Shoot-Out in the forest. A Shoot-Out is an opportunity to photograph outdoors, surrounded by other creative individuals with the support of two photography professionals. Boomer and Karen will provide an introduction, with tips and inspiration and then set you loose with your camera, while they walk around providing one on one support.

The event, on Saturday March 29th from 1 - 3, is open to all ages, all cameras, and all levels of creatives.

“We really hope to see a great vari-

ety of people join us, from experienced shooters to families with young children,” said McKinnon.

McKinnon and Boomer are asking for a suggested donation of $10 to benefit the Cumberland Forest Society, which will be rapping up their massive fundraising efforts at the end of March. The Society has been be working to raise $1.2 million dollars to purchase this forest and return it to the community.

“This is an incredible example of of talented local professionals stepping up and sharing their gifts in support of our campaign. This opportunity to be part of a Shoot-out with Boomer and Karen is a huge opportunity for photographers to sharpen their skills and gain new insights from two of the top photographers on Vancouver Island,” said Andrew Nicoll, Chair of the Cumberland Community Forest Society

For Jerritt and McKinnon the area is important to them both professionally and recreationally.

“We want to bring awareness to this incredible rich area that is of use by all ages groups, from kids fishing, to people jogging. I personally hike, mountain bike and of course photograph in the area. It is a really worthwhile cause,” said Jerritt, adding “ It is important to the vibrancy and identity of Cumberland, but really it is about green space for our future.”

McKinnon explained, this is an opportunity for us to have some fun, and inspire others to get their camera out of their bag. The atmosphere will be relaxed and informative. What a fabulous way to spend a Saturday afternoon.”

Meet in the Cumberland Recreation Centre Parking lots at 1 p.m. Rain or Shine. FMI: www.illuminateeducation.com or 250-871-4125.

Who doesn’t love chocolate?

Indulge in an elegant evening of film, music and lavish chocolate creations while supporting worthy causes.

World Community is showcasing Camino Fair Trade chocolate at “A Chocolate Affair” which will take place on Thursday, April 17th at 7 pm at the Upper Florence Filberg Hall.

Local chefs and chocolatiers will be preparing chocolate in all its magnificent and tasty forms. You’ll have plenty of opportunity to sample a variety of delectable fair trade treats, both savoury and sweet, created by chefs from Union Street Grill, Locals, Zocalo, Tria Culinary, As You Like It Catering, and the Gourmet Girls.

As a special treat, the evening will open with a marvelous aperitif, Dark Side Chocolate cup with Blue Moon Winery’s newly-released Raspberry Port. World Community tea and coffee will also be served.

This event is just before Easter weekend so you’ll be able to purchase Camino Fair Trade Chocolate Bunnies as well as other fair trade chocolate treats from World Community and Dark Side Chocoolates.

That’s just the start!

Awardwinning singer/songwriter Sue Pyper will provide musical entertainment. Sue’s music is rooted in acoustic folk and her voice is smooth, lilting and emotionally expressive.

She’s also very funny!

The new film “Semisweet: Life in Chocolate” travels to four vastly different places around the globe with some quirky characters whose lives have been intrinsically transformed

Sue Pyper will entertain by chocolate. We also see the positive impact of buying fair trade chocolate.

Add to this a silent auction of quality goods, and door prizes and you’re promised a great night out.

Funds raised from the event will go towards supporting the work of World Community, both locally and internationally. World Community contributes a significant portion of its profits and efforts to Comox Valley groups and causes.

Tickets for “A Chocolate Affair” are $20 and are available by advance purchase only at Bop City Records and Laughing Oyster Bookshop in Courtenay, Dark Side Chocolates in Cumberland, and Church Street Bakery in Comox. Only 240 tickets will be sold. FMI: phone 250 3375412

Free workshop Saturday for caregivers on journey with dementia The journey with dementia is a demanding road for an increasing number of Comox Valley families.

Their role as caregivers for a person with dementia brings many challenges, and the first step in dealing with some of the challenges is to learn about the disease, says the non-profit Alzheimer Society of B.C. “Education helps caregivers understand how communication and behaviors can change,” says Jane Hope, the Society’s Support & Education Coordinator for North & Central Vancouver Island.

It also gives caregivers a better idea of what to expect as the disease progresses.

“With this new understanding they become empowered and they are ultimately more resilient on the dementia journey,” she says.

“Self-care is a big part of that journey,” adds Hope. “When supporting a person with a chronic illness such as dementia, it is vital that caregivers take care of their own physical and mental health as well.”

Recognizing the signs of burnout and being able to deal with their stress, are essential. Fortunately, the Society can offer plenty of help.

It begins with the free Family Caregiver Series, which runs on Saturday, Mar. 29 in Courtenay. It provides practical techniques and strategies that caregivers can begin using immediately.

Topics to be covered include: *Understanding Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. *Effective and creative ways of facilitating communication with a

person with dementia. *Understanding behaviour as a form of communication. *Accessing services *Planning for the future.

The series runs from 10 a.m. to

3:30 p.m. at the Lower Native Sons Hall, 360 Cliffe Avenue. Preregistration is required. To register contact Courtenay Recreation at 250338-1000. The series is free, thanks to partial funding by the Province of BC,

Seacliff Foundation, Merck Canada Inc., Pfizer Canada Inc., Lohn Foundation, Djavad Mowafaghian Foundation, Al Roadburg Foundation and through the generous contributions of individual donors.

THANK YOU TO THE COMOX VALLEY!

The Society has other free resources for local residents, including support groups. For more information, contact Hope toll-free at 1-800-4622833 or jhope@alzheimerbc.org and visit www.alzheimerbc.org.

COMOX VALLEY ~ MAY 25, 2014

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for supporting our three amazing thrift stores!

Your continued support gives us the ability to fund programs that benefit our community. The needs are great and they continue to rise.

Your patronage is appreciated!

Accepting Donations @ all Locations! (larger items to 2966 Kilpatrick Ave)

Thanks & God Bless You! 12-2966 Kilpatrick | 338.8151 331-4th St. | 334.8230 1785 Comox Ave. | 339.7522

Get ready, get set – and give it a Tri The Shoreline Orthodontics’ Tri-K triathlon is a great annual event that features divisions for ages starting at 5 years right up through adult. As the age gets older the distances increase, with the longest being a 750 metre swim, 20 kilometre bike and five kilometre run. Short enough to be attainable yet long enough to be challenging.

If you’ve ever wanted to do a triathlon this is a great place to start. For experienced triathletes this is an early season event that will allow you to gauge your training. There is plenty of time to get ready for the May 25th sprint distance triathlon.

Below is the first week of an eight week training schedule designed to get you to the finish line.

The first step is to gather your gear. The least you’ll need is: UÊ Registration form – available at all race sponsors, recreation centres and on-line at www.trik.ca UÊ Swim suit – you don’t have to wear a Speedo, but wearing something without pockets and somewhat form-fitting will help with your time UÊ Runners – use ‘real’ running shoes, not those skateboard shoes UÊ Shorts – could be same as your swim suit UÊ t-shirt – bare torsos are not allowed on the race course UÊ socks – make running much more enjoyable UÊ water bottle – for hydration, even if the sun is not beating down on you, hydrate UÊ bike – pump those tires up, tighten all screws and bolts, take the streamers off the handlebars, tighten the seat and handlebars UÊ helmet – must be approved by A.N.S.I. or Snell The triathlon experience can be enhanced by the quality of equipment and by adding some extra pieces of equipment to your list of gear, such as swim goggles, sun glasses or toe clips. There are many sporting stores in the Valley (Extreme Runners, Simon’s Cycles and Canadian Tire, to name a few) who can outfit you for your triathlon.

Now that you have all your stuff, let’s get out there and use it.

These initial sessions will help you gauge where you are physically and where your equipment is mechanically. Maybe your bike needs more dusting off, maybe you’ll find you can only run once around the block before you start to walk or maybe you’ll have to find out about the pool schedule. Don’t let these discourage you.

Triathlons are all about planning, organization and preparation. Although the training schedule only requires a commitment of up to one hour on weekdays and a little more on weekends, you will benefit from being ready. Both the Sports and Aquatic Centres offer length swims. They also have Swim-fit, a drop in aquatic program that offers coached swim workouts.

The staff at Extreme Runners can hook you up with various running groups around the Valley, and you only need to roll out of your driveway to get going with your cycling routine.

The cycle route for the Shoreline Orthodontics’ TRI-K is an out and back. There is a slight incline for a majority of the ride out, but it is all downhill for the 10 kilometres home. In preparation for the ride your may want to take your bike to the Sports Centre and ride the route, or a part of it, to get a feel for the road.

The suggested workout lengths are for beginners (on the second line) and intermediate (on the lower line) participants.

Swims are in metres and runs and rides in minutes. Swim workouts can be broken up into manageable segments. Participants may want to use a combination run/walk for the runs over the first four weeks. With each outing, try to increase the time you run and decrease the walking time.

On the Saturday of Week Five there is a brick workout. A brick is a workout that you do a ride and immediately follow that by a run. The transition from the bike to the road is a difficult one. The more often that you do it the easier it becomes.

Be sure to warm up before starting any form of exercise.

Week One

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

OFF or Weights

Swim 500 M 750 M

Ride :30 :45

Run :20 :30

Swim 500 M 750 M

Ride :30 :45

Run :20 :30

Be sure to check back next week for the week two training schedule. In that schedule we’ll increase the distances, to build up strength, discuss transitions, preparation and race strategy.

Enjoy!

Sports and Recreation

Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, March 25, 2014 A11

Lewis Wellness Centre is now open at 5 am during the week If you enjoy working out as the sun is rising Courtenay Recreation is the place for you! The Lewis Wellness Centre now opens at 5:00 am Monday to Friday.

Susan Murphy, manager of recreation services, said that the change was made to accommodate people with earlier work and lifestyle schedules.

“We’ve had many requests for this from people who prefer to get an early start on the day,” advised Murphy.

“This 5:00 am opening gives more flexibility along with a wide variety of fitness options”.

The recently opened Wellness Centre features new equipment including a Jungle Gym multi station, cross trainers, strength machines, functional trainers and more.

The Wellness Centre is open 5:00 am to 10:00 pm Monday to Friday, Saturday 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, and Sunday 8:30 am to 8:00 pm.

For more information on the Lewis Wellness Centre including memberships and personal training options, contact the Lewis Centre at 250-338-5371.

Biggest turnout yet for Men’s Open Darts tourney THE DART BOARD COMOX VALLEY PUB LEAGUE MIXED DARTS March 25/2014 POSITION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

TEAM Crty Legion Black Cats Crty Legion DA’s Cx Legion Aces Cx Legion Beer Pigs Elks Fungis Elks Misfitz Cx Legion Bulls Hitters Griffin Gang Griffin Darts of Hazzard

POINTS 155 126 107 98 83 85 90 63 50

March 18 scores: GG 3-CLBP 6, EM 5-CLBH 4, CLBC 8-EF 1, CLA ?-GDoH ?

Ladies Hi Score: Leslie Lamouroux, Patti Dennis (2), Wendy Wiseman, JoJo Scott, Jenny Nyland 140 Men’s Hi Score: Art Forbes 174 Ladies Hi Checkout: Lona Dennis 100 Men’s Hi Checkout: Brian Wilcox 148 180s: Brian Wilcox, Glen Litchfield

The 2014 Men’s Open Darts Tournament at the Comox Legion on Saturday, March 15th had its largest turnout ever.

Forty-eight players (24 doubles) from Nanaimo, Duncan, Port Alberni, Campbell River and Quadra Island, and of course the locals, entered into the doubles event, which was split into four sheets of 6 for a modified round robin event of 3 games total points.

The top four pair from each sheet advanced into the knock-out round playing the best of 3.

Eventual winners of the doubles were Barry Davies and Ken Gourley of Nanaimo who beat out locals Joe McNeil and Bill Durant in a best of 5 final. Third and fourth spots (undecided) went to Jason Bartlett and Tali Williamson (Nanaimo) and locals Ernie Linden and Hap Hanson.

Actual 3rd and fourth spots were not decided as they decided to split the prize money.

In the singles event, 31 players participated, again split into four sheets, but playing only 2 games in the modified round robin, the top four from each sheet advanced to

Early risers can now get their workouts in at the Lewis Centre Nonday to Friday the best of 3 knock out round.

The final was between Campbell Riverites, Roy White and Ken Binnersley, with Roy taking the first place spot. Again in the 3rd and fourth positions, a decision to split the prize left actual placing between Hap Hanson and Barry Davies undecided.

High score in the doubles round went to Roy White with a 159, Bill Durant had the high out of 136.

Only one high score was recorded in the singles and that was of Scott Parsons with a 160, with no high out noted. These players received sport bags courtesy of Labatt Breweries.

The growth of this event: 2010, 8 doubles-16 singles, 2011 12 doubles-21 singles, 2012 14doubles-24 singles and 2013 19doubles-28 singles.

Congratulations and thanks to all who participated in this year’s event.

Become a soccer ref A BC Soccer entry-level referee clinic, for ages 14 and up, is returning to Courtenay.

New adult legs are urgently needed. Participants welcome from the Comox Valley and Campbell River.

Organizers are calling on both teens and adults, who love the game, whether or not you are still playing, to consider registering for this clinic.

There is always a need for new blood and fresh legs in the refereeing world, so it would be terrific to see some of our adults with a passion for the game learning alongside some of our enthusiastic youth participants what enjoyment can be gained from knowing the game on a whole new level.

We need adults this year more

than ever, as the game continues to grow in our communities. Please consider giving back to the game in this most vital of roles. Enjoy some exercise and earn some pay in to the bargain.

Clinic Dates: Thursday, April 24th (6pm - 10pm); Friday, April 25th (6pm-10pm); Saturday, April 26th (9am - 5pm) Clinic Location: CVUSC Clubhouse on Lerwick (between Valley View & Isfeld Schools) Cost: $129.25 (Successful local youth participants supplied a $70 referee starter kit by Comox Valley United Soccer Club.)

TO REGISTER, GO TO THIS LINK: http://www.refcentre.com/bc/ (Use club search and click Comox Valley)

Membership has it's BENEFITS at Sunnydale!

Single- $1210 Senior- $1165 Husband/Wife- $2100 Both Seniors- $2023 One Senior- $2075 Time Restricted Membership- $825 Intermediate (19-29 years)- $625 Junior (10-18 years)- $155 2% discount if paid by cash or cheque

Phone Number: (250) 334-3060 5291 North Island Highway, Courtenay, BC V9J 1S7

Bring Your Questions

Annual Open House & Parking Lot Sale 10am - 4pm Saturday, March 29th

ENTER TO WIN! Wrestling Tickets & T-Shirts

All-Star Wrestling AUGUST 8TH

Giveaways, Specials, Door Prizes!!!

Supplier Representatives, Seminars, Riggers, Marine Diesel Engineers, Electrical & Electronics On Hand g g byy Dave Young, g, “The Uchuck Years” Book Signing

at the CRI Hall in Cumberland.

Hosted by Motorcycle

“EXTRA” SPECIAL PRICING on Many Items!

Meet The Staff

Roundup

All Star Wrestling Tickets Name: Address: Phone:________________________

Email:

Drop off at the Echo, 407-D 5th Street, Courtenay, by Friday, March 28. Draw to be March 28 @ 4 pm

You could win a pair of tickets and T-shirts.

:,//6 0$5,1( 6833/<

Additional ticket sales are available at these locations:

103-1797 Comox Ave.

Cameron Salon & Barber 250-336-8746 Weaver’s Leather 250-897-0239 Fineline Embroidery 250-339-3031

COMOX BC

(Below the Credit Union with parking access off Beaufort Ave.)

Main Phone: 250 941 7373

info@willsmarinesupply.com www.willsmarinesupply.com

Sponsored in part by the

Cumberland Hotel I-Hos Gallery

250-336-8844 250-339-7702

$0.09 7"--&: &$)0

A12 Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, March 25, 2014 A13

CARRIERS WANTED EARN $$$$$$$$ COMOX Rt. 1102A – Bolt, Anderton, Noel, Marten, Linshart Rt. 2118 – Comox Ave, Baybrook, Orchard Park, Mack Laing Rt. 2129 – Sylvan, Parry, Aspen, Idiens Substitutes: (Jan/14 to May/14) Rt. 2113 – Buena Vista, Queens, McLeod, Richardson, McCullough CROWN ISLE Rt. 3120 – Monarch, Royal Rt. 3134 – Crown Isle Dr, Birkshire, Sussex VALLEYVIEW Rt. 3122 – Swan, Trumpeter, Sparrow, Valley View MISSION HILL Rt. 5106 – Oak, McLaughlin, Nim Nim Place.

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

TEXT YOUR TIP ANONYMOUSLY!!!

Along with our 1-800-222 (TIPS) line, tipsters can report information via our secure WebTips application at www. comoxvalleycrimestoppers.bc.ca and now we accept anonymous tips via Text Messaging.

TEXT CVCSTIPS TO:

CRIMES

Comox Valley, BC

A14 Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Spring into Action Event March 19-31, 2014 Shop online at Marks.com

3267 Cliffe Ave, Courtenay 250-338-1361 Store hours Open Mon-Fri 9 AM-9 pm Saturday 9 AM-6 PM Sunday 11 AM-5 PM