%RRN <RXU 7HD DQG 7RXU &DOO WHAT’S INSIDE
Happy Canada Day!
Weather Calendar Grads Letters Classifieds Sports
A2 N.Islander A5,8 A4 A11 A10
Inside
Walmart
3199 Cliffe Av enue, Courtenay
Superstore
757 Ryan Roa d, Courtenay w w w.sussexin
surance.com
www.comoxvalleyecho.com Tuesday July 1, 2014
Price: 57 cents plus GST
Volume 20, No. 52
CANADA DAY CAMP-OUT: Jaron Piercy and his younger brother Kyle, with some help from Dad, built this camping/swimming platform last week at Miracle Beach, just a little way down from the provincial park. It’s over 9 ft. from the ground and provides a quiet spot to soak up the scenery.
St. Joseph’s proclaims balanced budget at AGM
Hogweed gone hogwild? Poisonous plant invades Courtenay, entire North Island may be at risk By Drew A. Penner Echo Staff The poisonous Giant Hogweed plant has invaded Courtenay and the entire North Island is at risk of falling prey to its advances, say Courtenay residents. The umbelliferous species, related to fennel, cow parsley and ground elder, poses serious health hazards, and can cause severe burning, weeping blisters and even blinding, according to experts. It’s been growing in Canada since the 1940s, but only recently have people been spotting the plant more frequently in the Comox Valley. Jane Gjertsen has already spotted the plant in three locations right around her Muir Road home. “This is bad,” she said. “The reason why its bad is its invasive. “You can get the sap on your skin and it gets exposed to the sun and then it starts to burn.” Back in 2013 a National Post piece blew the lid on the dangers of the plant.
Because the sap contains toxic chemicals called furanocoumarins, when bathed in sunlight the skin becomes red - aka phytophotodermatitis. Temporary or permanent blindness can even arise from ocular exposure. “The average person knows very little about it,” she said. “It just takes up all the space and it’s huge.” The plant can grow up to 14 feet tall. It originally came from the land surrounding the Black and Caspian seas. Like many dangerous things, it looks beautiful with its umbrella pattern. You can recognize its stems because of purple blotches and hairs. Courtenay resident Robert Lesage said he knows there’s been issues with the plant in Victoria and has heard about the dangers. He just didn’t know he was in such danger of seeing the plant spread here, as well. (Continued on page 2)
Work continues on finding a future role for the institution By Drew A. Penner Echo Staff
Giant Hogweed blooms on Muir Road in Courtenay.
Coming off an accreditation review where it scored top marks and proudly proclaiming a balanced budget, St. Joseph’s General Hospital officials pledged to keep things rolling during its Annual General Meeting June 23. Even though it only has a few years before the brand new Comox Valley hospital is up and running administrators told members of the public in attendance it’s important to finish strong. “On the very last day that our doors are open as an acute care hospital, we have to have the same level of care - or better - than we have today. And that’s not an easy process,” said board chair Christopher Kelsey. (Continued on page 2)
The K-90 program provides a creative option for homeowners looking to purchase a new home where there is freedom to make the design selections themselves. 399 Clubhouse Dr, Courtenay 250-703-5000 www.CrownIsle.com
Jayson Welsh
Homes by Crown Isle
Jason Andrew
Crown Isle Real Estate
250-207-0418 250-207-0070
Custom built homes by the
Crown Isle Experts