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Volume 20, No. 54

Valley couple cheat death in separate incidents on same day

By Philip Round Echo Staff A Valley couple are thanking their lucky stars after both escaped from potentially life-threatening incidents on the same day - yet neither knew the other was in danger.

The couple do not want to be named, but have told the Echo of their enormous relief that neither of them - nor anyone else was harmed in their separate trials by fire and water on Wednesday.

But both are shocked and still coming to terms with what happened and the weird coincidence that the double drama unfolded on the very same day.

The first incident happened when the man was driving his

1982 CitroĂŤn MĂŠhari along Willemar Avenue in Courtenay when he suddenly spotted a fire below the dashboard.

He rapidly brought the vehicle to a halt and jumped out, but as the flames took hold the vehicle set off again, hitting the curb and setting a large hedge and nearby grass on fire as well. “It was a spectacular blaze,� said Courtenay fire chief Don Bardonnex. “When we arrived it was clear there was no way to save the vehicle, but we needed to stop the spread before it got to other property. “When it was over, there was virtually nothing left of the vehicle it was so intense. Luckily no one was hurt as the driver got out and no one else was nearby at the time it went up.�

Jill Blacklock says her Health Care Hero award belongs to all her colleagues.

The heroic day-to-day effervescence of a Health Care Hero

By Drew A. Penner Echo Staff Ask Jill Blacklock how old she is and she’ll tell you “as old as my tongue and a little older than my teeth.�

It’s a phrase to make you stop and think, one to encourage a smile to turn the corners of your cheeks in a positive direction. It’s this sort of engagement that has served the oncology nurse well in her days shepherding patients though the dark days of cancer.

Yes she’s been around the IVs and chemotherapy drugs for decades, and her vivacious approach to communication, a stellar knowledge of her discipline, and a desire to get right down to the level of everyone she deals with hasn’t gone unnoticed.

In fact, the St. Joseph General Hospital employee has just been recognized as the Health Care Hero selection out of all BC affiliate hospitals under the 2014 Excellence in BC Health Care Awards, for her

work to advance the delivery of cancer therapies at St. Joseph’s and her continued improvement on a professional level.

And while she is 68, you would never guess it by looking at her.

She used to kayak, but has now fallen in love with Stand Up Paddleboarding, she muses, while watching the kite boarders zip across the interior Goose Spit Bay, cutting in and around sailboats, from her perch in her Comox home.

She strives to stay as healthy as possible herself and to share her inner joy with each of her patients and the people she works with. “When I hear a lot of laughter coming out of the chemotherapy unit that makes my day,� she said. “There have been studies done saying laughter has a positive effect on your immune system.�

(Continued on page 2)

3L’s lawyers confirm intent to go to court over Stotan Falls

By Philip Round Echo Staff Lawyers representing the developers who want the Regional Growth Strategy changed to allow a big development on land alongside Stotan Falls have confirmed they stand ready to take the issue to the courts.

Late last month the regional district board voted 7-3 not to allow a process to get underway to amend the growth strategy, as requested by 3L Developments Inc. A majority of directors noted the land uses mapped out in the

strategy were intended to contain urban sprawl, and the proposals of 3L for as many as 700 homes and some commercial properties on land between the Browns and Puntledge Rivers were completely out of line with both the letter and spirit of the strategy.

3L said it was prepared to compromise on its plan, and remained willing to donate river and river frontage land as public park as part of an agreed project.

But in order to discuss any possibilities, they wanted the process leading towards an RGS amendment to get underway.

Crown seeks jail time for Dyke Road hit-and-run driver who struck Molly Burton Victim and family tell of lives turned upsidedown after youth fled accident scene

By Drew A. Penner Echo Staff Tears flowed freely during the first day of sentencing proceedings in Courtenay Provincial Court for a boy who nearly killed Molly Burton after striking her with a vehicle before leaving the scene.

Burton, now 25, wheeled to the front of the courtroom July 4 to deliver a victim impact statement to the crowd packed to the brim with supporters of both the victim and the admitted hit-and-run driver.

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Supporters of the victim gathered outside the Courtenay Courthouse during a break in proceedings.

“There is no way to describe what this has done to my life without it taking a lifetime,� she said. “Just know that this statement is one root on the enormous tree of what was done to me through the selfish and irresponsible decision of one person. It will never, ever stop growing and becoming more tangled.�

On the night of Sept. 11, 2013 a 16-year-old Courtenay boy was “shotgunning� beers with friends (at least two and perhaps several more, according to some witnesses) first at a Tim Hortons and then at McDonald’s in Comox, the court heard. Driving beyond his learner licence provisions, he turned onto the dark curves of Dyke Road.

He dropped his cellphone and swerved. Suddenly there was Molly, shattering his windshield and flying through the air towards the estuary.

Fearful of the consequences he fled, driving aimlessly towards Comox Logging Road, said Crown prosecutor Richard Ellsay, adding the boy ultimately told his parents he thought he hit a deer on Fifth Street, causing them to search the wrong location for evidence of what happened. “Having been left to scream and thrash around in the freezing cold darkness and the mud and brambles, my wound was filthy,� Burton said of the following several hours before Brody Fullerton heard her crying out from his sailboat and got help. “They had to take a muscle from the inside of my right thigh just to put my leg back together.�

Molly’s mom, Leslie Wells, described the significant financial and emotional strain the incident thrust upon her family.

(Continued on page 2)

A2 Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, July 8, 2014

News

Comox Valley Weather

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Tuesday, 8 July Sunny.

High 26°C.

Wednesday, 9 July Sunny.

Low 13°C. High 24°C.

Thursday, 10 July Sunny.

Low 14°C. High 24°C.

Friday, 11 July Sunny.

Low 15°C. High 24°C.

Saturday, 12 July Sunny.

Low 16°C. High 27°C.

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

Summer field gun firing to begin at HMCS Quadra

Royal Canadian Sea Cadets aboard HMCS Quadra will begin to conduct Ceremony of the Flags practices on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

Residents may hear additional noise coming from Goose Spit at those times. (Photo by: Lt(N) Carson Stoney)

Ship Dances will also occur on July 23 and August 12 from 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

HMCS Quadra would like to thank the Comox Valley for its continued support and patience during this summer’s training and hope you are able to find the time to visit during one of our Friday graduation parades starting July 18 at 9:30 am or attending our performance of the Ceremony of the Flags on Monday, August 4, during the Comox Nautical Days.

Royal Canadian Sea and Air Cadets are national youth programs sponsored by the Department of National Defence and the Navy and Air Leagues of Canada. The program is offered to all youth in Canada aged 12-18 and is provided at zero cost to families.

Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Quadra, is currently preparing to welcome over 950 Sea Cadets, Air Cadets, and Officers from across Canada.

As part of the Training Centre’s Drill and Ceremonial instruction, cadets practice and perform the traditional Ceremony of the Flags.

Included in this event, they will be firing 19th century Naval Field Guns and performing rifle salutes with .303 caliber blank rounds.

Residents of the Comox Valley may hear additional noise from this event and the practice sessions preceding it on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Residents near the Spit may notice small amounts of smoke from our new damage control simulator.

The heroic day-to-day effervescence of a Health Care Hero (Continued from page 1)

Since she joined the nursing ranks in 1968 she has seen immeasurable changes in health care, not least of which concerns the way health care professionals and patients interacted.

“The best part of nursing is the change in the relationship between colleagues and their clients,” she said, recalling how things operated in the old days, when the sick could never use the first name of their caregivers. “The patients reaction to your nursing was very stilted and über-professional. It’s still professional now, but there’s a lot more give and take between nurse and client. It’s a much warmer feeling.”

Cancer care has also shifted significantly as well, and Blacklock has been doing her best to push the envelope.

She was part of the team that brought the first outpatient chemo unit to Nanaimo Regional General Hospital.

When she moved to the Comox Valley in 2001 that desire to keep things progressing moved in too.

She lobbied for more oncology space at St. Joseph’s, ultimately helping bring about a distinct unit for cancer care in what was once the smoking lounge.

“We’ll have a bit more extra space,” she said, referring to the expansion of this department that will likely add two additional chairs yet by the fall. “It’s just gotten busier.”

She’s sensitive to the fact cancer is a life and death battle, and that the treatments we have right now are very invasive.

“There’s a huge component of safety that we have to be aware of when we’re administering these drugs,” she said, noting sometimes they have to give a push injection with a syringe through the IV tubing, and other times they’re using potentially harmful drugs you don’t want to spill on yourself. “Some drugs can be really harsh to the tissue.”

Cancer is the ruthless foe that can’t seem to be beat. But every year new treatments are developed, which lessens the burden on patients and their families.

For Blacklock this is exciting information.

“In the future there will be less ravaging of a patient’s whole body,” she said.

“Every month you hear something new about the treatment you’re giving. It just means there’s hope at the end of the tunnel. Patients like to know there’s more treatments coming down the road.”

Administrators at St. Joseph’s see Blacklock’s contribution to the hospital as invaluable.

“You just feel so blessed and fortunate to have someone like Jill as part of your staff,” said St. Joseph’s President and CEO Jane Murphy. “With patients that are dealing with a very serious illness Jill has a very calming manner. The information and knowledge she can share with those patients can help them through that journey.”

Blacklock’s commitment to helping others isn’t confined to the Comox Valley.

In 1998 she spent two weeks volunteering with a Vancouver Island surgical team in Antigua, Guatemala and went to

Crown wants jail for hit-and-run driver in Burton case (Continued from page 1)

“I’m sad to have lost the joy of playing piano,” she said. “I don’t attend church anymore.”

She missed about nine weeks of work to be with Molly in the hospital, on top of the days she’s taken off to attend court.

“I wonder how these injuries will impact her as she ages,” she said. “What will she possibly be able to do?”

Molly’s dad, Ralph Burton, said the family has spent $20,000 to renovate their house to make it more accessible for their daughter, above and beyond what ICBC covered.

“I feel I must weep inwardly so that Molly won’t be discouraged by my reaction,” he said in his victim impact state-

ment, directly facing the boy who has pled guilty to the scene of the accident.

“He has made my family suffer horribly.”

In an interview with the Echo Molly said she’s still committed to her recovery. The metal apparatus used to stimulate bone growth has been removed, and even though she has no evidence to support it she believes she’ll eventually ditch the wheelchair.

“I’m giving myself two years,” she said. “I’m determined to get out of this wheelchair one day.”

The Crown is seeking to prove the offence was a violent one, meaning under youth justice laws the accused, who pleaded guilty earlier this year, would face jail time.

Defence lawyer Dale Marshall, of

Marshall, Allen and Massey, only had time to begin his response, but said his client, now 17, is truly sorry for what happened.

“He knows he should not have driven,” he said. “He knows the injuries to Molly were devastating.”

Marshall said he will seek to prove that the specific charge his client faces leaving the scene of the accident - is not a violent crime, and so a probationary sentence would be the appropriate response.

“It would be wrong to imprison him,” he said.

“The consequences would be even more devastating.”

Judge Ron Lamperson said another full day will be required for the conclusion of the sentencing.

3L’s lawyers confirm intent to go to court over Stotan Falls (Continued from page 1) If they didn’t get that, they noted they could simply subdivide the land, mainly in to large 20 hectare (50 acre) parcels allowed under the RGS and sell the land in pieces to private buyers - including the most valuable river frontage, closing off public access for good.

Only three directors - all from Courtenay - went along with the idea of giving 3L the

chance to pursue its case for an amendment ahead of the first five-year RGS review in 2016.

After 3L’s approach was rebuffed, company spokesperson Kabel Atwall told the Echo if the board did not reconsider its block, they would likely ask a judge to rule on the issue.

Now the firm’s lawyers, Cox Taylor, have written to the regional district to confirm that is their intention. They argue the

CVRD is not following the RGS amendment process set out in its own bylaw, although that interpretation is disputed by the regional district’s own lawyers.

“Our client is entitled to the procedural steps for amendments established in the RGS, and if those steps are not followed by the board, our client will seek its remedy in the courts,” 3L’s lawyers confirm. pround@comoxvalleyecho.com

Haiti for three weeks with the Canadian Medical Assistance Team, following the devastating earthquake in 2010.

Later this year she will be trekking to base camp at Mount Everest with Coral Forbes for a Summits of Hope effort to raise money for BC Children’s Hospital.

Blacklock expects she’ll work for two more years at St. Jospeh’s.

And if you’re not heading to the cancer ward anytime soon you just may catch her on another journey. She’s planning on paddling on her stand up board all the way to Tree Island.

“It’s awesome,” she said. “You can see the floor of the ocean at times.”

Couple escape death in two incidents, same day (Continued from page 1)

Meanwhile, 25kms north on the Oyster River, the driver’s wife was out enjoying time kayaking when she and her craft were swept under a logjam.

After a few panic-filled moments that seemed like a lifetime - during which she saw only glimpses of daylight through the water and gaps between the logs - she got air and eventually on to the riverbank and safety.

“Obviously being on the same day neither of us knew what was happening to the other,” the man recalled.

“But we were both spared in what could easily have been life-threatening incidents.

“It all happened so suddenly and we’re grateful how things worked out. It was an interesting day for both of us, that’s for sure.

“We were very lucky indeed - we ought to go out and buy a lottery ticket.” pround@comoxvalleyecho.com

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Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, July 8, 2014 A3

Rural annexation vote ‘has lessons for Comox Valley’

By Philip Round Echo Staff Over the years, Comox Valley municipalities have progressively annexed more and more rural land into urban control.

And one issue frequently raised is whether the rural residents really want to be taken over, as there is no requirement for a referendum to formally check their opinions.

But on the instructions of provincial local government minister Coralee Oakes, a vote was ordered in part of rural Area D - north of the Oyster River - to check if voters there did want to go along with the City of Campbell River’s latest annexation proposals.

And the striking result may give pause for thought here in the Comox Valley, as a key issue there - the possibility of hooking up to municipal sewer services - is similar to the servicing issues that are often raised here in connection

with annexation proposals.

In a 68 per cent turnout of voters - double the usual participation in municipal elections - a massive 84.3 per cent of voters in the affected part of Area D rejected the idea of joining the City. Of 699 votes cast, 589 voted No and 110 Yes. The rural Area D director for the area, Brenda Leigh, said Campbell River had tried to force unwanted boundary extensions in the past, with the most recent initiative starting just over 12 months ago.

The City initiated a ‘consultation’ process with rural residents, which Leigh described as very unsatisfactory.

“I realized that Campbell River Council didn’t care what the rural area residents’ concerns were,” she told the Echo. “They were just following the municipal boundary extension guidelines and ticking off the boxes towards forced annexation.”

So together with North Island MLA Claire Trevena, she met with Minister Oakes and they urged the minister to instruct the council to hold a public vote.

“Within three days of meeting with Minister Oakes, she ordered a referendum with two advance polls,” Leigh recalled. “Now the results are in we can see what people really feel. What politician, at any level, would not respect a sound 84.3% majority vote?”

Leigh considered the result provided a useful lesson to rural Comox Valley residents “since several neighbourhoods there have been swallowed up by neighbouring municipalities without the benefit of a vote - for example, north Royston, Sandwick, and parts of rural Areas B and C. “It is something that can happen if rural residents don’t put up strong resistance, yet it is something that can change one’s neighbourhood and have huge financial impacts to home-

owners and taxpayers.”

Campbell River Mayor Walter Jakeway said if he had had a vote in the referendum, he would have voted ‘no’ to annexation as well.

Looking back, he felt it was regrettable the City Council had spent so much money, manpower and effort to determine an outcome that was obvious from early in the process.

“The referendum’s decisive result was no surprise, as Area D residents showed their displeasure dramatically,” he added.

For the future he hoped the next City Council would significantly improve its civic function and attitude so people in the surrounding area would actually want to join it.

And he hoped in the longer term to see ‘regional municipalities’ encompassing both urban and rural areas, together cooperating as “Metro Mid-Island” to build efficiency, lower costs and improve services across a wider area. pround@comoxvalleyecho.com

Campbell River, Comox Valley group wants to take a bite out of hot dogs Even with the windows cracked on a hot day your dog could die in your car. This is the word from the “No Hot Dogs” campaigners, a group of 196 people formed via social media in Campbell River and the Comox Valley to educate people that within five to 10 minutes in a hot car, a dog can suffer severe illness, irreparable brain damage or death.

The group, administered by Carly D’Aoust, came together on May 30 and branched off into a working group of 18 people who are working together to develop educational materials, posters for store windows and flyers for windows of vehicles where a dog is seen.

“The group was formed out of a need to educate the public in a mass form,” said D’Aoust. “We wanted to eliminate the excuse ‘I didn’t know it got that hot, I left the windows down’ when people are asked why they left their dogs in the car. Warm weather has arrived, and even after the tragedy on the mainland (where six dogs perished from heat stroke in the truck of a dog walker), people are still reporting dogs being left in vehicles.”

The campaign provides people with free printout flyers to leave on cars if an animal is inside a vehicle when the temperature is not high and the dog is in no distress. The campaign also wants to change vendors minds about allowing dogs in stores on hot days.

“I was personally shocked when someone asked if it was too hot on the Campbell River (facebook) pet page and many people said it was still OK and to just park in the shade and leave the windows open,” said D’Aoust. “I had seen my car thermometer that day be over 100 (F), that was in May. So yes I think it is a problem. People just don’t get it.”

The group is hoping to get businesses onside with posters in their windows telling people

they support the group and will report any dogs they see left in vehicles on warm days, and it has the emergency numbers to call if a dog is in distress so people can easily spot a poster on a window and know whom to call.

“We also are getting handouts together to put on the windows of vehicles with dogs in them as an educational tool and to let people know the general public is watching and being vigilant,” said D’Aoust.

Kyli Green, a member of the group, said she brings a water bowl and a tall bottle of water with her on hot days when her dog is riding with her.

“If the water gets warm or runs out I go through a drive thru and get water. People seem to think leaving them in the back of a truck is better, where they have no shade from the direct sun. If my dog isn’t allowed in the store, I don’t go. If I know I have to buy groceries then I leave her at home. I know I get hot when sitting in a car and usually end up opening a door or standing outside. If only our

Best and Brightest bursary awarded Connor Smith from Mark R Isfeld Secondary School receives his $500 cheque from The Comox Valley Echo’s publisher, Dave MacDonald. Connor was chosen from ‘The Best and the Brightest’ candidates featured in the Echo on June 27 by an independent committee. pets had that option.”

A dog can die in a hot car within 15 minutes, which is how long it takes for the inside temperature to reach 109 F or 42.7 C. On some hot days, it takes less than 10 minutes for the temperature inside a car to reach 160 F or 71.1 C. Signs of a dog in distress include: heavy panting, dry mouth, thick saliva, gums redder than normal, breathing difficulties, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, collapse and seizure.

“People should watch from a distance to see if the dog is in distress, staying back will keep the dog calmer which is important if he is already hot,” said D’Aoust. “They should look

around for the owners, get the nearby store to page them if possible. Call the SPCA or Coastal Animal Control, and if you think immediate intervention is necessary, call the RCMP. “We are working towards getting signs like these in businesses everywhere. Hopefully we can all work together and get the ignorance and stupidity that surrounds this issue eliminated.”

Causing animals to suffer in any way is a criminal offence.

If your dog suffers or dies as a result of being left in a car, the penalties include jail for up to five years and fines up to $10,000.

- Campbell River Courier Islander

Comox military airlift rescues ill cruise ship passenger

By Drew A. Penner Echo Staff As the peach hues of sunset reflecting on the Georgia Strait disappeared into the deep violet of night six members of 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron suited up and boarded the CH-149 Cormorant helicopter. The three Search and Rescue Technicians, two pilots and a flight engineer headed out at about 10:30 p.m. Sunday in moderate winds to help a woman in her late 40s who was experiencing a medical emergency aboard the Carnival Miracle.

“We flew to the ship in marginal visual flight conditions and once on scene we had low visibility due to fog and clouds,” said Captain Jeff Barth, one of the pilots from 442 Squadron, in a release. “The wind gusts in the area made the hoist challenging, but the whole crew worked as a team to get the SAR Techs on the deck.”

Sometimes SAR crews will use flares to light up the area and a Buffalo aircraft to help them carry out their tasks.

This time they relied on night vision goggles instead, as they flew to the Carnival craft, located approximately 95 kilometres north west of Port Hardy.

The Carnival Miracle Arriving at the ship at about 11 p.m. flight engineer directed the pilot to put the bird in position, working to lower the steel cable used to lift the passenger to safety.

Leisure passengers headed up to Alaska and back from Seattle gathered around in the dark as the heli-

copter battled through updrafts deflected by the vessel’s super structure to maintain its stability. They overcame gusts of wind to land without incident at the 19 Wing Comox landing pad, where a BC Ambulance Service vehicle picked up the woman and drove her to hospital.

It wasn’t the first time on the voyage emergency crews arrived to transport a passenger to safety.

On July 3, the US Coast Guard took a 56-year-old man from the Miracle as it sailed along Stephens Passage near Juneau, Alaska.

The man seemed to be suffering from a diabetes-related incident and so a 45-foot response boat was dispatched from Coast Guard Station Juneau.

Even though the Miracle has had to cancel a number of its port stops this summer due to a mechanical issue that prevents it from traveling at top speed, passengers couldn’t help but share some of their exciting experiences with the world.

Some tweeted selfies of themselves in their finest duds. One captured a Humpback Whale in the lingering twilight.

By July 6, Elizabeth Brodeck even reported that her brother-in-law, the 56-year-old who had the diabetes-related incident, may have missed out on the cruise but was feeling a lot better.

Cpt. Trevor Reid said the Royal Canadian Air Force operation the following day demonstrated that 19 Wing Comox members are always ready to serve.

“It’s just one of those rescues that demonstrates the teamwork that’s needed to conduct an operation like this safely,” he said. “That’s what 442 squadron is there for, to help out cruise ship passengers just as they help out fishermen, pleasure boaters and freighter crews.”

By Monday passengers were on their way to Victoria, posting microbrewery selfies, once again.

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A4 Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, July 8, 2014

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School district has 260 employees earning over $75,000

By Michael Briones Echo Staff Wages is one of the key issues that have stalled the ongoing contract negotiations between the B.C. Teachers’ Federation and the BC Public School Employers Association.

Majority of the budget of every school district in the province is spent on salaries and expenses. In the 2012-2013 fiscal year, School District 71’s expenditure totaled $84,952,917. A big portion of that - $59,897,656 - went to salaries, expenses and benefits. Employees’ wages alone amounted to $56,246,210.56.

The district, during that school term, had 260

employees that earned over $75,000. It had 22 employees who were paid over $100,000. The total paid to this group of workers was $23,951,993.36, not including expenses amounting to $367,033.61 The total money paid to employees earning $75,000 or less was $32,216,217.20 and expenses was $188,899.78 Leading the list of big money earners that was reported in the school district’s statement of financial information, was superintendent Sherry Elwood, whose annual remuneration was $148,654 and had expenses paid totaling $18,044.45.

The top money earners in the district for the

ing expenses amounting to $23,398.42.

Elected officials wage for year ended June 13, 2013: • Chairperson of the board of trustees Tom Webber $13,500 (expenses $963.63) • Vice Chair Janice Caton $12,000 ($6,589.78) • Trustee Peter Coleman $10,500 ($6,040.65) • Trustee Donna Gambacorta $10,500 ($1,708.64) • Trustee Richard Grinham$10,500 ($1,988.35) • Trustee Sheila McDonnell $10,500 ($2,899.41) • Trustee Paula Selby $10,500 ($3,207.96)

year ended June 2013: 1. Sherry Elwood $148,654 (Expenses $18,044.45) 2. Russell Horswill $134,299.86 ($15,564.01) 3. Tom Demeo $123,108.24 ($11,997.94) 4. Allan Douglas $118,912.04 ($10,077.03) 5. Ester Shatz $118,146.06 ($11,194.06) 6. Leonard Paul Ibbs $115,104.42 7. Lynda-Marie Handfield $112,531.20 ($6.764.34) 8. Jeff Dale Taylor $111,567.08 ($1,447.83) 9. Charles Schellinck $111,548.15 10. Lyneita Swanson $108,359.13 ($1,362.32) The elected members of the board of education’s total for the year was $78,000, not includ-

Passengers advised to be early for their flights

Police bust local man for drug trafficking A Courtenay man was arrested on charges of trafficking cocaine.

The Comox Valley RCMP’s drug section executed a search warrant on the suspect’s resident located on Moray Avenue in Courtenay.

Police found and seized a quantity of crack cocaine that were

already packaged and ready for sale, valued at over $10,000, and also over $23,000 in cash, marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Duc Hung TRAN (aka Tony) has been charged with trafficking a controlled substance and possession for the Purpose of Trafficking. He is set to appear in court on July 17, 2014.

Passengers scheduled to fly out of Comox Valley Airport via WestJet need to think twice about hitting that snooze button specially for the early morning flights.

If you want to board that plane, you need to be at the airport 60 to 90 minutes prior to departure. This is a rule that’s applied at other airports as well across the province and nationwide.

To avoid the inconvenience, embarrassment of being turned away and missing your flight YQQ CEO Fred Bigelow said passengers are required to heed this policy.

It applies to all passengers checking luggage, including those who check in through the web, kiosk or a mobile device.

“WestJet has a consistent policy across all of its stations that domestic check-in counters will close 45 minutes prior to departure with no exceptions,” Bigelow explained.

“The last thing we want is for passengers to be turned away from their flights because they haven’t given themselves enough time to get checked in for their flight.”

When a passenger checks in late, Bigelow sais, it is not just a matter of the passengers themselves making it through security and onto the plane.

The luggage must also be screened

and loaded onto the plane, which can cause further delay. Waiting for even one passenger can sometimes mean the loss of a landing slot at the destination airport.

“It particularly becomes a problem with the early-morning flight offered in the summer,” said Bigelow.

“It is hard to get up that early and we’ve had people arriving to the airport just before the flight departs at 5:55 a.m. expecting to be let onto the plane. Just because you can physically see the aircraft on the ramp does not necessarily mean that you and/or your bag will be let onto the plane.”

Early morning flights often have a large component of connecting passengers, making it very important that the aircraft depart on time so that all passengers can get to their destinations as planned.

To prevent unnecessary delays, the airport is advising that passengers give themselves plenty of time to get to the terminal, including planning for extras such as parking or booking a taxi.

YQQ suggests coming in a little bit early and grabbing a coffee or some breakfast at On the Fly Café, which is open bright and early at 4:45 a.m.

For more information about checkin times for WestJet visit the Travel Info tab at www.westjet.com

Polish company to build vessel to replace Queen of Burnaby

Vancouver Island breweries like Tofino Brewing Co. will be featured at this summer’s Tapped Festival. Photo: Mount Washington Alpine Resort

Get ‘Tapped’ on Friday at resort Mount Washington’s popular Tapped Beer Festival returns to the scenic Raven Lodge on Friday, July 11 from 6 to 9 pm. This year’s edition returns with three perfect ingredients: beer, food and music!

“The Tapped Festival concept went over very well last season,” explains Brian Gorman, event organizer with the Vancouver Island Society for Adaptive Snowsports. “So we’re bringing back over a dozen breweries, we’re hosting another pig roast on a spit in front of the Raven Lodge and we’ve invited Sets in the West to play some traditional Irish and East Coast music throughout the evening.”

Tapped showcases the best in the world of brews from Vancouver Island to the East Coast. To date, Tapped will include beers from

Driftwood, Lighthouse, Phillips, Vancouver Island, Spinnakers, Tofino, Big Rock, Central City, Granville Island, Molson, Whistler and Bowen Island. Lone Tree Cider will also be in attendance serving up BC ciders.

In addition to the wide array of beers, delicious food and foot-stomping music, a beer seminar will be conducted by Jeff Lucas from Cascadia Liquor Stores.

A variety of beer styles will be explained and the seminar will include helpful tips for pairing beer with food.

Tickets to the event are $25 per person and include a souvenir tasting glass. You can save 10% when you purchase your Tapped ticket, shuttle and pig roast online at mountwashington.ca. Festival tick-

ets can also be purchased at the Cascadia Liquor Store in the Comox Valley. Net proceeds from the event support the Vancouver Island Society for Adaptive Snowsports.

If you’re looking to spend the evening, Mount Washington’s Tapped Festival package includes one night accommodation, festival ticket and breakfast Saturday morning.

Packages start at $85 per person based on four people sharing a two-bedroom condo.

For more information on Tapped, summer festivals and summer activities at Mount Washington, visit mountwashington.ca.

Comox Valley Transit

Open House Tuesday, July 15, 2014 Come out and see the new routing for the 2 Cumberland due to the closing of a section of Ulverston Ave.

B.C. Ferries has awarded a Polish shipbuilding company contracts worth $165 million to build three new intermediate class vessels, one of which will replace the 49-year old Queen of Burnaby that sails between Comox and Powell River.

The vessels will be build in Gdansk, Poland, by Remontowa Shipbuilding S.A. The deal was signed Thursday to deliver vessels that can operate as dual-fuel capable of running on Liquefied Natural Gas or diesel fuel for propulsion and power generation They will be the first vessels of its kind in BC Ferries’ fleet.

“This is an exciting initiative for BC Ferries that can reduce upward pressure on fares due to lower fuel costs for LNG, and reduce the environmental emissions substantially since LNG is a cleaner and greener fuel compared to current alternatives,” said Mark Wilson, BC Ferries’ Vice President of Engineering.

The contracts were approved by BC Ferries’ Board of Directors, as well as a total project budget of $252 million that

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BC's #1 OCCUPATIONAL KILLER Residents of Vancouver Island, please join us SATURDAY JULY 12 at Willingdon Beach in Powell River Sign-in 1:30 - 2:15 pm complimentary coffee and cookies!

Guest speakers 2:30 - 3:00 pm seating available Walk begins at 3:00 pm with Memorial Flower Drop You can get to the walk and back home the same day!

By-donation Hotdog BBQ at 3:30 pm hosted by CUPE 798 REGISTER ONLINE www.AREAFund.ca includes option for personal fundraiser page

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includes financing and project management costs that would have been incurred regardless of where the vessels were built.

The budget also includes $51 million for Canadian taxes and federal import duties.

The total project budget is within the capital envelope set by the BC Ferries Commissioner.

“These are design-build, fixed-price contracts that provide BC Ferries with substantial guarantees related to delivery dates, performance criteria, cost certainty and quality construction,” said Wilson Other highlights of the contracts include: • Remontowa assumes all design, construction and delivery risk • Guarantees are in place for vessel completion dates • Favourable payment terms with 80 per cent payment upon vessel completion • Vessel performance guarantees related to speed, carrying capacity, manoeuvrability and fuel consumption

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Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, July 8, 2014 A5

Community

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ECHO

Summer sounds Friday at the Zocalo cafe

Come and chill out to the jazz stylings of the Wire Choir Duo on Friday July 11th from 7:00 to 9:00 PM at the Zocalo cafe in downtown Courtenay.

The Wire Choir Duo features guitarist Grant McLellan on guitar and Grahame Edwards on Bass.

Both Grant and Grahame are regular’s in the North Island music scene and play an eclectic mix of jazz, pop music and originals.

The licensed premises have a selection of meals, treats and refreshing beverages. Come out and enjoy some cool music on a hot summer night.

Family Services having AGM on July 21 Comox Valley Family Services Association (CVFSA) is holding its Annual General Meeting (AGM) Monday July 21st at 3:00 p.m.

The meeting will be held at Comox Valley Family Services Association 1415 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay.

Call to poets for noon hour poetry program The Comox Valleys Writer’s Society and Courtenay Library invites local poets and the public to a free noon hour session of poetry readings to take place in the Courtenay Library Events Room, Thursday, July 31 and Thursday, August 28 from 12:00 to 1:00 PM. Local Poets who wish to read can sign up at 250-334-3369 and FMI at 250-339-5391. There is no charge to participate.

The Comox Valley Writers Society and Courtenay Library have teamed up to provide a free public forum for poets and aspiring poets from the Comox Valley.

Admission to everyone is free so come, read, listen, and relax over the noon hour with our talented local poets.

Poetry reading is undergoing a revival across Canada and the Comox Valley Writer’s Society and the Courtenay Library reading sessions are being held to strengthen this poetry revival.

Enjoy an afternoon at Downton Abbey Elegant, authentic English tea and dainties in one of the most beautiful gardens in the Comox Valley are yours for an afternoon on Sunday, July 20th from 2:30 to 4 p.m.

A true variety of butterfly gardens, bees in the apiary, meditation gardens, a labyrinth as well as a rose garden featuring over 30 species of roses will delight your senses as you enjoy your elegant English tea while listening to soft background music.

You will be served by characters dressed as the staff of Downton Abbey and there will be a prize for best dressed character attending.

This fund raising event is sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Courtenay and the Gardens on Anderton for the maintenance of the Anderton Therapeutic Gardens. Tickets are $20 from Square 1 Travel or the Gardens on Anderton.

Union Bay book and garage sale for Tour A giant garage and book sale is being held Saturday, July 19, 9 am to 2 pm in the Union Bay Community Hall.

A large selection of items will be available, with all proceeds going to the Tour de Rock cancer fundraiser.

For more information call Donna McKay at 250-335-2147.

Tsolum School reunion planned for July 26 Tsolum Reunion Committee wants all our students to know about the reunion planned at the school for Saturday, July 26.

Everyone who ever attended Tsolum School is welcome.

If you did not receive an invitation, contact us so you are on the list. Call Karen at 250-923-2108 or karenfm@hotmail.ca

www.comoxvalleyecho.com

Construction of the station (Photo courtesy Courtenay and District Museum and Archives)

Waiting for the train to Courtenay A question often asked: “When is the train finally going to come to Courtenay?�

No, not the little Budd car of the recent past BUT the question asked more than 100 years ago because in 1871 British Columbia was promised a train connection to Ottawa. Yes, the Canadian Pacific Railway (the CPR) finally made it to Vancouver in 1885 but Vancouver Island also wanted that same connection to the rest of the world.

In 1884, when the promised Island railroad did not materialize, Robert Dunsmuir gathered a consortium of American railroad barons and constructed his own.

Since this new railroad was for Dunsmuir’s convenience it went as far north as his coal mines in Wellington, leaving from Esquimault and ending in Nanaimo. It was called the Esquimault and Nanaimo Railway, abbreviated to “the E&N.�

In August 1886, Prime Minister, Sir John A. MacDonald came to drive the last spike at Cliffside, south of Shawnigan station.

Although it was anticipated that the line would be continued up island, especially when the Dunsmuir interests opened in Cumberland, nothing happened.

Then in 1905 the “E&N� was sold to the CPR. For the next few years, any extension of the E&N continued to be only “a possibility�.

In 1910, the line was extended to Parksville and the following year to Port Alberni.

By 1912, anticipating the arrival of “the train�, entrepreneurs started to open businesses along the “Union Road� on the west side of the Courtenay River.

bridges A few merneeded than chants in when the Cumberland rails were opened a secby JUDY HAGEN laid from ond store in Esquimault this new comto Nanaimo. mercial district and there was Crossing rivers and creeks were already talk of Courtenay becoma problem. The shorter the bridge ing a “city�. span, the better, making it easier Since there was speculation to build each crossing with the that there would be a “boom’ timber from the readily available when the train arrived, many forest along the tracks. (It would developers purchased land to be be ten years before the steel tressubdivided in anticipation of the tles would replace the original growing population. timber bridges).

In 1912, Noah Concinea develThe approaches to each bridge oped “the Terminal Addition�, were “filled� with local gravel. At located at the north side of the Union Bay, a steam shovel at the Terminus at the Union Road.

Company Hill dug gravel that was Two years later, Harry Beadnell dumped into wagons pulled by was selling lots in “The Station donkeys.

Subdivision� on the east side of “Hindoo� creek was wrongly the Station at Cumberland Road. named for the East Indian workThe Courtenay Review would ers contracted to build the bridges from time to time put in a small item about the progress of the rail and lay track for the last leg of the line. line. “Hundreds of Sikhs (called “E&N Railway clearing ten Hindus at that time) were hired acres between Lake Trail and as labourers. They drove the Cumberland Roads for the erecteams and wagons that carried tion of a roundhouse and the dirt for the fill and were the machinery buildings�. (05 “Ghandi dancers� that laid the December 1912.) ties and carried the steel rails into Laying track on the vast prairie place. The Sikhs lived in a big of North America is easier and tent town at Union Bay, next to less expensive than trying to the right of way behind the come up the east coast of church and school�. ( “The Vancouver Island.

In October 1903, it was estimat- Friendly Port� by Jeanette Glover -Geidt p,.237) ed that the cost of laying track In January 1914, tenders were from Wellington to “Comox� called for “Station Buildings�. would be $200,000.

Unlike other CPR Stations which Bridges would be required at had been built by CPR crews that what we now call French Creek, moved from one station to the Little Qualicum River, Nile Creek, next construction site, the tender Thames Creek, Waterloo Creek, stated, that “all material, labour, Sable River, Hindoo Creek, etc. to be furnished by the Washer Creek, Trent River and Contractor�. lastly Roy Creek in Union Bay. The plans for Courtenay were a There were twice as many

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Passenger Station, Freight sheds and a Round House. Union Bay would have a combined Passenger/freight shed building.

(Platforms were later built at “stops� like Mud Bay.) The Courtenay Passenger Station would be constructed using similar blueprints to those of all CPR stations across Canada.

They were built for “utility� to serve the requirements of passengers and freight. A bay window allowed the station master to see up and down the line.

Like the stations in Duncan and Nanaimo, Courtenay had a second storey where living quarters were provided for the station master who was expected to be “on duty� at all times. Only married men need apply for the position of Station Master.

Plans did not have indoor plumbing or electrical wiring.

Like all stations the Courtenay station was constructed from wood and painted a durable dark red. Heat was supplied by a single pot bellied stove.

Courtenay station was unique in that it had a separate waiting room for women On June 4th, The Review stated, “The steel on the C.P.R. is rapidly nearing Courtenay. On Monday last, the steel was laid 3 miles north of Union Bay and they are working at the rate of 3-4 miles per day. At this pace two more weeks will see steel into Courtenay.�

As the station buildings neared completion the residents of the Comox Valley knew they were at last going to be connected by rail to the greater world. What they didn’t anticipate was that in that same week, the world would be plunged into War.

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HYPERTHERMIA AND YOUR PET Summer is finally here! These long, beautiful, sunny days act as a reminder to a few of our common summer hazards. The most common being heat stroke, which many of us have experienced at some point in our lives. Heat stroke, also known as hyperthermia is a very common and serious hazard for our pets as well. Our pets cannot tell us when they are feeling overheated or when they need a break from the sun and we often don’t see the symptoms until it is too late. Hyperthermia can be a life-threatening condition for your pet and requires immediate treatment.

A dog’s normal body temperature is 101.5 F plus or minus 1 degree. Anytime the body temperature significantly increases, a true emergency exists. Heat stroke generally occurs in the hot summer weather when dogs are left with inadequate ventilation in hot vehicles. However heatstroke can occur in other conditions such as being over exercised in hot/humid weather and even when left in a car on a relatively cool day. Leaving a window open or parking your vehicle in the shade does NOT mean it is safe to leave your pet in the car. Temperatures can still reach dangerous levels in a very short period of time. Working dogs are especially vulnerable to heat stroke as they are driven to perform and will rarely stop to take a break unless prompted to do so by their handler.

Hiking, playing ball, running in the park and jumping up repeatedly to catch a frisbee are all wonderful summer activities to enjoy with your pet. However always keep your dog’s best interest in mind as they are usually exerting much more energy then you. Limit these

activities to shorter periods of time with lots of breaks in between. Keep plenty of fresh, cool water on hand and seek out shady spots for a rest.

Signs of Hyperthermia include heavy panting, drooling from the mouth and nose, vomiting, diarrhea, signs of distress or restlessness, unsteady on feet, collapse and purple, blue or bright red gums.

If you suspect your pet is suffering from hyperthermia, remove your pet from the environment immediately. Find a cool, shaded area and direct a fan on your pet. If possible, determine a rectal temperature and record it. Begin to cool the body with cool, wet towels over the back or in the groin area. It is always recommended to transport your pet to the closest veterinary hospital for immediate treatment. Call ahead so the staff can be prepared for your arrival with a cooling station set up ready to go.

Never use cold water or ice for cooling. This will cause superficial blood vessels to shrink which actually holds the heat in, making it more difficult to bring down the body’s

temperature. The fastest way to cool the body’s temperature is to cool the inner most structure of the body such as the groin and under the arms with. Never force water into your pet but have it ready to offer should your pet become alert enough to show interest in drinking.

Remember, the best treatment for heat stroke is prevention! Always be aware of your pets needs on hot, sunny days and always opt to leave your pet at home in the comfort of their own environment as “just 10 minutes in the car” can be 9 minutes too late.

Submitted by Van Isle Veterinary Hospital

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How to keep cats out of your garden beds Cats make for wonderful pets, especially those that are content with life indoors, where they can spend hours lounging on a windowsill watching the world go by. But some cats spend a significant amount of time outdoors, where they forage for food and take refuge in and around a neighborhood. Frequently, outdoor cats will return to the same place over and over again. If that place is your flower bed, you may grow aggravated by your uninvited guest.

Once a cat has found a place to call its own, it can be difficult to persuade the animal to move. Cats can be attracted to planting beds because the soil is soft underfoot and may seem like the ideal environment to turn into an outdoor litter box. However, over time cat urine and feces can leave behind an offensive odor and damage plants.

Other cats also may be attracted to the garden, creating territory “wars” or even more odor and activity. But homeowners can employ a variety of techniques to keep felines from digging in the garden. * Keep leftover citrus peels. Orange, lemon and lime peels scattered around the garden may be offensive to cats, who will likely opt to go elsewhere rather than ignore the odor. Over time, the peels can be removed or allowed to break down into a natural fertilizer. * Employ technology to surprise or startle the cats.

Motion detectors that trigger lights or a sprinkler system can startle cats and keep them away from your garden. * Make the garden uncomfortable to cats. Many cats

Woofy’s wins best commercial fleet float for Canada Day.

Experiment with different deterrents to keep cats out of garden beds. do not like the feeling hard materials under their paws.

Therefore, you can bury any number of items in the soil to deter padded feet. Some gardeners prefer to use chicken wire or rolled mesh around plants before covering the soil with mulch. The cats step on the dirt and feel the metal underneath, then move on. Branches, brambles, spiky holly leaves, or even rocks may keep cats from finding the garden bed hospitable. * Employ natural scented deterrents. Some say that cats will be repelled by human hair. Visit a salon and ask for

hair clippings to distribute throughout the garden. Urine from predators, like coyotes, may scare cats off, as well. Some cats may not like the smell of marigolds, which can be planted alongside other flowers in an attempt to keep cats at bay. * Erect barriers around the garden. Barriers can keep cats out of gardens.

Erect a fence of lattice or metal to make it more difficult for cats to get inside the garden. * Make other areas of your property more attractive to cats. Homeowners who don’t mind the presence of cats on their property but want them out of the garden can take the unusual step of making another area on the property more cat-friendly. Plant catnip far away from the garden, giving cats a place to hang out without putting your garden in jeopardy.

Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, July 8, 2014 A7

Community

Paul Horgen presenting the Crown in the Jewel of the Comox Valley Award to Jim Gillis.

Photo by Natasha Guillo

Project Watershed celebrates 20th anniversary with a dinner and award presentations On May 24th at the Deep Bay Marine Field Station, Project Watershed had its Annual General Meeting and 20th anniversary celebration.

All those who attended enjoyed a dinner catered by the gourmet food service at the facility, and an evening that featured a synopsis of Project Watershed’s educational, outreach and stewardship activities, as well as a keynote address by Brian Kingzett, manager of the Deep Bay Station. The evening ended with a guided tour of the world class marine biology facility.

Transportation of several guests was provided by Kevin East of Ambassador Shuttle Service.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of four special awards by the Board of Directors. This included two longterm service awards to Don Chamberlain and Michele Jones, who have been active at Project Watershed since its beginning in 1993.

The “Champion of the Estuary” award was made to Don Castleden, Chair of the Estuary Working Group, the largest and most active working group of Project Watershed.

“Don initiated our interest in the K’ómoks Estuary in 2008, and continues to move the agenda in a positive direction. The most recent efforts are the announcement of our new Google-sponsored interactive map (www.projectwatershed.ca), and our proposed plans for restoring the Field Sawmill site”, remarked Bill Heidrick, Vice Chair.

Finally, a special award, “The Jewel in the Crown of the Comox Valley” was presented to Area B Regional Director, Jim Gillis.

“Director Gillis has done more than any local elected political leader to bring awareness of the importance of the K’ómoks Estuary for its natural beauty, its archaeological and historic significance, and the economic potential of its ecosystem services”, suggested Paul Horgen, Chair of the Board who presented the award to Gillis Horgen also noted that Gillis has championed the way for our Rural Growth Strategy to help prevent urbansprawl.

Brian Storey, Project watershed’s Treasurer, informed the attendees that Project Watershed has received over a million dollars of external funding in the last two years. He commented that these funds returned to the community in jobs, public events and stewardship activities.

During his keynote address, on acidification issues globally and in Baynes Sound,

Brian Kingzett pointed out that in April of this year CO2 levels in the atmosphere pushed through the danger threshold of 400 PPM for the first time in human history. Kingzett reviewed the increasing levels of this greenhouse gas over time in his excellent presentation.

Bill Heidrick, Brian Storey, Dan Bowen, Don Castleden and Paul Horgen were re-elected to the Board of Directors.

Any qualified professionals interested in public education and environmental stewardship who would like to know more about becoming a board member, please contact Paul Horgen at p.horgen@ utoronto.ca

COUNTRY MUSIC SHOW RAISES $2,100 FOR SONSHINE LUNCH CLUB It was billed as ‘The Best Ever Country Music Show’ and it played to a full house at the Florence Filberg Centre in Courtenay in May - and now the $2,100 proceeds from the event have been donated by the promoters, the Evergreen Club, to the Sonshine Lunch Club to help with their ongoing task of providing meals for the needy at St. George’s Church in downtown. Pictured standing from the left are event organizer Ken MacLeod, Evergreen Club past president Bob Bruon, the club’s secretary, Dianne Bruon, club vice-president Nettie Webers, and club president Gord Kruger. Seated from left are entertainer George Bentham handing the cheque to Sonshine Lunch Club representatives Arnie and Yvonne Lamb.

Nine months, two missions: Enough to make Comox proud Having heard about the current overseas missions of the Royal Canadian Navy, have you ever wondered, “is anyone from the Comox Valley involved?”

In actuality, 5 proud members of Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship Regina all have a links to the beautiful island community.

They embarked on a nine month deployment in January 2014, initially for Operation ARTEMIS, Canada’s commitment to maritime security and counter-terrorism activities in the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea. Then in May 2014, they sailed through the Suez Canal and entered the Mediterranean Sea for Operation REASSURANCE in order to promote security and stability in Central and Eastern Europe, specifically in response to Russia’s aggression in the region.

Comox linked sailors aboard HMCS Regina, keeping up with the local news, from left to right: Petty Officer First Class Matthew Goodwin (born and raised), Able Seaman Matthew Morris (born and raised), Major Adam van der Linde (residing), Captain Chelsey

Llewellyn (raised and residing) and Leading Seaman Patrick McKernan (raised)

The Comox Valley’s Largest Local Shopping Spree of the Century!

One very lucky person will be REWARDED FOR SHOPPING LOCALLY and

WIN a $2,014 shopping spree where they will have a total of 2014 seconds (33.56 minutes) to spend $2,014 at any or all participating merchants.

Promotion runs for 6 weeks: July15 - August 19, 2014 Shopping Spree is on Saturday, August 30 @ 10:30 am

READ THE DETAILS IN THE ECHO STARTING JULY 15

A8 Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, July 8, 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

Letters

Be careful what you ask for I am astonished that two people who were very instrumental in having Town Councillors and Regional Directors removed from the Comox Valley Airport Commission are now denouncing a decision by the very people who they empowered to run that organization to pay themselves.

When that change to the Commission’s makeup was put forward, the Comox Council of the day was opposed to such a move. Coucillors of the day spoke against the move at an A.G.M. Now we can see why. As well there was a hue and cry when Chuck Fast was unceremoniously fired. That also may have not occurred or at least have been handled in a more diplomatic fashion if Municipal and Regional representation had been at the table.

I agree that Airport Commissioners should not be paid. Coucillors and Regional directors serve on a number of boards and societies without extra remuneration.

Community Justice, Vancouver Island Regional Library, and Economic Development to name a few. The same expertise that they feel has to be paid for is available on a volunteer basis.

I wonder what the Mayor and Council of Courtenay, who favored non-Municipal or Regional representation on CVAC, think now.

To those who now denounce the CVAC Board, but were previously in favour of non-Municipal or Regional representation I would say, too little too late or sometimes you should be careful of what you ask for.

The time has come for the founding partners of CVAC to gather and find a way, even possible court action, to put the Commission back into their hands.

It worked to establish the Commission and to find funding for the Terminal and could be made to function in a more cost effective manner again.

DW (Don) Davis Comox

GREENWAY TRAIL A GREAT IDEA Open letter to the City of Courtenay Mayor and Council: I am a resident of East Courtenay and am writing in regards to Parks and Greenways.

Courtenay residents are very active and on any given day you will see many power walkers, joggers, runners and cyclists.

We are fortunate to have Parks linked by greenway and street links on both sides of the estuary.

I believe the network of green spaces that Courtenay is developing is its greatest asset, and makes it the best choice for living in the Valley.

As recently as March of this year while I was on the City’s web site I noticed the proposed Greenway Trail around and across the old Farquharson farm. Still an active farm (Comox Bay), this central location is the jewel in the crown of Courtenay’s green space.

In conversation with other residents in the area the consensus is that what is missing is a pedestrian link to connect East and West Courtenay.

People need a way to walk, jog, or cycle to town, avoiding the vehicle traffic at the crossroads. I was excited to see the proposed greenway trail going all the way around the fields with a direct path across near the mid-point.

I understand from conversations with City Hall staff that the City has a right-of-way across the fields for a sewer line, so that would likely be the direct path, and the rest of the proposed greenway (around the perimeter of the farm) would fall I believe within the Ducks Unlimited land.

In light of the above, the proposed Greenway Trail above is a fantastic idea. It would redirect pedestrian and cycle traffic away from the busy intersections at Ryan Rd. and Hwy. 19A and accommodate the growing demand for local active residents who want keep fit while developing their community.

It addresses a strong desire for a pedestrian/ cyclist link between East Courtenay and downtown, including the Riverway and Airpark greenway trails.

It would provide an incredible setting for both sides of Courtenay to come together and participate in enjoying the active lifestyle the City is known for.

I encourage you to bring this project to life for the benefit of all Courtenay residents.

Ernie Daley Courtenay

MAKE THEM PAY IT BACK News reports that on July 4 the Federal Government will appeal ruling reversing “cruel” cuts to refugee health.

The federal court found the conservative government’s treatment of refugees is “cruel and unusual” because it jeopardizes their health and shocks the conscience of Canadians.

Here’s another shock, “The conservative government has spent $482 million on outside legal fees since it came to power 2006. And more than $447,045 to defend the Prime Minister, his staff and ministers according to documents tabled in the House of Commons” - March 27 2014 Huffington Post My remedy to the Conservative government’s shocking waste of taxpayer money: Make them pay it back.

Deduct these ever increasing court costs from the Conservatives campaign allowance in 2015 and be sure deduct the total cost of legal fees accrued when they undoubtedly brag that they ‘eliminated’ the deficit.

Susanna Kaljur Courtenay

Letters to the Editor

Class size, composition matter Dear Honorable Don McRae, Thank you for taking the time to meet with my family and I last week. We enjoyed the visit to your office and the gift of kid’s books. I also appreciated your appearance when the teachers came to your office last Friday afternoon.

You are a teacher too. You would be here striking with us. You know that from where we stand, this dispute is about stopping the continuing deterioration of our education system.

You also know, having previously been our Minister, that our school districts are faced with an impossible job to continue to provide the same level of service with increased costs.

Distircts are laying off staff to balance budgets. There are days when most of my students do not benefit from a proper education because I am dealing with children who have serious behavioural challenges that are not being addressed.

It takes years and a mountain of paper work to get any help. In the meantime the other students are not getting the attention they deserve. In speaking with my colleagues this is a common problem we are facing.

You reminded me that our education system is first class because people from all over the world flock to join our ranks.

Unfortunately they are coming on a reputation that is fast losing credibility. Years of underfunding have changed the fabric of our schools.

Please continue to listen to us Mr. McRae. You know what we are asking for

is reasonable. Class size and composition matter.

Please do the next right thing and help your colleagues in government recognize that the cost of underfunding the education system is too high: the intransigent position being taken is hurting children and our future.

Teachers want a negotiated settlement that meets the needs of children and all British Columbians. That will take courage and compromise. Together, we can do it.

Dominique McGrady Comox Valley

VETERANS WELCOMED On 16 June 2014 The Alberni Project in the Comox Centre Mall was privileged to host a group of veterans from the Chinese Canadian Military Museum of Vancouver who had traveled to Comox to help open our summer exhibit of One War, Two Victories - Stories of the Chinese Canadian Military during the Second World War. They were warmly welcomed to the Comox Valley by local veterans of WWII and post War era upon their arrival here at the TAP museum.

Also in attendance at this opening ceremony to honour these veterans were representatives from the Comox Valley municipal governments, the RCMP, 19 Wing Comox, the Comox Valley Naval Association and residents of the Comox Valley.

After their visit to TAP, our guests were

then treated to another welcome and show of gratitude by the Village of Cumberland and the Coal Creek Historic Park at the Cumberland Museum and Archives.

Having just come to TAP on the heels of “Creature Comforts - Animal Veterans of the Royal Canadian Navy”, One War, Two Victories is part of TAPs year long YEAR OF THE VETERAN - COMOX VALLEY events which showcase a variety of veterans exhibits and activities at the TAP museum celebrating our community’s veteran population who have served Canada from WWII up to the present day.

We want to thank the following community sponsors and participants for TAP’s opening ceremony for OWTV; The Comox Centre Mall, Full Circle Media, Telus/Telus Mobility, Salsbury House B&B, Berwick Comox Valley, Thrifty Foods, Hot Chocolates, Roger Helfrick, Prestige Video, AudioXcellence, the Baha’is of Courtenay, the Cumberland Museum and Archives, Coal Creek Historic Park, Village of Cumberland, the City of Courtenay, the Town of Comox, the RCMP, 19 Wing Comox, the Canadian Forces, and generous public donations.

ONE WAR, TWO VICTORIES runs through July 26. Open Tues - Sat 10-4.

Admission is free (donations accepted), wheel chair accessible.

Lewis Bartholomew Founder and Project Director The Alberni Project - HMCS Alberni Memorial and Exhibit www. alberniproject. org

GUEST COLUMN

Lobbying and fund-raising rarely end well

by Dermod Travis Last year, 12,281 registered lobbyists roamed the corridors of power in Washington, D.C. - a city that sees itself as the most powerful in the world.

Comparatively, one would imagine that British Columbia might have a few hundred or so at most. Yet, astonishingly, there were 2,717 registered lobbyists working the political backrooms in B.C. - one for every five in D.C. Trying to track their influence on provincial politics is a murky undertaking. The industry isn’t just the suits hanging out their shingle because of who they may know or what political favours they may have performed. Today, it includes lawyers, accountants, trade associations, public relations firms and community organizations.

Although far from foolproof, following the money is a little easier.

If the industry has some household names in B.C., Patrick Kinsella is one of them.

Since 2005, Kinsella and two of his associated companies have donated $230,506 to the B.C. Liberals and zip to the NDP. The national firms try to spread it a bit.

Hill & Knowlton Canada forked out $72,380 for the Liberals, while Hill & Knowlton Strategies gave $13,450 to the NDP. Earnscliffe B.C. gave $64,136 to the Liberals and Earnscliffe Strategy Group gave $26,145 to the NDP. Must be something about ‘strategy’ and the NDP that lobbyists see and others don’t.

But they’re just one part of the industry.

B.C.’s Registrar of Lobbyists counts 382 organizations with active registrations. And

some of them have deep pockets.

The B.C. Road Builders and Heavy Construction Association has donated $129,341 to the B.C. Liberals since 2005, the Canadian Convenience Stores Association $7,600, the International Pharmacists Association coughed up $14,978, and North West Cruiseship Association docked in at $41,493.

The Progressive Contractors Association of Canada, which bills itself as “representing and supporting progressive unionized employers in Canada’s construction industry,” gave $18,200 to the Liberals and, ironically, nada to the NDP. The Canadian Bar Association covered its bases with $600 to the NDP and $1,075 for the Liberals, but the Trial Lawyers Association of B.C. went exclusively with the Liberals to the tune of $34,820.

All in, donors that had “association” in their name gave $3.36 million to the Liberals and $907,000 to the NDP. That’s a lot of membership dues.

Then, for want of a better term, there’s the “LLP” component to the industry - legal and accounting firms - who often have partners or associates that are registered as lobbyists as well. Add all those LLP designations up and another $1.34 million was donated to the Liberals. The NDP pocketed a paltry $89,800.

It seems to pay to be the party in power.

But something else is happening with political fundraising in the province that’s highly worrisome: private, closed-door events where the promises are plentiful and the cover charge ain’t cheap.

Last October, the B.C. Liberal party pock-

eted close to $100,000 following an exclusive $5,000 a plate dinner with Premier Clark. A registered lobbyist promised the 21 guests a “generous opportunity” to speak with the premier.

On the very day that the party deposited its windfall, it also reported two donations that were conspicuous for no other reason than their dollar amount. Diana Bennett and Scott Menke both cut the party cheques for $5,078. Bennett is the CEO of Paragon Gaming and Menke its president.

Their donations came smack in the middle of the company announcing that it would take another stab at developing an urban casino resort in downtown Vancouver and its controversial hiring of former B.C. Lottery Corporation CEO Michael Graydon to lead that push. One of Paragon’s past in-house lobbyists was former B.C. Lottery Corporation chair T. Richard Turner.

Ever wanted a legitimate reason to scream ‘fore’ at five B.C. cabinet ministers? Up to 60 individuals had the chance, after laying down $1,000 each for a day of golf at the Sagebrush Golf Club in Merritt. A few more ministers and they could have breaked for a cabinet meeting on the 18th hole.

Common thread between most of these high-priced, chummy events? Registered lobbyists buying or selling the tickets.

And it’s that intertwining of lobbyists with a political party’s fundraising apparatus which is troubling, because ultimately both sides risk developing a dependency on keeping the other happy and the money flowing. It rarely ends well.

Dermod Travis is the executive director of IntegrityBC. www.integritybc.ca

Sports and Recreation

Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, July 8, 2014 A9

GOLF NEWS

INTRO TO FIELD LACROSSE NIGHT COMING

BEAUTIFUL DAY AT COMOX

North Island Field Lacrosse is hosting an Introduction to Field Lacrosse in mid August from 6-8 pm at Lewis Park in Courtenay. Players will be introduced to some basic skills and have a mini scrimmage. Bring your helmet, gloves, cleats and lacrosse stick if you have one. There may be some equipment available for new players to borrow.

We will have a hotdog BBQ and refreshments, so stop by and check it out. We will have information about online registration available. The season runs from September to mid

Comox Ladies Golf Tuesday July 1st and Thursday 3rd: 38 ladies played golf on a beautiful July 1st. The game of the day was Team Low Net Best Ball. Based on net scores the team winners were Pat Everett, Joyce Land, Pat Schmidt and Louise Luster with a 52.75.

Teams of (a) Kathy Branch, Linda Diamond, June Fraser and Linda Callender; (b)Sue Leakey, Yvonne Baker, Karen Vanetta and Linda Baker and(c)Lorelei Banford, Mary Suchla, and Mary Ann Aikman were all tied for second with 53.

Each week we have amazing hole sponsors for Tuesday and Thursday leagues. They are Tee Box Restaurant, Panago Pizza, Playtime gaming, Looneyrama, Gibby in the Golf Shop, Chinook Forest Products, Kathy Branch Hairstyling, Arizona Gifts, and Thrifty Foods and the Bulk Barn. Tuesday’s winners were -Mary Suchla(closest to the bucket), Marg Walker(Closest to the flag stick on #4and 13 in 4 shots),Pat Schmidt (closest to the flagstick #5 and 14 in 2 shots),Lorelei Banford (closest to the flagstick in 3 shots on #7 and 16), Mary Suchla (longest putt) and Karen Vanetta ( closest to the flagstick #9 and 18 in 1 shot).

Longest putt on #8 and #17 was won

by Linda Broadbent.

25 ladies played on Thursday evening. Bobbi Turchenek won the prize for having the most fun on the greens. Our guest Diane Hing won the draw for a free Thursday Night green fee. 1st low gross was won by Kathy Branch- 41 and Marg Siddall won low putts -11. There was a tie for 1st low net with Diane Hing and Barb Dixson- 32, 2nd low grossLouise Luster-43 and tied for 2nd low net with a 33 was Marg Walker and Linda Callender. Sponsored prizes were won by Jan Dafoelongest drive for 0-23(Arizona Gifts), Christine McIntosh won longest drive 24 and over(Tee Box), closest to hole on #14(24+)-Linda Callender with a birdie(Kathy Branch), #18 (o-23) in 1shot-Laurie Appleyard (Gibby’s Pro Shop), and the closest in 3 for everyone on #13 was Carmen deWinter in the hole.

Joan Baudais and Sharon Crowe won longest putts. Closest to the bucket was won by Joan Baudais(Bulk Barn). The water draw was won by Christine McInTosh (Thrifty’s).

Members and guests may join us at the Comox Golf Club at 8am for an 8:30 shotgun on Tuesdays. Please sign up before Monday at noon or call the Golf Shop 250-339-4444.

Remember to sign up for our Thursday night ladies league. This event is open to non members as well.

Arrive at 5:30pm for a 6pm shotgun and bring your friends. Lots of fun prizes and our guests have a chance to win a 9 hole round of golf.

The next club event will be the Mr. and Mrs. or Odds and Ends this coming weekend July 12th. For more information call the pro shop.

- Submitted by Nancy Riva

JUST STARTIN’ IN THE RAIN Saturday July 5th, 75 players started in the rain and finished in the rain at Glacier greens, but some of us were smart and went home.

It’s one thing to get rain after you start but start in it? But what ever.

With those conditions the scores were good as you will see: HCP 0-12 1st Low Gross Doug McAurthur 69, 2nd James Dickson 70, 3rd Rob Borland 74 c/b, 1st Low Net Al Cabilan 65 c/b, 2nd Carl Webber 65, 3rd Kevin Hunt 66, Snips Hole #3 Al Cabilan, #5 Kevin Hunt, #9 Chuck Brown, #11 Terran Berger, #14 Dave Brooker HCP 13-19 1st Low Gross Ken Grant, 2nd Brian Hotsenpiller 80 c/b, 3rd Wally Berger 80, 1st Low Net Ted Sauve 64, 2nd Ross Dowe 66, 3rd Mike Gibbs 68, Snips Hole #2 Mike Pollock, #3 #12 #14 Adrian Haut, #4 & #17 Paul Schroeder, #6 &10 Ken Grant, #15 Rudge Wilson HCP 20+ 1st Low Gross Alan Richards 80, 2nd Hank Fortin 89 c/b, 3rd Andy Clark 89 c/b 1st Low Net Bob Henn 65, 2nd Gary Wood 67, 3rd Len Doyle 68 c/b Snips Hole #18 Bill Krier

December For more information contact North Island Field Lacrosse: northislandfield@gmail.com.

The AGM for NIFLA is Wednesday August 6 2014 at Salmon Point Pub at 7 pm.

We cannot continue without adult volunteers. All executive positions are up for re-election. We are also looking for coaches, managers and officials.

Please find the time to help out our North Island players.

It’s a lot of fun and a great way to meet new people and give back to the community.

Jason Andrew reads out the prize winners from the Snips Board at GNATO.

GENTLEMEN ENJOYING THEIR NIGHT OUT As it moves into its third month of play, the Gentlemen’s Night at the Office (GNATO) continues to attract over fifty golfers every Thursday evening to Crown Isle Golf Resort to play either eighteen of nine holes of golf, have a bite to eat, drink a few beers and share in an abundance of prizes. So, what is making GNATO such a huge success?.

Many of those interviewed stated that playing in the GNATO event gives them the opportunity to meet new people and that it helps to create a feeling of camaraderie and a greater club atmosphere.

“It gives me a chance to play with fellow members and with new people,” says Doug McIntosh who cleaned up in the prize department last Thursday evening, but was quick to point out. “It’s not about the envelopes and the swag, it’s about having a good night out and enjoying the company of some fellow golfers.”

Others are a touch more mercenary as Cam MacRae pointed out.

“My little girl needs new braces and I need to win to pay for them. If I can win a long drive prize here tonight, it will go a long way to giving her excellent teeth!” He went home happy after winning the long drive on hole #1.

“Playing in the GNATO give me the opportunity to get out of the office early and I can justify that by claiming that I am networking,” says Casey Ierland, Sales Manager at Westview Ford, who over the weeks has done well in the prize department. “ Winning prizes and swag is great, but it’s not what this is about.”

Blake Simpson agrees: “I’m not a great golfer and haven’t won a thing, but this is not serious golf - it’s a fun event.” Thursday, however, proved his lucky night as he won a nice golf shirt.

Most of those interviewed stated that the reason for the success of GNATO is the fact that it takes place in the late afternoon and early evening. “Evenings suit me,” says realtor Bill Anglin. “I can put in a day’s work and finish it with a bit of exercise and fun.”

Duffy Simpson agrees: “We have a group of about twenty of us who travel around and play different courses and events and we like this one because it is at the end of the day and it is very well run.”

After having had to listen to many off colour jokes over the last weeks, Montana the Waitress stepped up to win the ever popular Joke of the Night prize to much acclaim. This author did not receive so much applause when he stepped up to pick up his first ever GNATO prize, a $20 gift certificate complements of Finneron Hyundai, for sinking a magnificently long put on #5. A brilliant effort if I do say so myself!

All in all, another fine night at the Office!

The GNATO goes every Thursday afternoon and evening. Phone the Crown Isle Clubhouse ( 250 - 7035031) and the helpful staff will book you a start time, and if you are a single, they’ll arrange for you to play in a foursome. Come on out and enjoy the fun.

- Submitted by Ian Kennedy

Former Highland Secondary player, Nick Tancon, to play for Trinity Western University Spartans basketball team.

Tancon highlights Spartans ‘best recruiting class ever’ Trinity Western University men’s basketball coach is celebrating the inclusion of Nick Tancon to its roster next year, The Comox athlete is one of seven new players Spartans coach Scott Allen has landed, citing the 2014 recruiting class as the “best ever.”

Tancon, who was one of Highland Secondary’s top cagers last year, will join guards Josiah Allison (Abbotsford) and Vartan Tanielian

Young soccer players enjoy round of ‘footgolf’ at Crown Isle course The Crown Isle Golf Course played host on Wednesday, June 18 to the Comox Valley Soccer Club’s United Development players in a fun game of FootGolf.

Over 125 players from 7 to 15 years old took part in this modified soccer/golf event to mark the wrap up of their spring training sessions.

Led by Head Coach Jeff Howe,

and several assistant coaches and volunteers, the kids took to the course in groups of 8 to 10 players to kick their soccer balls from ‘tee’ to ‘green’, ‘holing’ their shots by kicking their balls into a hula hoop place around the flagstick.

The course, set up by Golf Course Superintendent Mike Kearns and Golf Professional

No POG this week, it was hole #7.

Next week white/blue tees with tee times and 08:30 shotgun.

Saturday July 19th weekend, Club Championship so get your entries in.

Slso the G.G.G.C Canadian Pairs Qualifier starts on Aug. 9th, so get a partner.

Till next week see ya.

- Submitted by Ron Carter

31. KP Prizes: 1. 2nd shot 17+ Brian Slater Thrifty’s 2. 3rd shot 0-16 Mike Holland Little Caesars Pizza 3. Long Drive 17+ Brian Slater Men’s Club 4. 2nd shot 0-16 Jim Eremko Boston Pizza 5. All Lawry Willis Men’s Club 6. 2nd Shot All Rod Nichols 7. Long Drive 0-16 Dane Petersen Scott Fraser Royal Lepage 8. 2nd shot 17+ Darrel LLoydJones BlackFin Pub 9. All Charles Lawlor Shilo Painting/ Glacier Gutters Brian Slater also shot two birdies.

Josh Edwards eagled #8 DON”T FORGET to record your nine hole scores.

See you July 9th 5.30 for 6 pm - Submitted by Vic Crisp

BRIAN SLATER SCORES 52 golfers played at Comox Men’s Club Wednesday night with the following results: 0-16 Low gross Tracy Branch 34, Josh Edwards 35 17 + Gord Harris 42, Vern Dean 42 Low net Pat Riva 29, Rob Rasmussen 29, Dan Janes 30, Vic Crisp 31, Brian Slater 31, Dan Bailey

Centre for Shellfish

Research

Summer Schedule of Events at Deep Bay Marine Field Station Music by the Bay Summer Concert Series: July 10th – Phil Dwyer July 24th – Eric Harper Aug 15th – Nanaimo Chamber Orchestra Advance tickets only

Tea by the Sea Come for High Tea every Tuesday, 11am-2pm Reservations required

Summer Camps: FISHY FUN CAMP AGES 6-8 Single Day: July 7 Week Long: July 28-Aug 1 OCEAN ADVENTURES CAMP AGES 9-12 Single Day: July 9 Week Long: Aug 5-8 Open daily 10 am – 4 pm.

Reserve now for all events as space is limited.

For more information call 250 740 6611 visit our website: viu.ca/deepbay

Evan Webber, featured 16 holes located throughout the front 9 golf holes.

Kids were treated to hot dogs and a chance to hit some golf shots on the driving range following the match, and the smiles on their faces were proof that a great time was had out on the course.

FootGolf, a combination of soccer and golf, is essentially played like golf, but using your feet and a soccer ball rather than golf balls and golf clubs.

The sport is growing in popularity, and even features its own governing body in Canada, the Canadian Footgolf Association.

With the success of this event, Crown Isle is looking forward to hosting more of these fun events in the future.

(White Rock), forwards Kosia Cauw (Coquitlam), Matt Hayashi (Langley), and Patrick Vandervelden (Abbotsford) and wing Eric Rogers (Chilliwack).

“This is our best recruiting class ever,” said Allen. “It’s full of diversity and there’s a lot of talent coming in.

We also have some kids with really high GPAs and, overall, it’s just a quality group of people.”

Allen said Tancon brings impressive size to the Spartans front court with his 6-foot-7 and 205-pound frame.

This past season, Tancon helped Highland to a ninth place finish at the AA provincial championship, in what was the school’s first provincial tournament appearance since 1994.

Tancon finished the tournament with a remarkable average of 33 points, 25 rebounds and five steals per game. For his efforts, he was named a Second Team All-Star.

“Nick is arguably the best overall high school player in B.C.,” Allen said. “He can play inside or outside.

He’s always in the right position and he does all the little things well. He’s always looking out for his teammates, but I think he has to be a little more selfish in taking the ball and scoring himself.”

In 2012-13, Tancon spent a year in Denmark where he played basketball and studied at Efterskolen ved Nyborg, which is a private school in Nyborg.

While there, he played in the 2013 World Schools Championship in Cyprus, where his team, representing Denmark, finished seventh out of 24 countries.

“I felt that Trinity Western gave me the best opportunity to grow as a person and excel as a student-athlete,” said Tancon, who plans to study human kinetics.

CARRIERS WANTED No collection required. Great exercise!

Call Comox Valley Echo • 250-334-4734 or drop by 407-D 5th Street, Courtenay COURTENAY Rt. 7124 – 1st, Rod & Gun, Robert Lang Dr. COMOX Rt. 1103 – Pritchard, Totem, Skeena, Orca Rt. 1112 – Noel, Nootka, Tsimshian, Kwakiutl, Salish, Pritchard Rt. 2129 – Sylvan, Parry, Aspen, Idiens Rt. 2135 – Denman, Quadra Rt. 2144B – Gardener Way, Mason Ave, Potter Pl. CROWN ISLE Rt. 3120 – Monarch, Royal Rt. 3134 – Crown Isle Dr., Birkshire, Sussex VALLEYVIEW Rt. 3110 – Back Road, Glen Urquhart, 10th St. E., Hobson, 6th St. E., Aston Rt. 3123 – Nechako, Chemainus, 5th St. E., Cowichan, 6th St. E. Rt. 3132 – Inverclyde, Carstairs, Hebrides, Fife Rt. 3135 – Hawk, Swallow, Whiskeyjack Rt. 3136 – Bluejay Place COLEMAN ROAD AREA Rt. 4106 – Sea Terrace, Avonlee, Loxley MISSION HILL Rt. 5110 – Tatton, Virginia, Paula, Adrian

Earn extra $$$$ for all that fun stuff that mom won't buy!

A10 Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, July 8, 2014

CARRIERS WANTED EARN $$$$$$$$ COURTENAY Rt. 7124 – 1st, Rod & Gun, Robert Lang Dr. COMOX Rt. 1103 – Pritchard, Totem, Skeena, Orca Rt. 1112 – Noel, Nootka, Tsimshian, Kwakiutl, Salish, Pritchard Rt. 2129 – Sylvan, Parry, Aspen, Idiens Rt. 2135 – Denman, Quadra Rt. 2144B – Gardener Way, Mason Ave, Potter Pl. CROWN ISLE Rt. 3120 – Monarch, Royal Rt. 3134 – Crown Isle Dr., Birkshire, Sussex VALLEYVIEW Rt. 3110 – Back Road, Glen Urquhart, 10th St. E., Hobson, 6th St. E., Aston Rt. 3123 – Nechako, Chemainus, 5th St. E., Cowichan, 6th St. E. Rt. 3132 – Inverclyde, Carstairs, Hebrides, Fife Rt. 3135 – Hawk, Swallow, Whiskeyjack Rt. 3136 – Bluejay Place COLEMAN ROAD AREA Rt. 4106 – Sea Terrace, Avonlee, Loxley MISSION HILL Rt. 5110 – Tatton, Virginia, Paula, Adrian

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

Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, July 8, 2014 A11

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A12 Comox Valley Echo Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Sports and Recreation

World Cup pool makes a splash for Valley’s less fortunate

By Drew A. Penner Echo Staff Passions and tempers tend to flare in the commotion surrounding the international drama of futbol. As the battles rage on during the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil the local Comox Valley community has found common ground, turning competing fanaticism into a drive to help the less fortunate in our own community.

Brothers Adil and Adam Amlani teamed up to host a soccer pool that allowed young and old to come up with World Cup picks for a shot at a boatload of prizes - all while raising money and organizing goods for the Comox Valley Food Bank Society.

“Essentially the plan was to have key locations here in the Valley where you would bring in a non-perishable food item,” Adil said, explaining how the pair set up the contest to help engage the community in something positive. “That would give you access to the entry code.”

Members of the business community were only too eager to pitch in to give a hand to the food bank, offering more than $4,500 worth of prizes.

“We’re so happy and humbled by the response to our initial reach out,” he said. “When you have that kind of loot to throw around it obviously adds excitement.”

The overall winner will take home the grand prize of a $1,000 Uniglobe Travel gift certificate, which can be used for travel packages and flights.

Three astute soccer fans will score a Whitecaps entertainment package, including a night accommodation in Vancouver.

Adil Amlani (left) and Adam Amlani (right) of SURE Copy present Jeff Hampton of the Comox Valley Food Bank with a check for $600 after collecting 18 crates of food through a World Cup pool.

Other prizes in include balls and jerseys, golf packages and gift certificates to a variety of Comox Valley establishments.

A welcome packet was provided to each participant who signed up, outlining the rules and explaining how to select which teams would be winners and which would end up with the short end of the stick.

include a local cause in the scenario, all the better!”

It seemed everyone wanted to give back to people in the region while having a blast at the same time.

“We wanted to pursue it on the community level,” he said. “That’s when everyone started coming out of the woodwork.”

This year as controversy about

The Amlanis first organized a soccer pool for the South Africa World Cup in 2010, bringing in close to 90 entrants, which grew to 120 by the time the 2012 Euro Cup came around.

But with the addition of a fundraising component the action just intensified, reaching 420 players.

“We wanted to get people stoked about soccer,” he said. “If we could

shady deals behind the scenes and the trampling of the rights of poverty-stricken Brazilians has threatened to drown out even the loudest of “GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOLLLLLLL!” calls, the Amlani brothers say it’s nice to be able to have a genuinely positive social outcome from the global soccer spectacle - and right in the Comox Valley, no less.

“FIFA is one of the more corrupt organizations in the world,” Adil said. “It’s difficult to support the game.”

Yet it is called the “world’s game” for a reason, and the brothers, known in the community for running SURE Copy on Cliffe Avenue, were more than happy to channel soccer aggression and excitement to those here who might be struggling to make ends meet.

“We don’t have the kind of society that Brazil has, we have a middle class,” Adil said.

“There are still a lot of people in need in our community.”

Soccer play is down to the wire and World Cup pool contestants are starting to get a sense of just how successful they have been, as well.

Regardless of who wins the prestigious tournament, the contest has already brought in some impressive results for the food bank.

Not only did the participants come up with $600 for the food bank, but the shelves are being stocked with 18 crates of food, thanks to local soccer fans.

“It’s just been a great experience for us and the community,” he said.

“A big thank you to everyone in the community who has supported it.”

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POWER LOCKS AND WINDOWS

FEATURES

$1,250

%

SX

PUSH BUTTON IGNITION

†

FINANCING FOR 84 MONTHS

EX

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†

FINANCING FOR 48 MONTHS

Rio4 SX with Navigation shownU – hwy / city 100kmÈ: 5.3L/7.3L

SATELLITE RADIO1

$1,500

%

EX

$1,200

ON SELECT MODELS

FEATURES

†

FINANCING FOR 48 MONTHS

§

$

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UVO AUDIO INFOTAINMENT

EX FEATURES PLUS: 18” ALLOY WHEELS

QUAD LED FOG LIGHTS

SPORT SEATS

OFFER ENDS JULY 13TH TH

WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED

*5-year/100,000 km worry-free comprehensive warranty.

ANNIVERSARY

Graham Kia Victoria

Kia West

Kia South Vancouver

Applewood Kia

2620 Government Street, Victoria, BC (250) 360-1111

688 Lougheed Highway, Coquitlam, BC (604) 931-5425

396 Southwest Marine Drive Vancouver, BC (604) 326-6868

16299 Fraser Highway, Surrey, BC (604) 635-3010

Courtenay Kia

Richmond Kia

Harris Kia

Applewood Langley Kia

1025B Comox Road, Courtenay, BC (250) 334-9993

3351 No. 3 Road, Richmond, BC (604) 273-1800

2575 Bowen Road, Nanaimo, BC (250) 751-1168

19764 Langley By-Pass, Langley, BC (604) 533-7881

Offer(s) available on select new 2014 models through participating dealers to qualified customers who take delivery by July 13, 2014. Dealers may sell or lease for less. Some conditions apply. See dealer for complete details. All offers are subject to change without notice. Vehicles shown may include optional accessories and upgrades available at extra cost. All pricing includes delivery and destination fees up to $1,665, other fees and certain levies (including tire levies) and $100 A/C charge (where applicable) and excludes licensing, registration, insurance, other taxes and variable dealer administration fees (up to $699). Other dealer charges may be required at the time of purchase. Other lease and financing options also available. Limited quantities of certain featured vehicles. Dealer order may be necessary. Representative Finance example: 0% financing offer for up to 84 months available O.A.C to qualified retail customers, on approved credit for the new 2014 Forte EX MT (FO545E) with a selling price of $22,402 and includes delivery and destination fees of $1,485, tire tax and AMVIC fee of $22, A/C charge ($100 where applicable) and a loan rebate† of $1,000 (which is deducted from the negotiated price before taxes). 182 bi-weekly payments of $118 for 84 months with $0 down payment. Cost of borrowing of $0.

Total obligation is $21,402. See retailer for complete details. §Cash Bonus amounts are offered on select 2014 and 2015 models and are deducted from the negotiated price before taxes. $4,000 cash bonus only available on the 2014 Optima Hybrid EX (OP74CE) and includes a $1,000 ECO-Credit. *Cash rebate amounts are offered on select 2014 and 2015 models and are deducted from the negotiated purchase price before taxes. Available on cash purchase only. Offer varies by trim. Certain conditions apply. †Loan rebate amounts are offered on select 2014 and 2015 models and are deducted from the negotiated purchase price before taxes. Available on financing offer only. Offer varies by trim. Certain conditions apply. Offer ends July 13, 2014. See your dealer for complete details. 6Model shown Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price for 2014 Forte SX (FO748E)/2014 Optima SX Turbo AT (OP748E)/2014 Rio4 SX with Navigation (RO749E) is $26,395/$34,795/$22,295. ÇHighway/city fuel consumption is based on the 2014 Rio LX+ ECO (A/T)/2014 Forte 1.8L MPI 4-cyl (M/T)/2014 Optima 2.4L GDI (A/T). These updated estimates are based on the Government of Canada’s approved criteria and testing methods. Refer to the EnerGuide Fuel Consumption Guide. Your actual fuel consumption will vary based on driving habits and other factors. °The Bluetooth® wordmark and logo are registered trademarks and are owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. 1Sirius, XM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of Sirius XM Radio Inc. and its subsidiaries. Information in this advertisement is believed to be accurate at the time of printing. For more information on our 5-year warranty coverage, visit kia.ca or call us at 1-877-542-2886. Kia is a trademark of Kia Motors Corporation.