Comox Valley Echo - February 10, 2015 by Comox Valley Echo

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ECHO

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Tuesday Cloudy with 40% chance of showers. High 9°C.

Wednesday Cloudy with 40% chance of showers. Low 5°C. High 9°C.

Thursday Periods of rain. Low 8°C. High 10°C.

Friday Cloudy with 60% chance of showers. Low 7°C. High 10°C.

Saturday Cloudy with 60% chance of showers. Low 6°C. High 10°C.

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

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Council to decide on funds to start Phase 2 of satellite fire hall Staff request $150,000 to determine design and actual cost of the project BY MICHAEL BRIONES Echo Staff With the new firefighter training centre located on the east side of Courtenay rapidly shaping up and set to be completed and operational by May this year, the city is now looking at proceeding with Phase two of the project — the construction of a satellite fire hall. City staff presented council with the initial financial requirement for the project that was approved by the previous council in 2014. The rationale behind this is to improve protective services by creating a combined emergency services building in East Courtenay for fire department, ambulance, Comox Valley Ground Search and Rescue, and the Comox Valley Emergency Program. To move to the next stage, council needs to approve $150,000 to be included in the 2015 general capital budget to allow staff to carry out the design and costing documentation for the fire hall. This will provide

It’s really, really critical for us to get to that right costing number so we can come out to the public and say this is what it’s going to cost” TILLIE MANTHEY Financial Services Director

Waters Place site for proposed new fire hall council with the information they need to further consider the creation of the satellite fire hall. City director of financial services Tillie Manthey said, “from a staff perspective, it’s really, really critical for us to get to that right costing numbers so we can come out to the public and say

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this is what it’s going to cost. So it’s a real number not an estimate.” The preliminary price of the proposed fire hall is around $5.5 million, which the city will need to procure through a loan. However, the final decision will rest on the approval of the public, which can be determined

by either holding a referendum or through the alternate approval process, which would require 10 per cent of registered voters to submit letters opposing the plan The east side of the city has seen commercial and residential construction grow in the last 20 years. Among them are the North Island College, Home Depot, Costco, Thrifty Foods, and the new $332 million Comox Valley Regional Hospital. It’s one of the main rationale behind this project. A second fire hall will provide quicker response time during emergencies. At present, the Courtenay Fire Department would

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have difficulty reaching the east side quicker if either one or both of the bridges that link to the east side closed down due to flooding, earthquake or accident. The satellite facility will allow a 9-minute response time, said Manthey. Without the provision of this level of service, residential and commercial developments in East Court will be impacted

by it. “There is a building code change that came in to play late 2013, which affects anyone operating out of that nine or ten minute response circle where we can’t meet that 90 per cent of the time” said Manthey. “There is a different building code standard that applies now. (Continued on page 3)

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RESERVE Your Spot for VALENTINE'S Day 250-871-7292 (Continued from page 2) So that means further setbacks from the side property, further distance between residential houses that are built, and limited side windows. It will affect subdivisions being constructed in East Courtenay.” While there are arguments the Comox Fire Department can provide quicker response on the east side, Manthey acknowledged they can reach some of them a little faster but not all of them. As well, if a major event like an earthquake occurs, the Comox Fire Department will be too occupied with emergencies in its own jurisdiction and not be able to extend help in East Courtenay. “So there is a level of need in East Courtenay that is growing,” said Manthey. “As East Courtenay grows, the question is what level of services council wants to provide there.” Councillor Erik Eriksson commented that the pro-

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posed new fire hall is one of the issues he heard from voters about during his campaign. He wants to be involved in the select committee that was formed by the previous council, which at present is not functioning because of the election of the new council. “Decisions were made by the previous council many of whom are not with us any more,” said Eriksson. “I believe our council is obliged to have a second look at this and get the committee back in action before we go any further on this matter.” Eriksson added that he has read all the pertinent information about this project but what is lacking is the input of the new members of council. He wants to hold further discussions before they can deliberate on the budget for the cost and design of the project. Council deferred the request for capital funds for Phase 2 of the project to the February 18 special council budget meeting pending more information from staff.

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Baby rescued from river recovering slowly, dad says By SARAH PETRESCU Special to the Echo The baby boy who has been on life support since he was rescued on Jan. 30 from the Puntledge River in Courtenay is expected to survive, his father said Friday. Doug Weaver posted the update about his seven-month-old son on a fundraising site for the family. “It appears Grant is going to make it. He is slowly coming off life support but his brain function is still undetermined. The progress is slow and changes almost hour by hour. Again he will make it, but it is unclear what that may look like moving forward. Either way, I am

Baby Grant Weaver is slowly recovering at BC Children’s Hospital. His father Doug Weaver posted this photograph. excited,” he wrote. Earlier in the week, he said, Grant moved his legs and feet, then opened his eyes and looked around. On Friday, he followed along with his eyes as his dad read a book. Grant was rescued from the frigid, rapid river about

25 minutes after passersby saw him and his mother, Veronika Weaver, bobbing in the water. The baby was taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Comox and then ﬂown to B.C. Children’s Hospital in Vancouver. He has been on life support since.

It took about 45 minutes for rescuers to pull his mother from the river. They tried to revive her but she was pronounced dead that evening. The 26-yearold was on maternity leave from her job at North Island College. Her car was parked off the road near the river. It’s not clear how the mother and son ended up in the river. Police determined they were not pushed. Doug Weaver, a maintenance worker at Comox Valley School District, has been by his son’s side in the intensive care unit since he was taken to hospital. He has been posting updates about his son’s condition on a GoFundMe site set up by Samantha Dimery, who did not know the family but wanted to help. She set out to raise $10,000 for the Weavers to cover medical expenses and help ease ﬁnancial strains. In six days, more than $16,000 has been raised by 200-plus contributors. (Continued on page 4)

www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.FEBRUARY 10, 2015

Conserve water during fish screen cleaning at dam The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) is encouraging residents connected to the Comox Valley water system to conserve water during a fish screen cleaning at the Puntledge diversion dam scheduled for February 11 and 12. The fish screen is positioned in the BC Hydro penstock at the Puntledge diversion dam, and requires up to three cleanings per year to maintain efficiency and to benefit salmon. This dam is where the water is diverted from the river, about 3.7 kilometres downstream of the Comox dam, into a pipeline that travels five kilometres to the generating station and back into the river. The purpose of the screen is to divert fish that get pulled into the intake and safely deposit them back into the Puntledge River. During those two days the CVRD will be required to pump water directly from the Puntledge River and not the BC Hydro pipeline. “The CVRD is not expecting to move to a

higher stage of restrictions during this time as the winter months are the lowest water use period of the year,” said Koreen Gurak, CVRD’s manager of communications. “However, we’re asking residents to do their part to conserve water to ensure that ﬂows remain as low as possible.” Looking ahead to BC Hydro’s spring maintenance on the Puntledge River generating station, the CVRD anticipates moving to stage three water restrictions in April with the dates still to be determined. To keep up-to-date with the latest water restrictions, visit www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/restrictions.

Mount Washington goes on hold The continued warm temps and rain have finally got the best of Mount Washington Alpine Resort. The Pineapple Express, a surge of moisture direct from the Hawaiian Islands not only brought rain, but warm temperatures and rising freezing levels. The resort staff all worked hard to stay open but the third express in the past four weeks has finally taken its

$5,000 grant to help Hornby Island economic planning Community and stakeholder consultation will combine with existing research to build a comprehensive economic roadmap for Hornby Island, thanks to a $5,000 grant from the Island Coastal Economic Trust. “Like many communities, Hornby Island

has seen changes to its economy over the past number of years,” said ICET Chair Phil Kent. “While these changes present challenges, they also present opportunities. An economic action plan will develop the framework, strategies, and concrete steps to take full advantage of

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toll. Effective as of Monday February 9 at 3:30pm, the Resort will put its winter 14/15 operations on hold until further notice. “We have every belief and hope that we will reopen sometime soon,” says Don Sharpe, Director of Business Operations and Marketing. “But we’re now at the point where there’s simply no snow left to farm or move around.”

Baby Weaver recovering at BC Children’s Hospital (Continued from page 2)

Weaver said he was speechless and thanked everyone for their support, describing the situation as overwhelming. He said his contract with the school district

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1920 view of Dunsmuir Avenue. Shorty’s Pool Room on the left is The England Hotel, later known as the Victory Hotel, ( whose bar was nick named “the bucket of blood”). Cumberland Museum and Archives C-270-003

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The Valley’s ﬁrst ‘downtown’ ... when ‘main street’ was truly the heart of the city “MAIN STREET AT THE HEART OF THE CITY” (2015 Theme for Heritage Week)

n North America, the business district became known as “downtown” for often the commercial interests were established down at the water’s edge of a river or the ocean. “Uptown” came to mean development away from the original townsite because it was “up” from the water’s edge. Then after the Second World War, there was a move to the suburbs, often called the ﬂight of the white collar workers. There is now a renewed interest in re-establishing the core of communities, a return to the “Main Street” as the traditional heart of the town where commerce and civic events occur side by side. For the Comox Valley, there was no “Main Street” until the opening of the mines in Cumberland, a company town whose “Main Street” was called Dunsmuir Avenue. The development of the coal required a work force which in turn meant housing. At ﬁrst this was company buildings along

Camp Road, but in 1893 the company had completed a survey for a town site. It is no surprise that the ﬁrst commercial business was the Dominion Mutual Loan Association which opened in November 1892 before any lots were put up for sale! The General Store opened by the Collieries was taken over by Victoria merchant, Simon Leiser who would later open his “Big Store” at the corner of Second and Dunsmuir Avenue. The Simon Leiser “Big Store” would always be the largest emporium in town. Over the next two years every manner of commercial enterprise would set up along Dunsmuir Avenue: bakeries, banks, a barbershop, boarding houses, brokerage houses, butchers, a drug store, dry goods, hotels, an ice cream parlour, an insurance agent, a jeweler, men’s furnishings, a millinery shop, pool halls, so forth down the list to the undertaking parlour. The material needs of the community were now being met. In halls and rooms above the street level shops were held the

meetings of the long list of organizations whether fraternal or political. The Company hired a doctor providing him with a house and surgery, also on Dunsmuir Avenue. The hospital built in 1893 was several blocks north. The following two years three churches would be built just off “Main Street” on Penrith Avenue: the Roman Catholic in 1894, the Anglican and Presbyterian in 1895. On “Main Street” a second and bigger school was built and also the Federal building with a post office and court house. There was also the ﬁre hall and eventually the City Hall. So when the City of Cumberland was incorporated in 1897, everything any citizen would require was set in place. It may be said, that the scene was a picture perfect turn of the century town, and what is a community without the rituals and celebrations that give it life. The annual celebration to honour Queen Victoria had begun in 1889 with a picnic. It would evolve into an elaborate day of celebration with May pole

dancing and the crowning of the May Queen. Empire Days continues now with a week of events ending on the Victoria Day holiday when the whole of the Comox Valley lines Dunsmuir Avenue to watch the parade down “Main Street”. Not all parades were a time for celebration, for a mining town knows disasters. In total 295 lives would be lost in the Union Mines that operated from 1888 until 1966. In 1899 two men died. Then two years later, the worst disaster when 64 men lost their lives in #6 mine. In 1923, 33 men lost their lives: 14 white miners and 17 Chinese. Funeral processions to the Cumberland Road cemetery were a long line of family and friends accompanied by the members of lodges and other organizations or affiliations whether political or social of the deceased. The Chinese funerals were a great contrast for unlike the dark somber parade of Europeans, Chinese mourners wore white and carried great banners. (Continued on page 6)

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.FEBRUARY 10, 2015 ful for the outpouring of support from the community” says Lynn Dashkewytch - Executive Director for St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation. “This new equipment will allow the cardiac care unit at St. Joseph’s to reach a new level of technology in diagnosis and monitoring. “Having the latest cardiac equipment to treat patients is critical to providing great care and saving lives,” explains Jane Murphy, President/CEO

of St. Joseph’s General Hospital. “St. Joseph’s must continually update the equipment and technology to ensure that the people of the Comox Valley receive the very best care today and though the transition to the new hospital in 2017.” The new equipment needed for the unit includes: • a Pulmonary Function Test machine • 3 additional Pulse Oximeters

• a new Holter Monitor system. This equipment will provide many patient beneﬁts that include: • decreased wait times for treatment • ease and comfort in use • highly accurate readings • faster, more efficient patient testing. All this equipment will be available for transfer to the new Comox Valley Hospital in 2017.

At the new Cardiac Care Unit at St. Joseph’s are members of The Royal Canadian Legion Comox Branch 160 Stu McKinnon, John Paulin and Norma Hanson presenting a cheque to St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation for $5,000. Pictured in the photo Brenda Kelm and Lynn Dashkewytch St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation, Craig Dickson - Chief Cardio Pulmonary Therapist, Cassie Lescorbeau - Cardio Technologist, Wanda McMillan - Department Manager and Jane Murphy President/CEO St. Joseph’s General Hospital

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Record-breaking Christmas mailing raises over $123,000 to support cardiac care unit at St. Joseph’s Hospital During November, December and January generous individuals, businesses and organizations donated over $123,000

to support the purchase of new innovative cardiac care equipment. This was a 27% increase over the previous

year’s total and a record for St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation’s Christmas campaign. “We are extremely grate-

‘Main Street at the heart of the city’ (Continued from page 5) Their procession would be an assembly of fellow miners with many in the uniform of their social afﬁliations such as the Chinese Free Masons. Gathering in Chinatown on the road to Comox Lake they too went through the town but past the Cumberland cemetery to the distant Chinese Cemetery tucked into the forest. The most famous funeral was that of Ginger Goodwin in 1918 with a milelong parade of mourners, many coming from Vancouver to swell the ranks. It would become a day remembered in the labour history of the country. After the Great War, the community gathered to honour their war dead

with the unveiling of the memorial at the new Legion hall and every year after for the Remembrance Day ceremonies. The daily social life of the community was often what happened “off the street” in the closed doors of a variety of pool halls and in the beer parlours which were the economic source for the many hotels along Dunsmuir Avenue. The most infamous of the “watering holes” was the “bucket of blood” in the New England Hotel. While it had the reputation, all the bars along Dunsmuir Avenue were deﬁant of the law”, staying open on Sunday. In 1918, 2.000 men were still employed in the mines, but with the decline in the coal sales after the Great War, fewer and

fewer men were needed. Yet even after the mines closed Cumberland continued to survive as a community. It was no longer just a “company town”. Dunsmuir Avenue is still the “Main Street”, and the centre for commerce and social life. On Saturday 21 February Heritage Faire Cumberland CRI Hall 10am-4pm Displays and events All welcome Entrance by donation Saturday 21 February Cumberland Museum Heritage Week events By donation Scavenger hunt for children Walking Tour for adults 1:30pm Photographic Exhibit Official opening 4pm Featuring work of Senjiro Hayashi

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MONEY MATTERS NOT THE TIME TO CHANGE LAST MINUTE RRSP TIPS SAVE ON TAXES, SAVE MORE FOR RETIREMENT RRSP BOND PORTFOLIO By Robyn K. Thompson, CFP, CIM, FCSI Canadian bonds have been on a tear these past few weeks. Yes, bond prices climb as yields fall, and the Bank of Canada’s surprise interest rate cut on Jan. 14 helped goose Canadian bond prices. In fact, a good proxy for the Canadian bond market, the iShares Canadian Bond Index ETF (TSX: XBB), is up 3.5% since the beginning of the year so far, following an 8.5% gain in 2014. But this doesn’t mean you should run out and pack your RRSP with Canadian bonds. On the contrary, it might well be a time for heightened caution. How bond pricing works Where extra risk now comes into play is in that inverse price/yield relationship of bonds. Once issued, bonds are traded in an informal (albeit very large) market. And because of the inverse relationship of bond’s price to interest rates, bond prices rise when rates fall, but also a bond’s price will fall if general interest rates rise. (It’s a complicated mathematical relationship that essentially keeps a bond’s yield competitive in the marketplace.) High-quality government bonds will always pay the stated coupon rate, which is based on the face, or par, value of the bond. What you actually receive is the “yield” of the bond based on the price you pay. So if you paid the face value (usually stated as “$100”) on a bond that carries a 2% coupon rate, your yield will be 2%, or $2 per $100 of face value. But if you paid something other than face value, your “yield” will be either higher or lower than the coupon rate. To make matters even more complicated, money managers use a complex calculation called the “yield to maturity,” which involves the bond’s par (or “face”) value, its market price, its stated interest rate, and the time left to maturity, and assuming that interest payments are reinvested at the bond’s current yield. Rate risk and capital loss

risk ratings, in different regions or countries, or attempting to anticipate interest rate moves – all depending on the mandate of the fund as set out in its prospectus. Some funds can be quite successful at this, as seen in the recent Fundata FundGrade A+ Rating 2014 award winners. Many exchange-traded bond funds (ETFs) are also available, and their MERs are generally lower than for fixed-income mutual funds. Bond ETFs usually aren’t actively managed, and they are available in many configurations, including those that track short- and longterm indexes, as wells as indexes of government bonds, corporate bonds, all bonds, laddered maturities, and so on. But on the minus side of the equation, they will reliably track their underlying index, no matter which way it goes, including down. It can get complicated. Shifting allocations now can be dangerous In general, investing in fixed-income assets can be just as complex as investing in equities, sometimes even more so. If you already have a diversified fixed-income allocation in your RRSP portfolio, which is designed to match your objectives and risk tolerance, it probably doesn’t make a lot of sense to start shifting allocations more to Canadian fixed income in the hope of capturing further upside. That strategy suffers from two failings: 1) you’d be attempting to time the market to capture the right entry point, something that even the professionals cannot do consistently; and 2) you’re speculating on another cut in interest rates to drive prices even higher – which may or may not happen. If you’re confused about how bonds work and the best type of fixed-income investment to include in your RRSP, I’d suggest consulting a qualified financial advisor. But do it soon. The final day for making your 2014 RRSP contribution is March 3, 2015. Courtesy Fundata Canada Inc. © 2015. Robyn Thompson, CFP, CIM, FCSI, is president of Castlemark Wealth Management. This article is not intended as personalized advice.

When analysts talk about interest rate risk, they’re not referring to whether or not the bond will pay its interest. They’re referring to the bond’s price. If rates rise, the price of your bond may fall below your purchase 318 A Duncan Ave., Courtenay (Corner of Duncan & 3rd St.) price, resulting in a capital loss if you sell your bond before maturity. In actively managed bond portfolios, such as those you’ll find in Investment Advisor fixed-income mutual funds, manUÊ/ - ÃÊ UÊ,,-*ÃÊ UÊ/>ÝÊ* > } agers will adjust their holdings in an effort to mitigate interest rate UÊ,, ÃÊ UÊ ÃÊ UÊ/>ÝÊ- i ÌiÀÃ risk. They do this in various ways, UÊ-Ì V ÃÊ UÊ `ÃÊ UÊ ÕÌÕ> Ê Õ `Ã including tilting bond holdings to longer or shorter maturities, or investing in bonds with different

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Janice Armour BBA, CPCA The deadline looms for making your 2014 contribution to investments held in your Registered Retirement Savings Program (RRSP). But you’ve still got a few days and a few choices to make that will save on taxes and save more for your retirement. Here are your last-minute RRSP tips. RRSP deadline details • March 2, 2015 at 11:59 PM is the deadline for contributing to investments in your RRSP for the 2014 tax year. • You may make a maximum contribution of up to $24,270, depending on your earned income in 2014 (and minus your pension adjustment if applicable). • You’ll ﬁnd your personal maximum allowable contribution on your most recent notice of assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency (on line (A) of the RRSP Deduction Limit Statement). • You can carry forward unused contribution room from prior years. • You can ﬁll your unused contribution room in a single year or over a number of years until the end of the year in which you reach age 71(or the end of the year your spouse/common-law partner turns 71). RRSP tax-saving, tax-deferring, income-building tips • Maximize this year’s RRSP contribution. This is the best strategy for tax savings and maximizing potential long-term growth. • Maximize last year’s RRSP contribution. For additional tax savings and enhanced

long term growth, catch up on your unused contribution room as quickly as possible. • Borrow to gain. You could maximize this year’s contribution or catch up on past contribution room with an RRSP loan. The money you borrow will generate a tax break and add to your tax-deferred RRSP growth potential. The key is to get a loan at a low interest rate and pay it back quickly. Use your extra tax savings to help pay off the loan. • Split to gain. If your spouse’s income will be lower than yours over the next few years or in retirement, a spousal RRSP can generate retirement income that is subject to less tax. The plan is in your spouse’s name but you contribute to it. Your total can’t exceed your personal yearly contribution room but your spouse’s limit is unaffected by your contribution. The right RRSP strategies will save taxes and help you retire with more – and by adding a wellbalanced non-registered investment portfolio, you’ll make the most of the retirement of your dreams. Your professional advisor can help make it happen for you. This column, written and published by Investors Group Financial Services Inc. (in Québec – a Financial Services Firm), and Investors Group Securities Inc. (in Québec, a firm in Financial Planning) presents general information only and is not a solicitation to buy or sell any investments. Contact your own advisor for specific advice about your circumstances. For more information on this topic please contact your Investors Group Consultant.

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.FEBRUARY 10, 2015

New Courtenay craft brewery sells out of ﬁrst batches in just over two weeks BY DREW A. PENNER Echo Staff It was kind of fitting that first-time business owner Daniel Sharratt’s car broke down while he was trying to open Gladstone Brewing Co. in an old garage site. Thankfully, ever since the doors opened last months things have gotten a bit easier, and now he’s had to deal with a better problem -- running out of beer. “I find running the business way less stressful than trying to start the business,” he said, of the watering hole he launched with his wife. “After doing it I don’t know why anyone would want to start a business.” One thing he’s come to learn is no matter how much research you do, there will always be surprises. “We sold out of all our beer in two-and-a-half weeks,” he said. “The Comox Valley market was ready for it. They bought way more than what people told me they would.” The planning process had involved visualizing

We sold out of all our beer in two-anda-half weeks. The Comox Valley market was ready for it. They bought way more than what people told me they would” DANIEL SHARRATT

Brewer John Adair says it’s been fun to be part of something new emerging in the Valley.

Gladstone Brewing Co.

a target craft beer drinker, leading to the release of the company’s first two varieties -- a Belgian single and an India pale ale. “I was projecting the beer would last between two and three months,” he said. “The IPA sold out a little faster than the single.” Sharratt knows he’s lucky they Comox Valley appears to have matured beyond simply being a land of proudly low-grade Lucky Lager drinkers. “The market’s matured, the palate’s matured enough to accept craft beer.” This has meant everyone from North Island

Server Brian Passaro fills a growler.

College students to 60 and 70-somethings have found their way through the doors, not just the typical intelligentsia types historically associated with microbreweries. For Christy Chiga, from Courtenay, Gladstone was the perfect place to stop by with her two-year-old Groenendael mix dog on a Friday afternoon to fill up a jug with the brand new porter on tap. The first time she was in she tried both the IPA and the Belgian single with her partner. “I was sampling both of them and I liked the Belgian single better,” she said, noting she brought a growler of the beer home with them.

“We drank it right away.” Now that Gladstone is open again, she’s become a repeat customer. John Adair, the brewer, said he was surprised by the feedback. “It’s gone better than any of us expected,” he said. “We had to close for a few days.” But for the former Vancouver resident the really cool part of the operation is how it fits into the larger picture of microbrewery culture emerging in the Valley. “It’s fun to be part of a scene that’s coming to fruition,” he said, referring to the other alcohol purveyors that are emerging in the community. “It seems like there’s an exciting new energy in Courtenay.”

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.FEBRUARY 10, 2015

Comox councillor wants food and crafts court at Marina Park BY MICHAEL BRIONES Echo Staff Comox councillor Russ Arnott wants a food and craft court area to be established at the town’s marina park. He recommended to council for the town to temporarily convert five parking spaces adjacent to the waterfront on the east parking lot for this purpose for the summer season.

Arnott said there is a desire for greater food service at the marina. In the past visitors enjoyed Spanky’s Fish and Chips, which no longer exists today. He simply wants to rekindle that that trend today. The food providers can be in the form of trailers and food trucks, which Arnott said has been popular in other communities. Arnott said it would make a nice gathering place where people can enjoy a nice meal while enjoying

the views of the ocean, mountain and the marina. “I’ve gone down and talked to several people wondering around on different occasions and people like the idea,” said Arnott. The town is currently waiting news of a grant for the marina park development project. But for now, Arnott said, the community can look at this initiative as the start of the vitalization goal for the marina and downtown areas. “I don’t see it costing very much money,” said Arnott. “There’s no change in the

infrastructure.” It would require a few portable curbs, a few picnic tables and relocation of the garbage bin and loading zone parking spot. Councillor Marg Grant favours the concept. However, she has concerns about how the marina tenants would feel about it after complaining to council about high fees and the lack of amenities. “The emotion that we saw in the delegation at our last council meeting, I wonder if this taking away of the five parking spaces, actually flies

Council to consider 1 per cent tax hike to help fund capital projects BY MICHAEL BRIONES Echo Staff Courtenay residents can expect to pay a bit more on their property taxes this year. Council had the opportunity to look at the ﬁve-year capital ﬁnancial plan presented by staff last week. It highlighted the total amount of projects the city is proposing to undertake this year, worth $11.4 million. Director of Financial Services Tillie Manthey said this year the city will not have to borrow as most of the projects are a carryover from 2014. But to help fund some of the capital expenses, Manthey explained money still needs to be drawn from general revenue, amounting to $1,861,117, which is

an increase from last year’s which was around $900,000. Staff recommended council dedicate a one per cent tax increase to assist with the proposed projects. The balance of the funds will come from prior years’ surplus from general revenue, which Manthey says is “key.” “That’s because in the past two years, for certain we have deferred, cancelled capital projects as we’ve been moving to asset management and prioritizing making sure we get the right project on the table at the right time,” said Manthey. The city will also be utilizing the federal community works fund it gained from Gas Tax Grants, which they need to spend by the end of 2018 or they would have to return it. Manthey said the Gas Tax has been “helpful.”

“If it wasn’t for those funds coming from the federal government, we would have to source them some place else to accomplish these programs,” said Manthey. Gas Tax funds totalling $1,671,865 will help Phases 4 and 5 of the Rails to Trails project, make municipal buildings and facilities energy efficient, to pave roads and to complete the Fitzgerald Avenue cycling improvements. Manthy said they are also looking to gain contributions from other sources such as the Comox Valley Regional Hospital project. “The next building permit from the hospital is going to be fairly signiﬁcant,” said Manthey. “So tagging those funds to things that we felt were logical within that area in terms of onsite works and

road improvement.” Some of the capital projects lined up for this year include replacement of some of the city’s fleet ($727,000), curb, gutter, sidewalk ($20,000), storm drainage ($911,000), road paving ($1,484,730), road and street design and construction ($1,691,200) and traffic projects ($88,666). Council agreed to receive the five-year general capital financial plan for discussion and that the final version, inclusive of revisions they’ve identified, be presented on Feb. 18 for final approval. As well, council carried councillor David Frisch’s motion requesting that staff investigate and report on options and implications on different levels of service for the installation of bike lanes on Willemar and Piercy Avenues.

in the face of the kind of emotion that they are feeling,” she said. “One that they’re being charged excessively on their fees and to take away parking space as well, what kind of message are we giving to them?” Arnott said he is a tenant of the marina but “I don’t believe the parking spots are mine.” “The boaters pay for a spot to put their boats. The parking spots are the community’s. “They’re not just boaters down there. This is just taking a piece of the park and bringing more people down into it. Really, what I am trying to do is, honestly, put a first step toward the vitalization of our downtown.” Arnott said as they prepare for another busy summer season filled with exciting events, he feels this temporary setting would prove beneficial to the Comox business community and residents alike. Members of council had a lot of concerns. And before they could endorse Arnott’s motion, they’ve requested a staff report to look into the logistics and feasibility of the plan and be presented to council some time in March.

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.JANUARY 13, 2015

EVERYTHING FOR EVERY PET

FEBRUARY IS PET DENTAL MONTH AT BOSLEY’S COMOX

4-2760 CLIFFE AVE. COURTENAY

Did you know that 80% of dogs show signs of gum disease by age three?* The same is true for 70% of cats. When a dog or cat develops gum disease, it can affect their whole body. Infections in the mouth can migrate into the bloodstream affecting vital organs such as the heart and kidneys. That’s why February is Pet Dental Month at Bosley’s by Pet Valu®. Theses local Pet Experts can help keep your pet’s breath fresh, teeth clean and reduce or even prevent gum disease.

“Daily teeth-brushing is the most effective treatment for pets,” says Comox Store Manager, Kari-Ann Brears. “Plaque is the first stage of dental problems and it’s usually easy to remove with a little scrubbing.” In addition to brushing there are dental toys, treats, foods and other dental products that can help protect your pet’s teeth. Specialized toys clean and massage gums to help floss and remove tartar. Dental treats often have a unique shape and crunchy texture that reduce tartar by scrubbing your pet’s teeth while they are eating. There are even special dog and cat diets that promote dental health. “Dental health doesn’t have to be a chore,” says Kari-Ann. “We have everything you need to promote good dental health.” Talk to your local Pet Experts at Bosley’s Comox to find the right dental solutions for your pet. *American Veterinary Dental Society.

How Much Do You Love Your Pet? www.woofys.ca

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ASK DR. STACEY OF SUNRISE VETS IN COMOX Save your pet from painful dental disease and tooth loss. The truth is tooth tartar (mineralized plaque) never sleeps. If you just had your teeth professionally cleaned today and did not brush for three days the plaque, that would surely be building, will have already become rock hard no thanks to the calcium in our saliva. For teeth to remain healthy they need to chew. This strengthens the tooth root ligaments. The gums overlying the teeth must also stay clean to remain healthy. When gums are not clean the bacteria living in the tartar cause the gums to become red and inflamed. Inflammation hurts. Ouch! Over time the tartar builds and pushes against the gums. The tartar always wins and the gums pull back receding away from it. This exposes the sensitive (ouch again!) tooth root underneath to the air and bacteria. The jaw bone holding the root then becomes infected. This is when a tooth abscess will form and when the tooth gets beyond saving. If you’re a big doggie, chances are you’ll chew lots of things and keep the tartar down over time. If you’re a Chihuahua, Shih Tzu, Pekingese or the like, you are in for a rough ride. This is because you have the same number of teeth as the big guy but in a really small tight space. If you’re a kitty, chances are you will get painful cavities by age 5. There are hundreds of products that claim they’re the ‘cat’s meow’ for teeth. Some work and some don’t. Because every breed, family situation, nutritional philosophy, time commitment and pet willingness to adopt a home dental cleaning program is different, tooth loss prevention really begins in the exam room.

Call us. We’re here to help with your questions. All the best, Dr. Stacey Come get to know your vet. of Sunrise Veterinary Clinic in Comox Your 1st exam with us is complimentary. 250-339-6555 www.sunrisevet.ca

www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.FEBRUARY 10, 2015

Smile!

Its Our Annual Dental Health Awareness Event February and March we are all about oral health!

Open Join us February 25th @Now 6:30pm for a special presentation on oral health with: Sundays!

Dr. Lauren Bessey and Dr. Yvette MacLean Evening includes door prizes, “Ask a Vet” session, hospital tours, snacks & refreshments Give us a call to learn more about our specials and to book your complimentary oral health exam with one of our veterinarians today!

250-334-8400

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COMMON QUESTIONS WHEN IT COMES TO BRUSHING YOUR DOG’S TEETH Bad breath is a common presenting pet odor complaint. Common causes may be related to the mouth or rarely, other health problems. The most common cause of halitosis is periodontal disease caused by plaque (bacteria), which attaches to the tooth surface within hours of cleaning the teeth. Within days the plaque becomes mineralized producing calculus. The best way to prevent periodontal disease is to brush your dog’s teeth. Common Question: “How often should I brush my dog’s teeth?” Ideally you should be brushing your dog’s teeth twice daily if you can manage it but once a day is a great start. Brushing removes the daily accumulation of plaque from the teeth. Even though dogs do not commonly get cavi-

ties they do suffer from periodontal disease which can lead to bad breath, pain and tooth loss. Common Question: “How do I properly brush my dog’s teeth?” Start with an appropriate tooth brush. Ideally for dogs less than 30lbs, a finger tooth brush works well. For larger dogs, buy one with a long handle and an angled head to better fit the mouth and extra soft bristles. Place the toothpaste between the bristles which allows it to spend the most time next to the teeth and gums. Most dogs accept brushing if they are approached in a gentle manner. Start slowly with a damp cloth or gauze wiping the teeth and progress to a tooth brush soaked in warm water. Eventually add on toothpaste. Many tooth pastes designed for pets are flavored, so start-

ing by allowing your dog to lick a small amount off your finger to get used to the taste is a great way to introduce toothpaste and helps to make the tooth brushing experience a positive one. Be sure to use lots of praise and if necessary dental friendly treats as a reward. Pay most attention to the outside of the upper teeth. The bristles should be at a 45 degree angle to the gum line. Move the tooth brush back and forth in an oval pattern including the space between the teeth. Common Question: “Can I use human toothpaste?” Most human pastes contain fluoride in high enough concentrations that if swallowed daily would be toxic. Most human tooth pastes do not taste good to animals. Since human tooth pastes

are not intended to be swallowed (by humans or pets) and since pets will swallow (not rinse and spit), they are not recommended for use in pets. Tooth brushing is the number one preventative measure in the fight against periodontal disease. In combination with an appropriate diet and dental treats, tooth brushing helps maintain oral health and can help to prevent the need for more invasive measures such as subgingival scaling and extractions. If you need some advice on home dental care and diet recommendations, your veterinarian is an excellent source of knowledge and would be happy to give some friendly pointers. Submitted by Van Isle Veterinary Hosptial

www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.FEBRUARY10, 2015

ECHO

OPINIONS

LETTERS

No peasants allowed As you may be aware, the BC Liberals have recently announced increased Wildlife Harvest Allocations for the Guide Outfitters Association of BC (GOABC). These increases are significant and are at the expense of BC Resident Hunters. Each year, based on sound principals of Conservation, there is only so much harvestable wildlife. This recent policy change is based on the Govt’s ongoing support for the BC Guiding Industry, an industry that caters almost exclusively to NonResidents. This policy, in and of itself, is not necessarily a bad thing as most Provinces and States host such endeavours. However, here in BC it is based on unmeasured economic benefits and quotas that exceed those of other jurisdictions. Historically, Guiding has provided a seasonal income supplement to ranchers and other BC families. It has now been taken over by individuals and corporations intent on making it a money making industry. - there are 102,000 BC Resident hunters who spend roughly $230 million annually related to hunting. Many are deeply

committed to conservation and annually contribute considerable time and monies to wildlife and habitat enhancement projects - the Resident’s spokesperson is the BC Wildlife Federation (BCWF) with over 45,000 members. It is a non proﬁt and as such cannot lobby; even if it had the funds. There are local branches in all areas of BC including 1,500 members in the Comox Valley. - the GOABC has roughly 230 members and a client base last year of roughly 4000 hunters who, in the main, are afﬂuent American and European trophy hunters. And here is what the BC Gov’t has been up to: - as per the public record: they have recently received over $100K in political contributions from the GOABC and it’s member - they have given the GOABC over $100K in public funds for advertising to entice foreign trophy hunters to come to BC to take the very animals that they tout as part of their SuperNatural BC advertising - they just recently authorized the ownership

COMOX VALLEY ECHO An independently owned and operated newspaper published by Echo Publications at 407-E Fifth Street, Courtenay, B.C. V9N 1J7 Phone 250-334-4722 Fax 250-334-3172 Classifieds 250- 334-4215 Circulation 250-334-4734 E-mail: echo@comoxvalleyecho.com Publisher Dave MacDonald Editor Debra Martin Advertising Manager Keith Currie Office Administrator Deb Fowler Circulation Manager Hedi MacDonald Production Manager Ryan Getz 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

of BC Guiding Territories by non BC Corporations and individuals creating, in some instances, private hunting preserves here in BC for the exclusive use of the owner and his clients. Prior to that change, owners had to be residents of BC - they have just recently announced increases allocated to the GOABC based on the assumption of economic benefits. No formal study has ever been done to quantify the economic benefits of Guiding to BC. In fact such benefits are highly questionable due to non BC ownership and there being no requirement to hire BC residents. The GOABC boasts an incredible $130M in benefits....show us the tax receipts! A proper arms length economic study is long overdue. - in 2013 they passed legislation that deemed it not to be an offense under the Wildlife Act for clients of Guides to shoot an animal in excess of the Guides annual quota - this new Provincial policy favours well to do Non Resident hunters at the expense of Resident Hunters who are, in the main, not trophy hunters and are looking for a recreational experience, often with their families, plus, if they are lucky, some healthy meat for their freezer. - this new policy establishes splits of 75/25 and 60/40 depending on spe-

cies whereas almost all neighbouring Provinces and States adhere to a 90/10 split favouring Residents ...who generate the bulk of the economic beneﬁt. Here on Vancouver Island ordinary BC Residents have odds of 50 to 100:1 for getting an elk tag. Affluent hunters with $20,000 to $25,000 to spare can simply book an elk hunt with a licensed Island Guide. This situation is analogous to hunting in the 17th Century ..... no peasants allowed! Terry Burt Comox

DIFFERENT STANDARDS? RE: CVRD probes causes of lengthy boil water advisory I don’t understand why Island Health employs more than one standard when determining when to sound the alert. In Comox, the health authority says a boil water advisory must be called if turbidity exceeds 1 nephelometric unit (NTU). In Port Alberni, the same health authority says a notice must be issued if turbidity travels above 5 NTUs. If Port Alberni was required to meet the same standards as Comox, they too would have been under a boil water advisory. A January 15, 2015, Alberni Valley Times news report says “While increased turbidity during the December storm caused Island

Health to issue boil water notices for Nanaimo, Courtenay and Comox, water quality in Port Alberni remained within the provincial standards...The intake at the China Creek dam was below 2.5 NTU over the storm, half of the province’s safely standard of 5 NTU. The Bainbridge Pump House remained under 1.5 NTU during December’s surge in rainfall. The 5 NTU limit has not been breached at these locations since 2009.” Clearly, Comox and Port Alberni have different reporting requirements. I don’t understand why Island Health is applying two different standards in the two community water systems? Maybe this is a political issue more so than a health issue? Susan E. Roth Port Alberni

WORKPLACE BULLYING I am writing to express my surprise and disappointment with the response received from the four local school trustees that I contacted, regarding a request to meet for the purpose of sharing information on teacher morale and workplace bullying. Individuals affected by workplace bullying react in a number of ways which can include: shock, fear, anger, frustration, loss of self-conﬁdence, loss of self-esteem, work-related panic or anxiety, and, low morale and productivity.

Witnesses, coworkers, and in the case of the school district, their primary clients, the children are also affected. Bullying can lead to workplace stress, poor morale, more people taking time off work, and a less productive workplace. The Canada Safety Council reports that one in six employees has been bullied and that one in ﬁve employees has seen a coworker bullied. Within our local school system then, and in particular with the trustees that inﬂuence policy direction, I feel the topics of teacher morale and workplace bullying should be discussed. Am I the only one that feels this way? Scott Montgomery

GREAT SERVICE We thank the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #17 and Eric Toneff Funeral Service for their terriﬁc support, guidance and great service through this time of grief. They were most helpful in every way possible. The Legion put on a spectacular “Poppy Service” for Melvin Thompson which was wonderful and it gave everyone closure. Courtenay, you are fortunate to have people like these to help you when you need it most. We cannot say enough about them, except “THANK YOU.” Grace Williams, Victoria Gay McCormick, Victoria

www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.FEBRUARY 10, 2015

Flag Day ceremony to kick off Valley Heritage Week Flag ‘flash mob’ run from Cumberland It will be 50 years since the new Canadian Flag was raised on the Peace Tower,replacing the Red Ensign, and the public is invited to celebrate the Golden Anniversary of our national treasure this coming Flag Day, February 15, at the Comox Centre Mall and the HMCS

Alberni Museum and Memorial. Beginning the Flag Day event will be a special Flag ﬂash-mob run from Cumberland beginning at 9:15 a.m. at the Cumberland Recreation Centre parking lot. Local runners are encouraged to join in running

the Flag from Cumberland to Courtenay where it will end up at the Mall in time to begin the Golden Anniversary Ceremony. The ceremony begins at 11:30 a.m. with speeches, music, dancing, fiddles, bagpipes, singing, flags and a special cupcake flag supplied by John’s Inde-

pendent Grocery. Entertainment will continue until 3:00 p.m. in the south concourse of the mall. Of special interest will be a collection of different ﬂags from various collectors and museums including the Peace Tower Flag that ﬂew over Ottawa on August 21, 2014. As this is the kick off for Comox Valley Heritage Week (MAIN STREET: At the heart of the community) several “guest” museums, along with HAMM, will be open for the Flag Day celebration. All three local Cadet corps (Army, Navy and Air Force) will be on hand

to give out ﬂags and give tours of the exhibits. Participating museums and exhibits will feature Comox Valley heritage, the Comox Valley Air Force Museum, a short history of the Canadian Army, and Dominion History Project’s interactive display on Canadian Trivia and Citizenship. All donations to these exhibits on Flag Day will be split evenly between the three Cadet programs. This will be a great opportunity to get a glimpse of a few of the 9 local museums of our area as well as contribute to a great cause for our area youth.

The museums and other displays of Comox Valley Heritage will continue to be on display at the mall for Heritage Week from February 15 - 21. For more information on participation with the Flag Flash Mob Run please write to: info@countryroadsmarathon.com . For information on Flag Day and the events at the Comox Centre Mall call 250-339-7344 If you can’t attend on Flag Day but still want to donate to this Cadet fundraiser you can drop off your donation to HAMM in the south concourse of the Comox Centre Mall by February 15th.

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.FEBRUARY 10, 2015

Israeli activist Jeff Halper to appear Feb. 11 at NIC Since 1967, government of Israel has demolished more than 48,000 Palestinian homes in the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem, forcing the indigenous population off their land.

In 1997, the Israel Committee to End Housing Demolitions (ICAHD) organization was founded as an Israeli peace and human rights organization that resists the Occupation of the West Bank and

Gaza on the ground and advocates for a just peace between Israel and the Palestinian people (www. icahd.org). ICAHD Coordinator Jeff Halper is traveling across Canada during January/February 2015 to bring awareness of the illegal actions to the general public and to faith communities.

Halper’s Vancouver Island appearance will take place on Wednesday, February 11 at 7 pm at the Stan Hagen Theatre on North Island College’s Courtenay Campus. Admission is by donation and all proceeds will benefit ICAHD’s rebuilding of Palestinian homes. A native of the US, Halper received his Ph.D.

in Cultural and Applied Anthropology from the University of WisconsinMilwaukee before moving to Israel in 1973. An academic and political writer, Halper serves on the international support committee of the Bertrand Russell Tribunal on Palestine, and was nominated by the American Friends Service Committee for the 2006

Nobel Peace Prize. The Courtenay event is sponsored by Mid-Islanders for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (MIJPME), UNJPPI and North Island College International. Fo r m o r e i n f o r m a tion, phone 250-33193 9 1 o r v i s i t : h t t p s : / / w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / events/1378117325825150/

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March 25, 2015 @ 4 pm

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.FEBRUARY 10, 2015

WINTER INVENTORY

CLEARANCE ONLY 5 DAYS LEFT!

on selected Sweaters, Leather Jackets, Shirts, Dress Pants, Dress Shirts, Winter Coats, Jeans, and other winter accessories.

Bosley’s celebration Feb. 14 Bosley’s by Pet Valu Pet Store in Comox was recently nominated along with seven other Vancouver Island businesses as “Retailer of the Year” as part of the 15th Annual Business Excellence Awards held in Victoria. The store has just undergone a full renovation with twice as much space now which means they have more selection of foods, new brands, accessories,

gifts and even a new Self-Serve Dog Wash station for up to two dogs. Kari-Ann Brears, Store Manager (shown above with her dog Bear in Dog Wash station), would like to invite everyone to their Grand ReOpening Event on Saturday, Feb.14 from 9am -6pm, where there will be many in-store specials, dog trainers, product reps, pet photographer and cake.

Valley in the running for ‘Slide the City’ tour Courtenay and Comox are in in the running to host a 300-metre vinyl slip and slide this summer, but must beat out two other rivals ﬁrst: Victoria and Nanaimo. Utah-based Slide the City conﬁrmed last week that it was bringing the giant, street-level slide to one of the four Vancouver Island municipalities this summer, but event director Rachel Thomas was unwilling to say whether the company was close to settling on which community will win out. “A few cities on the Island have expressed an interest, but there is one in particular I’m focused on,” she said in an email, declining to elaborate. She said deciding factors on where the company would like to bring the slide depend on “support from the city, demand from the people (and) a street that can accommodate this massive slide.” The slide currently tours throughout the U.S. When it is set up, it stretches the

Slide the City coming to the Island length of more than three football ﬁelds across a single street, preferably on a slight slope. Permits and road closures would more than likely be required. Nanaimo Mayor Bill McKay said Wednesday he had not yet had a chance to look at all the details, but said he was excited by the idea. He has been in touch with Thomas about bringing the event to the city. “Absolutely,” he said

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when asked if he supported the idea. “I’m told they would like to do two days over a weekend. I’m looking at the possibility of available dates right now, and how we might incorporate it into another event.” McKay said he has asked the rest of city council for input, adding he thinks the city’s central location gives Nanaimo an edge over the competition. - Nanaimo Daily News

SALE ENDS FEBRUARY 14 Downtown Courtenay 231 5th Street, 250-338-2624

www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.FEBRUARY 10, 2015 Gardeners Green Folk Club in Merville will be this saturday, February 14th at 7 pm. We have a variety of local folk singers lined up to put on a very entertaining show around this month’s musical theme of War and/or Peace. Perhaps those eternal questions: How can we ﬁnd peas on earth? and Where did all those ﬂowers get to anyway? will at last be answered during the course of the evening! Admission is free or by donation to our chosen charity. As this month’s folk club falls on Valentine’s day, why not join us for a musical evening of peace, harmony, and bon ami, with a good dose of humour thrown in? For location and other info, give us a ring at 250-337-5337.

ECHO

etc. YOGA FOR PAIN RELIEF FREE INFO Catherine Reid, Registered Yoga Teacher, will be offering an information session on Yoga for Pain Relief. This free session will take place on Thursday, February 12, from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. at the Courtenay Public Library, in the Multi-Purpose Room. For more information contact Catherine Reid at 250-898-8414, or visit www.catherinereid.ca

OPEN HOUSE FOR NAVIGATE FEB. 11 Navigate (Powered by NIDES) is inviting members of the community to learn more about their award winning programs at a free Community Information Night, to be held on February 11th from 6:30-8:00PM. The event will take place at the Navigate Tsolum School Campus located at 2505 Smith Road just north of Courtenay. This is a great opportunity for parents to meet some of the Navigate staff, ask questions, and learn more about the variety of learning options available. For more information, visit the school’s website www. navigatenides.com.

FAT OYSTER SERIES STARTS FEB. 11 The Fat Oyster Reading Series is starting the 2015 year with a spring series of readings on Wednesday February 11. It features Gary Geddes, Ann Eriksson and Tina Biello all who

BC Dairy Association at Island Ag Show Each day of the show we will be conducting 5 presentations. Each presentation goes through cow anatomy and interesting facts about the dairy industry in BC. 9:00AM - Doors Open (Feb 13 - schools arrive) 9:30AM to 10:00AM - 1st Presentation 10:30AM to 11:00AM - 2nd Presentation

bring the culture of the West Coast to their work. Don’t miss this interesting trio at the Fat Oyster. The Fanny Bay Hall doors open at 6:30 pm on Wednesday February 11th. The cost is $5 at the door. Geddes and Eriksson will also be reading at North Island College’s Stan Hagen theatre on Tuesday, Feb. 10 at 7:00 pm. For more information, please see the Fanny Bay Hall website at: http://fannybaycommunity. com/fat-oyster-reading-series/ and Facebook at: https://www. facebook.com/fatoysterreading

CELEBRATED AUTHORS AT NIC Enjoy an evening of ﬁction and poetry with NIC’s Write Here Readers Series with Ann Eriksson and Gary Geddes Tuesday, February 10 at the Comox Valley campus. The celebrated local authors will read from their recent works High Clear Bell of Morning and What Does a House Want? at the

11:30AM to 12:00PM - 3rd Presentation 12:30PM to 1:00PM - 4th Presentation (Feb 13 schools leave at 1:30PM) 2:30PM to 3:00PM - 5th Presentation 4:00PM - Doors Close

Stan Hagen Theatre, starting at 7 pm. This free public reading series is made possible with generous support from the Canada Council for the Arts. All are welcome! For more information, visit www. nic.bc.ca or call 250-334-5000 ext. 4017.

VOLUNTEER AT SEEDY SATURDAY Preparing for Climate Change on March 7th at the Florence Filberg Centre in Courtenay, offers something for everyone interested in gardening, growing food, saving seeds, building soil and having fun. The event is presented by Comox Valley Growers & Seed Savers and there are opportunities for a few more volunteers. There will be an exciting program of speakers and presenters with information for all levels of gardener, along with the Seedy Cafe and Child Activities. Visit www.cvgss.org to view and register for the full list of volunteer opportunities.

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BOATING COURSE STARTS FEB. 17 The Power and Sail Squadron’s Boating Essential course will start on Tuesday, February 17, 2015 at Mark Isfeld Secondary School and will run for 10 weeks. Classes are every Tuesday from 7 pm to 9:45 pm. Cost is $250 per person. Please register at www.capelazo. ca. For further information contact Barb Hammer at 250339-2333.

FOLK CLUB GATHERS FEB. 14 The monthly gathering of the

VEGAN DINE-OUT AT ZOCALO CAFE On Thursday Feb. 19th at 5:00 pm Zocalo Cafe at 208a Cliffe Ave. in Courtenay will host this month’s Earthsave vegan dine out. The Zocalo is open 7 days a week and has recently redone their website. For guests lingering until 7:00pm, the Oscar Robles band will be entertaining. Chef Peter has put together the following menu for the event: Starter: Red Lentil Soup with coconut and Garam Masala. Main Course: Chana Dhal, a chickpea curry served with fragrant rice, Sweet Potato baked in coconut Madras and Saag Aloo, a potato and spinach curry. The dinner will also come with a mango chutney and cilantro dip. The cost for the evening with coffee, tea, taxes and tips is $25 for adults and $15 for kids to age 12. The evening is by reservation only. To reserve call Bob at Earthsave ph 250-338-0751.

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BOATING COURSE STARTS FEB. 17 The Comox Valley Early Childhood Educators Community is hosting a “Cycling Safety Dance” on Saturday Feb 21, 7 pm at the lower Elks Hall in Courtenay. This event is being held in memory of Paul Bally who lost his life while cycling. Paul’s wife is an early childhood educator and it is her wish that proceeds go towards developing cycling safety educational materials for preschool age children. The educators will work closely with the Comox Valley Cycling Coalition to produce the materials. We invite everyone to come and support this very worthwhile cause. Music will be provided by “Collective Whole”. Tickets are only $10 each and can be purchased at the door or by e-mailing Charlene at cggray@ shaw.ca

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Six Guitars starring Chase Padgett Nanaimo Bar NONE Variety Show 50th Anniversary of the Irish Rovers ‘Street Party’ Speed Control’s Nanaimo Rawks Play Off Show! PirateFest FunDay - Maffeo Sutton Park VestaFire Entertainment - Free Show Diana Krall Plaza

March 13

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Local healing sounds musician Mikeoula and her crystal singing bowls will be at the Comox Valley Art Gallery to celebrate the occasion, joining thousand around the world who will be toning the heart sound “AH”, starting at noon, Feb. 14. Send Mother Gaia a sonic Valentine and help heal the planet and help heal ourselves! For more info on World Sound Healing Day:http://www. worldsoundhealingday.org

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3 Canadian Icons on stage: Jim Byrnes, Barney Bentall, John Mann

March 7 Songwriters Extraordinaire: Royal Wood & Tiller’s Folly

March 21 Award winning show w Tonight…Piaf starring Joelle Rabu

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.FEBRUARY 10, 2015

Island Riders do well at Provincial slopestyle event More than 50 freestyle snowboard athletes from across the province visited Mount Washington Alpine Resort recently (Jan. 31-Feb 1) to take part in two BC Snowboard Provincial Series Slopestyle competitions. The ﬁrst event was held on Saturday and the second on Sunday, in the Rockstar Terrain park. The course consisted of a series of jumps, rails and boxes. In early January the competition had been put on stand-by, due to lack of snow, however mid-month snow accumulations allowed the event to go ahead as planned. “Snow conditions were not ideal,” said Cathy Astofooroff, Executive Director of BC Snowboard, “but Mount Washington Park Crew built an amazing setup, very fun!” Several Vancouver Island athletes made the podium. On Saturday, Jacqueline Monette-Warren, of Parksville, won 1st place in the U19 women’s event, while. Lukas Bergvinson, of Courtenay, placed 2nd in the men’s U13 category and Markus Bergvinson, of Courtenay, placed 3rd (U15). Lane Weaver, Courtenay, won 3rd place on Saturday (U13). On Sunday, Morgan Rogers, of Campbell River, placed 2nd in the overall men’s category.

Created by

Saturday, Feb. 7th 46 players went out and played at Glacier Greens. The weather at start was a few showers and stopped after a short time. Some people who went home wished they had stayed. The course was wet but the drainage system has worked good. There were some good scores for this time of the year and here they are: HCP 0-12 1st Low Gross Rob Borland 70, 2nd Ken Osborne 73, 1st Low Net Dave Osborne 68, 2nd Willie Oliver 69 c /b, Snips Hole #2 Dave Osborne, #3 & #10 (EAGLE) & #18 Rob Bor-

Conceived by

Richard Maltby, Jr. William Meade Adapted from the Broadway Production by Richard Maltby, Jr. and Jason Edwards Orchestrations by Steven Bishop and Jeff Lisenby Additional arrangements by David Abbinanti Ring of Fire was originally produced on Broadway by William Meade, CTM Productions, Bob Cuillo, GFour Productions, and James B. Freydberg

Markus Bergvinson, of Courtenay, placed 3rd (U15). Lukas Bergvinson placed 1st, (U13) and Markus Bergvinson placed 3rd (U15). The First Nations Snowboard Team’s Island & High Performance Division produced podium results both days. On Saturday, Zoe Kostuchuck of Saskatoon, placed 2nd (U19) and Aiva Noringseth, of Courtenay, placed 3rd (U19) in the women’s event while Ryan Johnston, of North Vancouver, placed 3rd (19+) in the men’s event. On Sunday, Knowlton Griffiths, of Comox, placed 3rd (U13), Ryan Johnston, of North Vancouver, placed 2nd (19+) in men’s and Zoe Kostuchuck, of Saskatoon, placed 1st (U19) in women’s. Two more BC Snowboard Provincial Series

Slopestyle competitions are scheduled to take place this season; the next will be at Mt Seymour on February 14 and 15 (currently on stand-by), followed by Big White on March 6 and 7. From February 2228 Vancouver Island’s Jacqueline MonetteWarren will represent BC women in the Canada Winter Games at Tabor Mountain. Jacquie is currently a member of the BC Development Team - Vancouver but she used to train at Mount Washington with the VI Riders. We’re all rooting for her! Kim Leming from the First Nations Snowboard Team Vancouver Island, will also be heading to the

Canada Winter Games as an apprentice coach. A special thank you to Ski Tak Hut and Alternative Groove for sponsoring this weekend’s event, and to the many volunteers and coaches who helped make it a success. Many thanks also to High Performance Coach, Jon Spanos, and First Nations Snowboard Team local mountain sponsor - Mount Washington and ViaSport for their support over the past nine seasons. For more information on the VI Riders Snowboard Club check out www.viriders.ca, for the BC Snowboard Association visit www. bcsnowboard.com, and for the First Nations Snowboard Team visit www.fnriders.

land, #11 Jason Gordon, #13 Willie Oliver, #15 Chris Kalnay, #17 Ken Osborne. HCP 13-18 1st Low Gross Bill Todd 79 c/b, 2nd Lyle Torrie 82. 1st Low Net Peter Hills 64, 2nd Glen Meeres 69 c/b, Snips Hole #2 & #10 Lyle Torrie, #15 Wayne Wood, #16 Peter Hills, HCP 19+ 1st Low Gross Henry Bonde 89, 2nd Bill Krier 91 c/b, 1st Low Net Wayne Mabee 69, 2nd Reg Meeres 71, Snips Hole #4(POG) Len Doyle, #15 Dave Buckley-Jones, There was no Ben Gill challenge on #15. I understand the person who was to put it out may

Polar Bear Golf Tournament Winter Series Comox Golf Club Dates: Sunday Feb 15,22 All competitors welcome. 18 hole Competition with Net and Gross Division. Feb 1 Results provided by Nadine Ash From Coast Realty: Gross Division Tracy Branch 73 Peterson Kaj 75 Gary Snider 78 Net Division Brian Higg 59 Dave Wood 66 Mike Code 66 Mike Naso 68

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CARRIERS WANTED No collection required. Great exercise! Call Comox Valley Echo • 250-334-4734 or drop by 407-D 5th Street, Courtenay

have won it. Let’s hope for a little less rain but it is winter. Till next week see ya. - Submitted by Ron Carter

Polar Bear Golf Tourney

SEASON TICKETS ON SALE NOW

“Ring of Fire” is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide (TRW), 570 Seventh Avenue, Suite 2100, New York, NY 10018.

Valley golfing news A tad wet at Glacier Greens

COURTENAY Substitute needed for Rt 7119 Downtown Business Area

THE DART BOARD COMOX VALLEY PUB LEAGUE MIXED DARTS POSITION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

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VALLEYVIEW A Division Crty Legion Black Cats Crty Legion DA’s Cx Legion Beer Pigs Griffin Gang Comox Legion Bulls Hitters Comox Legion Misfitz Elks FunGi’s Griffin Darts of Hazzard

Pts 108 91 83 76 74 73 64 34

Feb. 3 Results Blackcats 8 - Beer Pigs 1 FunGis 2 - Darts of Hazzard 7 Griffin Gang 3 - D.A.’s 6 BullsHitters 0 - Misfitz 0 Ladies Hi Score: Jenny Nylund, Wendy Jackson 140 Men’s Hi Score: Geoff Phillips 152 Ladies Hi Checkout: Kerry Edwards 70 Men’s Hi Checkout: Dwayne Bennett 133 180s: Glen Litchfield 1, Laurie Bull 1

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COLEMAN ROAD AREA Rt. 4106

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.FEBRUARY 10, 2015

CARRIERS WANTED EARN $$$$$$$$ COURTENAY Substitute needed for Rt 7119 Downtown Business Area COMOX Rt. 2118

– Comox Ave, Mack Laing, Baybrook, Orchard Park Dr.

VALLEYVIEW Rt. 3114

– Evergreen, Mantle, Zeballos, Malahat

COLEMAN ROAD AREA Rt. 4106

– Loxley, Avonlee, Sea Terrace

MIRACLE BEACH Rt. 6111

– Seaview Road

SINGING SANDS AREA Rt. 4102

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

www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.FEBRUARY 10, 2015

20 www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.FEBRUARY 10, 2015

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