Comox Valley Echo - February 17, 2015

You don't have to be great to start – but you do have to start to be great!"

www.comoxvalleyecho.com COURTENAY, BRITISH COLUMBIA • Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Comox Valley , BC

PRICE: 57 CENTS PLUS GST

VOL . 21, NO. 14

NORTH ISLANDER

WILDLIFE

9.Two great jazz

4.Mountainaire

programs offered this week.

Avian Rescue set to expand now.

NO PAY RAISE FOR COMOX COUNCIL.03 ‘WE’RE ASKING OTHER PEOPLE TO TIGHTEN THEIR BELTS SO IT’S ONLY PRUDENT THAT WE DO THE SAME’’, SAYS ONE TOWN COUNCILLOR. CUMBERLAND

BUSINESS

05.The

07.Royston

Atmosphere Gathering plans to turn down the bass this year to keep complaints at a minimum.

Tree Island yogurt company gets a big boost to expand from Whole Foods last week.

12.THERE’S A NEW TAXI SERVICE IN THE VALLEY.

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.COURTENAY,BC. FEBRUARY 17, 2015

ECHO

NEWS Comox Valley Weather

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Tuesday Mainly sunny.

High 10°C except 13°C inland.

Wednesday Cloudy with 60% chance of showers.

Low 4°C. High 9°C.

Thursday Cloudy.

Low 6°C. High 9°C.

Friday A mix of sun and cloud.

Low 4°C. High 9°C.

Saturday A mix of sun and cloud.

Low 2°C. High 10°C.

New Patients Welcome

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

Theft at school During the early morning hours of February 10th the Comox Valley RCMP were called to a break, enter and theft at the Mark Isfeld secondary school in Courtenay. Culprits smashed windows and entered the school and then smashed their way into a vending machine and stole items inside. (20151680)

his yard. (2015-1701)

Break-in at motel On February 11th police entered into an investigation of a break and enter at a motel on the 1800 block of Cliffe Avenue in Courtenay. As a result of the investigation a Courtenay woman has been arrested for trespassing and once in police custody she was found to be in breach of a probation order. This woman now faces two charges of breach of probation. (2015-1737)

On February 10th police were dispatched to a report of an alarm at the business on the 3100 block of Cliffe Avenue in Courtenay. The investigation revealed that suspects forced their way into the business and attempted to gain entry to the safe. This investigation is continuing. (2015-1682)

Boat motor stolen Police received a report from a homeowner on the 500 block of 11th street in Courtenay on February 10th. The homeowner reports that sometime in the last two weeks someone has stolen a 9.9 hp.

Mercury outboard motor from his boat that was in

On the evening of February 11th police were alerted to a break, enter and theft that had occurred at a residence on the 3000 block of Macaulay road in Black Creek. Thieves entered the unoccupied, unlocked house and stole an assortment of electronic, alcohol and jewellery. (2015-1761)

Freezer food stolen On February 14th police were notified of a theft from a residence located on the 900 block of 2nd street in Courtenay. Unknown suspects entered an unlocked storage area in the residence and stole a large amount of food from a freezer. (2015-1883)

331B 6th St. Courtenay

BY DREW A. PENNER Echo Staff

WANTED If you have any information about the whereabouts of either of these two people, call the Comox Valley RCMP Detachment at 338-1321, or Comox Valley Crimestoppers at 1-800-222TIPS (1-800-222-8477). You don’t have to give your name and you could be eligible for a cash reward.

Home break-in Business break-in

250.334.4732

Suspected lotto thief makes court appearance

Police Blotter Comox Valley RCMP attended the following incidents between Feb. 10 and 16:

6th Street Denture Clinic

Benjamin Edward GOSSEN

Brandie Rose HANSON

DOB: 1991-06-30 177cms, 77 kgs, Brown hair, Blue eyes Warrant: Possession of prohibited weapon Comox Valley file # 201415992

DOB: 1979-01-30 160 cms, 71 kgs, Brown hair, Hazel eyes Warrants: Theft under $5000, Assault, Breach of Undertaking, Warrants in other jurisdictions Comox Valley file # 201410571

www.comoxvalleycrimestoppers.bc.ca

The man accused in the theft of a BC Lotto kiosk at Driftwood Mall in Courtenay made a brief appearance in Courtenay Provincial Court Feb. 12.

Jeremy Brian Murdoch is accused of pushing a teller, grabbing money from the cash drawer and disguising himself with a Team Canada hockey sweater stolen from Target, as part of his getaway Jan. 31.

Speaking over a video connection from cells at Vancouver Island Regional Correctional Centre he said he hasn’t been able to retain a lawyer yet.

Legal Aid told him to

try to talk to duty counsel before they would help him, he said.

There was no duty counsel available at the jail that Thursday, the court heard.

Provincial Court judge Peter Doherty addressed the man directly, suggesting he contact the legal aid office and let them know the Crown is trying to keep him behind bars if possible. Murdoch’s bail hearing was put over to Feb. 19.

The short-haired man asked if he could face the judge in person as opposed to appearing by video, something Doherty was more than happy to consent to. The accused is expected to secure a lawyer locally.

‘Cycling Safety Dance’ planned for Saturday 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.

We invite everyone to come and support this very worthwhile cause.

Tickets are only $10 each and can be purchased at the door or by e-mailing Charlene at cggray@shaw. ca

- RCMP Comox Valley $1099 Youth & Adults

Notice of Members' Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Oyster River Enhancement Society (ORES) 11:00 AM Tuesday March 17th, 2015 at the ORES' Hatchery off 3080 Macaulay Road, Black Creek.

There will be an election of the Executive Officers President, Vice-President, 2nd. Vice-President (new position), Secretary, and Treasurer for 2015/16. Members wishing to nominate other members for any of these positions should receive permission from the nominee and if given, then forward his/her name to Chief Electoral Officer Jim Loring. Nominations from the floor at the meeting will also be accepted. Jim Loring can be reached by email at jsloring@telus.net or phone 250-890-0582.

By Order of the ORES Board of Directors

w w w. o y s t e r r i v e r e n h a n c e m e n t . o r g

FEB 13

FEB 19

Feb. 13– Feb. 19

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Cinema #4: Double Feature “Iolanta” & Bluebeard’s Castle”.Metropolitan Opera - LIVE Saturday, February 14, 9:30 am (ends approx. 1:10 pm). Doors open at 9:00 Approx. 3 hours, 40 minutes. 1 intermission Cinema #4: “Haydn” In Search of Great Composers Sunday, February 15, 10:00 am (ends 11:42 pm). Doors open at 9:30. Approx. 1 hour, 42 minutes Cinema #1: “Fifty Shades of Grey” 18A: Sexually suggestive scenes; nudity Nightly: 6:45 (9:00) & 9:30 (11:45). Saturday to Monday Matinees: 12:35 (2:50) & 3:30 (5:45) Cinema #2: “Jupiter Ascending 3D” PG: Violence; coarse language.

Nightly except Sunday: 6:55 (9:45) & 9:45 (12:05). Saturday Matinees: 2D 3:35 (5:55) Sunday & Monday Matinees: 3D 12:30 (2:50) & 2D 3:35 (5:55) Cinema #3: “Spongebob Movie: Sponge Out of Water 3D” G: No Advisory. Nightly: 7:10 (8:55) & 9:25 (11:10).

Saturday to Monday Matinees: 3D 1:00 (2:45) & 2D 3:20 (5:05) Cinema #4: “Kingsman: The Secret Service” 14A: Coarse language; violence Nightly: 6:30 (8:50) & 9:35 (11:55). Saturday to Monday Matinees: 12:40 (3:00) & 3:40 (6:00) Box Office Hours for Feb. 13th – 19th. Nightly: 6:00 pm – 9:50 pm Saturday to Monday Matinees: 12:00 noon - 3:45 pm

www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.FEBRUARY 17, 2015

3

Hospital confident it will meet performance targets The flu vaccine-mismatch has posed some additional challenges this year for St. Joseph’s

BY DREW A. PENNER Echo Staff St. Joseph’s General Hospital officials say they are on track to improve quality of care in a number of areas highlighted by the regional health authority.

They will face financial penalties at the end of the fiscal year if they don’t make the grade in each of five different measures of success.

“The performance targets ensure that we provide the best quality care for our patients,” said Leesa Ferguson, director of quality and risk management at the Comox facility. “They consistently keep us on target.”

Pay for performance standards were introduced this year by the Ministry

There’s a 10-hour time window where that is acceptable in terms of how long it takes your hospital to get me to my bed. We all have to achieve this.”

DR. BRENDAN CARR VIHA President and CEO

of Health to encourage health authorities and hospitals to become more innovative and efficient.

Island Health set out specific goals for St. Joseph’s to reach, but that is easier said than done considering the hospital has faced overcrowding and the onslaught of winter

diarrhea/flu/pneumonia season.

For the moment the hospital is supposed to admit at least 55 per cent of patients within 10 hours or less from the moment they arrive in emergency.

Island Health president and CEO Dr. Brendan Carr said quicker service in the emergency room is crucial for patients.

“There’s a 10-hour time window where that is acceptable in terms of how long it takes your hospital to get me to my bed,” he said. “We all have to achieve this.”

During the summer St. Joseph’s seemed to be in the clear, finding beds for nearly three-quarters of everyone in the ER within a maximum of 10 hours of triage.

No pay raise this year for Comox mayor and council McKinnon calls for freeze on remuneration adjustments

BY MICHAEL BRIONES Echo Staff Comox council has opted for a zero increase in its remuneration and expenses this year.

Councillor Hugh McKinnon made a motion to freeze the scheduled raise in their pay this year. It was unanimously supported at the committee of the whole meeting held last week.

“Keep the price of the cost low for ourselves,” said councillor Russ Arnott. “We’re asking other people to tighten their belts so it’s only prudent that we do the same.”

Staff had forwarded to the council suggested ad-

justments to their wages for this year.

Bylaw 1504 that was adopted on March 15, 2006 outlines the formula applied in determining the changes to the pay scale of council members and the mayor.

It specifies adjustments be applied annually by an amount equal to 50 per cent of the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index for Vancouver, BC over the preceding year, and 50 per cent of the average percentage change in council remuneration over the preceding year for the following municipalities - City of Courtenay, Town of Qualicum Beach, City of Parks-

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ville and Town of Sidney.

Based on these factors, Mayor Paul Ives was to receive a .88 per cent pay hike this year, going up from $32,251.75 to $32,529. Members of council would have seen a 1.25 per cent increase to $16,945 from $16,734.

The pay rates of Comox’s elected officials are lower than the City of Courtenay, whose mayor, Larry Jangula, gets paid $50,432 and each member of council $21,676.

They are also below other municipalities of similar size like Qualicum where the mayor gets an annual remuneration of $33,475 and each councillor $20,317.

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We’re doing pretty well; however, the trend has been that we haven’t met targets” LEESA FERGUSON Director of quality and risk management St. Joseph’s Hospital

Dr. Brendan Carr That dropped down to just 50 per cent in the past couple of months, something they hope to improve by the end of March.

“We’re doing pretty well,” Ferguson said, “however, the trend has been that we haven’t met targets.”

The hospital is hovering around 100 - 101 per cent capacity and this year’s influenza vaccine mismatch has added additional challenges to the Catholic Church-owned facility.

The second indicator is the percentage of nonemergency patients waiting 52 weeks or more for elective surgery.

In 2013/14 the hospital was at 0.1 per cent. That figure’s sitting at about 0.3

per cent right now.

But the target for this measure is two per cent, so it seems St. Joseph’s is in the clear there.

Ferguson says this has a lot to do with hard working surgeons who cooperate to maximize available operating room time.

Thirdly, the hospital must hit over 90 per cent for hip fracture fixations, but St. Joseph’s is already at 93 per cent at the moment.

“There are some areas around care sensitive adverse events,” Dr. Carr said, referring to the third metric, “like rate of falls and things like that.”

Patients who are injured somehow while in hospital count against this score.

The indicator includes pressure ulcers, fractures from falling, pneumonia and urinary tract infections.

“This is for patients over 55,” Ferguson explained. “We’re improving our score.”

The hospital is supposed to have less than 16 of these cases for every 1,000 in-patients. In the third quarter St. Joseph’s was already at just 12.

The final performance measure is aimed at reducing long hospital stays, which can be costly and might not always be the best solution for the patient.

St. Joseph’s is supposed to cut the amount of time patients stay in the hospital for longer than 30 days by five per cent. In 2013/14 patients stayed 7,494 hours past the 30day marker.

Ferguson said the hospital is on target for this indicator.

The hospital doesn’t know what the financial penalties will be yet, but it says it will do what it can to avoid facing any payout for performance bills.

OFFICIAL NOTICE 35th Annual General Meeting Comox Valley Co-operative Thursday, March 5th, 2015 Filberg Centre Upstairs 6:00 PM ~ Registration | 7:00 PM ~ Light Dinner 8:00 PM ~ Meeting

IMPORTANT! Please RSVP by February 23rd for catering purposes.

Part 14 Election, Appointment and Removal of Directors Election at Annual General Meeting Committee will contact the nominee and 82 An election of Directors must be held affirm that they are willing to stand as a at each Annual General Meeting to replace candidate. If agreeable, the candidate has those Directors whose terms of office have 14 days to submit an application to the expired or will expire at the end of the Nominating Committee stating why the meeting in accordance with Rule 89. candidate wants to be a director and why they feel they are qualified to be a director.

Proposed change: No change.

This should include a summary of relevant 83 A member may nominate a candidate experience and a list of other directorships for Director either before or at an Annual or committees they have served on and a General Meeting at which a Director is to be summary of what skills they bring to the elected. position.

Proposed change: A member may nominate Prior to the AGM the Nominating committee a candidate for Director at least 60 days will review the qualifications of all nominees before the Annual General Meeting by and bring forward a slate of recommended contacting the Nominating Committee in director candidates to the AGM for election. writing. As per section 88 the Nominating No further nominations will be considered.

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Call: 1(250) 338-8181 Email: lezlie@comoxvalleycoop.ca Comox Valley Co-op

4

www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.FEBRUARY 17, 2015

Generous donation helps bird rescue society land 10-acre property

BY MICHAEL BRIONES Echo Staff The Mountainaire Avian Rescue Society is spreading its wings after purchasing a 10-acre property located between Courtenay and Campbell River.

Maj Birch, the founder and general manager of MARS, couldn’t contain her excitement as she talked about a “dream come true.”

“I’ve never dreamed we would be able to do this,” said Birch about expanding its North Island bird rescue centre. “We’ve always wanted to. I’ve been dreaming about this for at least ten years” MARS acquired twoadjoining 5-acre properties for $380,000 at the corner of Williams Beach Road and the Old Island Highway. It will allow the society to finally realize its goals for expansion.

They’ve invested $350,000 on the new property, the majority of which came from the estate of Michele Woodrow.

But they still need to raise $30,000 by May 15 in order to complete the purchase.

“We are ever so grateful to Michele Woodrow who was a very good friend of MARS,” said Birch. “When she passed away, she left a bequest to MARS of $300,000. She certainly left a legacy not only for us but she also contributed to Kitty Kat Pals and to the hospice. If it weren’t for Michele, we wouldn’t be standing here today.”

Birch said MARS operations have grown dramatically over the years and desperately need to expand.

“This is just a wonderful thing because this is

Ms Brinley, a Great Horned owl, proudly stares at the sign that indicates the future home of the Mountainaire Avian Rescue Society. Her handler is Reg Westcott, the supervisor of animal care at MARS.

Maj Birch, the general manager and founder of Mountainaire Avian Rescue Society, performs a traditional First Nations smudge ceremony to mark the acquisition of the 10-acre property that will soon be

Birch said they want to have more community outreach and provide education by creating walking trails and activities where people can learn about wildlife.

Over the next three years, MARS will be focusing on developing the new location. They will need to raise funds to make their expansion plans come to fruition.

If anyone wishes to help MARS, they can go through their website http://wingtips.org/, email them at info@wingtips. org or call 250-337-2021.

“We’re not just looking for cash donations,” said Birch. “They can be in kind and of services, materials and people who want to raise funds for us.

It can be anything like collecting bottles, donating Canadian Tire money, and Quality Food points. It’s whatever they can contribute.”

318 A Duncan Ave., Courtenay (Corner of Duncan & 3rd St.)

our 20th anniversary and a great way to celebrate it,” said Birch. “My property has served us well but we’ve outgrown it tremendously. Up until last year, we were averaging 400 to 500 cases. Last year we

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the new location of MARS. On hand were Donna and Ken Nelson, the parents of the late Michele Woodrow, whose legacy helped MARS pay for the property located between Courtenay and Campbell River.

in 2013, nine months after her husband died.

To witness how Michele’s generous donation is being used, Donna said, her daughter would be “so pleased.”

“She would be so proud that people were sensible enough to use it for something tangible,” said Donna. “Here you have a property that’s going to last forever.”

MARS plans to use the 10-acre property to build a good-size flight pen for their bald eagles rehabilitation program.

“Our flight pen is only 40 feet long and the minimum standard is 100 feet,” said Birch. “There’s just not enough room. So we have to send them to other facilities to get their conditioning before they’re released which puts a lot of stress on those birds because we have to ship them down then ship them back for release here.”

1yr: 1.500% 3 yr: 1.850% 5 yr: 2.150%

had over 700, a huge increase. We deal with more bald eagles than any other rehabilitation centre on Vancouver Island.”

The parents of the late Woodrow, Donna and Ken Nelson, as well as her sib-

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lings Jeannie and Mike, attended the property possession ceremony.

Donna said Michele simply loved animals. She believed it started when Michele worked at the SPCA. She passed away

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.FEBRUARY 17, 2015

5

Atmosphere team wants to make improvements to Cumberland festival Plans include turning down the bass

BY DREW A. PENNER Echo Staff The organizers of a multi-stage electronic music festival pitched Cumberland as a “wonderful place to dance” as they told councillors Atmosphere Gathering 2015 will once again provide a safe environment for art and music enthusiasts.

Highlighting the economic impact of entertainment within the community Vig Schulman of Cumberland Village Works said reduced bass levels and an earlier end time on Sunday are key elements of putting on an international caliber event in a community-friendly manner.

“The producers of Atmosphere Gathering are locally minded organizers,” he said, during a presentation to council Feb. 10. “We see as our intention to create a little

Organizer Ben Howells said this year bass frequencies will be reduced by 10 per cent and the main stage will be moved further from Sixth Street.

Village that represents lifestyle choices that promote healthy solutions to environmental and social challenges that are very evident in so many areas around us.”

The inaugural edition of Atmosphere Gathering last summer brought

national and international artists such as Tanya Tagaq, A Tribe Called Red and Desert Dwellers to Village Park for a collage of art, music, dance and communal eating.

This year’s event is scheduled for Aug. 14-16 and organizers expect between 1,500-1,800 people to turn up.

“We see cultural tourism as a very important and sustainable amenity,” he said. “We try to stay ahead of the curve with our entertainment choices and the style in which we present them.

Melissa Roeske, of Cumberland Village Works, said organizers have already begun liaising with the RCMP and are also trying to secure a special occasion liquor licence to help mitigate open alcohol concerns in the Village by serving brews on site.

Organizers are tuning up parking and traffic con-

Daytime stage at last year’s Atmosphere gathering trol at key locations, working with the fire chief and bylaw officer and solidifying a first-aid team as part of their efforts to develop another unique event.

She noted Source Security from Victoria has been tapped to provide security services once again this year.

“They were fantastic,” she said of the job they did during the first incarnation of the festival. “Most of the staff that they send are from the Comox Valley. They have a pretty good idea of who people are.”

Organizer Ben Howells said changes reflect con-

sultations with stakeholders and will result in more sanitation facilities and litter recovery as well as allowing RV camping inside the park to discourage camping on the street.

Other measures include adding more overnight security, maintaining water park washrooms over the weekend, using the access road on the forested side of the park for loading duties and running a shuttle to and from Lake Park Campground at Comox Lake.

Council members were perhaps most interested in what Howells had to say about sound mitiga-

tion, given multiple noise complaints lodged last year following the event.

“We’ve done a fair amount of research,” he said, noting outdoor rock shows typically hit between 110 and 140 decibels within 100 feet of the speakers. “The sounds that occur outside the park will be less than half these numbers and will diminish rapidly as one travels further away.”

Not only that but bass frequencies will be trimmed down this year and monitored throughout the event.

(Continued on page 6)

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.FEBRUARY 17, 2015

No freeze on marina berthage fees hike Tenants will see rates go up one per cent overall; will affect mainly longer boats

BY MICHAEL BRIONES Echo Staff Comox Marina tenants will not see their request for a freeze on further hikes in berthage fees happen this year.

Town staff was directed to look into holding back rental rate increases after a group of boaters appeared before council recently to object to what

they claimed were unreasonable annual fee hikes.

Council has set a four per cent increase annually on marina rates in its 2014-2018 financial plan.

Director of finance Donald Jacquest stated in a report to the committee of the whole last week the town cannot afford not to raise the fees annually as it would result in revenue loss - $46,560 per percent-

age reduced - which he added has to be offset with increases in other areas of the budget or expenditure reductions.

However, Jacquest pointed out the annual

Improvements to Atmosphere unveiled (Continued from page 5)

Special Information Supplement

for emergency vehicles.

Mayor Leslie Baird said she had made a point of following up with the various people who had reached out with comments following the 2014 edition of Atmosphere.

“As you know I received a number of complaints,” she said.

“The vast majority supported the event. They were concerned with the bass, and they were concerned with the time.

Those were the two issues that were a problem for many of the residents.”

While Schulman didn’t reveal any official line-up details yet, he did drop a tasty morsel: the festival closer will not be a bassheavy act.

“It’s almost folk music shall we say,” he said, adding this mystery guest will be “one of our most significant artists that we’re bringing in.”

25’, one 28’ and one 40’ berth.

Jacquest reported to council some of the vacancies, especially those 20 foot berths on the east side of A float, are empty due to the pending completion of the final marina waterfront development.

He explained they could not fill the berths until they know for certain the marina development would not be in conflict with current users.

As well, Jacquest said, possibly the town has reached what it can reasonably charge for moorage.

Although the empty berths mostly involve smaller boats, Jacquest said they’ve looked at an across the board percentage increase and determined it would be counter-productive because it may lead to revenue loss if vacancies increase.

(Continued on page 7)

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“We plan to reduce subsonic frequencies by at least 10 per cent overall,” he said, adding organizers are going to move the big top 300 feet further away from Sixth Street. “That should alleviate a massive amount of the sound pressure that was most evident, with that particular zone being so close to residents.”

An additional element of fitting into the community for this year’s festival includes shutting down an hour earlier - at 11 p.m.

Sunday - on the final evening.

“We feel that all these changes will create a good overall balance for the community,” he said.

Coun. Gwyn Sproule thanked the organizers for their presentation and said she was pleased they’ve been working to

address some of the concerns voiced by residents following the first edition of Atmosphere.

“I’m happy to hear you’ve got a way to turn down the bass,” she said, “because that’s what we heard most.”

Coun.

Roger Kishi echoed those resident concerns.

“It’s not just feedback - there were complaints last year,” he said, commending the organizers for looking at ways to mitigate the noise. “I’m hoping that once we have the full package for the event we’ll be able to look at all of it and approve -- or not approve it - as one whole package.”

Coun. Sean Sullivan said moving the load-in away from Sixth Street is a good idea because it will likely mean fewer disruptions for residents in the area and keep the road free

four per cent hike may be too high and could be the main reason why there are a number of vacancies at the marina.

He recommended council approve an increase of one per cent overall.

Vacancies, particularly for shorter berths, have risen since substantial increases were applied in the last three years, Jacquest said.

The current vacancies are eight 20’, four 24’, five

2015 International Auto Show

Presented by the New Car Dealers Association of B.C., it’s like Christmas for car and truck lovers!

Auto enthusiasts across the province are gearing up for next month’s Vancouver International Auto Show, the largest event of its kind in Western Canada. Presented by the New Car Dealers

By Blair Qualey Association of B.C., it’s like Christmas for car and truck lovers! This year’s show, taking place March 24 to 29 at the Vancouver Convention Centre, will have something special for all guests, regardless of whether they’ve been naughty or nice.

For starters, the 95th annual Auto Show will be bigger and better than in previous years – quite literally. This year the show is taking up 25 per cent more room than last year, or about 300,000 square feet of ballroom space, which will house many never-before-seen displays.

For example, have you ever laid your eyes on a 100% Electric Bigfoot? How about a milliondollar classic convertible build? You will see both at this year’s Auto Show.

Also new for the 2015 show is the Car Culture feature, which will highlight vehicles displayed in lifestyle settings, from luxury to families with kids, and concepts such as the “Great Outdoors,” “Work Zone” and “City Luxury.” These are just some of the features being brought to you by the show’s new management team. Other special attractions include a life-size Hot Wheels car and the Volkswagen Playcare Centre, to name a couple.

Some things will remain the same this year, including the opportunity for guests to check out the latest makes and models from a widerange of manufacturers around the world. That includes exotic and luxury brands such as

Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, Porsche, and Rolls Royce.

The Auto Show will also celebrate one of North America’s most iconic cars and uncover unique Hollywood North displays with vehicles used on movies and television sets shot on location in Metro Vancouver.

Another highlight will be Electric Avenue, showcasing the latest in consumer-ready electric vehicles. And returning this year is the wildly popular Green Ride and Drive event, where the general public will get a chance to drive some of the latest environmentally friendly vehicles.

The New Car Dealers Association of B.C. is also looking forward to the annual Auto Show Gala on March 24. Partial proceeds from this event, which includes a dinner and awards ceremony, will once again go to the New Car Dealers Foundation of B.C., a charitable

organization that sponsors organizations such as Special Olympics B.C. Guests are encouraged to buy tickets online to avoid lines, but they will also be available on site during the show through an accessible new ticketing system. To find out more about all of the events taking place at this year’s Auto Show, including online contests and how to save money on tickets, visit: www.VancouverInternationalAutoShow.com.

And don’t forget to follow the show on Twitter @VanAutoShow, follow “Vancouver Auto Show” on Instagram and “Like” the Facebook page (Vancouver International Auto Show).

Hope to see you there!

Blair Qualey is President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. Email him at bqualey@newcardealers.ca.

www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.FEBRUARY 17, 2015

Valley yogurt makers get Whole Foods loan Whole Foods Market announced last week that it has awarded Tree Island Gourmet Yogurt of Royston with a $58,000 lowinterest loan as part of the Local Producer Loan Program.

Through this program, Whole Foods Market is committed to providing $25 million in low-interest loans to local growers, producers and food artisans.

Tree Island Gourmet Yogurt is a family-run dairy processor that makes small-batch, artisan yogurt from local ingredients, including whole milk from grass-fed cows.

The company recently launched a new line of authentic Greek yogurt made from 100 percent Canadian, grass-fed milk.

This is the second Local Producer Loan awarded to a BC-based food business. In September of 2014, Whole Foods Market awarded Lina’s Garden, a small organic farm in Cawston, the first Local Producer Loan in BC. Tree Island Gourmet

Created by

7

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

Scott DiGuistini and Merissa Myles, the founders of Tree Island Yogurt (and their son), together with Denise Breyley, the Local Forager for Whole Foods Yogurt will use the loan to purchase a new filling machine, helping significantly increase production levels.

“When you get the chance to meet Tree Island’s founders, Scott DiGuistini and Merissa Myles, you realize immediately that they are true innovators in the artisanal food community.

“It’s fantastic to award a loan that I’m confident will be another chapter in their success story,” said Denise Breyley, Whole Foods Market’s Local Forager in the Pacific Northwest.

“This is one of the best

Market in the Pacific Northwest and Lower Mainland.

Denise is responsible for the Local Producer Loan Program in this region.

parts of my job - working with these amazing small food businesses and helping them make their brilliant ideas a reality and realize their dreams.”

Tree Island Gourmet Yogurt received its cheque from Whole Foods Market on Thursday, February 12 during a special celebration at the Whole Foods Market Cambie store.

“As we searched for a funding partner who could help with our growth, Whole Foods Market quickly stood out as a wonderful fit for our business,” said Merissa Myles, co-founder of Tree Island Gourmet Yogurt.

“Their values are so tightly aligned with our own.

“A commitment to building strong, local food systems and environmental stewardship are core to how each of our organizations operates every day.

“We’re using this loan to purchase a new filling machine - a critical piece of equipment as we continue our path to growth.”

For more information about the Local Producer Loan Program, please visit http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/mission-values/commitment-society/ loan-program-details.

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No freeze on Comox Marina berthage rate hikes (Continued from page 6)

Jacquest recommended greater increase in rate be focused on longer boats while giving the shorter boats a break.

It would still equate to revenue loss of $136,076 to the town’s 2015-2019 financial plan but he feels it is reasonable.

Smaller boats, 26 foot long and below will get zero per cent increase and longer boats will be dealt with hikes of one per cent on 27’ to 36’, two per cent on 37’ and 38’, and three per cent on 39’ and over.

Council agreed the suggested berthage fees would still be below other marinas.

“We do provide services to the greater community,” said Mayor Paul Ives.

“And in terms of whether it’s excessive or not they’re entitled to their opinion in that regard.”

Staff has also asked council direction with the Coast Guard Auxiliary, which had been provided space for a float building and a 38’ slip for the Bruce Brown II rent free. But lately there had been additions as it now has

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a 20’ slip for a dinghy and a 24’ slip for a rigid inflatable boat.

Staff wanted to know which of the spaces should be provided rent free. Revenue could be derived on 20 and 34 foot slips - roughly

around $4,000 per year, which could add another 1.4 per cent of the total berthage revenue.

A motion was made to invite the Coast Guard Auxiliary to make a presentation to council.

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In the days of yore, the responsibility of paying for a wedding fell to the bride’s parents. But that tradition has largely fallen by the wayside in recent years, when more and more couples have used their own savings to ďŹ nance their weddings.

Few couples enter the process of planning their weddings unaware of just how expensive weddings can get, but costs can easily begin to escalate if couples are not careful.

Couples know that certain wedding expenses, such as the cost of booking a reception hall, will eat up a large portion of their budgets. But there are some hidden expenses that couples must build into their budgets to avoid ďŹ nding themselves in debt as they walk down the aisle as husband and wife. • TAXES: Sales tax might not seem so signiďŹ cant when you’re buying everyday items, but the taxes add up quickly when paying for a wedding.

Depending on where you live, state and local sales tax can exceed 9 percent in the United States, and some Canadians pay as much as 15 percent in combined sales taxes depending on where they live. Before signing contracts with any vendors, couples should get the price including sales tax written into their contracts, as failing to do so may result in a several thousand dollar surprise when the time to pay up arrives. • GRATUITIES: Gratuities are another potentially hefty expense that often takes engaged couples by surprise as they start to plan their weddings.

Some reception halls build gratuities for staff into their estimates, and these tips for the staff can be as high as 25 percent at some venues. But even if gratuities for reception hall staff are already accounted for, don’t forget to include tips for ad-

ditional vendors the day of the wedding. Couples may be expected to tip the orist, photographer, band or deejay and even the reception hall maitre d’ if his or her gratuity is not included in the aforementioned staff tip. Brides-to-be typically tip their hairstylist and makeup artist on the day of the wedding as well. • POSTAGE: Couples who plan to invite guests via email or online invitations can skirt the cost of postage. But many couples still prefer traditional paper invitations, which include return envelopes that tradition suggests should also be stamped.

Save-the-date cards have grown in popularity as well, and these cards must also be stamped and mailed. Depending on the size of your guest list, postage can cost several hundred dollars before you mail your last invitation. And don’t forget to save some money for postage to mail thank-you cards once the big day has come and gone. • OVERTIME: Overtime fees for reception hall staff and additional outside vendors are typically written into contracts, but few couples imagine needing more than the predetermined allotment of time noted in their contracts. But it’s better to be safe than sorry, as unanticipated events such as a misplaced wedding license or heavy traffic on the way to the venue can force the party to start late and thus extend past its deadline. Set aside some money for overtime so you don’t ďŹ nd yourselves scrounging for dollars or charging the extra few hundred dollars on your credit cards.

Weddings are expensive, and even more so when hidden fees start to make their presence felt. Couples who build such fees into their budgets will ďŹ nd it easier to avoid breaking the bank than those who don’t.

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ECHO

OPINIONS

LETTERS

$58.5m down the sewer?

It seems to me that the CVRD really thinks ‘money grows on trees’ in Union Bay, Royston and Cumberland. On January 22, they disclosed the approximate cost to each home-owner from Royston to Union Bay, for hook-up to their proposed Liquid waste management plan. Four options are on the table, all around $ 25,000 per home but could go up +/- 30 to 50% meaning the actual cost could be $ 32,500 - $ 37,500!

Infrastructure projects rarely come in on- or under budget.

Every home-owner in that area suddenly faces a liability of $ 30,000 give or take. Property values in Area B have been stagnant or down for the last few years, so putting 25,000 on the mortgage to finance this is impossible for many.

It is unrealistic to expect young families, retired couples and anyone in between to spit up 25 or 30,000 for a sewer system they don’t need. OK says the CRD, you can borrow it from us or the province at 5% over 20 years. Do people realize that in such a case they pay 44,800 (because of

interest) for their hookup? Which could be +/- 30 - 50 % higher making it $ 58,240.00 - 67,200.00.

And that is not all, the projected annual maintenance fee for say ‘Scenario C’ is 390.00 for the first year and even if it goes up by as little as 2% a year, you pay 575.00 a year just for maintenance by the time your 20 year loan is paid off.

I like all home-owners from Union Bay to Royston to realize that in the most optimistic scenario, for proposal C for instance, their monthly payments come to $ 219.17 if they borrow the money and include the maintenance fee.

That is 2,630.00 a year.

For some, that is more then their property tax, and that will growing to even when interest rates don’t go u, to over 2,900 by year 20.

That is about $ 55,300.00 for your septic!

For half that money or less, individuals that have problematic septic systems can get theirs replaced and will not face staggering annual fees.

But that would be too simple as our planners would like to be busy and get paid astronomical

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

sums for their expensive solutions. 58 Million is the bottom estimate for the entire project which will undoubtedly grow sickeningly higher as some people will make a killing installing the connections and the actual plant.

How much money will there be made on this project over the backs of home-owners?

Yes, but we need to clean up those leaky septics here and there and what other arguments there are. It should not have come to this.

Responsible and environmentally conscious folks would have fixed their problems, so who got us in this mess? The CRD should have acted earlier and penalize folks that have leaky septic systems. And now it seems to be too late. For those who like or need to sell their home for whatever reason, they can forget it with a liability of 30,000 plus on the house. Do you have 30,000.00 to put in your sewer? I don’t think many people do. This matter is too serious to just being pushed through and requires an election or referendum.

Marianne Buijs

RESPECT LACKING Why can’t the Harper

government truly stand up for veterans rather than using them as props for political gain?

The recent revelation that they have spent almost $700,000 fighting a group of wounded Afghan veterans in B.C. Supreme Court over the removal of their lifetime disability payments is unconscionable.

Incredibly, the federal lawyers are claiming that the government has no special obligation or “social contract” with veterans.

This shabby treatment of veterans and their families certainly does not reflect the manner in which Canadians expect that men and women who are injured in the line of duty must be be cared for.

The arrogance and cynicism of this government seems to know no bounds. It is time for a government that will treat our veterans with the respect they deserve.

Gord Johns Federal NDP Candidate Courtenay-Alberni

STOP FIGHTING VETERANS Question for M.P. John Duncan: Is it true, you, P.M. Harper, and your Conservative colleges have spent

$700,000 of our tax dollars fighting the injured Afghan Veterans in court?

You, P.M. Harper and the Conservatives have already closed 9 Veterans offices, changed the benefits available to Veterans, and are now opposing the Veterans in court as they try to fight for what is rightfully theirs.

Now it is being said, the Conservatives have spent $700,000 fighting this court case?

If this is correct, please stop it immediately. We have more important things to do in Canada than fight our own injured Veterans.

By the way, has anyone told the Armed Forces currently fighting in the middle east they may be subject to the same treatment as the Veterans currently in court trying to get what they are entitled to?

E. A. Foster Comox

INCREASE FOREIGN AID In 2000, the world harnessed incredible energy to develop the Millennium Development Goals - time-limited targets for addressing extreme poverty, hunger, disease, lack of shelter, all while promoting gender equality, education, and environ-

mental sustainability. In 2015 these goals are due for renewal.

Over those 15 years, huge gains have been made in reducing extreme poverty and improving health and education worldwide; the gulf between the developed and developing worlds has never been so small.

And despite all the negative press about the global economy aid continues to grow, reaching 135 billion dollars in 2013, the highest level ever recorded.

But while the world musters the will to finally confront humanity’s oldest miseries, as in so many other areas Canada fails to assume its global responsibility. While total world aid increased 6%, Canada’s dropped 11%, and is the lowest of all major donor nations despite an enviable economy. It is now barely half of what it was in 1987.

As the new development goals are crafted this year, we have a chance to change this shameful record and increased aid funding.

It’s time Canada stood up in the world as a mature nation and assumed its responsibility towards the global poor.

Nathaniel Poole Victoria BC

www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.FEBRUARY 17, 2015

11

Celebrate Heritage Week with walking tours, displays New photography exhibit at Cumberland Museum features works from the Hayashi studio The Cumberland Museum & Archives is celebrating Heritage Week with two walking tours and the launch of a new exhibit.

On Friday, February 20th at 4pm Meaghan Cursons will lead the Village Walking Tour: a lively and engaging tour filled with facts, rumours, tragedies and tales from Cumberland’s colourful history.

From the great fires and the great strikes, to lavish garden parties, wartime injustices and small pox isolation houses, the Village Walking Tour offers a glimpse into Cumberland’s unique history and folklore.

On Saturday, February 21st at 1:30pm Dawn Copeman will lead the Old Townsites Walking Tour, featuring Cumberland’s unique cultural histories.

Jumbo’s cabin may be all that is left standing from Cumberland’s once-bustling Chinatown, but the

Old Townsites Walking Tour brings the old Chinese and Japanese settlements to life while walking through the majestic forests on the edge of town.

At 4pm on the 21st, the Museum invites friends, supporters and enthusiasts to join us in officially opening our new photography exhibit featuring images from Cumberland’s first photo studio founded

by Senjiro Hayashi, which was located in the Willard block across the street from the old post office building.

The studio operated from 1913 to 1929, capturing a wide cross-section of Cumberland’s diverse residents.

The Museum is home to over 700 glass plate negatives from the Hayashi studio which were gathered over the last three decades from garage sales, attics, personal collections and even green houses.

The exhibit also includes old cameras and photography paraphernalia from the Museum’s collection.

All day Saturday the Museum & Archives will also have a display as part of the Cumberland Heritage Faire at the CRI from 10am to 4pm with information and items from our collection related to the businesses of old Cumberland, in keeping with Heritage Canada’s theme for this year “Main Street: at the Heart of the Community”.

The Museum itself will also be open by donation from 10am to 5pm, and will have a scavenger hunt for kids.

Walking tours are $10/$15. Contact the Museum to sign up in advance.

Heritage Faire: www.facebook. com/events/424298354389692 Museum & Archives online photo collection: www.cumberlandmuseum.ca/photos

Downward mannequin: Courtenay man sues Lululemon after store display falls

BY SUSAN LAZARUK Special to the Echo A Comox Valley man shopping for yoga togs says he ended up instead with a concussion and neck injury after a mannequin in a Lululemon Athletica store toppled on to him, and he’s suing the clothing giant.

But the chain says the incident never happened as he claimed, and even if it did, he was responsible for knocking the mannequin over himself and was impaired, possibly by drugs or alcohol.

Kristopher David Alan Sorensen, 33, of Courtenay said in a statement of claim filed in B.C. Supreme Court that he suffered “injury, loss and damage,” including a head injury, concussion, headaches, memory problems, sleep interruption, changes of mood, neck injury, seizures and post-concussion disorder.

His claim didn’t specify how much he’s suing for,

but Sorensen, who’s listed as a labourer in the writ, said the injuries have “impaired (his) income earning capacity” and “his capacity to perform certain household duties.”

He claimed he suffered losses “both past and prospective” because of the injuries.

Sorensen says he has needed medical care, continues to see doctors and has suffered a “loss of enjoyment of life.”

He is also seeking repayment for costs to hire people to care for him and do housekeeping.

Lululemon in its response to the civil claim “denies that the incident occurred in the manner alleged by the plaintiff and denies any liability.”

Sorensen was shopping at the West Broadway outlet on April 13, 2013, when a Lululemon employee “while reaching for an item with a pole, knocked a mannequin from an overhead shelf, which fell, striking the plaintiff on

the head, neck and shoulders,” Sorensen said in his claim.

He claimed the injuries were caused by Lululemon’s “negligence and/ or breach of the duty of care” because the retailer failed to ensure shoppers were safe, failed to warn shoppers they wouldn’t be safe and didn’t properly train its staff in the safe “use of a pole to access inventory.”

But Lululemon said in its response to the civil claim that Sorensen “elected to place his elbow and arm on to and to lean upon a shelf upon which a mannequin was positioned, and in the process, knocked the mannequin from the shelf, causing it to fall.”

The retailer denied the mannequin struck or injured Sorensen - but said if it did, the incident was “totally accidental and unforeseeable and was caused or contributed to by the plaintiff ’s own negligence” by knocking the

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mannequin over with his elbow and failing to prevent it from falling.

And Lululemon said Sorensen failed “to take reasonable care for his own safety due to impairment by alcohol, drugs, fatigue, illness or any combination thereof.”

It also said if Sorensen were injured, it was be-

cause of a pre-existing injury or condition.

Sorensen told The Province he is couch-surfing and is hoping for a settlement to help him get some job training. He wasn’t available for further comment.

A man by the same name was in Downtown Drug Court on Monday

on a charge of theft over $5,000, and his next appearance on the charge is March 16.

Sorensen was featured last April in a tweet by Campbell River CrimeStoppers, which said he was wanted for theft.

- The Province

February 20th to March 2nd:

81st

50

Check in-store for details.

12

www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.FEBRUARY 17, 2015 wait times.”

Ambassador has been approved for two taxi licences for now, but East suggests that if the public supports his business he’ll be eager to return to the Board to seek permission for more.

“We certainly aren’t the biggest operator, but we aim to be the best,” he adds. “Our drivers are professional, reliable, well dressed in Ambassador uniforms with name tags, and our vehicles provide comfort and style.”

There’s a new phone number for taxi services in the Comox Valley with the start of competition for customers.

For very many years, there has been only one taxi operator in the Valley, but recently that changed following an earlier BC Passenger Transportation Board (PTB) ruling that “healthy competition” would benefit customers.

The PTB has granted a licence to local privatehire shuttle operator Ambassador Transportation Corporation to expand beyond its existing prebooked services.

Ambassador is now able to pick up people who hail or flag from the street, respond to immediate calls for service, and charge metered rates for journeys, while still offering pre-arranged journeys, tours and limo services at posted rates.

Business owner Kevin East has put extra vehicles on the road that are freshly painted in his new black-and-yellow taxi livery and which promote the new phone number: 250-941-TAXI (8294).

“Our two licensed taxis

Whether it’s a taxi for one person or seven, we’re ready to respond - and with 14 licensed drivers we can offer roundthe-clock service seven days a week.

We certainly aren’t the biggest operator, but we aim to be the best.”

KEVIN EAST Business owner

are actually seven-seat vans, one of them fully accessible for wheelchair users and scooters thanks to flip seats and a tail lift,” says East. “Whether it’s a taxi for one person or seven, we’re ready to respond - and with 14 licensed drivers we can offer round-the-clock service seven days a week.”

The two super-cabs are both metered using rates fixed by the PTB. “Obviously traffic conditions impact the time taken for any journey, which is recorded by the meter,”

says East. “But typically a Courtenay-Comox Valley Airport run is costing about $25.” With Ambassadors unique “hybrid” license they are able to utilize their shuttle vehicles and offer guests going to further points such as Port Alberni, Campbell River or Parksville to name a few, much cheaper flat rates than a typical Taxi rate.

This, ultimately provides the guests with the best possible price option for wherever their journey takes them.

When the PCB granted him the licence, it noted strong support from the Valley to open up taxi services to competition, with 58 submissions from businesses and individuals backing Ambassador’s bid.

There was especially strong support from airlines and airport-related businesses, as well as local care homes.

Part of the PCB’s ruling stated that: “Many felt that another taxi provider would have a positive impact, with improved customer service, vehicle conditions, and reduced

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“We’ve got world class homes being built here on the island, we want to celebrate that!”, said CHBA-VI President Chris Cross SPONSORS

Glenn Sollitt, Green Party Candidate, invites you to get involved, by joining his team of volunteers.

Contact Lois Eaton, Campaign Manager 250-927-6147 e-mail: lois.eaton@greenparty.ca or volunteer at: http://www.glennsollittgpc.ca/

committed to offering pre-booked airport dropoffs and pickups, safe rides home, tours of local wineries and attractions, and journeys needed for medical appointments by advance reservation for those who can plan ahead,” says East.

“But we now have way more flexibility, and through cooperation with services such as BC Transit’s HandyDart services, we can also accept Taxi Saver vouchers towards the fare.”

2015 VIBE Awards

Kevin East (right foreground) and one of his drivers, Tony Ackland, with the two new super-cabs that have hit the road offering travellers a choice of taxi services in the Comox Valley for the first time in many years.

Now there’s a choice of taxi services in the Valley

In addition to the two taxi vans, Ambassador continues to run seven other vehicles - from cars to stretch limousines and even buses - for the private-hire side of the business. The 11 passenger Sprinter and 24 passenger bus have been especially useful for group outings. The enquiry number for the private hire side of business remains 250-339-5252.

“It’s great that people can now hail our taxi cabs, but we also remain

Vancouver Island NewsMedia Group

www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.FEBRUARY 17, 2015

13

Increase in shellfish deaths causes ‘full-scale panic’ for scallop growers

BY GLENDA LUYMES Special to the Echo

Author visiting

Book launch

Alison Marshall, author of Cultivating Connections, visits the Cumberland Library on Thursday, February 19 at 3p.m.at Cumberland Library, 2746 Dunsmuir Ave., Cumberland.

The visit is co-sponsored by Vancouver Island Regional Library and Vancouver Island University Cultivating Connections tells the stories of some of Manitoba and Saskatchewan’s Chinese settlers.

Of special interest locally is a chapter devoted to the story of Ma Sueng (1872-1951), whose first missionary posting was to the Presbyterian church in Cumberland Chinatown. The author includes excerpts from Ma’s autobiography from his early years in China, through his somewhat colourful young adulthood in Victoria, to his eventual embracing of the ministry and the life he and his family experienced in Cumberland then the prairies.

Copies of Cultivating Connections will be available for sale.

After almost five years and hundreds of hours of volunteer effort, the Back Country Horsemen Society of British Columbia’s North Vancouver Island Chapter (BCHBC-NVI) has two reasons to celebrate.

“Trail Blazers: The Creation of the Salmon Brewster Equine Campsites and Trail Corridor Project is the story of how 50+ members, who reside from Parksville to Port McNeill, engaged community and government to turn this project from a dream into reality,” explains BCHBC-NVI’s chapter chair, Sharon Pickthorne.

The Trail Blazers Book Launch and Project Celebration will be held at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, February 19th, at Grantham Oddfellows Hall, 6040 Old Island Highway North, Courtenay. The public is invited to come to enjoy a Power Point presentation that will showcase the campsite facilities and trail corridor, and to meet the author and volunteeers.

Despite insatiable demand, many are concerned B.C.’s once-thriving shellfish industry could be sinking.

“I’d say it’s full-scale panic mode (for scallop farmers),” said Rob Saunders, CEO of Qualicum Beach-based Island Scallops.

The company has seen its scallop death rates rise to nearly 95 per cent since 2010, leading to millions of dollars in losses. Ocean acidification - a worldwide problem - is likely to blame.

Saunders said the company’s hatcheries, which produce scallop, oyster, prawn and sea urchin “seeds,” have also had trouble with increased deaths. In order to grow, the B.C. industry must double its seed production.

“Everyone is desperately trying to understand what’s going on and what can be done,” he said.

Other B.C. shellfish growers, like Denman Island oyster farmers Greg Wood and his wife Hollie, have found themselves “going year by year to see if we can make it.”

Wood blames oyster

Courtenay issues statement on Maple Pool legal situation Courtenay council issued the following statement Monday night on the Maple Pool campground situation: “On February 13, 2015 representatives of the City, the Maple Pool owners, and residents met on a without prejudice basis in an effort to resolve the City’s claim and the owners’ counterclaim with respect to the Maple Pool Campground, located at 4685 Headquarters Road ad-

CELEBRATE THE YEAR OF THE

SHEEP

jacent to the Tsolum River.

“The meeting was productive and the parties continue to work hard toward a resolution that will see an end to the legal proceedings on both sides on a mutually agreeable basis.”

Council will not be issuing any further comments on this statement.

Mayor Larry Jangula, though, said the meeting was “positive”.

mortality rates on rising ocean temperatures, which cause more parasites and bacteria to grow.

“The problems are extreme,” he said. “We’re being attacked from all angles.”

The possibility of a coal mine a few kilometres from Baynes Sound, where 50 per cent of B.C.’s shellfish are grown, is a major concern.

While each type of shellfish is different in its ability to tolerate changing ocean conditions, they all depend on a clean environment, said Roberta Stevenson, executive director of the B.C. Shellfish Grower’s Association.

“Ocean warming, urban run-off, acidification - it all has an impact,” she said.

Production on B.C.’s coast has dropped 12 per cent since 2003, according to the association.

Red tape has also been a problem for the industry, which is regulated

by Fisheries and Oceans Canada, but receives business licensing through

the provincial Ministry of Agriculture and land-use licenses through the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations.

“We’d like to see some of the processes streamlined and have one agency that oversees all aquaculture,” said Stevenson.

One thing that is not a problem, however, is demand.

Considered a clean, sustainable industry by many, local shellfish farmers have more customers than they can satisfy.

Hollie Wood Oysters sells its oysters within 160 kilometres, supplying many Vancouver Island chefs, said Wood.

“People know us as a local brand, and we’ve really been able to work with the local food movement.”

Wood described shellfish farming like gardening: “We put the seeds out and then raise them. It’s like an ocean garden.” Shellfish don’t require feed and eat naturally-occurring Phytoplankton. A critical

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component of a healthy marine environment, they essentially filter the ocean water.

But the industry has met with criticism for its impact on shorelines and beaches.

“We’ve done beach cleanups for about 10 years now, and each time we haul away three to five tonnes of debris, mostly plastics,” said Shelley McKeachie, co-chair of the Association of Denman Island Marine Stewards.

She recounts finding a beach covered in “snow” - tiny white Styrofoam pellets from the shellfish rafts - after a storm.

“The industry is riddled with environmental issues that haven’t been addressed,” said McKeachie, insisting her group’s opposition is not borne out of NIMBY-ism (the “Not in my Backyard” attitude), but rather from a concern for the beaches and water.

Those concerns may become irrelevant if the industry can’t stay afloat.

UBC marine biologist Dr. Curtis Suttle has been studying the “large mortality events” affecting B.C. farmed shellfish.

“We don’t have a great understanding of what is going on,” he said.

Ocean acidity is a likely factor, with intrusions of very acidic water from deep below the surface making it difficult for some species to form adequate shells.

- The Province

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.FEBRUARY 17, 2015

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

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16 www.comoxvalleyecho.com Film on Dalai Lama to be shown Friday at Comox United Church TUESDAY.FEBRUARY 17, 2015

Comox United Church and the Comox Valley Unitarian Fellowship will present the film “Ten

Questions for the Dalai Lama” on Friday, February 20, 2015 at 7 pm.

If you only had one

hour with one of the world’s spiritual leaders, what questions would you ask? Director Rick Ray was faced with this dilemma when making a film about the Dalai Lama. Ray traveled across the northern Himalayas telling the Dalai Lama’s background story, documenting his daily routine, and then meet-

ing face-to-face with the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhists, to ask his ten questions.

Ray describes how the Dalai Lama became a wise spiritual leader, a winner of the Nobel Peace Prize and recognized world-wide, even though he has lived in exile in a small town in northern India since 1959.

The film gives insight to the Dalai Lama’s daily practices, his personality and also describes the situation of the Tibetan people in Tibet.

Some of Ray’s questions probe the same questions that we face today in our own society: “Why do the poor often seem happier than the rich? Must a society lose

its traditions in order to move into the future?

How do you reconcile a commitment to nonviolence, when faced with violence?”

The presentation will be at 7 pm Friday, February 20, 2015 at Comox United Church, 250 Beach Drive in Comox.

Admission is by donation.

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