Comox Valley Echo - March 17, 2015

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

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Comox Valley Weather

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Wednesday A mix of sun and cloud.

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Thursday Periods of rain.

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Friday Cloudy with 60% chance of showers.

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Gliders take to the skies over Comox for spring break B. C. Air Cadet training at 19 Wing

A Saturday rally against Bill C-51 was held Saturday in Comox, one of many held across the country, organized by a number of groups including the BC Civil Liberties Association, Leadnow.ca OpenMedia.org and the Official Opposition NDP. The groups say that while Canadians want to be protected from terrorism, the wording of the bill is so vague

that peaceful protest would be criminalized and the new powers to be given police are so broad and without oversight that Canada could be considered “a police state”. In this photo, NDP North Island-Powell River candidate Rachel Blaney addresses the crowd of about 300 on the courthouse lawn in Courtenay. (Photo by Jamie Bowman)

Air cadets from across B.C. will be gliding in the skies above Comox during a Spring Break Gliding Exercise taking place March 14 to 22 at 19 Wing Comox.

The exercise is designed to provide further practical gliding experience to 12 teenaged air cadets, who have become Transport Canada licensed glider pilots through the Air Cadet Gliding Program. Gliders and tow aircraft will be flying at various altitudes in the vicinity of the airport, weather permitting,

from 8 a.m. until as late as darkness, daily.

This activity should not pose a significant disturbance to Comox and the surrounding communities; however residents should expect to hear the single-engine aircraft used to tow gliders aloft throughout the day during this period.

The intensity of flying operations will resemble that of the regular weekend gliding activities which normally occur during the spring and fall seasons.

Mayor welcomes shift of Nanaimo OCC to Courtenay Jangula calls it a win-win for the city and the Comox Valley

BY MICHAEL BRIONES Echo Staff Mayor Larry Jangula says the relocation of Nanaimo RCMP’s Operational Communications Centre to Courtenay in November is “good news.”

“It’s a win-win all the way around for us,” said Jangula.

“There’s going to be 21 families moving here and they’re going to support our community. It’s an incredibly good thing.”

The move to Courtenay also puts to rest the Comox Valley’s fear of losing the region’s com-

munication centre to either Victoria or Nanaimo.

That was the issue more than 10 years ago, Jangula said. At the time they put in a strong argument that the Courtenay centre is basically in the middle of the Island and is not subject to earthquakes like Victoria.

“For years we were worried the jobs we have here would be moved out to Victoria,” said Jangula. “This has finally put that to bed. So this is a huge, huge thing.”

The decision to merge the Nanaimo OCC with the one in

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Courtenay aims to make the daily operations more efficient, said Lois Karr, director of the RCMP’s E Division OCC program.

The 21 employees in the Nanaimo OCC will be offered jobs at the merged Courtenay centre or given the chance to commute.

“Just by having a larger centre, we would see some efficiencies,” said Karr. “We did that in Prince George. We have North District OCC that does all the northern part of the province right up to the Yukon Territories, over the

Alberta border, right down to Cache Creek. And we have one in Kelowna that does all the south area outside of the Lower Mainland. We have efficiencies by having greater numbers where you can put more structure in there and have more consistent delivery of service..

Jangula said in his conversation with the local RCMP officer in command Insp. Tim Walton the Comox Valley detachment building will have room to accommodate additional communications staff.

The move, however, will mean

Cumberland Cemetery Spring Clean Up /Ŷ Ɖƌŝů͕ sŝůůĂŐĞ ƐƚĂī ǁŝůů ďĞ ƐƉĞŶĚŝŶŐ ƟŵĞ Ăƚ ƚŚĞ ĐĞŵĞƚĞƌLJ ƟĚLJŝŶŐ ƵƉ ĂŶĚ ƌĞŵŽǀŝŶŐ ŝƚĞŵƐ ƚŚĂƚ ĚĞƚƌĂĐƚ ĨƌŽŵ ƚŚĞ ĂƉƉĞĂƌĂŶĐĞ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ĐĞŵĞƚĞƌLJ͘

Nanaimo and its partners in the central Island 911 operating service will have a decision to make as to where they want the service delivered from and who delivers it.

The initial answering point for public safety 911 calls is the RCMP Operational Communications Centre in Courtenay.

The North Island 911 Corporation contracts with the RCMP OCC to perform that function and supplies funds for staffing.

All employees in this centre are both 911 and police dispatch trained.

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.MARCH 17, 2015

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Courtenay facing ‘critical’ housing challenges 915 households spend over half of earnings to put a roof over their heads

BY DREW A. PENNER Echo Staff Courtenay is facing “critical” rental housing challenges with 53 per cent of residents spending at least 30 per cent of their income on a place to live, according to a nonprofit agency.

This is worse than in Vancouver where 48 per cent of renters spend that proportion of what they make on rent plus utilities.

The results are part of a data project by the BC Non-Profit Housing Association (BCNHA), which ranked municipalities and regional districts across the province on a variety of renting metrics.

It also examined the connection between housing and finances.

This Rental Housing Index ranked Courtenay 39th in BC for overall rental experience - better than Nanaimo - at 52 - but much worse than Comox - considered fifth best in the province.

The Comox Valley Regional District was ranked 14th among regional districts.

“Comox is better than most cities,” noted James Roy, senior policy analyst at BCNHA. “It’s placed rather high.”

While it is cheaper on average to rent in the Comox Valley than in many other places, people end up having to spend a bigger portion of what they earn on rental units, partly

We could make it so affordable a builder would be crazy to go somewhere else.

We’re hoping somebody will take advantage of that.”

What would it take for the poorest 25% of people to be comfortable?

(Defined as spending 30% of income on rent and utilities)

$15,839 Comox

LARRY JANGULA Courtenay Mayor

A 94-unit apartment in two buildings is going up in South Courtenay. This will be the first apartment building constructed here in over 30 years.

$849

What it costs, on average, to rent a twobedroom apartment in Comox.

40

The bedroom shortage in Comox, or about 1%.

Current overcrowding is estimated at 3%.

The Comox Valley has challenges but ... it’s doing quite well.

We’ve got the bottom quarter of renter households facing severe difficulties,” JAMES ROY Senior policy analyst BCNHA

$834

What it costs, on average, to rent a twobedroom apartment in Courtenay

$910

What it costs, on average, to rent a twobedroom apartment in Nanaimo.

220

385

due to the lack of adequate supply available.

The non-profit organization found it costs on average $849 a month to rent a two-bedroom apartment in Comox and $834 a month to rent a twobedroom in Courtenay and $833 a month to rent a two-bedroom in the regional district (compared with $910 in Nanaimo).

In order for the poorest quarter of rental households to become comfortable (defined as spending 30 per cent of income on rent and utilities) it would take an extra $15,800 on average in Comox, $16,900 in Courtenay and $17,100 in the local regional district, every year.

This is not as bad as Nanaimo, where an extra

The bedroom shortage in Courtenay, or about 3%. Current overcrowding is estimated at 7%.

The bedroom shortage in the regional district, or about 3%. Current overcrowding is estimated at 6%.

$17,900 would be required to hit this target, or in Vancouver where $25,000 would do the trick.

BCNPHA gave Courtenay a “critical” score when it looked at overspending on rent.

In the city 915 renter households pay more than 50 per cent of their income on rent and utilities.

“The Comox Valley has challenges but compared to the rest of the province it’s doing quite well,” Roy said.

“We’ve got the bottom quarter of renter households facing some severe difficulties.”

In Port Alberni renter households making less than $15,130 and living in two-bedroom units pay an average of 48 per cent of their income each month on rent plus utilities, while in Courtenay the same type of earners would have to spend 79 per cent of their income to secure a similar apartment.

For families needing a three-bedroom apartment, this figure goes through the roof, jumping

$16,884 Courtenay

$17,099 Regional District

$17,929 Nanaimo

to 121 per cent of income (compared to 79 per cent in Port Alberni).

Courtenay Mayor Larry Jangula feels it should be up to the province to subsidize housing but said he thinks downtown revitalization - specifically getting builders to put residential units above urban businesses - could hold part of the answer to Courtenay’s rental woes.

“We could make it so affordable a builder would be crazy to go somewhere else,” he said, noting there’s already zoning in place for four-story structures in the commercial core.

“We’re hoping somebody will take advantage of that.”

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.MARCH 17, 2015

COURTENAY CENTENNIAL

Centennial celebration proceeds support youth programs All funds raised going to special legacy endowment with community foundation The enthusiasm that local residents are showing for the City of Courtenay’s Centennial Celebrations has been tremendous so far, and the Centennial Celebration Committee is hard at work planning more community events and fundraising initiatives.

All proceeds from the Centennial celebrations

will be added to the “Centennial Legacy Endowment”, a fund that will be donated to the Comox Valley Community Foundation where it will be directed to fund programs that specifically support youth.

“We want to support Courtenay’s youth and provide them with a community experience they will

value as they go through life, no matter where their future takes them,” says former Courtenay Mayor Ron Webber.

One of the fundraising initiatives that will contribute to the Legacy Endowment Fund is the sale of Courtenay Centennial T-Shirts, which will soon be available for sale at the Lewis Centre and the

Former Courtenay Mayor Ron Webber,left, and Norm Carruthers, Comox Valley Community Foundation Chairperson.

Florence Filberg.

You can find updates to more upcoming fundraisers on the City of Courtenay website at www.courtenay.ca, or on Facebook and Twitter using the official hashtag #Courtenay100.

Also coming up is the Citizens of the Century Award nomination dead-

line on March 31, 2015. If you’d like to acknowledge the contribution of a volunteer in your family or business, past or present, there’s still time to nominate them for this prestigious award. The awards are sponsored by the Canadian Western Bank, and the eligibility requirements and nomination

form are available online on the City of Courtenay website.

For more information about business sponsorship or volunteer opportunities for upcoming events, contact the Courtenay Centennial Celebration Committee at 100years@courtenay.ca or call 250-334-4441.

Hillian wants domestic violence rated high in RCMP priorities

BY MICHAEL BRIONES Echo Staff Courtenay councillor Doug Hillian considers domestic violence to be a top priority ahead of the four issues identified by the Comox Valley RCMP to be of greatest importance to the community.

The RCMP highlighted four major areas of concerns following consultations held with communities last year. They are road safety (intersections), organized crime and crime reduction (prolific offenders and drugs), vandalism (mischief), and traffic law enforcement.

Hillian feels the priori-

Councillor Doug Hillian ties overlap each other and could be categorized into one like road safety and traffic enforcement, which

he pointed out are interrelated. He strongly feels domestic violence should get a higher rating.

“Vandalism, as significant as it may be, I certainly would not rate it as being of greatest importance to the community,” said Hillian. “I would put several of these issues behind domestic violence which I think is a huge issue in this and every other community.”

Hillian said he doesn’t want to minimize any of the four issues but for him, “traffic law enforcement is a secondary consideration to the sort of behaviour and conduct that takes place in domestic violence

which is so damaging to not only the individuals involved but to children who witness it.”

The other area Hillian said should be high on the priority list is youth crime.

“This is not to suggest that youth crime is out of control by any means,” said Hillian. “In fact it is decreasing in most of our communities which is a good thing. I would like to see this as a priority. It’s probably young people who are doing most of the vandalism that they’re dealing with so I think a pro-active approach where they have their bike patrols and outreach that

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the officers do in cooperation with other agencies focusing on youth.”

To promote safety in the downtown area, Hillian wants to see more police on foot patrol.

“I think a pro-active community policing that can go on there, when you have officers who can develop a relationship with people on the streets and in businesses and in the agencies is a tremendous investment in a safer community,” said Hillian.

Mayor Larry Jangula agrees that domestic violence is an important issue but he feels the RCMP is looking at priorities that can be measured

Mayor Larry Jangula wants to see RCMP address issues surrounding some cyclists in the city, who disregard the rules of the road, have no reflectors, riding on the wrong side, going through traffic lights and stop signs.

Chief administrative officer David Allen suggested council submit their priorities to staff so that they can collate them and present them back to council on March 16 for discussion and approval.

Once that’s finalized the recommendations will be submitted to the RCMP detachment for its Annual Performance Plan decision-making process.

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Cinema #4: “La Donna del Lago” Metropolitan Opera - LIVE Saturday, March 14, 10:00 am (ends approx. 1:15 pm). Doors open at 9:30 Approx. 3 hours, 15 minutes. 1 intermission Cinema #3: “Drop Box” G: No Advisory. From Focus on the Family – One show only Sunday March 15: 5:00 (6:20). Doors open at 4:30 Cinema #1: “Cinderella” G: Nightly: 7:00 (9:00) & 9:30 (11:30) Saturday & Sunday Matinees: 12:30 (2:30) & 3:15 (5:15) Cinema #2: “Chappie” 14A: Violence; coarse language. Nightly: 6:50 (9:00) & 9:35 (11:45) Saturday & Sunday Matinees: 12:35 (2:45) & 3:25 (5:35) Cinema #3: “Run All Night” 14A: Violence. Nightly: 7:10 (9:15) & 9:40 (11:45) Saturday Matinees: 1:50 (3:55) & 4:20 (6:25). Sunday Matinees: 11:50 (1:55) & 2:25 (4:30) Cinema #4: “The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel ” G: No Advisory Nightly: 6:40 (8:55) & 9:25 (11:40). Saturday & Sunday Matinees: 12:45 (3:00) & 3:35 (5:50) Box Office Hours for Mar. 13th – 19th. Nightly: 6:00 – 9:45 Saturday Matinees: 12:00 noon - 4:25 pm Sunday Matinees: 11:30 – 3:45pm

www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.MARCH 17, 2015

5

Cumberland Brewing Company gets approval for patio

BY DREW A. PENNER Echo Staff The Cumberland Brewing Company has been granted the right to put in an outdoor eating and drinking area as patio season approaches. Upgrades will include a new sign along Dunsmuir Avenue and a green, rust and sand-hued paint job.

Coun. Sean Sullivan noted the business’s early close time of 9 p.m. would be a huge factor in mitigating any noise concerns.

This CBC patio will feature perimeter benches and “floating” tables, for optimization of the space.

The building, originally constructed in the 1930s, falls in the Village’s heritage zone and a special alteration permit was needed to move forward with the patio plans.

But before this documentation was supported unanimously March 9 at the regularly scheduled meeting of council, the coowner of the downtown

Cumberland Brewing Company receives municipal support for patio. establishment raised an additional issue that had come up.

The Village wants to expand the laneway parallel to Dunsmuir Avenue from 10 feet to between 15 and 20 feet. To do this

they need to secure an expanded statutory right of ways along the route, triggering a costly change on the title.

Considering CBC has already had to pay $800 to proceed with a heritage

alteration permit, Adam argued to would be unfair to charge the business for the right of way change, which could cost $1,500.

“We’d like you to show the community that we, as a new business in the

Village already know, that council and staff are not only interested but eager to assist new and existing businesses,” he said, in a delegation to council.

“A small business is one of the best routes for good economic development, good jobs and the continuing revitalization that the Village core is enjoying and deserves.”

Cumberland is requiring a right of way on 1.5 metres of the property.

That portion of land is simply covered by gravel and a new structure (which would trigger a survey) is not proposed.

Council agreed that minor business upgrades should not bring on such expensive bureaucratic requirements. The Village decided only developments where the more major survey-triggering change would have to pay for a right of way change.

Adam and brewer Mike

Tymchuk high-fived as soon as the unanimous decision was rendered.

“I’m happy that common sense prevailed,” Adam said in an interview.

“It just goes to show you how this council is willing to examine things and make changes to documents.”

At the end of the day it wasn’t about the cash, he added.

“Am I happy we stuck our neck out and addressed it for other businesses moving for ward?

You bet,” he said.

“If the Village is asking for a right of way on your property, why should you have to shoulder the bill?”

CBC says it hopes to have the patio open sometime in April.

“We are looking forward to the first sunny day when we can say, ‘Yes our patio is open,’” Adam said.

“We have no idea when that will be.”

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

Ten Valley groups receive funding through federal New Horizons program Seniors in Vancouver Island North will soon have new opportunities to volunteer, mentor younger generations, help raise awareness of elder abuse and take part in social activities.

Financial support will also be provided for equipment and renovations thanks to the funding through the New Horizons for Seniors Program announced last week by John Duncan, Member of Parliament for Vancouver Island North, on behalf of the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors).

Twenty-two organizations are receiving a total of $437,238 for their projects from the New Horizons for Seniors Program, including these from the Comox Valley:

Comox Valley Curling Club: Recipes and Rocks - The organization will purchase/install a chairlift to provide access to their second floor premises where they will engage seniors in creating a legacy cookbook showcasing the history of local curling.

Merville Hall: Welcoming Space for Isolated Rural Seniors - The organization will upgrade basement rooms, windows, lights and washroom to allow seniors to continue to host potluck lunches, grandmother meetings, musical events and guest speakers.

Hornby Island New Horizon’s Society: Renovations and repairs to New Horizons building - The organization will update washrooms, install new lights, an exit door and add insulation to allow seniors to continue to partici-

pate in golden lunches, bridge, yoga and film nights.

Fanny Bay Community Association: Enhancing Our Audio/Visual System for All The organization will replace their community hall’s audio-visual system to allow seniors to continue to attend exercise classes, host live performances of music, public readings, and presentations.

LUSH Valley Food Action Society: Food Wisdom Exchange - Seniors involved with the organization will increase the accessibility of the community garden and mentor others through educational workshops, all of which will be filmed for knowledge sharing.

(Continued on page 6)

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2250-338-2702 5

Congratulations to Unstoppable Jan!

The T BIGGES alley xV o m o C Name in s Car Sale

Congratulations to

Jan Vandenbiggelaar Please be advised the McLeod Road Reservoir Tank is scheduled to be cleaned on Wednesday, March 18th, 2015.

The water may be highly coloured and turbid at this time but will continue to be chlorinated. Water pressure fluctuations may also occur. Avoid laundry mishaps by running water until it is clear before starting. Consumers using water during this time should be aware that water quality could change rapidly. It is therefore advisable to keep an ample supply of potable water on hand or in your refrigerator until this situation clears.

People with immune deficiencies should boil water during this period.

Please be advised the water is checked daily and residents will be notified via the local radio station if a Boil Water Advisory occurs.

For any further information please contact UBID Administration during our regular office hours at (250) 335-2511 or via e-mail at admin@union-bay.ca.

Thank you.

Kevin Douville UBID Administrator

for being Sales Person of the month for the month of February.

Come in today to see why Jan is the right sales person for you!

Finneron Hyundai is a proud recipient of the Presidents Merit Award for 2014!

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.MARCH 17, 2015

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The new owners of Avenue Bistro in Comox, Gregor and Michelle Mowatt, toast their new venture with former owners Sandra Viney (left) and Trent McIntyre (second from left), who are going to now be focusing more on their Atlas Café restaurant in Courtenay.

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New owners of popular Comox bistro plan to continue work done by Sandra Viney and Trent McIntyre

BY MICHAEL BRIONES Echo Staff Gregor Mowatt and his wife Michelle had been searching for a place to start their own restaurant.

They scoured the Comox Valley for an ideal location but were unable to find the one that they felt would achieve their visions and plans.

“We were looking for a fixer-upper, something that we could close and reopen under our guidance,” said McGregor. “We just couldn’t find the right place.”

But sometimes when you feel you’ve exhausted everything, the unexpected happens. A perfect situation presented itself.

The Mowatts found the “Avenue” of their dreams.

A former co-worker and friend approached Gregor

one day and informed him that she was selling her Comox restaurant, the popular Avenue Bistro.

Sandra Viney and Trent McIntyre, who opened the Avenue in October 2007, wanted to focus their energy on just one business as they were at a point of fatigue and would like to continue having a “family time quality of life.”

“It was a perfect scenario for us,” said Viney, who had worked as a waitress under the management of Gregor at a restaurant in Vancouver in 1992. “It made us feel good knowing we are leaving this restaurant in good hands. We wanted someone who has had history and knowledge in our industry. I learned my serving and management skills under his supervision and he is someone I respected. I

know Gregor will enhance the blueprint that we’ve started.”

Viney and McIntyre will continue to run and own their first restaurant in the valley, the Atlas Café, located in Courtenay, which is turning 20 years old this year.

Gregor moved here to the Comox Valley more than three years ago when Crown Isle Resort hired him. When his tenure there ended, Gregor said he didn’t want to uproot the family again. They’ve also come to love the Comox Valley.

Gaining ownership of the well-established Avenue Bistro simply reinforced the Mowatt family’s decision to stay.

“This is the style of restaurant we’re very comfortable in,” said Gregor.

“This is our favourite res-

taurant that we loved to go to. The menu caters to children and all walks of life. It gives us a good sense of the community.

It’s ironic this restaurant ended up to be the one we purchased.”

Gregor said from day one, when he first came in to Avenue, he felt that it could easily be a “Vancouver restaurant.”

“It’s got that style and panache of a city restaurant,” said Gregor. “It ticked off all the boxes that we were looking for in a restaurant.”

Gregor said they will continue to enjoy the reputation Viney and McIntyre built over the years at Avenue. They will be maintaining a lot of Avenue customers’ favourite dishes on the menu and will also introduce new food along the way.

Valley groups receive New Horizons program funding (Continued from page 5) Black Creek Old Age Pensioners #126: Halbe Hall Structural Upgrade - Seniors involved with the organization will upgrade their building’s foundation, outside walls, and replace windows to allow seniors to continue activities such as socials, crafts, exercise, and arts.

Upper Island Women of Native Ancestry (UIWONA): Aboriginal

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Circle Program - Seniors involved with the organization will create the ‘Aboriginal Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Circle Program’ to help provide support for the ‘skipped’ generation.

Upper Island Women of Native Ancestry (UIWONA): Inner Circle Fiber Arts - The organization will engage seniors in

volunteering to plan weekly gatherings rotating between new fiber art demonstrations and relevant speakers in the areas of finance and elder abuse.

Community Justice Centre: Volunteer Training for Senior’s Abuse Restorative Justice - Seniors involved with the organization will be engaged to develop and implement a senior volunteer training program for a senior sen-

sitive restorative justice process relating to elder abuse.

Fallen Alders Community Club: Upgrade our Vintage 1953 Kitchen - The organization will upgrade its kitchen, replace the flooring and stove, and improve ventilation in order to meet current standards to allow seniors to continue meals, dances, crafts, and socials.

2015 COMOX HARBOUR

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Used Exclusively by Local Fishing Guide Steve Veloso of Island Pursuit Sport Fishing www.fisingcomox.com

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AVAI L AB L E AT AN Y OF T H E SE L OCAL LY M I N D E D B USI N E SSE S: • A&E Marine • Bates Beach Resort • Brian Mclean Chevrolet Buick Gmc • Canadian Tire • Comox District Consumers Coop • Courtenay Fish And Game Protection Assoc • Courtenay Motorsport • Campbelll River Boatland

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.MARCH 17, 2015

COMOX VALLEY REGIONAL DISTRICT

7

Lazo residents want RD to find solutions to mitigate flooding Area B property owners want commitment for immediate action plan

BY MICHAEL BRIONES Echo Staff Residents in the Lazo Watershed area want the Comox Valley Regional District to lead the way in finding solutions to mitigate future flooding in the area.

The Lazo Watershed Property Owners Committee, a group of Area B residents, sought assistance from the CVRD after they suffered severe flooding in last December’s major rainstorm.

The LWPOC represents over 80 per cent of the affected properties in the

Lazo watershed, which includes home, acreage and farm owners. Over 30 homes sustained flooded basements, structural and equipment damages.

There was also substantial economic loss to businesses and farms - between $10,000 to $50,000 per farm annually - as well as potential drop in property values.

Two members of the group, Barry Wood and Guy Wassick, appeared before the Electoral Areas Services Committee to state their case. They indicated this was the fourth flooding they had experi-

enced in the last six years.

The consequences of flooding, the LWPOC indicated, are significant and can also cause public health and safety risks to the overall community.

The group has been consulting experts and consultants, as well as reviewing around 17 reports over the last 20 years about storm water management in their specific area.

They told the CVRD they don’t need another study because most of the reports they’ve perused contain recommendations to help mitigate the effects of poor or non-exis-

Before and after photos of property on Sandy Pines Drive

tent storm water management.

The LWPOC also made a presentation to a working group that consisted of the Town of Comox, CVRD, DND/19Wing and MoTI. The group said their delegation was well received and the ensuing discussion was positive and solution-oriented.

Participants pointed out the key to solving the Lazo watershe residents’ problems lies with the CVRD, which can assist other agencies and contribute

The regional district is seen by the other stakeholders as the ‘lead’ in any projects undertaken to stop the flooding” LAZO WATERSHED PROPERTY OWNERS City Colleges spokeswoman

resources.

“The regional district is seen by the other stakeholders as the ‘lead’ in any projects undertaken to stop the flooding.”

The LWPOC recommended the CVRD provide leadership in problem solving with all stakeholders playing a role in evaluating and implementing solutions.

They want a commitment to an immediate action plan for an urgent mitigation and a longterm strategy.

RD abandons additional funding for Regional Growth Strategy review

BY DREW A. PENNER Echo Staff Regional directors have decided against pursuing a plan to top up the regional growth strategy budget allowing for an evaluation of the service, realizing it would cost more than they were willing to ask taxpayers to spend - by about $14,000.

Comox Valley Regional District staff had been asked to prepare a report that would show what it would take to pave the way financially for a fiveyear review.

But on March 10, when directors heard at the Committee of the Whole meeting this would mean the requisition would have to jump from $42,242 in 2014 to $57,242 in 2015, they decided this just wasn’t going to work.

Instead, they reverted to the initial staff suggestion to just boost the requisition rate by $845 in 2015 to $45,087 (essentially pegged to increased staff and operating costs).

In 2009 the CVRD spent just $1.02 million - far less than the $2.08 million it

had expected to spend as part of putting the regional growth strategy in place with the financial support of other levels of government.

Part of the remaining funds was to be used to get ready for a five-year review.

The CVRD changed tack to use reserves to fund the service, instead of the review. The board didn’t know if the public would consider the planned evaluation necessary and was uncertain about the cost.

Current CVRD chair Bruce Jolliffe recalls the board had been seeking a way to cover operating costs which had been higher than some had anticipated, due in part to the implementation of the regional growth strategy and in part to issues some members of the community have had with the planning document.

The regional district has been caught up in a legal dispute with 3L Developments Ltd. that has hampered its ability to discuss growth plans and added a whole whack of uncertainty to the RGS planning

process.

“You’ll recall we have a legal challenge at play right now,” said Ann MacDonald, manager of planning and development at the CVRD during a March 3 Committee of the Whole meeting, noting winning is “a very possible scenario.”

Any questions relating to the lawsuit would have to be asked separately and CAO Debra Oakman and director Edwin Grieve would need to leave the

room, due to a condition of a human rights settlement with 3L. The CVRD is budgeting $67,000 in the event it loses the case, in which 3L claims the regional district didn’t follow its own development rules.

That kind of a payout would make a huge difference to the ability of the CVRD to fund a five-year review.

In any event, several directors got fired up about

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE Please be advised that the Comox Valley Regional District will be holding a public meeting to present their development plans to the community as they will be applying for a development permit.

The meeting will be held: March 31st, 2015 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Comox Valley Waste Management Facility 3699 Bevan Road, Cumberland For further information: Email: engineeringservices@comoxvalleyrd.ca Tel: 250-336-8083

follow comoxvalleyrd

the need for this sort of an evaluation of the service.

“How much does a review cost - because it appears we don’t have enough money to do one?” director Ken Grant wondered. “It doesn’t seem quite right to me.”

He said he’s concerned about a 90 per cent infill development requirement in the RGS. Director Grieve used even more forceful language in referring to the

lack of funds for a review.

“It looks like we’re sleepwalking toward the abyss,” he said.

“I, for one, don’t see 2016 slipping by without some sort of review.”

But at the following meeting when staff revealed the measures required to save up $180,000 for a full review of the RGS, directors climbed down from their previous positions, validating the original staff plan instead.

CORRECTION NOTICE

Please note the following correction to the Kia Canada Free Standing Insert (flyer) which ran in your local paper the week of March 9th, 16th or 23rd. It erroneously showed a Cash Purchase Price on the 2015 Rondo “LX AT”. We regret that the Cash Purchase Price shown does not apply to the “LX AT” model – it is applicable on the 2015 Rondo “LX MT”.

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.

8

www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.MARCH 17, 2015

NANAIMO PRESENTS...

CLINIQUE 3 STEP SKINCARE With our

Courtenay Fire Department hoses down the blaze in an abandoned building behind Finneron Hyundai near Ryan Road in Courtenay.

Firefighters put out blaze in empty building frequented by unknowns

BY MICHAEL BRIONES Echo Staff Courtenay Fire Department quickly put out a fire that broke out in an empty building behind Finneron Hyundai on Rye Road on Friday.

The fire appeared to have started in the second floor. Firefighters aired out the smoke in the building and hosed down the source of the blaze. A small fire erupted when the side roof was pried open. Firefighters quickly got it under control.

Some workers from nearby businesses

had commented they would have liked to see the building completely burn down because some people use it as a hangout.

The condemned building has been boarded, padlocked and doesn’t have utilities like power, water or gas. It has been broken into several times.

This was the second fire that has occurred in that building in the last two weeks. The building is due for demolition.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

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Indulge all the senses at Chocolate Affair World Community presents event

Mountain beauty captured by Sarah Seads

Call for submissions for annual benefit Cumberland Film Fest The countdown is on and excitement is building for the 5th annual Cumberland Mountain Film Festival, taking place April 10th at the Cumberland Cultural Centre.

This highly popular grassroots festival features adventures, big and small, from around Vancouver Island.

It is the only mountain film festival that features exclusively local content and is organized right here in the Comox Valley.

The festival is still accepting submission of films between 3 and 5 minutes in length and submitted in HD 720p or 1080p format to cumberlandmountainfilmfest@ gmail.com via Dropbox or a similar file sharing program.

Please provide basic information such as the movie title, location, filmmaker, and contact information.

The deadline to submit films is March 20, 2015.

This year, the event is being organized by the Cumberland Community Schools Society (CCSS) and the Youth Skatepark Committee as a fundraiser for the Cumberland Skatepark project.

We hope to raise significant funds to turn the dream of a skatepark into a concrete reality!

Youth or adults wishing to volunteer can email ccss.youthcoordinator@ gmail.com for more information.

Tickets are $15 and are

available online at Eventbrite.

This event sells out fast, so purchase your tickets early to avoid disappointment.

Spring starts on a sweet note with lavish fair trade chocolate creations, live music by Anela Kahiamoe and Black Swan Fiddlers, wine tasting by Blue Moon Winery, floral arts by Delphine Flower & Garden, a silent auction and more.

All for a good cause!

World Community is showcasing Camino Fair Trade chocolate at A Chocolate Affair, Friday March 20 at 7 pm at the Upper Florence Filberg Centre.

Guests will have an opportunity to sample a variety of delectable fair trade desserts created by chefs and chocolatiers from “As you Like It” Catering, Atlas Cafe, Cumberland Hemp Co., Dark Side Chocolates, and Tria Fine Catering.

There will be plenty of gluten-free options too.

Anela Kahiamoe will delight with live music

Get in the game!

THE

Leaving Well WORKSHOP

ROLLER HOCKEY Adult Co-Ed Spring League

Are all your ducks in a row?

FREE EXECUTORS & ESTATE SETTLEMENT SEMINAR

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Topics:

Tuesday,

March 24 Comox Legion

1 pm

Blue Moon Winery will pair with Dark Side Chocolates for a special treat.

Savour your luscious chocolates as you watch the film Bean to Bar which shows steps taken by artisans to create fine chocolates praised by food critics and chocolate lovers alike.

Their passion for excellence and a working relationship that values the farmers underscores of the importance of fair and direct trade.

“Everything we do is about social justice but we like to have fun while we’re doing it”, comments World Community’s Janet Fairbanks.

“Smiles are guaranteed at this event.”

Tickets (only 200) are $20 and are now on sale at: Laughing Oyster Book Shop, Bop City Records, Dark Side Chocolates and Church Street Bakery.

FMI: 250 337-5412

-Simplify Your estate - Wills, Power of Attorney - Estate Settlement Costs - Cost of Burial vs Cremation - Preplan Your Funeral Expenses - & Much More

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250-338-4463

Runs Sundays starting April 19, 2015 Playoffs June 14!

Teams of 5 or sign up and be placed on a team. $30/player $25/goalie Call 250-334-9622 to register today! www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/rec

Follow comoxvalleyrd

10

www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.MARCH 17 2015

ECHO

OPINIONS

LETTERS A BIT CURIOUS If and when the Comox Mall Rexall Drug Store stops selling cigarettes to the general public, the pharmacist for that store may express her opinion re e-cigarettes and how they should be “controlled”.

I smoke neither cigarettes or e-cigarettes; however, I do get a “touch” curious as to the true motives of this retailer of the non “e” product. Simply, is the pharmacist’s motivation the possibility that the sale of e-cigarettes is “cutting into” the profit margin of the drug store?

Just curious....

Kent Holland Comox

GREAT HOSPITAL SERVICE I so like your newspaper and want to thank you and all your staff for doing such a faithful, committed work in our community!

God Bless you all!

Now, I also want to say that I just had arthroscopic surgery yesterday at St. Joseph’s Hospital and was totally BLESSED by every doctor and RN and the orderly who took me into OR. Every single person was so joyful, kind, and thorough to identify themselves first, then check my identity, and I had such a smooth time from front desk receptionist to day surgery unit to OR, to Recovery Room, then back to Day Surgery unit to be released. I want to thank the capable anesthesiologist, Dr. Holmes, for putting me at ease,

and for the joyful manner of my surgeon, Dr. Woods, who was in his element in scrubs!

And of course when the recovery room nurse offered me a popsicle, I thought she was the greatest person in the world!

Recovering just fine now at home, Olivia Sargeant Courtenay

GET IT TOGETHER Again, wake up Canada; here we go again bowing to the people that want to escape their counties and bring the things they didn’t like to Canada. Hiding their identity from everyone, not living and melting into society, they cry foul when they are asked to abide by our laws and lawyer up, plead their religious rights and our bleeding heart judges tear up.

This country is in big trouble if we don’t grow a pair, our kids will have to pay the price. We will all live in fear in our own country locked in and armed, this will be a sad time.

I am not racist or against religion but are there LAWS in this country. People that are caught red handed with video, writings, trying to kill innocent families shouldn’t even get a trial. If they executed their plan what would happen to them?

Think about it - poor up bringing is the flavour of the day they would use.

Get it together you politicians.

Gord Baudais Comox

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

Campaign spending contagion spreading fast

By Dermod Travis The returns are in and some of the 2014 local election campaign spending isn’t pretty.

But first a quick peek at some of the spending by the ‘distant cousins’ that seems to have been lost in the feeding frenzy over those candidate returns.

More than 100 organizations registered with Elections B.C. as third-party sponsors. There were the customary civic-minded groups and others with a bit of self-interest at stake. A few dropped some serious coin.

The Vancouver Elementary School Teachers’ Association spent $67,234, not including its $44,500 in donations of which $17,500 went to Vision Vancouver.

The Bowen Island Improvement Association spent $2,853, West Vancouver Citizens for Good Government spent $8,402 and a Better City Vancouver Association spent $9,424.

Woodfibre LNG spent $18,248 in Squamish or the equivalent of $1.43 for every eligible voter. The limit in the provincial riding that includes Squamish - West Vancouver-Sea to Sky - is $3,200 or 8.4 cents per voter.

Didn’t work out so well for Woodfibre though. Pa-

tricia Heintzman spent all of $11,842 to win the mayor’s chair, defeating the more LNG-friendly incumbent Rob Kirkham.

Based on its attempt to minimize the scope of its missive after the fact, Kamloops-based Ajax Mining must have ruffled a few feathers with a letter it sent out during the campaign. In a blog post, the company claimed that it had been sent to “a group of Ajax supporters.”

At a cost of $8,605 that was either one very large group or one very long letter.

Didn’t work out so well for the mine either when the results came in.

The Silverado Group of Companies wasn’t exactly ‘hi ho silver’ on the city administration in Courtenay.

The company spent $7,810 on ads and it wasn’t on what could be described as a ‘feel good’ message.

And then, of course, there was the spending by the municipal parties and candidates themselves.

Vancouver can always be counted on for the shock numbers and it didn’t disappoint. Vision Vancouver spent a record $3.4 million and the NPA $2.1 million.

Looked at from another perspective: Vision Vancouver spent more than twice the legal limit for a munici-

pal party running a full-slate of candidates in Montreal; a city with more than twice the number of voters than Vancouver and more than three times the number of positions up for grabs.

It’s why the B.C. government likes to say this is all a Vancouver problem. But it’s not.

Across the Patullo Bridge, Surrey First dropped $1.178 million on its campaign.

Had Montreal’s limit of $1.50 per voter applied, the cap would have been set at $480,120 and that’s before taking into account the difference in the number of elected positions between the two cities.

With a bit of help from his friends, including the B.C. Liberal party (Richmond East) that donated $375 and the Great Canadian Gaming Corporation that rolled the dice for $6,025, Malcolm Brodie spent $140,990 on his re-election bid in Richmond.

Brodie’s spending works out to about $1.14 per voter.

In Manitoba, his cap would have been set at $53,395 or roughly 43 cents a voter.

Or consider the big spenders vying for the top job in Abbotsford, Kelowna, Nanaimo, Prince George, Saanich, Vernon and Victoria.

All but one of the 15 candidates - Vernon’s new may-

or Akbal Mund - exceeded the spending limits in place in Quebec and all but two exceeded the limits in Manitoba.

So much for it being a Vancouver problem.

How the parties spent their moolah also says something about their campaign approach.

Vision Vancouver spent $784,000 on salaries and $173,000 on rent, while the NPA spent $100,000 on salaries and $19,000 on rent. Vision was the big advertiser of the campaign spending $1.2 million, including $518,555 on radio and TV ads. The NPA spent $786,000 on advertising.

Ironically, for a party obsessed with message control, Vision spent $114,500 on research and polling, compared to the $640,730 spent by the NPA. Something that jumps out when looking at cities that have spending limits in place: voter turnout. In Richmond it was 32.4 per cent last November, in Winnipeg it was 50.2 per cent.

And in Toronto - at more than 60 per cent - voter turnout in last October’s civic election was higher than the turnout in B.C.’s 2013 general election.

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

www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.MARCH 17, 2015

11

Black Creek Community Association AGM has farming focus March 19 This year’s Black Creek Community Association AGM reflects a growing relationship with local farming and food distribution. The public is invited to a free night of presentation and panel discussion focused on meeting the changing needs of Black Creek’s local food industry. Refreshments and entertainment will be provided.

Small-farms activist, and agrologist, Arzeena Hamir will present will a comparison between Black Creek and Richmond BC, where she worked to enact three interventions that radically changed the farming community and the purchasing of food.

The panel discussion, always lively, includes four locals with extensive farming experience in Black Creek: Siriol Paquet, Mike

Highland presents The Addams Family The Addams Family opens Tuesday, March 17h, at 7:30pm and runs until Saturday. Tickets are $15, available at Laughing Oyster bookstore or at the Highland Secondary office.. The Addams Family includes, from left to right, Granny (Frances Theron), Pugsley (Kristy Lloyd), Morticia

(Tess Forsyth), Wednesday (Rebecca Curtis), Lurch (Jessie Elliot) and Uncle Fester (Andre Jutte).

Photo by grade 12 student photographer - Kat Kraats.

5th annual Imagefest photography gala at the Sid Williams Theatre CV Photographic Society presents best work of members The Comox Valley Photographic Society (formerly the Comox Valley Camera Club) and its 180 members are excited to present an inspirational photographic gala featuring a collection of short slideshow presentations, set to music, of some of the finest work of club members.

This year’s show will feature stunning images that feature diverse photographic techniques including light painting, portraiture, abstract composition, time lapse photography, as well as nature, wildlife and travel photography from exotic locales such as Paris, Chicago, Tibet and Qatar.

There will be some video components to the show as well.

“This show is definitely the best collection we’ve presented yet,” says Kerry Dawson, Imagefest 2015 Coordinator with the CVPS. “People are going to be blown away by these images. We’ve even got photographers taking pictures of aliens - it’s not to be missed!”

In addition there will be a print display of pho-

Huxam, Fred Doberstein, and Oscar Kreutziger.

The Black Creek Community Centre has been offering an increasing number of workshops to meet the demand for agriculture training, bringing in both local and visiting instructors. Black Creek includes a significant amount of ALR, as well as many farmers, from large scale to hobby farms. We hope to see members, as well as anyone from the surrounding communities interested in the state of the local agriculture economy.

The 2015 AGM takes place Thursday, March 19th at 7 p.m. at the Black Creek Community Centre, 2001 Black Creek Rd. FMI: (250) 337-5190, email info@blackcreek-cc. com, or visit blackcreekcc.com.

Created by

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

SEASON TICKETS ON SALE NOW

Feb 20 - Apr 11 Tickets from $25

Aliens on Comox Avenue will be part of this year’s CVPS Imagefest Show. Photo by Kristy Knowlan tographic art in the lower foyer of the theatre that can be viewed before the show and during the intermission.

The event is an annual fundraiser for the nonprofit photographic society and a great way for the public to learn about the

society and learn about the possibilities that the art of photography can offer. Fabulous door prizes from a variety of local businesses including Twisted Dishes, the Beachwood Café, Benino Gelato, Ginger 9 Gallery, Blue Heron Books, and Roots Salon

will be given away during the evening event.

Tickets are only $15 and can be purchased at the Sid Williams theatre box office or online at sidwilliams.com.

For more information contact Kerry Dawson at 339-1029.

1.800.565.7738

chemainustheatre.ca Luxurious Theatre Getaways from $122 per person

“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.

12

www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.MARCH 17, 2015

Still fresh Echo Q&A With Chali 2na

BY DREW A. PENNER Echo Staff Over a decades-long career Chali 2na has continually bubbled up from the underground to make his mark on popular culture, gaining ground with the Unity Committee and scoring big critical acclaim over nearly 15 years with Jurassic 5. You may have bumped smack into his verbal abilities as he’s performed in guest spots alongside Mos Def, K’naan or Roots Manuva through the years or caught his onscreen cameo in the Drew Barrymore flick Never Been Kissed.

More than most other rappers, Chali continues to reinvent himself, delving into established and emerging genres, while staying true to his passion for delectable (and delightfully bassy) rhymes.

He made a big impression locally at the inaugural Atmosphere Gathering last summer. Now he’s back with the Funk Hunters to shake up the Bridge Lounge this weekend.

Chali 2na is at the Bridge Lounge on Thursday night

Q: Jurassic 5 was based in South Central and you came from Chicago, but in your mind when you set out what was the ethos that anchored you to the music you wanted to create?

A: I’m a painter first and foremost - so just understanding the creation of a piece of artwork. You could be influenced and

enthused about a certain style, but you can only put out what’s inside of you.

For us, we saw hip-hop created.

We’re older guys who were able to see hip-hop the way it was when it started, and then what it’s turned into. We were only doing the music that we fell in love with.

A: I’m in love with Kendrick Lamar’s music and his perspective. The angle that he’s coming from makes me happy again, as far a falling back in love with hip-hop. I like when a producer can put layers in his music so you can get lost in it and you can find different caverns and different turns and rooms.

These songs don’t fall thin. I’ve always wanted to make music that lasts like Earth, Wind & Fire or Stevie Wonder, or something like that, and not some bubblegum stuff that’s here today and gone tomorrow.

Q: Jurassic 5 split in 2007 and had a bit of a hiatus, but you came together to play Coachella and Glastonbury in 2014.

What was that like?

A: It was really surreal man, just dope - like we never missed a step. We jumped back in the rehearsal studio for three, four days to “figure it out.”

We booked a week - even longer than that - in the rehearsal studio just to try to get the vibe back.

We got it back in like two, three days. It was like, ‘Fellows we back.’ It was great.

Q: For someone like yourself who’s been in the conscious hip-hop game for so long, what’s it like to see the more “thoughtful” or “cerebral” rap in the forms of the Drakes or the Kendrick Lamars - and others - dominating not just the hip-hop world but the popular music charts these days?

Q: You’ve said that one of the challenges of being a solo artist is the necessity to “fill in the gaps and pick up the slack” all on your own. What are some of the tricks you use to stay focused to doing that?

A: As a solo artist you definitely have to think more. You have to think about the bigger picture in a bigger fashion. With Jurassic it’s like a basketball team, so to speak. Everybody knows their position and everybody is familiar with everybody else’s positions, so if somebody slips they can help. As

a solo artist you have to look at it like you’re the whole team.

Q: How did you like putting the “swag back in science” as the “astrophysics black guy,” playing Neil deGrasse Tyson in Epic Rap Battles of History?

A: I buzz on that, how many people loved that, man. I really tripped out.

It was fun - a different experience - to see somebody like Weird Al Yankovic [who played Sir Issac Newton] do what he does with how proficient he was. That dude will out rap any rapper right now the way he does his thing.

You saw how intricate his rhyme was, he did that in one take. That dude’s amazing I’m telling you.

Q: You like the reggae and the soul and now you’re touring with the Funk Hunters. What’s the funk all about? Why do you love putting the grooves in the music?

A: You know what’s crazy, I was talking to somebody last night about the same thing. I can’t help that I’m a beat boy. I can’t

help that I’m the verbal Herman Munster. I try to apply all those things to new things. This threepiece ensemble - these brothers from the Funk Hunters - it’s been a new look and a cool change that people are really receptive to.

These dudes are not just DJs, they’re phenomenal producers. They’re able to apply funky grooves within every aspect of EDM scene, from drum n’ bass, to dubstep, to house music and even hip-hop. They find cool ways to display the art and the music. *This interview has been edited for length and clarity Stay tuned to the Echo Facebook page this week for your chance to win a pair of free tickets to the show.

The Funk Hunters with Chali 2na. Thursday, March 19, 2015. The Bridge Lounge 90-5th Courtenay, B.C. $30 advance. Tickets available @ Bop City, Rider’s Pizza and CumberlandVillageWorks.com. Doors @ 9 p.m.

Special Information Supplement

Vancouver International Auto Show: March 24 - 29 Bigger and Better Than Ever

Do you have anything special planned during the last week of March?

If you want my advice, don’t bother with a sunny vacation down south, or extra time on the slopes. One of the hottest

By Blair Qualey tickets this time of year is the annual Vancouver International Auto Show, taking place March 24-29 at the Vancouver Convention Centre.

The Auto Show, presented by the New Car Dealers Association of BC, is the largest event of its kind in Western Canada. What’s more, this year’s 95th annual Show will be bigger and better than ever before.

As I told you in this space last month, the Show is taking up 25 per cent more room than last year, or about 300,000 square feet of

ballroom and exhibition space. We’re featuring some never-before seen displays and special features, more details of which I can now share with you.

For example, the Auto Show will feature four concept vehicles that car enthusiasts won’t want to miss including the Cadillac Elmiraj, the Infiniti Q80 Inspiration, the Nissan BladeGlider and the Subaru VIZIV 2.

The Auto Show will also include more than 25 regional debuts. That means almost every manufacturer will be presenting some of their newest models at the Vancouver Show this year.

Thinking of buying a new car or truck in the near future? You won’t want to miss this sneak peek at the latest makes and models manufacturers are about to unveil.

The Auto Show will display a lineup of exotic vehicles, including those from such iconic

brands as Aston Martin, Bentley, Lamborghini, Porsche and Rolls Royce.

Classic Alley is back this year and will feature vintage vehicles from companies such as Volkswagen, Cadillac, Pontiac and Auburn.

Personally, I’m excited to see the 1920s Model T, which would have been similar to what was on display at the very first Vancouver International Auto Show 95 years ago.

Another big attraction will be the Hollywood North display. It’s a nod to the movie industry in Vancouver and will feature vehicles used in films made here in the city, including the Scooby Doo Mystery Machine and the Grey Sisters’ Taxi from Percy Jackson.

If you’ve never been to the Auto Show before, this is the year you don’t want to miss it. If you’re a regular, be prepared for a whole new look and feel for your favourite event.

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 the website: www.

VancouverInternationalAutoShow.com. Guests are encouraged to buy tickets online, but they will also be available on site.

Finally, don’t forget to follow us on Twitter: @ VanAutoShow and ‘Like’ our Vancouver International Auto Show Facebook page. You can also see our cool photos on the Vancouver Auto Show Instagram page.

But don’t just check out this event on social media. This is an experience you’ll want to see in person. See you at the Show!

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

www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.MARCH 17, 2015

13

Cassie Sharpe sets the bar high in golden Worlds performance

BY DREW A. PENNER Echo Staff As Skrillex & Damian Marley’s “Make it Bun Dem” set the tone for Cassie Sharpe to drop into the halfpipe during the finals at the last World Cup of the season in Tignes, France, the 22-year-old Comox-native was already riding high.

Days earlier she had pulled off her first in-contest left cork nine, setting the stage for her big performance in the ski halfpipe medal round March 13.

“That in itself was something so big for me to accomplish,” she would later say on a conference call, recalling how pleased she was to hit the finals. “I could not be happier with my result for this contest.”

That result, it turned out, was gold.

She managed to best the overall standings leader Ayana Onozuka, of Japan, gaining a 93.80 from the judges - compared with a 90.40. Onozuka has 240 points overall, compared with Sharpe, who is now in fourth with 145.

US skier, Brita Sigourney, came in third with 86.40.

It was another victory in a season where Sharpe has managed to distin-

Head to the beach with the Young Naturalists’ Club

Cassie Sharpe picked up a gold in Tignes, dazzling spectators as she soared high above the halfpipe. (FIS photo) guish herself on the Canadian roster.

At the FIS Freestyle Ski World Championship in Kreischberg, Austria in January she nabbed a silver due to her execution of a straight-end mute grab with a left flair leading tail, followed by a right flair safety grab, leftside safety grab, alley-oop

truck driver, right alleyoop tail grab and a right freeze safety grab.

Canadian coach Trennon Paynter said Sharpe’s skiing in Tignes proved she’s now at a place where she has begun setting the bar for others.

“She was going higher in the pipe than any girl has ever gone,” he said.

“It was absolutely amazing how good she went.

She literally made history for the sport of halfpipe.”

Squamish resident Mike Riddle also picked up a gold for Canada, beating out Sochi gold medalist Mike Wise 95 - 94.2.

one of the fastest half marathon courses in the country. Racers can also expect great hospitality and exceptional post-race refreshments and awards.” says Race Director, Wayne Crowe.

“Defending champions and CVRR members, Derek Vinge and Vince Brotherston, will be back to defend their overall and Master titles.”

The course winds its way through rural Courtenay along Condensory, Piercy, Dove Creek and Burns Roads. The race may result in minor traffic delays during the event.

Residents in the area are encouraged to choose alternate routes or plan their day around the event to ease congestion and to ensure the safety of the participants.

“The Comox Valley Race Weekend also includes a 5 km run on Saturday morning and a banquet 5:30 pm Saturday evening at the Best Western Hotel,” adds Crowe.

“Keynote speaker will be an inspi-

enthusiasts Jarrett Krentzel and Jocie Ingram.

Families are welcome to come out for one walk before committing to membership, which is $25 a year per family. For more information visit the YNC website at www.ync.ca The YNC is affiliated with Comox Valley Nature (CVN) www.comoxvalleynaturalist.bc.ca If you would like participate in the March 22 walk please RVSP to YNCComox@ gmail.com We will meet at the end of Windslow Rd. at Kye Bay in Comox. See you at the beach!

*With a file from Postmedia Network

Comox Valley RV Half Marathon goes again this Sunday morning The sixth race in the Frontrunners Island Race Series - Comox Valley RV Half Marathon - takes place on Sunday, March 22, at 11 am.

There will be a 10 am start for walkers and slower runners. The race starts and finishes at Florence Filberg Centre, 411 Anderton Avenue, Courtenay, and is hosted by the Comox Valley Road Runners. The Half Marathon is part of the Timex BC Road Running Series.

Runners can register online until noon, Thursday March 19 at www. vira.bc.ca, or on Saturday March 22, 12-4 pm, at Extreme Runners, 436 5th Ave, Courtenay, or on race day.

Race registration until March 19 is $25 for adults and $20 for students. Registration on Saturday is $30 ($25 for students) and race day fees are $35.

Over 550 are registered to date for the race.

“CVRR looks forward to hosting everyone on what has been called

On Sunday, March 22 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. the Young Naturalists’ Club will meeting at sandy Kye Bay to explore the beach at low tide, and walk along the coastline towards Air Force Beach.

We will be looking at the sand flats and tide pools, with creatures such as sand dollars, clams, small fishes, crabs and anemones. We’ll also watch for ducks, gulls, bald eagles and other birds.

The Young Naturalists’ Club (YNC) has monthly “Explorer Days” at different locations in the Comox Valley, under the leadership of local nature-

rational talk by ultra runner, mountaineer and author, Lindsay Elms, and entertainment will be by award winning singer Tammy Fassaert.”

The public is invited to attend.

Tickets are still available at http:// www.cvrr.ca/cv-half-marathon/banquet In the club standings the Prairie Inn Harriers lead with 2726 points followed by Comox Valley Road Runners with 1468, and CeeVacs Running Club with 1045.

Eight races make up the Frontrunners Island Race Series. The Comox Valley RV Half Marathon will be followed by Merville 15K on April 12, and Sooke River 10K on April 19.

All races are sanctioned by BC Athletics.

To register online go to: www.vira. bc.ca. Historical results from races dating back to 1980 from previous race series can be seen on http:// pih.bc.ca/results/island-series/Summary.php

CARRIERS WANTED No collection required. Great exercise!

Call Comox Valley Echo • 250-334-4734 or drop by 407-D 5th Street, Courtenay COURTENAY Rt. 7114A – Keeneland, Arlington, Lexington, Mitchell, Robert Lang Rt. 7125 – Salsbury, Bood, Barford Rt. 7134 – Salsbury, Mills, Rachel, Houlgrave COMOX Rt. 1125 Rt. 2107A Rt. 2118 Rt. 2142 Rt. 2112A

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www.comoxvalleyecho.com TUESDAY.MARCH 17, 2015

Whyte’s Framing is a family owned business in Comox where the artist had some of her first paintings framed over 20 years ago.

Most of the paintings for this exhibition focus on trees and forests but with a human presence.

Trees have long been a theme in Kobus’ life, from the twelve years she spent treeplanting all over B.C.

Tracy Kobus shows at Whyte Gallery An exhibition of Tracy Kobus’ paintings, completed within the last year, will be at Whyte’s Framing and Gallery from March

20 - April 18.

Kobus will be in attendance at the opening which is on Saturday, March 21 from 1-4pm.

“Forest”, acrylic on canvas

to hours spent mountainbiking in forests near her home by the Puntledge River or in Cumberland.

In this work, tall trees are surrounded by stumps or a fence, a forest surrounds a lone person on bike or foot or a discarded red sofa chair sits at the centre of the composition.

Kobus’ paintings are found in collections

worldwide and she has also completed several art commissions, including a couple large murals for the City of Courtenay.

She was the Featured Artist at the 2014 Filberg Festival.

You may follow Kobus’ blog and monthly email news at www.tracykobus. com or find her on facebook and instagram (kobusart) for updates.

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