Cowichan’s climbing academy gaining a foothold
SPORTS, Page 13
Chef’s Gold Medal Plates competition ‘a blast’
2013 DODGE GRAN
D CARAVAN
LIVING, Page 18
WOW FOR JUST...$
17,990
• Air Conditionin g • Power Window • Automatic s • Power Keyless • ABS Entry
bowmel.com
461 T.C.H., Dun
can 250.748.81
Serving the Cowichan Valley
www.cowichanvalleycitizen.com
44
ONLY 5 REMAIN
!
Friday, December 13, 2013
New rules could force liveaboards from Bay: owner LEXI BAINAS CITIZEN
And they’re off. Run for the Claus participants head out towards the Friendship Trail Dec. 8 and, despite the cold, they are enjoying the chance to run and walk for the United Way on a sunny day. For more photos and video of the event, scan this image with the Layar app on your smart phone or go to www.cowichanvalleycitizen.com [LEXI BAINAS/CITIZEN]
Sea of Santas Run for the Claus in Duncan LEXI BAINAS CITIZEN
The weather outside was cold but delightful so the Valley came out in big numbers to walk, run and even stroll through downtown Duncan out to the Friendship Trail Sunday, Dec. 8 as the Cowichan United Way held its annual Run for the Claus event, raising about $6,000 along the way.
The City Square stage soon filled with various-sized participants wearing the Santa suits that came with their entry fee. There were big Santas, small Santas, even quite a few four-footed Santas, and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. Alan Corbould of the United Way, said he was thrilled at the turnout.
2013 CHEV IMPALA LS SEDAN
STK# 6107
$14,871 or $89
PAYMENT
“We had a great time. It was so much fun. We had over 200 taking part. We grossed $5,800 and we’re still counting! So, it was a very successful event. “We loved the weather. We loved the move back to City Square and we’re staying there. Next year the event is going to be on Dec. 7 and we’re back, bigger and better than ever,” he promised.
2013 CHEV TAHOE LS SUV
STK# 6131
The CVRD, in talking about the availability of sewage hookups for Cowichan Bay floathomes, would probably please most owners. But, liveaboard owner Currie Ellis said he sees trouble ahead as there are problems with this and other aspects of living on the water. He wants to see the regional district officially “grandfather” the current set of floathomes, bring a more “common sense attitude” to sewage disposal and “back off the grey water” idea. Recent meetings have given Cowichan Bay’s marine community the chance to talk to CVRD officials and get questions answered as the regional district moves towards a solution of the Bay’s longstanding issues around floating residences. Some of these ideas sound good, but look deeper and the prospect is not so bright, Ellis said. “We’ve heard that prior to hookup, all floathomes must be inspected for building code compliance but many of the older floathomes will not meet current building code standards. “I would like to suggest that many (if not most) land houses
would not meet 2013 building code standards. But, without this approval, these floathomes will not get a sewage hookup permit,” he said. Sewage discharge from liveaboard boats is another concern for Cowichan Bay’s marine residents and the regional district. A CVRD suggestion that each marina should have a pumpout station could mean up to eight pumpout stations with a total 1.6 km of sewer line, a situation Ellis called “ridiculous” and urged the regional district to look farther afield, to floating barge systems used in Nanaimo or Victoria. “Another solution would be to install a pumpout station on the outside of the floating breakwater at the Fisherman’s Wharf. This would be easily accessible to all boaters,” he said, pointing out that the Bay’s two existing pumping stations are either expensive or inaccessible. Finally, there is the problem of what to do with so-called greywater: water from bathing or washing dishes. If the CVRD bans greywater discharge into Cowichan Bay from vessel liveaboards, vessels will need to install holding See Rules different • page 11
2013 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTY TOURING VAN STK# 6078
$36,863 or $218 PAYMENT
$27,431 or $162 PAYMENT
bowmel.com 461 Trans Canada Highway. Duncan 250-748-8144 1-800-461-5337 * All payments are bi-weekly OAC $0 down, 96 mo, 4.99% plus taxes
NOW OPEN SUNDAYS 11 AM - 4 PM FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE