Duncan-raised actor back to film on Island
LIVING, Page 13
Locals hockey groups back VIAHA concerns
SPORTS, Page 28 Inside
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Disputed marina changes get OK LEXI BAINAS CITIZEN
Despite some passionate arguments from nearby homeowners and two councillors, North Cowichan council will allow Maple Bay Marina to move its fueling depot and float plane dock to a new location. The change in zoning required was adopted at the Jan. 21 meeting. The many people in the audience who came to hear council’s verdict were not apparently deeply concerned about where the depot went or where the float planes landed. They were worried that the move would free up more space for big enclosed boat houses, which Sheila Kitson, president of the Maple Bay Community Association, called “balloon-like” and “a blot on the viewscape from land, sea and air.” Longtime resident Diana Bradley agreed, adding, “it is not the right of anyone to control three quarters of Bird’s Eye Cove.” Marina owner Dave Messier said he had made a commitment that no more of the big boathouses would be built. His asked for the rezoning for several reasons. “Boats are bigger now. They need more time to fill up with fuel. Float planes don’t have brakes. We’ve had one collision and one near miss. We’ve seen congestion,” he said. Transport Canada has recommended to him that a dock would be better farther out, he told council. He also addressed the concerns
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Friday, January 23, 2015
Police seize two teasure troves of stolen property KEVIN ROTHBAUER CITIZEN
Community members Sheila Kitson, left, raised concerns about the potential for more white boathouses at Wednesday’s council meeting. Marina owner Dave Messier, right, tried to allay their concerns. [LEXI BAINAS/CITIZEN] raised by residents. “Because there were concerns about boathouses, we were very specific about our plans.” Boat owner Nicholas Bouchard said, “I get no security about this at all. I want real clear answers. There’s no guarantee if it’s not written in law. We’re dealing with one of the precious gems of this Valley.” Coun. Maeve Maguire agreed with Bouchard.
“It would help residents if you put assurances in writing,” she said. Coun. Kate Marsh said she did not feel comfortable voting for the zoning change. “I’m worried about those big 10metre boathouses,” she said. However, her colleague, Coun. Al Siebring disagreed, pointing out that previous discussions of this subject have led to some pretty strong regulations.
The official community plan throws up “enough bureaucratic obstacles” to stop any such development, he said. “I’m pretty sure we’re covered; I think we’re good to go forward.” Coun. Joyce Behnsen went even further. “I have total confidence in their willingness to do it the right way. I think this is an under-developed area. I don’t see this as fast-paced growth,” she said.
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North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP recovered huge amounts of stolen property in two separate busts earlier this month. On Jan. 5, police searched a residence on Marchmont Road in Duncan, arresting two men and two women and locating a vast haul of stolen items. They included a wallet and identification reported lost in May 2014, multiple spools of marine rope and other marine equipment stolen from a Mill Bay business in late December, shipping trackers stolen during a break-in in Duncan in December, and a boat motor stolen from a Duncan business earlier on Jan. 5. Other items recovered during the search are being processed, including illegal drugs and weapons — including crossbows — that police also believe to be stolen. A resident of the home, Matthew Ditta, has been charged with multiple counts of possession of stolen property, possession of a scheduled substance, and break and enter. See LOCKER SEARCH, Page 11