Friday, May 10, 2013

A look at all of the candidates in Cowichan

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Friday, May 10, 2013

Worrying weather has CVRD anxious for weir decision SARAH SIMPSON CITIZEN

Chris Irving, a volunteer with the Cowichan Fly Fishers, helps three-year-old Nathaniel Kerr get hold of his first fish during Kids Learn to Fish Day, an annual presentation of the Fly Fishers and the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC, held at Chemainus Lake on May 4. [KEVIN ROTHBAUER/CITIZEN]

A decision by the provincial water comptroller’s office with respect to control of the Cowichan Lake weir is expected by May 17.

CVRD board chair Rob Hutchins said Wednesday that the ruling was initially to be revealed this week but was delayed.

Time is of the essence.

“We have an unusual weather pattern and there’s already been a concern raised by the stewards of the Cowichan River that we have some concerns ahead of us,” Hutchins said.

Last spring local officials told provincial regulators that timely rainfall meant extra water in Cowichan Lake. Given a drought was predicted, local stakeholders asked to keep the water in the lake for the dry season. The request was turned down and water was released into the river during a somewhat soggy July and August.

The results were devastating, with one-fifth of the Chinook salmon population — about 1,000 of a projected run of 5,000 fish —stuck in the Cowichan estuary, unable to swim to their spawning grounds and becoming a veritable buffet for the bay’s sea lions to feast upon.

Since then the community has

Rob Hutchins, CVRD chair

mobilized in the hopes the rule curve governing the operation of the weir would be changed to allow for extra water to remain in the lake for when things dry up, which seems to be getting more common by the year.

“There has been a significant change in the inflows of the lake due to climate change,” Hutchins said. “We believe we can get better use of the existing weir and gates without making physical changes. We just need to manage it better.”

Previously the weir’s gates were opened around July 9. The request is that it be put off until the end of July so more water can be stored.

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Cowichan Valley Citizen | Friday, May 10, 2013

Estuary Nature Centre to power up with solar SARAH SIMPSON CITIZEN

The Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre is going off the grid thanks to a $7,500 grant from the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation.

Viridian Energy Co-operative, a community-based renewable energy company, will outfit the nature centre’s roof with solar panels, install the controls, and construct an interpretive display for visitors to learn about the power-saving system.

Work begins next week, and the finished product will be available for the community to check out on May 25 during International Low Tide Day. The solar system will edu-

cate the public about energy conservation and solar power and save both cash and energy by reducing the facility’s dependence on BC Hydro, according to nature centre coordinator Meghan Loop of the Cowichan Land Trust.

“The grant is really awesome because it pays for the entire cost of the installation,” Loop said. “Basically, we won’t have any hydro bills.”

Well, maybe some small ones.

In the winter the centre may need just a little bit of help from BC Hydro, but given the system will generate as much as 1,400 kilowatt hours per year and the centre won’t need nearly that to operate, it is entire-

3

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ly possible they’ll produce more energy than required on an annual basis.

Opened in April 2012, the Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre is a program of the Cowichan Land Trust.

The little wooden building in Hecate Park offers educational programs for not just school and community groups, but the general public as well.

It’s open from 12 p.m. though 4 p.m., Thursday through Sunday and on holiday Mondays.

This summer the Nature Centre will again offer summer science camps for children and youth in association with Island Savings Centre.

Check it out at www. cowichanestuary.ca

Stolen palm tree irks Saltair SARAH SIMPSON CITIZEN

A tree thief has struck in Sunny Saltair — the seaside community known for its spectacular sunrises, quaint little parks, and palm trees.

The theft has stymied the community’s plans to put the finishing touches on its Mediterranean theme by planting the large palm in “a very prominent place” in Centennial Park, according to Area Director Mel Dorey.

The tree is worth about $150.

“The Saltair slopitch league played a game the night before the theft,” MEL DOREY, Saltair area director

During the campaign, which kicked off last July, Dorey distributed more than 100 small palm trees to residents to plant in their yards.

The larger community palm was to be the pièce de résistance. That dream has been dashed.

“The Saltair slo-pitch league played a game the night before the theft and have put it on their website looking for information leading to an arrest,” Dorey said in an email to the Citizen.

The theft has been reported to the RCMP and a reward has been offered — it’s not cash though. It’s a palm tree.

Those with information as to the whereabouts of the palm tree are asked to call the Ladysmith RCMP at 250-245-221 or Dorey directly at 250-245-2116.

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Joe Hudak of the Cowichan Valley Rhododendron Society shows off some of the blooms available at the group’s annual sale, held last Saturday at the Cowichan Exhibition. Flowers of all sorts, not just rhodos, were up for grabs. [KEVIN ROTHBAUER/CITIZEN]

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News

Friday, May 10, 2013 | Cowichan Valley Citizen

RCMP to patrol Valley trails by bike SARAH SIMPSON CITIZEN

Authorities have rendezvoused to discuss Cowichan Valley park and trail enforcement strategies for the summer months.

Mounties from the region’s various RCMP detachments, park rangers, conservation officers and officials with the Ministry of Forest, Lands and Natural Resource met with CVRD staff last week to hatch a plan.

As part of the mission, RCMP will be patrolling the trail network by bicycle with the CVRD’s bylaw enforcement officers.

You’ve been warned.

“This has proven very successful in the past keeping motorized vehicles off our trails which are enjoyed by residents and visitors alike,” said Brian Duncan, the CVRD’s inspections and enforcement manager. “We intend to keep our parks and trails safe for the enjoyment of all and we, along with federal and provincial agencies, will not hesitate to enforce regulations.”

Spanning from the top of the

CNN Hero Pushpa Basnet is coming to the Cowichan Valley. [SUBMITTED]

CNN Hero of 2012 making Valley stop

The Kinsol Trestle is a jewel of the Valley’s trail system. [CITIZEN FILE] Malahat in the south to the Nanaimo airport in the north, from the Saanich Inlet in the east, to the west coast of Vancouver Island, the trail network is extensive. So, too, are the numbers of campgrounds and recreation areas that are also patrolled.

Special attention will be given to hot spots around the region, many of which do not allow overnight camping, alcohol consumption, wood-cutting, or motorized vehicles.

Duncan said every effort will be

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made to educate the public about park and trail rules before tickets are handed out.

“We set up roadside checks to inform people of the rules in the park they are proposing to visit,” he explained. “If it appears they intend to violate the regulations and stay overnight contrary to park rules, they are asked to leave. Should they choose to violate these regulations, tickets will be issued, charges will be laid, and vehicles/equipment will be impounded.”

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Pushpa Basnet, whose work with children in Nepal earned her the title CNN Hero of 2012, is coming to the Cowichan Valley.

Her Valley friend, Melanie Circle, said this week, “Pushpa is coming to the Cowichan Valley after attending Bonding Through Bars, an international roundtable at UBC. She will be in the Valley from May 12-16.

On Wednesday, May 15, Basnet will be at the Hub in Cowichan Station to speak and meet interested Valley residents. It will be informal, running from 2-4 p.m.

She will also be presenting at the Dwight International School, with a few other appearances pending.

“She is a remarkable young woman who works tirelessly for children who have been living in prison with their incarcerated moms in Nepal. Her university practicum took her to the women’s prison in Kathmandu and brought her to the realization that she needed to do more for the kids. She

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opened a home where the children could live well and go to school — while maintaining a relationship with their moms. There are now over 40 children living in the Early Childhood Development Centre,” Circle said.

Basnet’s recognition as CNN’s Hero of 2012, as the best of a field of remarkable grassroots humanitarians, was well deserved, according to Circle.

“The monetary prize will go toward building a permanent home for the children of incarcerated parents,” she added.

Circle herself has, since 2007, worked for Glasswaters Foundation overseeing projects that care for Nepalese children in need.

Basnet’s organization, the Early Childhood Development Center, is one of two Nepali initiated and run projects whose children supported by Glasswaters Foundation. The other is the Save Blessing Child Home where 33 impoverished children of the lower caste are cared for and educated in a warm family-style home.

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News

Cowichan Valley Citizen | Friday, May 10, 2013

Stewards building world-class trail on Maple Mountain SARAH SIMPSON CITIZEN

The Cowichan Trail Stewards Society got a green light in principal from North Cowichan council on May 1 to plan and build a multi-use trail within the Maple Mountain municipal forest reserve.

The Stewards had presented their idea to the municipality’s forestry advisory committee in mid April. That committee recommended council allow work to continue subject to staff approval of the final details.

“This is a really interesting proposal that’s being put forward,” said Coun. Al Siebring. “The Society has among its ranks one of the top trail builders in North

Coffee house pays tribute to Seeger Every month of the year provides observance dates of various types, from the solemn, to the bizarre.

For the Cowichan Folk Guild, May brings to mind the legendary Pete Seeger, who will turn 94 during the month.

To celebrate this occa-

America who happens to live here. This is a really exciting proposal that they are putting forward.”

In addition to acknowledging the quality of the trail that would be built, Siebring was pleased with not having to pay for it.

“On principal, to get them to build this trail for us and basically have a management agreement with staff approving the design so we don’t have to put our workers on the front lines to build this, it’s a fantastic idea,” Siebring said.

The economic spin-off opportunities had Coun.

John Koury keen to move ahead.

“I asked the question, ‘Can North Cowichan be the best in the world for the

sion, the Folk Guild’s coffee house on Saturday, May 11, will recognize the man and his music with a tribute band, for what they promise will be a “full on hootenany sing-a-long.”

“The band has two soldout shows so far, so it’s a good show,” promised Robert McCourty of the Folk Guild.

“The roof will be raised

[mountain biking] sport’ and unequivocally, the answer is ‘yes’ and I think it’s a compelling testimony that we can compete in this lifestyle activity,” he said.

“To be a destination in the world in this event could turn into something really big and not just in terms of attracting that crowd but the economic impact they might have in them purchasing homes and telling their friends. I think this is one more thing that we can add to our pool of assets.”

Council agreed unanimously to endorse the project.

Society president Riley McIntosh hadn’t responded to the Citizen’s request to talk about the project by press time Thursday.

with songs like Turn, Turn, Turn, If I had a Hammer, and many more,” he said in an email to the Citizen.

“If you like to sing out loud this is the show for you.”

The fun starts at 7 p.m. at the Duncan United Church. The show is $5 for CFG members and $10 for non-members.

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Friday, May 10, 2013 | Cowichan Valley Citizen

OUR VIEW

Voting: what’s more important than that?

t’s almost time to cast your ballot.

And if you are reading this, you really have no excuse not to get out there and vote on Tuesday, May 14.

Because if you think you don’t know enough about the candidates to make an informed decision, we are telling you right here and now how you can change that.

All you have to do is flip through this edition of the Citizen to pages 16 and 17, where we have talked to each of the candidates on three specific topics, along with filming a short video

I

with each of them, where they spoke to anything they felt was most important.

We urge you to go and take a look, particularly if you have missed the profiles we have printed over the last couple of months about the candidates for our two ridings, Cowichan Valley and Nanaimo-North Cowichan.

We think the crop of candidates in our ridings for this provincial election are a particularly impressive lot, and we also think that if you take a couple minutes to think about it, you will find at least one that you feel aligns with enough of your personal

ABOUT US

OTHER VIEWS

views to vote for.

Voting is so very important, and something we in Canada take far too much for granted.

For us, it is as easy as walking into our polling place (there is usually even very little wait time) and marking our ballots.

While others face threats and intimidation, wait times that extend to hours and even days, along with sometimes massive corruption and election fraud, we just have to take a few minutes out of our day.

Our employers are even required to give us time to perform this civic function.

How much easier can it get?

Yet, here we are, with a voter turnout that is shaming.

In our last provincial election in 2009, only a dismal 51 per cent of voters bothered to cast a ballot to determine the future leaders of our province. In 2005 voter turnout was 58 per cent and in 2001 it was 55 per cent according to Elections BC. This is a trend we need to turn around. Voting is a fundamental right, but in our opinion, it is also a fundamental responsibility.

This is our chance to have our say, no ifs, ands, or buts.

NDP just as strong on environment

Cowichan Valley Citizen is a division of VI Newspaper Group Limited Partnership., 469 Whistler St., Duncan, B.C., V9L 4X5 Phone: 250-748-2666 Fax: 250-748-1552 Publisher Shirley Skolos Editor Andrea Rondeau Customer service manager Dawn Heggie Production supervisor Alice Brownbridge Newsroom 250-748-2666, extension 235 news@cowichanvalleycitizen.com Advertising 250-748-2666, extensions 223, 227, 228, 229, 230 Classified ads 250-748-2666, extensions 221, 222 Copyright information This newspaper’s contents are protected by copyright and may be used only for personal, non-commercial purposes. All other rights are reserved. Commercial use is prohibited. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the newspaper.

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If we continue not to use our franchise, how long before someone comes along with this bright idea to try to take it away? And will we have a leg left to stand on when they do?

This is where we get to decide what direction we collectively want to go in on everything from the environment and pipelines, to BC Ferries, job creation, resource industries, childcare and education, health care and more.

What could be more important than taking a few short minutes to do that?

It’s our future we’re deciding.

Vote for local control of watersheds This week an aspiring MLA approached me during a public function.

I turned to find an outstretched hand and a smiling face. There was no escape so I shook the hand.

This led to engagement, “what issues were important to me?”

Well, as a matter of fact, I am very concerned about B.C.’s Private Managed Forest Land Act. This legislation places complete control over all private forest land into the hands of the owners themselves.

This means that the majority of the Cowichan Valley’s watershed is now managed for the narrow

self-interests of a few, mostly absent, landlords.

Stewardship of these forests is currently conducted to maximize corporate return without the sanction of local communities, which depend upon and live within these watersheds.

Little account is taken of the public interest when it comes to comprehensive ecosystem management or cumulative effects over time.

“But,” protest the would-be MLA, “this is private land.” Yes, I agreed; however, even our private lands should be managed with due respect to the health and welfare of our neighbours.

He feigned agreement as his restless eyes searched for a new, less problematic, hand to shake.

It was disturbing to me how completely ignorant this gentleman was of the legislation and its vast impact on Cowichan citizens.

Not only was he unaware of the Private Managed Forest Land Act, he did not understand that as a potential member of government, he could change this legislation for the benefit of constituents.

I urge my fellow citizens to vote for local control over our forests, lands, and water.

Roger Wiles Duncan To read more letters to the editor, see more photos and articles, check out www.cowichanvalleycitizen.com

I have heard a few people say they might vote Green this time. Why? Because the Greens are supposedly better for the environment.

I have trouble understanding the logic behind this argument.

Say what you want about the NDP, but the truth is they are offering as strong of an environmental platform as the Greens, perhaps stronger, which means a lot considering they actually have a shot at governing.

So what will the NDP do?

They propose to use revenue from the carbon tax to tackle climate change (and create jobs) by investing it into public transit, the retrofitting of public and commercial buildings, and other green initiatives.

They have also come out strongly against the Enbridge and Kinder Morgan pipeline projects, and are planning to form an expert panel to carry out a broad public review of fracking.

All very good (and green) ideas.

The result of the May 14 election is no sure thing.

Worst-case scenario, dividing the environmental vote allows the BC Liberals to come up the middle. Is it really worth the risk?

Grant Douglas North Cowichan

Send us your letter Write 300 words or less on the topic of your choice and email news@cowichanvalleycitizen.com Include: your name, a town you hail from and a phone number.

Opinion

Cowichan Valley Citizen | Friday, May 10, 2013

Labeling would make us free to choose GMOs — or not Re: Letter in May 1 Citizen by Robert Wager.

Thank you for your contribution on the subject of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

I agree that more research is needed. It is important that we don’t find out 20 years down the road that, “research has found that consumption of genetically modified organisms does lead to an increased risk of disease such as...”

I advocate for free choice in the selection of the food we eat. As it is now we don’t have a choice in avoiding GMOs because we don’t know if we are eating a GM food or not. I would like to see the labeling of GM food products so we can have that choice rather than let industrial giants like Monsanto or any organization discourage us from having that choice.

The statements I made were not “fear stories” as you call them. My statements can be sourced from scientific research.

The Seralini report referred to as “pseudo-science” does not support GMOs. However, I wonder if there is any research showing that GMOs are actually good for you.

Bill Routley clarifies position on local board and education In the final days before the writ dropped for this election, my constituency office received a flood of concerns from parents and teachers about the high cost of a School District 79 byelection and that school closure decisions were being made by an unaccountable, Liberal govern-

Genetically Modified Organisms in our food chain all start at the seed level.

The health of GMOs is a subject of debate. [ANDREA RONDEAU/CITIZEN FILE] The conclusion that every “respected organization” agrees that GMOs are okay seems more like a political view than one for public education. I believe that given enough information the public can decide for themselves what is best for them.

I am not sure I can agree with “respected” organizations if they conclude that we have to eat GMOs even though they are “no riskier” than other food. This is similar to the tobacco industry saying for many years that there is no evidence that smoking causes cancer. Now after research has proven otherwise,

all tobacco products are labeled with health warnings like this one, “Cigarettes are a major cause of heart disease.”

The list of countries banning GMOs is growing. GM foods are now banned in Ireland (since 2009), Peru, France, India, Hungary, Japan and Egypt. Peru has maintained a 10-year ban on GMO foods. Peru’s ban prohibits the import, production and use of GM foods. The ban is aimed at protecting Peru’s agricultural biodiversity and preventing cross-pollination with non-GMO crops. It also helps protect Peruvian organic product exports.

ment representative.

The pressure of byelection costs, added to the already overstretched budget seemed unreasonable and people were seeking alternatives.

I have previously outlined that I WOULD PURSUE THE IDEA of reinstating the trustees, and for those that agreed to return, serve out the remainder of their normal term, which eliminates the need for a costly byelection.

These trustees were elected by

promising to put children first, and I was told that they were compelled to take the action of submitting a “needs” budget, because they insisted on keeping their election promise.

I met with the Liberal government appointee McKay and told him the timing of the looming school closure announcement on May 15, the day after the provincial election, was not appropriate because if the BCNDP forms government, K–12 funding

contact us

Both France and Switzerland have a temporary ban in place.

In addition, Russia suspended imports of Monsanto’s GMO corn after a French study linked the corn to cancer.

In some places where GMOs are permitted, labeling is required.

This enables consumers to decide if they wish to purchase foods containing GMOs. In 1998, the European Union began requiring labels for food products. Other countries, such as Japan, Australia, New Zealand, China, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, India, Chile and South Africa, require labeling for foods containing GMOs. I rely on information provided by experts I can trust. These unbiased researchers who have more knowledge than I: David Suzuki is a genetic scientist, Seralini is also a genetic researcher, Michael Ableman is a health advocate and farmer.

Another thing I remember Michael Ableman saying is that there was a study showing that, when given the choice between GM food and a normal food, animals choose the normal one.

I am a physician. My goal is to create healthy communities filled with healthy and educated people.

7

Have your say, Cowichan!

Be part of our online poll

This week’s question: How do you decide who you will vote for?

A) By party B) I pick the candidate I most like C) If one knocks on my door, I’ll vote for him/her Tell us what you think!

To be part of our poll visit: www.cowichanvalleycitizen.com Look for the results of this week’s poll question in next Friday’s edition of the Cowichan Valley Citizen.

Last week’s question: On May 3 we asked you: Do you think sports academies are a good idea for the school district?

A) Yes 38.24% B) No 38.24% C) Only if it’s free 23.53%

Dr. Nathan Gagné Chemainus

will change. That could impact the decisions he is about to announce.

In addition, I believe the decision to close schools in our communities should be made by elected trustees, who are accountable to the community.

School closures should not be made by a parachuted in, Liberal government appointee who will eventually leave the Cowichan Valley and is not accountable.

The additional cost burden

of the Liberal government announced byelection this November is like pouring salt on an open wound.

If re-elected, I will consider all practical options and I will work with parents, teachers, administrators, and the ministry to improve educational opportunities for all our kids.

Bill Routley NDP Candidate Cowichan Valley

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Letters

Friday, May 10, 2013 | Cowichan Valley Citizen

Nobody should be allowed to pollute Valley waters Where is it a God-given right of businessmen to earn their millions by dumping contaminated soil into Cowichan Valley and polluting its waters? South Island Aggregates Ltd. owners and operators of the sand, gravel and rock operations at South Shawnigan Lake Road’s quarry, intends to truck CRD contaminated waste over the Malahat and dump it on their property. To be noted the CRD

has stringent measures of protecting their own watershed (their water supply). Why hasn’t the CVRD been legally involved in doing the same?

Contaminated soil has high levels of pollution from which phosphorus and nitrogen drain into aquifers, rivers and streams along with bacteria and toxic mercury, which can be deadly.

Drinking water is vital to the residents of Shawnigan and Mill Bay, for which the MB Water board has long maintained its purity — but in the future?

Do people still wonder how cancer happens?

When a scale of such magnitude is being proposed, the provincial and federal government need to direct the process and options available for public debate, and conclude with a referendum by the people. After all this concerns them.

In the interim, I trust all CVRD directors, MLAs, past and current, are not just paying lip service but are raising the strongest objections on this folly to the provincial and federal governments.

Marcia Stobbart Former Citizen columnist

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NDP not offering much in way of change “Change for a better future” is the rallying cry by the BC NDP. My memory of what occurred in 1991 when the BC NDP were elected, was a disastrous change leading to the destruction of the B.C. economy. B.C. soon became a “have not” province.

Mr. Dix is offering the same formula that Mike Harcourt offered and subsequently Mr. Glen Clark. That is not “change”.

Nothing new is being offered. All that is being offered is no to just about anything that can help sustain a sound economy for B.C. This includes no to log exports — what a great way to reduce employment and further hurt a struggling resource industry.

And don’t forget the raising of taxes!

Everybody will be affected one way or another, it happened in 1991 until finally the BC NDP blew it with “Fudget Budget” and other sins of distortion of truth. Then change really happened.

Why does the Saskatchewan NDP see opportunities for its

Not economy or environment Last week, the BC NDP came out against the proposed Kinder Morgan pipeline and tanker project, sparking a massive backlash from newspaper and talk radio pundits. Tankers, pipelines and dirty energy projects now seem to be the single most important issue in this election.

The oil industry’s friends in the media are working overtime to create the false impression that saying no to risky pipeline and tanker projects will seriously damage the economy. That’s just wrong.

I don’t believe there will be enough jobs or money to restore our economy this way. Where are our forward thinkers, to lead the

U.S. bank failure would take down our system I am replying to John Walker’s comments in his letter “U.S. banking system completely different” published in the April 25, 2013 issue.

I referred to the U.S. banking system because if it fails, it will bring down the Canadian and global banking systems. This is just a question of time since the $250 trillion (over 16 times the U.S. GDP) unregulated derivative bubble continues to grow.

I agree that the Canadian banking system is a better regulated system. However, even this Canadian system needed billions of dollars of government bailout in the 2008-09 banking crisis. I also

people in the resource sector?

Why did the Saskatchewan NDP reduce not only personal taxes but also corporate taxes from 17 per cent to 12 per cent?

These actions were undertaken to improve the competitiveness of Saskatchewan. The Saskatchewan NDP understood that in order to provide the services to citizens they wanted to, they needed a prosperous economy and to balance their budget. In many ways, it was the NDP in Saskatchewan that laid the foundation for the province’s current prosperity.

I know the Rockies are quite high, but they are no barrier to information dissemination — why does Mr. Dix think in “Old Dogma” terms. I guess because he has little to no vision to ensure B.C.’s economy remains strong. This is not the time for regressive and petty retrograde policies.

Beware what you wish for — the “change” you hope for will not materialize with the current “Old Dogma Party” thinking.

Christopher Carruthers North Cowichan

way? Where is our B.C. pride?

The benefits of building a long-term clean energy economy founded on good jobs and healthy communities far outweigh the risks of dirty energy mega-projects that could wipe out local economies and destroy B.C.’s world-renowned environment.

These are serious times indeed for all British Columbians, but most especially those who live in the coastal communities and on Vancouver Island. Let’s not let them fool us into thinking we must make a choice of economy over environment. Without our B.C. environment, we’ll have no economy worth saving.

Patricia MacGregor North Cowichan

add that the Canadian government is now in collusion with the banks with its Economic Action Plan 2013, where “bail-in” is being considered.

Should the largest Canadian banks fail, these banks will be able to legally replace their depositors’ savings with shares of the (failing) bank.

Canadian banks are better regulated and run than U.S. banks.

However, it may be time for Mr. Walker and depositors to withdraw their savings from the Canadian Big Five banks to avoid their savings being converted into worthless bank shares.

Gerry Masuda Duncan

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Got a news tip? Give us a call at the Citizen: 250-748-2666

News

Cowichan Valley Citizen | Friday, May 10, 2013

Candidates support local water control “...we’re really pleased that the Valley is speaking almost with one voice in asking for local control,”

SARAH SIMPSON CITIZEN

It comes as little surprise to most, but party lines were not drawn when it comes to who local candidates believed should control Cowichan’s watersheds.

Citizens g roup One Cowichan has spent the time leading up to the May 14 provincial election pushing candidates for their opinion on local water control. On Thursday the group released its findings on its website (www.onecowichanca).

To a man, all of the candidates that responded to One Cowichan’s request for 100-word positions said they supported local water control.

“The winners in this campaign are the citizens of the Cowichan Valley,” One Cowichan spokesman Parker Jefferson said. “Citizens have come together to ask all candidates to commit to local control, and that’s just what the candidates have done, even across party lines.”

The lobby group has also gathered 1,500 sig-

PARKER JEFFERSON, One Cowichan

natures on a petition supporting the idea.

Jefferson said that a review of B.C.’s Water Act is underway and that means the time is now to speak up and speak loudly about the issue in the hopes of becoming a pilot project for local water management in not just B.C., but Canada.

“T here are lots of details to work out, but for now we’re really pleased that the Valley is speaking almost with one voice in asking for local control,” Jefferson said. “We look forward to working with whoever wins to implement change, and want to thank all the candidates and voters for supporting this important issue.”

9

‘Grave concerns’ already about river’s fish From page 1 Hutchins said the Ministry of Forests, Land and Natural Resources received about 20 or 25 letters from the public with respect to the proposal, but the CVRD wasn’t told whether that correspondence was in support or opposition to it.

The comptroller’s decision can be appealed within 30 days and the Cowichan Watershed Board is already mustering to ensure it’s ready to act if necessary.

“In anticipation of a possible hearing, the Cowichan Watershed Board applied for and received a $3,500

grant from West Coast Environmental Law,” Hutchins said. That would help pay about half of the estimated cost of an appeal.

I n t h e m e a n t i m e, stakeholders are keeping a steady eye on the falling lake and river levels.

“A hotter and drier May to July is anticipated,” Hutchins said noting there is “grave concern” by the stewards of the river for the fish in the side streams, which they fear may become stuck in pools.

Hutchins added that some 1,000 fish fry are already on the verge of being stranded by low river levels.

When to let water down the Cowichan River through the weir at Lake Cowichan is of vital importance to the river’s summer health. [CITIZEN FILE]

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The Official Trustee will make decisions on restructuring the District including decisions on which, if any, of the schools proposed for closure will be closed. www.sd79.bc.ca

10

News

Friday, May 10, 2013 | Cowichan Valley Citizen

M&M Meats heats up grill for Crohn’s, colitis ANDREA RONDEAU CITIZEN

Staff of M&M Meat Shop in Duncan will be manning their grill Saturday, May 11 in support of a very important, but not-much-talked about cause.

Each year M&M Meats across Canada support BBQ Day to benefit the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada. In this, their 25th year, the goal is to raise $1.3 million to go towards research to help find a cure for this debilitating group of diseases.

“Canada has among the highest reported prevalence of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis — two similar yet distinct conditions also known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) — in the world,” M&M said in a news release. “There are more than 233,000 Canadians suffering from IBD and the incidences have been rising, particularly since 2001, and significantly so in chil-

dren under the age of 10.”

So, on barbecue day you can help make a difference by purchasing a hamburger or hot dog, drink and a bag of chips for a minimum donation of $3.

You can also head on into the shop and ask about purchasing and signing a penguin to support the cause.

“We are extremely grateful to those who support M&M Meat Shops Charity BBQ Day,” said Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada CEO, Dr. Kevin Glasgow.

“Our 25-year partnership with M&M Meat Shops has made an enormous difference in our effort to find a cure for IBD and improve the lives of children and adults affected by these chronic diseases,” he said.

“These donations, combined with the hard work of thousands of volunteers, raise a significant portion of our annual research funds in just one day.”

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CVRD searching for soil site SARAH SIMPSON CITIZEN

The CVRD board opted Wednesday night to set aside $150,000 in gas tax funds to search for an appropriate remote dumpsite for contaminated waste within Cowichan’s borders but it wasn’t without a thorough debate.

Duncan Mayor Phil Kent questioned what it would say about the regional district — after all the fighting it’s been doing with regard to contaminated soil issues in the South Cowichan — to all of a sudden be willing to accept dirty dirt.

“I don’t know if the Cowichan Valley is the best place to have contaminated soil sites,” Kent said. “We seem to be taking on an issue that is again the jurisdiction of senior governments. They are rightfully in those senior jurisdictions.”

Kent also questioned putting money aside before having confirmation from the province that it is willing and ready to collaborate on finding a suitable dumping ground away from any sources of potable water within the CVRD’s 350,000 hectares — something that will be like “finding a needle in a haystack,” he said.

Board Chair Rob Hutchins said the move to earmark the money was just one of many steps forward, which proves the CVRD is

A special art contest, run by TV network APTN to design an Aboriginal Day celebration flag is now under-

Speech Awards Alive and Well in the Cowichan Valley!

The Rotary Club of Duncan hosts their 32nd Annual Hector McIntosh Speech Awards on Monday May 13th beginning with a dinner and followed by Awards Finals at the Travelodge Duncan.

The final awards night is a favourite of Rotary Club member’s annually where the 12 finalists from Grade 4 through to Grade 12 compete in 4 age groups. Judging throughout the competition is generously provided by volunteers from the Duncan Toastmasters Organization. Cash and Scholarship Awards are given out during the evening.

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willing to put its money where its mouth is to find a solution to an ongoing problem — both locally and beyond.

“We made a commitment last August to do something about this,” Hutchins said. “Our efforts have actually made some difference at the provincial level. We have a serious problem. If we don’t choose to step up, I’m not sure why we said that last August.”

Shawnigan Lake Dir. Bruce Fraser echoed Hutchins in noting the motion before them was consistent with the offer the CVRD made to the provincial government at the time they entered negotiations with them about how to deal

Youths invited to enter flag design contest LEXI BAINAS CITIZEN

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Duncan Mayor Phil Kent

with the South Island Aggregates application to dump contaminated soil in South Cowichan.

“It would be quite inconsistent of us to refuse to put any effort towards it and what this is, is really raising the ante with government to start collaborating with us instead…rather than simply dealing with an application in an inappropriate location,” Fraser said.

He added that supporting the decision did not necessarily bind the CVRD to operate the facility and did not guarantee a suitable location would actually be found.

“We’ve already gone down the road a certain distance,” Cowichan Station/Sahtlam/Glenora Dir. Loren Duncan said. “We’re going to have to be part of the solution not just part of the problem. That’s what this is all about, finding solutions, if possible.”

Lake Cowichan Alternate Dir. Bob Day said now it the time to act.

“I see a crisis when we have another level of government identifying spots where they can just roll in without informing anybody and dump contaminated soils,” Day said. “We have our own contaminated soils and I’m a firm believer in what we create, we need to deal with ourselves and not pawn off onto somebody else.”

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Cowichan Valley Citizen | Friday, May 10, 2013

11

Joe Thorne proudly talks about some of the inspirational success they’ve had with the Intro to Trades program. The course is designed to help First Nations students get the skills the need to succeed out in the construction world.

[LEXI BAINAS/CITIZEN]

Intro to Trades program turning lives around LEXI BAINAS CITIZEN

Intro to Trades.

It’s a deceptively simple name for a program that is having a big impact on the lives and futures of local First Nations students.

“We’ve got former gang members who’ve thrown all that away because we are making a difference. They don’t need that false security they thought they had,” said Joe Thorne, as he explained to a packed school board meeting about the results of the aboriginal focus dual credit program. “What we’re seeing now is an awakening that there is an opportunity, that they’re not going to be just second class citizens. They’re going to be progressive citizens, the future of construction.”

“Before you’d have just seen kids like these walking around the streets. We used to call them mall rats. Now they’re being successful,” he said.

The program is a partnership between Cowichan Tribes, Vancouver Island University and the Cowichan Valley School District.

The idea is to offer new avenues towards jobs in the trades for First Nations students, and there’s a lot to be excited about, said Thorne.

Dual credit courses are presented in partnership with both VIU and Camosun College and allow students to accumulate high school and university credits at the same time.

The students in Intro to Trades have come from all over the Valley, from secondary schools and continuing education to take part in a program that works out of the Quw’utsun Cultural Centre.

“They’re working, they’re building,” Thorne said. “We’ve just come back from Providence Farm where we’ve been ripping the rooms right out to rebuild them. We’re building a house in Mill Bay. We’re building kiosks for the park, picnic tables, sheds.

We’ve told people that if you come to us and you buy the material and you want something made, we will make it for you,” he said.

“For me, that’s a fair exchange because I want these kids to get their 580 hours in so they can move

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to the next level. Some of these kids have issues at home but as their instructor I have made sure that I’m approachable 24/7. This is a pilot program and we want nothing but success.”

A number of tradespeople have come to talk to the students and most of them have turned down the honorarium offered, saying they felt it was a privilege to talk to future workers.

“I know I was really happy and honoured to be one of the instructors picked to teach. It’s been a pleasure to see these kids grow,” Thorne said.

The work they’ve done at the Heritage Centre has been varied and valuable, he said.

“We built a temporary shelter.

They wanted us to leave it up but we took it back down. We’ve been working with the totem poles.

They’re learning how to plan.

Many of these kids have never had the privilege of doing something.

They are there every day, at least 30 minutes before class starts, and we have to literally shoo them out when it’s time to go home. They’re

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learning that you can build from here,” Thorne said.

The visit to Providence Farm was a positive eye-opener.

His own experience of having worked with the BC Construction Association for over 10 years with many programs, had shown him they were not reaching the students.

“We put the pieces together into Intro to Trades. It’s working. I know in a couple of years when the economy starts bouncing back, there are not going to be enough tradesmen. All of these kids here, companies are going to be looking for them.”

The students have had the chance to build and learn from electricians, painters and plumbers.

“Today we had all of my girls sit down and talk with women in trades because I wanted to make

sure that these girls, like Martina here, knew what they were going to go up against when they got out into the real world,” Thorne said.

He also pointed out that special needs students are really taking to the idea.

“One of them is so enthusiastic.

He built a picnic table that many of you would pay $500 for. We’ve got another boy, who could be called anti-social, working with him and all of a sudden they’ve become friends.”

Thorne said that everyone involved from both the school district and the university have a lot to be proud of in this first cohort of students.

“We’re going to reach something these kids have never had, to rise above social problems, to achieve See Program • page 13

Living

Cowichan Valley Citizen | Friday, May 10, 2013

13

Good things come to those who wait.

And by ‘good things’ we mean sweet, sweet cash.

Students learn a variety of skills in the Intro to Trades program. [SD79 PHOTO]

Program ‘bridges gaps’ From page 1 on a level they’ve never had before.

They’re doing this because they want a start,” he said.

Ron Nunweiler, SD79’s director of middle and secondary education, is the school district’s point man on the project.

“This is one of those special projects,” he said. “It’s probably the most exciting one I’ve ever been involved in. We think we’ve really gotten onto something here. And we see our careers and aboriginal trades programs really expanding to connect with these young people with real life.

“I think Joe hit in the head when he said the students are doing community work using their skills. It gives them a lot of pride and bridges a lot of gaps,” Nunweiler said.

Keith Chicquen, VIU’s instructional director, ag reed with Nunweiler.

“We’re working with the students to create these life-changing opportunities. We can see the effects. You speak to those kids and you hear that,” he said.

“We’ve actually had inquiry now from two other school districts about what we’re doing because they’re interested in doing the

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same kind of program. We’re expecting that this is going to lead to greater numbers of aboriginal students in our trades programs whether it’s at VIU or any other place.”

He has good reason to think so.

Last fall they ran a similar program for adults and six of them went on to enroll in VIU’s carpentry program and are helping build a house on the Malahat reserve.

“We know where all of this is going,” Chicquen said.

In dual credit programs, School District 79 covers tuition and registration fees for the courses.

Students are responsible for books, materials, clothing, student and activity fees, and any other costs associated with the course or program.

Nunweiler is optimistic about the future.

“This current school year, we probably have more aboriginal students involved in the trades programs than the previous seven, eight, nine years combined. In one year,” he said.

“We’re on the right track. It keeps those kids connected to school. They have a purpose and at the same time, we will provide their math skills. We want them to graduate,” Nunweiler said.

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Living

Friday, May 10, 2013 | Cowichan Valley Citizen

Is Island coal mining about to make a comeback? Conclusion

Y

Nanaimo’s greatest coal mine of all was the No. 1 Esplanade which ran beneath the harbour to Protection Island! —TWP

STEVE HOUSSER BC Liberal Cowichan Valley

For a strong economy Better job opportunities To pay for the programs we need MEET ME ON-LINE www.stevehousser.ca Campaign Office: 5295 Trans Canada Highway 250-597-7366 AUTHORIZED BY GAY WISE FINANCIAL AGENT

es, if the proposed Fanny Bay area coal mine overcomes the challenges of marketplace and environmentalists to begin production.

By 1862, Nanaimo had swelled to more than 500 white residents and was shipping 18,000 tons of coal annually. When the British-financed Vancouver Coal Mining and Land Co. bought the operations, lock, stock and ore cart, from the Hudson’s Bay Co., and announced a major expansion program, Nanaimo was on its way.

The vast property included 6,200 acres of land, the “underlying coal,” and a hundred “dwelling houses, stores, workshops, machinery, powerful steam engines, wharves and barges, sawmill, etc.,” as well as the “safe and commodious harbour of Nanaimo,” its loading facilities and the “islands of Newcastle and Douglas; on the former of which coal of a superior quality is being worked, the latter also containing coal”.

Now ships called regularly to fill their bunkers with Island coal for the lucrative San Francisco market which, formerly, had had to import its coal from Britain. Ships of Her Majesty’s fleet (Capt. Richards notwithstanding) made

their appointed Earlier, the orirounds powered ginal Nanaimo

by Nanaimo waterfront coal. That year, mines and those 1862, six tons on Newcastle of coal from Island had been Nanaimo and joined by the Newcastle Douglas and Island mines Fitzwilliam, in CHRONICLES were exhibited Nanaimo and T.W. Paterson at the World Fair on Newcastle in London. respectively. By With new owners came 1889 the VCM&L Co. was new ideas and a new in its third incarnation as townsite. As the settlethe Western Fuel Co. with ment expanded both to head office in San Franlandward and to seaward cisco, and as the Canadian (the latter due to landWestern Fuel Co. in 1918. fill efforts), the VCM&L Since 1871, the Dunsmuir subdivided and sold lots name had played an at auction. Actual mining important role in Nanaimo had moved farther afield, development, when Robert also, future coal magnate Dunsmuir began mining Robert Dunsmuir being with several partners. among those interested Over the years, the growin seams in the Harewood ing company was known district, west of town. as Robert Dunsmuir & When his initial venture Sons, Wellington Collieries failed, the VCM&L bought and as Canadian Collieries property for a company (Dunsmuir) Ltd. farm to grow grain for the For the better part of a mules and horses working century, the three famous in the mines. Then this coal seams — Douglas, area, too, was subdivided, Newcastle and Wellington leased and eventually sold — had provided employoff. ment for thousands of The discoveries of new miners and their dependcoal deposits at the nearby ents, as well as those who Wellingtons, North, East made their livings by their and South, and at Extentrade. Nanaimo, Wellingsion, brought further ton, Extension, Ladysmith prosperity. Production and latecomer Granby soared as the Southfield, (Cassidy) were founded Northfield and Brechin properties were developed.

See Coal mines • page 15

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Living

Cowichan Valley Citizen | Friday, May 10, 2013

15

Coal mines that built Nanaimo were not inexhaustible; not much remains of them today From page 14 on coal and the number of mines steadily increased as new fields were explored and developed.

Production increased annually as Nanaimo coal was used to power the ships of almost every nation.

From around the world, vessels of all sizes called to load the black fuel upon which Nanaimo had been built.

But the fabulous coal seams were not, as first imagined, inexhaustible. Nor were they without their dangers. Time and again, tragedy struck the mines and the story of coal mining in this region is that of hardship, heroism and horror. Cave-ins,

Author and family head to Fairbridge ANDREA RONDEAU CITIZEN

Author Patricia Skidmore is headed to Duncan Saturday, May 11 to read from her book Marjorie Too Afraid to Cry: A Home Child Experience.

History buffs will want to mark their calendars for this look into the experiences of British children who were sent to the colonies.

“My mother, Marjorie Skidmore (nee Arnison) will attend the reading,” said Skidmore. “Marjorie was at the Prince of Wales Fairbridge Farm School from September 1937 until September 1942. Her ‘Canadian’ sister, Audrey Lewis will attend (Audrey was at the Prince of Wales Fairbridge Farm School from August 1938 until January 1946) and Marjorie and Audrey’s youngest

[SUBMITTED]

brother — from England — will also be in attendance. T his brother, David Arnison, was one of two brothers born to the Arnison family after three of the children were removed from their mother’s care and sent to Canada.”

The event is being hosted at Fairbridge Chapel, 4791 Fairbridge Drive from 1 to 3 p.m.

For more information email patskidmore@ shaw.ca or go to patriciaskidmore.com

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fires, explosions and gas claimed more than 600 lives over the years.

For the companies, there was misfortune in the form of sandstone that, in some seams, was so mixed with the coal that the costs of separating the two were prohibitive and, from time to time, financially fatal.

Bitter and sometimes bloody labour disputes also took their toll.

But it was another threat altogether that ultimately closed the mines for good. Times were changing. By the 1920s, although annual production had soared to more than one million tons, coal no longer monopolized world markets. Foreign, more econom-

ical fields had been developed.

Worse, there was a new god.

Ships now burned black liquid rather than black solid.

These competitors, plus the inescapable fact that the Nanaimo mines were limited in size and richness, meant that the end was in sight and steadily declining markets compounded by the arrival of the Great Depression sounded the death-knell.

Although coal was mined in the region for a century, Nanaimo operations had peaked in just 70 years. By the late 1940s the mines that at the height of production had employed more than 3,000 men were down to 400.

Companies and mines had

come and gone. But with their passing, most of the miners and their families stayed, and Nanaimo lived on. Gone were “model” Chase River Mine, the Southfield pits, the Wakesiah, the Brechin, the Reserve, the Harewood, the Jinglepot, so many others, and the No. 1 Esplanade, most famous of all.

As legacy, Nanaimo inherited a collection of abandoned and flooded workings, weed-choked railway tracks which led nowhere, and scores of dilapidated buildings.

Early in the 1950s, a century after Che-wech-i-kan told a Hudson’s Bay Co. blacksmith of burning black stones in his camp fire, history came full circle for

Nanaimo. The last of the mines were blasted and bulldozed, the railway tracks torn up, the buildings pulled down, leaving only the memories of the day — and these rapidly fading — when almost every steamship afloat burned Nanaimo coal, when thousands laboured above and below ground to extract the black diamond upon which their livelihoods and the livelihoods of so many others, depended.

So: is King Coal dead or will the proposed Fanny Bay area coal mine overcome the challenges of both the marketplace and environmentalists to actually begin production? www.twpaterson.com

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Election 2013

Friday, May 10, 2013 | Cowichan Valley Citizen

COWICHAN Valley

◆ QUESTIONS TO THE CANDIDATES:

Bill Routley, NDP

1. What will you do to boost jobs and kickstart the economy?

2. Where do you stand on environmental policy (including pipelines and tanker traffic)?

3. What is important for the future of education?

1. Approximately 80 per cent of the jobs of the future will require some form of specialized training. In addition to supporting small business, a BCNDP government will focus on apprenticeships, skills training, and post secondary education.

2 . A vo t e f o r t h e BCNDP will stop the new Enbridge Northern Gateway and Kinder Morgan pipelines and the threat increased tanker traffic poses to B.C.’s amazing coastline.

We will create a new, made in B.C. environmental assessment process and I will work to protect wild salmon

stocks by collaborating with the federal government to implement the Cohen Commission recommendations.

3. The $100 million for education in the fully costed BCNDP platform (www.bcndp.ca) focuses on reducing overcrowding and improving classroom conditions.

A BCNDP government will create more infant and toddler care spaces, and will reduce the costs to families with children in licenced daycare, by an average of $2,000 per year! We will support preservation and enhancement of First Nations heritage, language, and culture.

Kerry Davis, Green Party 1. The Cowichan Valley needs to diversify our industries and create new kinds of jobs for our youth. The Green platform includes incentives to develop green industries as well as retrofitting existing homes and businesses, creating more longterm jobs than the fossil fuel sector. VIU is well placed to provide skills training. The small business sector accounts for about 30 per cent of provincial GDP. We will reduce taxes to encourage responsible and sustainable small business, support a Buy Green BC program and provide incentive to investors

Independent

Cowichan Valley riding

At the end of the month we are launching a new feature that will seamlessly connect our print edition to augmented digital content.

On today’s special election pages we are giving our readers a preview.

How does it work?

Just download the free Layar app from the app store to your smart phone. Then hold your phone over the newspaper page and hit scan.

Links will appear on your screen — on this page we have linked to videos of each of the candidates.

Touch the link and away you go!

No smartphone or tablet? Go to our YouTube channel: www. youtube.com/CowichanCitizen

Map courtesy of www.elections. bc.ca

NanaimoNorth Cowichan riding Map courtesy of www.elections. bc.ca

Steve Housser, BC Liberals and philanthropists to fund new initiatives and research.

2. No pipelines, no tankers, no fossil fuel driven economy. Ourplan for the environment focuses on the conservation of resources through improved efficiencies, the reduction of toxic pollutants, and the protection of wilderness.

3. We need to move away from the “per student” funding model to increase flexibility and program options for students and meet the needs of differentiallyabled children, including early intervention for autistic children.

Heather Campbell, Independent 1. Reduce the price of the ferries. Tourism is a big part of the Island businesses. If the tourist won’t pay the price for the ferries, that money is going to go elsewhere.

2. I disag ree with endangering our environment, land or sea, for money. There was a proposal by Mr. Black, to refine the oil so it would be less harmful to the environment. What became of that?

3. Our future of education really scares me. Our children are the future of this province. Without a good education, what will

Get a sneak peak of our exciting Layar content

become of them and our province?

Further...

Campbell also ex p r e s s e d h e r r e a sons for running as an independent candidate.

She says there is a real need for someone to represent the needs and desires of the constituents in the Cowichan Valley and an independent is best because such a representative would not be subject to direction from the leaders of a particular political party.

Improved health care, education, doing something about poverty and youth suicide are her other priorities.

1.For a strong economy that promotes jobs and more opportunity for everyone, I believe government must control spending and keep a lid on taxes.

For job creation and g reat employment opportunities, the BC Liberals will expand markets for B.C.’s goods and services, particularly in Asia. T his means tapping into the huge potential for LNG exports. B.C. has a 50year record of safe natural gas development.

LNG will simply be an expansion of this expertise with huge economic returns for the province.

These returns will help

pay for the health, education, transportation and social services British Columbians need… and a new hospital for Duncan!

2. BC Liberals will consider the Enbridge pipeline, but only if five conditions are met, the chief one being environmental safety. I am on record as a champion for the environment and will do everything I can to stop SIA’s plans for a contaminated waste dump in Shawnigan’s watershed.

3. I support an excellent education. Education is a strategic investment that I will enthusiastically promote.

Damir Wallener, BC Conservatives 1. Protect the Crofton Mill from rate increases caused by Victoria’s mismanagement of BC Hydro; push for real, modern commuter rail to Victoria; create a technology development zone in South Cowichan; and complete the feasibility report for the Alberni Inlet trans shipping facility.

2. I support OneCowichan’s efforts to re-localize watershed management. I also support the Northern Gateway pipeline under the following conditions: economic benefits to B.C. are clear and substantial; a fund or insurance plan is in place to protect taxpay-

ers from potential cleanup costs; the people of B.C. are made active participants in the discussion; and investigate processing the bitumen in B.C. into a safer, more usable form.

3. The number one priority has to be improved job prospects in the region. We will never dig ourselves out of the falling enrollment hole if we keep losing families. End the acrimonious relations between Victoria and educators.

I have two autistic children impacted by special education structure and funding, and I am motivated to find solutions that work for all.

Election 2013

Cowichan Valley Citizen | Friday, May 10, 2013

17

NANAIMO North Cowichan

Doug Routley, NDP 1. The NDP is committed to major investments in skills training.

Leaders of industry are unanimous telling us their greatest challenge is the skills shortage.

Apprenticeship completions are an abysmal 34 per cent. We will limit raw log exports, ensuring B.C.’s resources provide more jobs. In 60 days, last spring, Liberals over-ruled their own log export review committee 80 times. Just applying the rules will drastically cut down exports.

2. The NDP is opposed to the Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipeline and Kinder Morgan’s

Amanda Jacobson, BC Liberals

Mayo McDonough, Green Party 1. B.C. Greens will create thousands of new g reen-collar jobs by supporting sustainable agriculture, renewable energy projects and value-added manufacturing, and investing in energy-efficient buildings and retrofits. We will encourage municipalities to favour local businesses, and focus on developing diverse, regional economies.

2. We will get the province off oil and gas, powering the province using clean and green power, providing incentives for citizens and businesses to generate their own power. We will phase out the nearly $350 mil-

Independent

Large capacity from pipelines will increase tanker traffic. To help improve safety the province should open an equivalent to the coast guard station recently closed by the federal government.

3. I believe that public schools, K-12 must be fully funded. We have to get past the acrimonious relationship between teachers and the province. Superintendents and administrative staff are out of control. Districts are faced with school closures. Sometimes things look good on paper, but haven’t been thought through.

vigorous, independent and principled approach to the environmental assessment process.

We have five standards that development must meet — the first three are focussed on environmental safety. We introduced the first carbon tax in North America.

3. The BC Liberals have invested record amounts in our education system, including implementing full-day kindergarten and the Learning Improvement Fund which hires more teachers and teachers’ aides. We have put forth our framework for a 10year agreement with teachers.

John Sherry, BC Conservatives 1. We need to hold the line on corporate taxes.

No economist in the world would endorse the plan to increase taxes on job creators, as both the BC Liberals and BC NDP would do if they were to form government. We also need to hold the line on BC Hydro increases, so that we can preserve the benefits to the Crofton Mill.

2. We endorse the large projects such as pipelines, including Kinder Morgan and the Northern Gateway.

There is no reason for us to be anything less than global leaders in these industries, with

lion in annual subsidies to the oil and gas industry. We will halt the proposed Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline project, reject any expansion of the Kinder-Morgan pipeline, and establish a ban on crude oil tankers.

3. We will focus on the individual needs of students with different abilities and interests.

We will find an alternative to the “per student” funding model, lower tuition fees for post-secondary education, re-establish comprehensive trades education, and work with employers to guarantee apprenticeship spaces.

Murray McNab, Independent 1. I believe that a complete review of the foreign worker policy has to happen. I’m in favour of the carbon tax, but not increasing it. There need to be tax breaks for small business, because small business is really the engine that drives this economy.

2. The twinning of the Kinder Morgan pipeline is a great idea.

It has a good environmental track record.

There needs to be a full environmental review of the Northern Gateway Pipeline. As proposed now, it’s not safe.

But pipelines are the safest way to transport petroleum products.

1. The new BC Liberals’ focus is and will continue to be on jobs.

Our BC Jobs Plan demonstrates our commitment to skills training and making sure that there are jobs for our skilled workers.

We respect small businesses, which create 98 per cent of all jobs in B.C., by reducing red-tape and cutting taxes. By keeping personal income taxes low, we can keep more hard earned dollars in people’s pockets.

2. We believe that resource development should not come at the expense of the environment, and so we have a

proposal to expand pipeline capacity. Making B.C. an export terminal for crude oil is not in the long term best interest of our province. When other coastal industries are considered, over $9 billion would be drastically impacted or destroyed outright by a major oil spill. We will introduce endangered species legislation, ban cosmetic pesticides and reinvest in our parks.

3 . We w i l l i nve s t $100 million per year in teacher-librarians, teacher assistants and other resources to learning conditions. We will reassess the funding formula.

environmental stewardship second to none.

Economic prosperity and environmental management do not have to be mutually exclusive.

3. We need to rebuild the bridge between the government of B.C. and teachers. We must ensure parents have a larger say, and ensure every resource possible gets to the front lines.

Education is about children, and if everybody keeps this in mind, we can build a trusting, lasting, healthy relationship between government, teachers and families for the benefit of our kids.

Anna Paddon, Independent

Independent

1. The Crofton/Richmond, tunnel crossing project, will improve our Nanaimo-Nor th Cowichan economy by over six per cent. We will not only have construction jobs, but business and industry, tourism, and business and housing starts improving the local economy.

With this new transportation route, areas will have new development and existing brownfields will be purchased for new development and industry.

2. Our coastlines will be affected by an oil spill in g reater and wider areas than written of. I had always

planned that any oil pipeline would be safer and more easily cleaned in a tube below ground.

The Crofton/Richmond tunnel will also protect the environment from spill damage, wave and climate change damage and loss, and to protect the air from carbon damage.

3. Our system must provide our students with an undergraduate degree, and certificates in professions, trades and business. B.C. education can return Grade 13 to our public schools and provide certificates for professions, labour, and in trades to every B.C. resident.

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Living Cowichan Valley Citizen | Friday, May 10, 2013

KEVIN ROTHBAUER CITIZEN

Once Upon a High School, George Bonner Middle School’s spring play has a unique premise: “Fairy tale characters are real, and living in an alternate reality,” teacher and director Jake Robinson explained. “Some of them cross over to our world and they realize they can write their own story.”

By creating a new story, evil stepsisters, for example, can get the happy endings they desire. To prevent chaos, the inhabitants of

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the fairy tale world — who are all in the same high school class — send the Woodsman to our world to get them back.

The play asks, says Robinson, “What is really reality?” and “Is it better to have your fate set out for you or is it better to write your fate?”

If that sounds a bit heady for middle school, rest assured that the whole point of the show is to make you laugh. “It has some interesting themes, which is one of the reasons I looked at it,” said Robinson. “But it is a comedy.”

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Rehearsals for the play have been strictly extracurricular, with students working at it on their own time, at lunch hour and after school. “That can be hard for kids,” said Robinson. “There’s a lot going on in their lives.”

That hasn’t prevented them from preparing a polished performance.

“They’ve done a great job,” Robinson related. “There is lots of talent out here, for sure.”

There are three showings for the public: this Friday at 7 p.m., and on Saturday at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Tickets are $5 at the door.

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Bonner fractures some fairy tales in new show

Woodsman (Oliver Wilson) engages in some unprecedented free thinking in front of his fairy-tale classmates. George Bonner’s production of Once Upon a High School runs this Friday and Saturday. [KEVIN ROTHBAUER/CITIZEN]

20

Living

Friday, May 10, 2013 | Cowichan Valley Citizen

Choir takes women’s voyage LEXI BAINAS CITIZEN

Ensemble Laude is, fittingly, celebrating women musicians throughout history at its spring show, The Voyage, in two performances — at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. — on Mother’s Day, May 12.

This annual event in the atmospheric chapel at Providence Farm is a real crowd pleaser.

Karlin Creed of Ensemble Laude said last week, “Our local singers are delighted to share their music with friends, family and acquaintances within the community. We will be singing at Providence Farm on Mother’s Day and we would especially love to be able to sing for you if you can make it out to hear us.”

Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for youth, and free for children five and under.

The Ensemble Laude group is directed by Elizabeth MacIsaac, who had built an award-winning women’s community choir out of a group of singers dedicated to the performance of medieval repertoire and contemporary choral works from around

Ensemble Laude choir is headed to the Cowichan Valley for two shows on Mother’s Day, May 12.

[SUBMITTED]

the world. This spring, the choir celebrates sanctification of Hildegard von Bingen, medieval writer, composer, philosopher and Christian mystic.

The Voyage will take listeners on a journey that celebrates the burgeoning of women musicians throughout history and into present times.

The concert will feature a number of pieces based on von Bingen’s work, including chants in their original performance style and the world premiere of O Viridissima Virga, (O

Greenest Branch), a newly commissioned piece by B.C. composer Andrea Young.

Her piece is based on one of von Bingen’s best loved musical and literary works of art, which expresses the blossoming of spring as a metaphor for the blooming of the Virgin Mary’s love.

Ensemble Laude has won awards at the 2012 International Choral Kathaumixw festival.

The Ensemble performs several benefit concerts on Southern Vancouver Island each year, raising funds for charities and bringing the glories of its unique repertoire to Island choral enthusiasts.

The group’s CD, Inspirata, featuring lively selections from Hildegard von Bingen and the Libre Vermeil (Red Book), as well as contemporary works by Ola Gjeilo, Eleanor Daley and Abbie Betinis, will be available for purchase at the concert, along with a variety of other wares.

Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for youth, and free for children five and under.

For ticket pre-sales, see ensemblelaude.org

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Living

Cowichan Valley Citizen | Friday, May 10, 2013

Hip hop artist bringing latest album to Garage LEXI BAINAS CITIZEN

Chris Hamilton, who goes by the artist name of Ill Tone, is an abstract hip hop artist bringing his album release tour to the Duncan Garage Showroom May 15.

He’s recently gained a lot of air-

play on Canadian community and campus radio and has performed in hundreds of venues ranging from bars to outdoor festivals.

He’s landed a spot on the British Columbia dates of Masta Ace’s Son of Yvonne national tour in 2013 and has opened for acts such

as Rakim, Talib Kweli, Tech N9ne, Xzibit, Digable Planets, Maestro Fresh Wes, The Alkaholiks, Jeru the Damaja, Tipper, The Boom Booms, The Steadies, Swollen Members, Moka Only, Sweatshop Union, and many others.

He’s even been nominated for a

Vancouver Island Music Award in 2013 and has recently signed a distribution deal with Urbnet Records.

Now he’s headed to one of Duncan’s favourite venues.

Showtime is 8 p.m. Tickets are $15, or $12 in advance.

[SUBMITTED]

MAY 2013

GENERAL ELECTION Remember to Vote. Tuesday, May 14 is General Voting Day. Do You Have This Card?

Bring Identification Under the Election Act, voters must prove their identity and residential address in order to receive a ballot or register to vote in conjunction with voting in a provincial general election or by-election. Voters may present identification, or use a process known as vouching. Some acceptable types of identification and information on the vouching process are found below.

This card tells you where you can vote in the 2013 Provincial General Election. Take it with you when you go vote. If you do not have this card, visit the Elections BC website at elections.bc.ca, or call 1-800-661-8683 (toll-free).

OTE%&

App for iPhones and Download our iPads to find a voting location near you.

BC Has More Ways to Vote All voters can: Vote in any district electoral office from now until 4 p.m. (Pacific time) on General Voting Day, Tuesday, May 14, 2013.

Vote by Mail You can ask for a Vote by Mail package from your district electoral office or through the Elections BC website at elections.bc.ca.

Vote at advance voting Voters can attend any advance voting location in the province from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (local time), Wednesday, May 8 through Saturday, May 11. All advance voting locations are wheelchair accessible.

Vote on General Voting Day Voters can attend any general voting location in the province from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Pacific time), Tuesday, May 14, 2013.

How to Vote • Choose only one candidate.

• Mark your ballot with an or

.

Who Can Vote?

You can vote if you are: • 18 years of age or older, or will be 18 on General Voting Day (May 14, 2013) • a Canadian citizen, and • a resident of British Columbia for the past six months You can Register When You Vote If you aren’t already registered, you can register when you vote. You will need identification that proves both your identity and current residential address.

Option 1 A single document issued by the Government of BC or Canada that contains the voter’s name, photograph and residential address, such as a BC driver’s licence, BC Identification Card (BCID), or BC Services Card.

Option 2 A Certificate of Indian Status as issued by the Government of Canada.

Option 3 Two documents that together show the voter’s name and residential address. Both documents must show the voter’s name. At least one of the documents must also contain the voter’s residential address.

Please note: Digital or electronic documents (e.g. e-bills) are acceptable. Hand-written information on a document, photocopies or electronic scans/photos of a paper document are not acceptable.

The following are examples of the document types authorized by the Chief Electoral Officer for the purposes of voter identification (the list of documents is illustrative, not exhaustive). Other specific documents (not listed below) may be authorized by the Chief Electoral Officer. For questions about the acceptability of a specific document, please contact Elections BC. Government-issue identity document Examples: healthcare card, birth certificate, Social Insurance Card, passport, citizenship document/ certificate, Old Age Security Identification Card, Canadian Forces identification, Firearm Acquisition Certificate, firearm Possession and Acquisition Licence, Veterans Affairs Canada Health Care Identification Card, Correctional Service Canada Offender Identification Card.

Other documents examples • • • • • • • • • • •

Provincial Where to Vote card Bank/credit card or statement Residential lease/mortgage statement Insurance statement Public transportation pass Utility bill Membership card Hospital bracelet/document Prescription medication container Attestation of residence Personal cheque (printed by bank)

Option 4 Voters without identification can be vouched for by a voter in their electoral district who has identification, or a direct family member or someone who has legal authority to make personal care decisions for the voter.

Future Voters Elections BC encourages you to bring your children with you when you vote. Show tomorrow’s voters how our electoral process works.

Any Questions?

For more information visit Elections BC’s website at elections.bc.ca or call toll-free 1-800-661-8683.

OTE%&

Get our App for iPhones and iPads to find the closest voting place and for information you need to vote.

Or, contact your district electoral office.

Cowichan Valley 5878 York Rd North Cowichan, BC (250) 715-2734

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Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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Other government-issue document Examples: property tax assessment, income tax assessment notice, government cheque, government cheque stub, statement of employment insurance benefits paid, Canada Child Tax Benefit Statement, statement of Canada Pension Plan benefits, statement of Old Age Security.

School/college/university-issue document Examples: admissions letter, report card, transcript, residence acceptance/confirmation, tuition/fees statement, student card.

elections.bc.ca 1-800-661-8683 TTY 1-888-456-5448

21

22

Valley Calendar

Friday, May 10, 2013 | Cowichan Valley Citizen

For The Record % & &RQVHUYDWLYHV

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The BC Conservatives are running on good government and fair taxes for all!

Elect

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Sherry Nanaimo North Cowichan

British Columbia’s

Conservatives

&DPSDLJQ 2IĂ€FH +LJK 6W /DG\VPLWK 3KRQH LQIR#MRKQVKHUU\ FD $XWKRUL]HG E\ %HWW\ %RQG )LQDQFLDO $JHQW

NOTICE OF TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE AND DELAYS Time:

7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

When: Sunday, May 12, 2013 Where: Station Street and Craig Street We will be making electrical system improvements in downtown Duncan.

To ensure the continued safety of our crews there will be no vehicle access to Station Street on Sunday, May 12 from approximately 7:00 a.m.

We are sorry for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding while we undertake this important work.

3475

to 5:00 p.m. Craig Street will be under the direction of traffic control and minor delays are expected. Pedestrian access will be provided.

• At the Duncan library Friday, May 10, 4-6 p.m., learn Flower Origami, the ancient art of Japanese paper folding. • Saturday, May 11, 2-3:30 p.m., author May Wong reads from and discusses her book A Cowherd in Paradise: From China to Canada at the Duncan library. Story of Chinese couple forced to live apart for 25 years because of Canadian immigration laws. • Grand opening of Shawnigan Hills Athletic Park along with Mother’s Day Picnic in the Park Sunday, May 12, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Bring a blanket, pack a picnic, walk the “loop of surprisesâ€?, music, children’s crafts and face painting.

Hosted: Shawnigan Parks and Recreation Commission. Info: 250-929-8372. • Documentary night at the Duncan library Monday, May 13, 6 p.m., showing Foodmatters. • Cowichan Power and Sail Squadron presents barrister and solicitor Darren Williams on marine law and insurance for the small boater, May 27, 7-9 p.m., Silver Bridge Travel Lodge, Duncan, Q&A session to follow. RSVP appreciated by May 15, 250-748-0487.

Seniors • Chemainus 55+ drop in centre dances May 11, 7 p.m. with The Esquires, May 25, 7 p.m. with Happy Hans. Lunch $9.

• Chemainus 55+ drop in centre soup and sandwich May 15, 11:30 a.m., $5. Entertainment: St. Joseph’s School. • Chemainus 55+ drop in centre blood pressure clinic, May 15, 9:30-11 a.m. • Top of the Town show by the Chemainus 55+ drop in centre, May 31 and Jun 1, 7 p.m., June 2, 2 p.m. Cost $15. Tickets available April 29.

Recreation • Cowichan Valley Scottish Country Dancing Thursday evenings 6:30-8 p.m., singles, couples, beginners welcome, Chemainus Seniors Centre.

Info: 250-748-9604. • Interested in rocks? The Cowichan Valley Rockhounds meet the third Monday of each month, 7 p.m., Duncan Airport.

Info: 250-743-3769. • Duncan Badminton Club, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 810 p.m., Multi-purpose Hall, Island Savings Centre. Recreational and ladder. All welcome.

Info: 250-746-4380.

Meetings • Cobble Hill Women’s Institute meets in the small room of the Cobble Hill hall, noon pot luck lunch, second Wednesday of the month. New members welcome. Info: Jessie Anderson 250-743-9040. • Spirit Drummers meet every Thursday at 6 p.m., locations subject to change. By donation, all welcome. Refreshments and snacks. Info: 250-746-5144.

• Dads Make a Difference weekly support group for Dads Tuesday, 6-8 p.m., West Coast Men office, 80 Station St., Ste 213. Info: 250-597-2801 or www. cowichanmen.org

Theatre

Kaatza Lakeside Players present Noel Coward’s Blithe Spirit, May 8 BOGO, 9, 10, 7 p.m., May 11 dinner theatre 5:30 p.m., Lake Cowichan Centennial Hall, 309 South Shore Rd. Info: www.kaatzalakesideplayers.ca

Arts

• Tread Softly, show of paintings by Judy Hudson, Cowichan Theatre Lobby, April 15May 15. • U-Fix It Bikeworks and Youth Artworks presents 5th annual art show May 1-17, 51 Trunk Rd., Duncan, TuesdayFriday 2:30-5:30 p.m. Features youth art projects to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Week. • Kaatza Art Group annual show and sale Friday, May 17, 6-9 p.m., Saturday and Sunday May 18,19 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Demonstrations Saturday and Sunday. Upper Centennial Hall, 309 South Shore Rd., Lake Cowichan. • Ladysmith Camera Club meeting Tuesday, May 28, 7 p.m., Hardwick Hall, High Street at 3rd Avenue, Ladysmith. Non-members $5 dropin fee. Info: www.LadysmithCameraClub.com

28

250-748-2666 ext. 236 sports@cowichanvalleycitizen.com

Friday, May 10, 2013 | Cowichan Valley Citizen

Two tabbed by the Dub WHL DRAFT: Anderson

and Haines selected KEVIN ROTHBAUER CITIZEN

Josh Anderson was highly touted going into last week’s Western Hockey League draft, and his Cowichan Valley Capitals bantam teammate, Dawson Haines, was clearly on the radar, but neither was expecting to go early as they did.

Anderson had been ranked in the low teens, but he went third overall to the Prince George Cougars, the first defenceman and first B.C. product picked. Haines also went relatively early in the 12-round draft, going 71st overall to the Moose Jaw Warriors.

“I kind of thought it was a bit of a dream when it happened,” said Anderson, who was watching the draft online when the Cougars called his name.

Reality set in when the phone started ringing off the hook, starting with a Prince George radio station. The team contacted him early that morning.

“They congratulated me on getting picked and welcomed me to the team,” he recalled.

Haines was also following the draft online when the Warriors made their selection.

“I didn’t know what to think,” he said.

Haines knows very little about Moose Jaw, other than that “it’s flat,” but he has familiarized himself with the organization.

“I know it’s a tough team,” he

Midget A Thunder captain Tyson Black scoops up the ball in front of goalie Apollo Claxton. [KEVIN ROTHBAUER/CITIZEN]

Dawson Haines and Josh Anderson were picked in last Thursday’s WHL bantam draft. [KEVIN ROTHBAUER/CITIZEN]

Midget A Thunder continue early success KEVIN ROTHBAUER CITIZEN

said with a grin. “I can see myself fitting in.”

Haines will head to Moose Jaw for a closer look later this month, but Anderson doesn’t expect to head to Prince George until the end of August. Both players will attend their new teams’ respective camps this fall, but won’t play in the Dub this fall.

“You have to be 16 to play unless they grant you exceptional player status,” noted Anderson, who turns 15 in August. Haines will turn 15 in November.

That doesn’t mean there isn’t high-level hockey to get excited about in the meantime.

“We’re looking forward to major

midget,” said Haines who, along with Anderson, will try out for the BCMML’s South Island Royals.

Anderson has also made the final 40 for BC Hockey’s U16 High Performance program, along with his bantam Caps teammates Ryan Hogg and John Hawthorne.

This July, those 40 will gather in Nanaimo, where they will be narrowed down to 20 for Team BC. The 40 players were selected from the BC Cup tournament in April. Haines also attended that event, but wasn’t disappointed when he wasn’t among the group to advance.

“It was a fun experience, but I wasn’t expecting to make it.”

COWICHAN CAPITALS 2013 - 2014 .…

“A New Vision”

The Pacific Homes midget A Cowichan Valley Thunder kept up their strong play early in the box lacrosse season with an 8-5 win over the Saanich Tigers at Kerry Park Arena last Saturday.

The Thunder jumped out to a big 4-1 lead in the first period on goals by Brandon Corby, Mathieu Jung, Braylon Lumb and Corwin Trent. Jung added two more early in the second period to give Cowichan a five-goal edge. Saanich answered back with a pair, but Taylor Martin scored on a breakaway to make it 7-3.

Nominations open for Wall of Fame Nominations are being sought for the sixth annual inductions to the North Cowichan/Duncan Sports Wall of Fame.

Since its creation in 2008, the Wall of Fame has honoured 25 different athletes, coaches, teams and builders of the local sports community. Individuals and groups are encouraged to nomin-

ate additional deserving entries.

In 2012, skating coach Penny Baker, pro hockey player Robin Bawa, swimmer Eulah Varty, soccer star Emily Zurrer and bowling’s Willis family were honoured.

The nomination process is open until May 24. Applications are available at the North Cowichan Municipal Office, Fuller Lake Arena, Cowichan Aquatic Centre or at www.northcowichan.ca

HONEST JOHN

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The Tigers tried to get back into the game in the third period, outscoring the Thunder 2-1, but it wasn’t enough. Lumb rounded out Cowichan’s scoring.

Tyson Black finished the game with three assists, Colin Winship had one, and Lumb, Connor Sutton, Tyler Glanfield and Chris Branting had singles.

The entire contest was a physical one, and Cowichan got timely hits from Derek Hayes and Mitchell Page in the defensive zone.

The next midget A game is this Sunday, at home to Saanich at the Island Savings Centre at 1:30 p.m.

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Sports

Cowichan Valley Citizen | Friday, May 10, 2013

Valley schools in the mix for rugby titles KEVIN ROTHBAUER CITIZEN

Local high schools will have shots at their respective Island titles this Saturday in girls rugby championship matches at Brentwood College School.

Cowichan Secondary will face G.P. Vanier for the AAA title at noon, and Brentwood College School will play for the AA championship at 1:30 p.m., against the winner of Thursday’s game between Shawnigan Lake School and Ladysmith Secondary.

The Cowichan Thunderbirds have had an incredible season, beating some of their toughest rivals and winning the provincial sevens championship, but they aren’t taking anything for granted as they gear up for the Island final.

“Vanier is a very difficult opponent for us,” said head coach Brad Skene. “They know our patterns and tendencies and have a very similar team make-up. They have very gifted athletes and a group of tough, hard physical players.

We have gone back to basics over the last week and a half. With the number of games we play, we really don’t have a lot of practices through March and April.

At times, this causes our funda-

“With four games to go against quality competition, a loss means we don’t reach the end goals that we set in the pre-season.”

BRAD SKENE, Cowichan Secondary girls rugby coach

mentals to break down and our fitness to dip. By winning a bye into the Island finals, we earned time to sort our fine details and increase our fitness. The last few practices have not been pleasant for the athletes but we have fixed some things and improved as a team.”

The team knows there’s a lot of pressure at this time of year, said the coach.

“We have had a very successful season, but with four games to go against quality competition, a loss means we don’t reach the end goals that we set in the preseason. It takes great performances and a lot of luck to win Islands and B.C.’s. Over the last decade, we have been in this situation before and unfortunately we didn’t finish with the ultimate prize.”

Jim Service Manager

Mark

Crew keep winning in CWFL KEVIN ROTHBAUER CITIZEN

A week after climbing back to the top of the Cowichan Women’s Football League standings, the Crew continued their winning ways last Sunday morning with a 32-12 victory over Moo’s Law. Janelle Mould and Mary-Lou Sullivan had two touchdowns each for the Crew, with Mould adding two interceptions and Sullivan coming up with a sack.

Jess Lines-Wikkerink also had a touchdown and a convert, and Chris Van Aert recorded one touchdown.

Also Sunday morning, the Ravens beat the Roofco Sirens 38-13.

Rikki Wylie scored three touchdowns for the Ravens, including 52- and 35-yard runs. Dana Thorne had two majors and two interceptions, and Kelsey Scholz recorded a touchdown, three sacks and a convert. Barbie Smith made an impact in her debut for the Ravens, registering an interception and a convert.

The Sirens got touchdowns from Shelly McKay and Tara Brooks, while Deanne Mearns opened the scoring with a rouge. Mearns also contributed in defence with two interceptions, while Kaelyn Corbin had two sacks and Jessica Kato-Koch had one.

The afternoon game saw the

Debbie

Mark

Heidi Padjen of the Blue Steel Brew snags the ball just before it hits the ground, while Kelly Antoniuk of the Wildfire defends. [KEVIN ROTHBAUER/CITIZEN] Blue Steel Brew win 31-12 over the AFO Wildfire.

The Blue Steel got two touchdowns each from Elija Espeseth and Heidi Padjen and a convert from Kara Espeseth. On defence, Kirbee Crisp had two sacks, Jes-

Bob

Steve

Tyson

sica Knowles had two interceptions, and Mila Main had one pick. For the Wildfire, Rhi Kemmler and Dieneke Pedersen scored touchdowns, while Ginette Bilina had two sacks and Keri McKelvie recorded an interception.

Wes

Jacob

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Sports

Friday, May 10, 2013 | Cowichan Valley Citizen

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Brayden Zunti (12) gets around a Peninsula player during last Saturday’s 9-7 win for the bantam A Cowichan Thunder. [KEVIN ROTHBAUER/CITIZEN]

Bantam Thunder coast past Warriors KEVIN ROTHBAUER CITIZEN

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Clay Walker

Dallas Smith

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VANCOUVER ISLAND’S PREMIERE COUNTRY MUSICAL FESTIVAL

Holding a substantial lead by the middle of the second period of last Saturday’s bantam A lacrosse game against the Peninsula Warriors, the Cowichan Valley Thunder used the final frame to try out some different things, and held on the victory.

The Thunder got out to an early lead, but let Peninsula back into the game before surging ahead for good.

“Our power play was operating on all gears and we made them pay for the time in the box,” said head coach Mike Gagnon.

Six minutes into the second period, Cowichan was up by five goals, and started focusing on aspects of the game other than scoring goals.

“We used the third period to work on some plays and some ball work,” said Gagnon.

Colton Lidstone and Trey Cleemoff scored three goals apiece, Brayden Zunti had two in an impressive two-way game, and Dawson Webb rounded out the offence with one.

“The team is coming together,” said Gagnon. “Our goal is to hit our peak just before playoffs.”

On Tuesday, May 14 – Please Vote

STEVE HOUSSER For

Cowichan Valley

BC Liberal Party

TIME FOR AN EFFECTIVE VOICE FOR THE VALLEY Strong Economy * New Hospital * Clean Water Fix the Malahat * Fiscal Responsibility * Control Spending

A PROSPEROUS BC * MORE OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL AUTHORIZED BY GAY WISE FINANCIAL AGENT