Horizons

Friday, March 25, 2011 • Coast Reporter • H1

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Horizons COAST REPORTER ORTER CE CELEBRATES OUR PEOPLE, PRID PRIDE AND GROWTH ON THE SUNSHINE COAST

H2 • Coast Reporter • Friday, March 25, 2011

Horizons 2011

CELEBRATING OUR PEOPLE, PRIDE AND GROWTH

What’s new on the horizon?

The Sunshine Coast is constantly evolving, and 2011 will continue to bring about lots of change.

Faced with challenging economic times, residents on the Coast are looking at business with new eyes, and businesses in turn are refining the way they conduct business.

In this year’s issue of Horizons, we take a look at some of the government and business leaders who will be helping to usher in many positive changes for the Sunshine Coast. Inside you will find information about all levels of government as they strive to push forward aggressive agendas for growth and prosperity.

The expansion of St. Mary’s Hospital is quite possibly the biggest combined fundraising effort

ever launched on the Sunshine Coast. Ground has been broken and construction is well underway, but the fundraising to make the expansion even better continues, thanks to the great partnership of the St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation, Hospital Healthcare Auxiliary and the community at large.

Howe Sound Pulp and Paper, the Coast’s largest non-government employer,has undergone significant changes in the past year with new ownership and new investments in products — all translating into a revitalized mill with more opportunities for growth and employment.

In the tourism industry, the

Gibsons and Area Chamber of Commerce is working towards breaking ground on a new tourism kiosk at the top of the bypass, which will not only promote the whole Sunshine Coast, but give visitors added information on what makes the Sunshine Coast so special.

We all love our pets and the role they play in our day-to-day lives, so we take a look at the good work of volunteers from the SPCA, Happy Cat Haven and Gibsons Wildlife Rehab Centre.

Speaking of volunteers, how about Habitat for Humanity? Read about their efforts towards more affordable housing.

Community schools up and

down the Coast play a vital role in how our community is shaped and we take a look at what makes them so special.

Speaking of special things, what could be more special than the Iris Griffith Centre? Come and take a close look at nature and learn more about how the volunteers at the Centre and the Lagoon Society are helping to create valuable habitat for wildlife and are giving community members a hands-on opportunity to work and improve the environment.

Capilano University continues to change and evolve, offering quality programs and services. One of their great programs is their ESL initiative,

FILE PHOTO

Ian Jacques, editor, Coast Reporter

which is expanding to all areas of the Coast.

All this is inside and much more.

Horizons is all about community and for the community. Read on and you’ll agree that the Sunshine Coast is a dynamic and unique community that has great things on the horizon.

— Ian Jacques

Sechelt: projects succeeded Town of Gibsons moving through co-operation forward despite challenges Major projects happening around affordably,” he said.

Sechelt are succeeding because of a spirit Inkster was also very involved in of co-operation, according to District of discussions for a major expansion being Sechelt Mayor Darren Inkster. built at St. Mary’s Hospital. He said the One long-awaited project completed in expansion will mean a lot to residents of 2010 was the Trail Bay the Coast, not only in pier, which makes the construction jobs it easy for boaters in building, but “also to stop and explore in the extra beds that downtown Sechelt. are needed with our “I would definitely growing and aging call it a success story population.” of partnerships,” “The new hospital Inkster said. “By getting facilities will definitely people together, we lead to more services were able to create and more diagnostic something of an services on the economic benefit Sunshine Coast,” he to the downtown, said, adding this will without major costs to save many people the community.” having to travel to He credited volunVancouver. teers who applied for The Sechelt airport federal funding and expansion is a major some help from Telus. development people APRYL VELD PHOTO on and off the Coast “The District also set aside some of our Sechelt Mayor Darren Inkster will be able to take own money,” he said. advantage of.

Inkster said the pier was a dream of The District secured grants from the many previous councils, and he felt its time Island Coastal Economic Trust (ICET) in a had come. three to one ratio, he said.

A much-needed expansion for low-cost “They [ICET] contribute one and we find seniors’ housing is well under construction, the other three dollars,” Inkster said, adding thanks to the District being able to bring a they’re hoping the regional government number of organizations together. and others could contribute, since landing The Jack Nelson Annex, an extension larger planes here would add an economic of Greencourt Seniors’ Housing, is building asset to the Coast. “We would love to work 65 new units and a food service area. The with our regional government partners to project is majorly owned by the Lions fund the project.”

Housing Society, thanks to various federal In addition, the District of Sechelt is and provincial grants, and with substantial revamping their official community plan help from the District. and releasing drafts for the public to “This council and previous councils comment on. agreed to forgive $500,000 of development “There’s a lot of blood, sweat and tears cost charges,” Inkster said. “Those gestures that went into those documents about what brought down the housing rents to an the community wants to be when it grows affordable level.” up,” Inkster said.

The District is also forgiving the The District’s success, Inkster noted, development’s property taxes. also hinges on maintaining sustainable Crucial money was also found to invest facilities and finances.He said these should in a new $4.8 million Sechelt bio-solids include, creating public and commercial treatment facility, as the District’s other two meeting spaces within walking distance sewage treatment plants were over capacity. of homes.

Council is still discussing several Quality of life for residents will be options and ideas with the community, but difficult to maintain without economic and Inkster said the project is slowly starting to social sustainability, Inkster emphasized. come together.

“We also need to attract young people “It took a lot of hard work with the federal to the Coast; our survival depends upon it,” and provincial governments, arguing that he said. we need more capacity in Sechelt, and — Apryl Veld that we needed external funding to do it Contributing Writer

Losing two key staff in a year might summer. have some mayors putting out the gone The public has also been invited to fishin’ sign; however, as Gibsons Mayor share its vision for the Gibsons Landing Barry Janyk and his new town planner Harbour Plan.

Michael Epp talk, it’s pretty evident the “We’re trying to figure out how you Town of Gibsons is revitalize and still crossing items refurbish the off their to-do harbour area, as list and moving this is the chief forward in a asset of the Town,” positive direction.

Janyk said.

“I would He said there describe the pace has never been a as frenetic. We’re vision put forward putting in a lot of before that long nights and respects what has weekends,” Janyk been here, while said. looking to the The Upper future.

Gibsons neigh“I’m hoping bourhood plan, we’ll be able to completed two generate some years ago, is startinput that will add ing to take effect to the process, as the first house and will challenge APRYL VELD PHOTO the in the Parkland consultants subdivision was Mayor of Gibsons Barry Janyk and Gibsons in the town to hooked up to the Town Planner Michael Epp come up with geo-exchange two something that is months ago. another reason why people like to come “More properties are coming on-line to Gibsons,” he said. and people call from places [nearby], The official community plan for Lower asking when they can hook up,” Epp said. Gibsons states,it should be a “multi-family Janyk said he and Gibsons’ former chief residential special character,” which aims administrative officer Paul Gipps looked at to increase the number of people without novel energy sources such as heat from dramatically changing the character. the earth, and they were pleased with the “What is not envisioned is an exclusive results, especially after being chosen for bunch of waterfront condos that are only a 2010 Community Energy and Climate accessible to those who’ve amassed a Action award from the Union of B.C. great fortune,” Epp said.“It’s about building Municipalities. a complete community. You have to be “The geo-energy system that we put able to live here and work here.” in on spec is turning into an attraction,” “Affordability is key to encouraging a Janyk said, adding it has put Gibsons on younger and more diverse population,” an international stage for planning, and added Janyk. “I think it’s going to require the Town is hoping to attract forward- that people put their collective heads looking people to the area. “We want to together, because there’s no one solution build tomorrow’s community today.” and there’s no one organization that’s Gibsons is also presently framing two going to provide the solution.” other neighbourhood plans.

Funding is always crucial, Janyk noted, The Gospel Rock plan is still in the draft and although the Town is looking to proposal stage, but has been addressed by tap in to some provincial funding from numerous assessments, committees and the Towns for Tomorrow grants, Janyk an extremely engaged public. emphasized the importance of seeking “It’s challenging no matter how you out new economic drivers. look at it, especially the access,” Epp said, “When we get into stimulating or adding they’re trying to be creative in growing the economy locally, we have to finding ways to preserve aspects of the engage in a really concerted conversation area in synch with community values. over the next few months,” he said.

Janyk said council is looking forward — Apryl Veld to a plan residents can live with by this Contributing Writer

Friday, March 25, 2011 • Coast Reporter • H3

Horizons 2011

CELEBRATING OUR PEOPLE, PRIDE AND GROWTH

SCRD has long list of objectives While the Coast’s regional governAnother grant will see the Granthams’ ment has set itself a pretty aggressive list Landing water system upgraded, while a of goals to reach in the next three years, regional water system for Egmont also it’s working on various strategies to make received approval. A major goal is to sure those plans and goals are met. meter water coming out of Chapman Board chair Garry Nohr said he is Creek, Nohr added, though, he said,“that keen to see the Sunshine Coast Regional could be a very expensive project.”

District’s (SCRD) sustainability plan go The SCRD continues to offer effithrough. cient, low-flow bathroom fixtures to be “We signed on two years ago, and installed free in homes, to save water with right now we’re in the most crucial year every use. of having it put into effect,” he said.

While a federal grant gave the Pender A key strategy, Nohr noted, is having Harbour Aquatic Centre a million-dollar details in place, so projects can start the renovation, the Gibsons pool and the moment monies are available.

Sunshine Coast Arena in Sechelt are also “What we’re doing is making sure targets for renovations to save energy and we’re shovel-ready, so that when the fund- money as well. ing sources are flowing, we can get infra“Both those facilities could have structure projects happening,” he said. their lives extended by 20 years via an With water and waste as its central upgrade,” Nohr said. focus, the SCRD’s strategic plan stipulates “And by us upgrading those facilities, that water sources be improved and pro- there’s a better chance of you staying on tected, and that waste should not over- the Coast and also of attracting people whelm the Coast’s natural setting.To serve to the Coast.” this end, the SCRD continues to work Having stable finances is part of havtoward its comprehensive water plan and ing a sustainable region, Nohr said, adda solid waste management plan. ing long-term planning for expenses is “We’re close to having Coast-wide one way,“we’re trying to keep [budgets] recycling,” Nohr enthused. on a flat line instead of having spikes, like The SCRD recently started converting when you have years with higher costs.” the Pender Harbour landfill into a transHaving a strong economy to support fer station and recovery facility, meaning amenities for residents is key to avoidthe waste will be sorted and shipped, ing the burden of tax hikes for property being recycled where possible. owners, Nohr expressed. Some areas had The Pender Harbour area is also get- close to 15 per cent tax increases last ting a water treatment plant to bring the year, and being able to support growth water quality up to national standards. with the right kind of development can “Now, with grants, one of those areas ease the pressure and protect valued will be able to go off the boil-water assets, he said. advisory, and that’s impressive because “In PM our area, there are a couple 2011 SCRD Horizons Ad half page.ai 1 22/02/2011 1:47:24 they’ve been on it for years,” he said. of independent power projects that

contribute significantly to the tax base, but it has to be something you can exist with,” he said.

Nohr praised the work being done by planning groups as another success.

“I think the fact that we’ll have all our official community plans for the regional areas finished in the next year is really impressive — the fact that developers, any industry or people moving in, are going to know exactly what they can and cannot do,” he said.

He said developing Hillside and other properties in the Howe Sound area is a major focus of the region at present and getting waterfront access is key to those plans.

“What that could mean is a marina and boat services, and those could create jobs,” Nohr said.

Additionally, the SCRD can boast that its integrated transportation study is nearly complete, along with improvements to its bus-stop beacons, bike lockers, and upgrades to 9-1-1 and its fire, radio and paging systems. Nohr also said the addition of defibrillators at the recreation centres, and new fire-fighting equipment including trucks at Pender Harbour and Gibsons, have also been huge additions to the SCRD’s resources.

And the new 37-km Suncoaster Trail, extending from Ruby Lake to Secret Cove, is expected to attract on and offCoast hiking enthusiasts to its unique wilderness setting and community accesses.

For more information about the SCRD and its plans and services, check out www.scrd.ca.

— Apryl Veld Contributing Writer

OUR Coast OUR Future

The Sunshine Coast Regional District’s (SCRD) numerous parks and trails are highly valued by both residents and visitors to the Sunshine Coast. There are over 100 community parks and beach accesses for a total of 700 hectares and 17 kilometres of paved bike paths within the SCRD. Approximately 72 kilometres of trails are maintained by the SCRD, including the Suncoaster Trail.

Imagine walking onto a trailhead at Earls Cove ferry terminal on the north end of the Sunshine Coast and making your way through approximately 80 kilometres of uninterrupted nature, emerging at the southern end in Langdale, location of B.C. Ferries’ terminal. Last fall, that concept became a reality with the SCRD’s completion of phase one of the newly completed and reworked Suncoaster Trail, to connect Earls Cove to Halfmoon Bay. The trail is multi-use or shared-use and designed to accommodate hikers, bikers and horseback riders, with portions of the trail to accommodate allterrain vehicles.

The trail functions as a corridor or backbone to the Sunshine Coast providing users with a unique opportunity to experience its rugged nature. The 37-kilometre trail is about two metres wide and travels through old Crown land forest roadways along a series of lakes and connecting trails blazed through the brush with exit points near Sunshine Coast communities.

To date, the project has received very positive feedback from local outdoor groups as well as bed and breakfast owners along the trail’s path.

For more information, please visit www.scrd.ca and look under parks.

> INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES > PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT > RECREATION AND PARKS > PROTECTIVE SERVICES > GENERAL GOVERNMENT SERVICES

The Sunshine Coast is a community of communities creating a sustainable way of life through a collaborative decision making process. We are committed to an enhanced natural context, local control over local resources, a vibrant economy and an enriched cultural fabric.

The vision of the Sunshine Coast Regional District will be realized through: Local control over resources and development Public awareness and involvement Responsive and effective government Quality recreational and cultural amenities Economic well-being Healthy and diverse communities

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Phone: 604.885.6800 Fax:604.885.7909 Email: info@scrd.ca

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New Sunshine Coast Trail to connect coastal communities

H4 • Coast Reporter • Friday, March 25, 2011

Horizons 2011

CELEBRATING OUR PEOPLE, PRIDE AND GROWTH

MP likes levels of community commitment, collaboration

Sunshine Coast’s member of Parliament (MP) thinks the people of our region are showing the right attitude and that it is helping us weather the global recession.

John Weston, Conservative MP for West Vancouver - Sunshine Coast - Sea to Sky Country said our region’s ability to show progress, even in challenging times, is tes-

tament to our community spirit and our level of commitment and co-operation.

“The Sunshine Coast is one of the proudest places you’ll ever find. People are proud where they live and they want to make it better,” Weston said. “There’s a strong spirit of volunteerism.”

He credited the Coast’s commitment

Capilano University to offer new bachelor of arts degree in liberal studies Do humans have ethical obligations to the natural world? How are writing and literature being transformed by digital and social media? What is a just society?

These are not simple questions, but an understanding of complex issues like these can emerge from a multidisciplinary approach.With this in mind, Capilano University has developed a new bachelor of arts in liberal studies degree.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

The new degree will cultivate thoughtful, articulate and resourceful graduates who are able to make meaningful connections between areas of investigation as varied as the economy and aesthetics, art history and genetic engineering, and the environment and psychology.

MP John Weston (centre) with Howe Sound Pulp and Paper’s manager, environment and external relations Al Strang and Howe Sound Pulp and Paper president and CEO Mac Palmiere.

to planning and collaboration for finding solutions for the region, adding he believes that through initiatives like the federal Economic Action Plan, great results were achieved, primarily due to hard work and strong collaboration between his office and the Sunshine Coast governments.

Weston said community leaders and volunteers worked with him and his staff to pinpoint the needs of the region.

“We worked as kind of a seamless team and brought about significant funding for Howe Sound Pulp and Paper’s refit,upgrades in public transit, highway improvements and small craft harbour improvements up and down the Coast,” Weston said.

Some other key projects that were identified included funding for construction of affordable housing and upgrades

“We wanted to offer a multidisciplinary degree that built upon Capilano’s strengths,” said liberal studies degree convenor Aurelea Mahood.“This new outcomesbased degree is designed to foster the knowledge, skills and attitudes required in the ever-changing world of work.”

Students taking Faculty of Arts and Sciences courses at the Sunshine Coast campus will be able to apply their credits directly to the liberal studies degree requirements.

When they begin taking 300- and 400-level courses, they can then decide to attend Capilano’s North Vancouver campus on a full- or part-time basis to complete the degree requirements.

“This new degree will prepare graduates for a wide range of opportunities,” said Mahood, who has taught at the Sunshine Coast and North Vancouver campuses. “It also means students can choose to stay with us and complete a bachelor of arts degree. This is a first for Cap and our community.”

The degree program starts in September 2011. More information can be found at www.capilanou.ca/liberal-studies

to waste water.

He also noted targets such as upgrades to recreation facilities were in both local government and Weston’s own crosshairs.

“We saw improvements to the pool at Pender Harbour, Gibsons curling rink, the tennis courts in Sechelt,” he said.

Policies he has been involved with during this term also look to the senior population such as the New Horizons for Seniors program that funds projects to help the ageing remain active, as well as expanding the Employment Insurance compassionate caregivers benefit to allow families to look after elderly loved ones.

His government has also committed $13 million to fight elder abuse in Canada.

— Apryl Veld Contributing Writer

Sunshine Coast Campus

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PREPARATORY PROGRAMS

FIRST YEAR ARTS & SCIENCES Interested in starting a degree but not certain which direction you want to go?

Consider doing a year of general Arts & Sciences at Capilano’s Sunshine Coast campus.

CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS Business Administration

NEW LIBERAL STUDIES DEGREE New for fall 2011. This multidisciplinary degree is designed to encourage students to explore complex questions from a variety of critical and disciplinary perspectives.

Professional Scuba Dive Instructor

Adult Basic Education Tuition free! Instruction in English, Math, Science and Computers.

Early Childhood Care & Education Health Care Assistant

English as a Second Language Settlement Assistance Program A volunteer based program that assists immigrants on the Sunshine Coast to improve their English and to learn more about Canadian society and our community.

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Special Education Assistant CONTINUING STUDIES Continuing Education Eldercollege

Not sure what you want? Make an appointment with Jules Smith in our Educational Planning office to discuss your options.

Apply online: capilanou.ca/admission

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Apply in person: 5627 Inlet Avenue, Sechelt, BC

For more information: capilanou.ca/sunshine

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Capilano University 5627 Inlet Avenue Sechelt, BC V0N 3A0

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Important Dates:

Friday, March 25, 2011 • Coast Reporter • H5

Horizons 2011

CELEBRATING OUR PEOPLE, PRIDE AND GROWTH

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H6 • Coast Reporter • Friday, March 25, 2011

Horizons 2011

CELEBRATING OUR PEOPLE, PRIDE AND GROWTH

Habitat for Humanity: A hand up, not a hand out Volunteers from Sunshine Coast Habitat for Humanity are not only closer to finishing the first of seven new duplexes, but two more families are getting closer to realizing a dream of independence.

“It gives a family a new outlook,” said Habitat board chair Gwen Hawkins.

Hawkins recalls the reaction of a family member who was chosen to become one of the duplex owners.

“The applicant said,‘When I got the word, it felt like I was a bird and I was going to be able to fly for the first time,’ and this was something she never thought would happen, to provide a home of her own for her child,” Hawkins said.

The Sunshine Coast Village project in Wilson Creek started in 2007.The first homes are expected to welcome their newest families sometime later this June and again this December. Habitat has already completed two homes in Sechelt and one in Gibsons, but this Wilson Creek project has been moving forward with blessings and hurdles alike.

As for the hurdles, they have found creative solutions to keep progressing. For instance, while they had plans, materials and volunteers ready, they still had to get through some red tape with the District of Sechelt.

“We weren’t able to build [initially], because the duplex rezon-

ing wasn’t complete,” recalls executive director Ron Pepper. “So we built a storage shed and sold it through the Habitat Re-Store to raise money.”

He said another access road needs to be built off Field Road, for which they have processed mounds of paperwork and are presently waiting for approval from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the provincial Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.

A blessing was that Habitat for Humanity Canada enabled them to set up a Quonset shop on the site, which they use to build and as a construction school for youth through the Sunshine Coast Alternative School’s Ace-It program.

Pepper said he sees a great benefit to having the local youth learning from skilled volunteers.

Fundraising and the building process keep everybody busy, he noted,while local businesses and volunteers have kept the ball rolling.

“The community has really been behind us,” he said, adding the workers are super, and the Re-Store does well, keeping tonnes of waste from the landfill.

Habitat fundraising events, like the Habitat Hoedown dance, the recycling efforts and all the materials and time people and businesses donate show the level of commitment from the community at large, he said.

“It gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling,” Pepper related.

Few people know how the Habitat idea works, however.

Hawkins said applicants must be in difficult living conditions and live under the poverty line to qualify. The mortgage, she added, is interest-free and payments are gauged to a percentage any working person could afford.

“It’s on a sliding scale, based on the number of bread winners and how many dependents in their care,” she explained. Older people or single-parent families can also apply.

“The family must work 500 hours of ‘sweat equity, for Habitat to earn their down payment. If they work on their own home, it has a lot more meaning to them.”

Hawkins said some applicants’ work on the homes of others and in fundraising efforts as well.

Of course, Habitat lends some flexibility.

“With families who work fulltime and have small children, some family members and friends can work off some hours for them,” she said.

She emphasized that not only do the homeowners benefit, but also the community as a whole.

“The biggest thing for the community is that the family becomes more a part of their community and where they live, and they become taxpayers,” Hawkins said.

“Studies have shown that families

APRYL VELD PHOTO

Habitat for Humanity volunteer James Longhurst and volunteer site manager Ken Lee.

in a stable home thrive and their kids stay in school, [the whole family] having more connection to the community. That’s our main reason for being.”

Habitat is always in need of more volunteers, helping to build their housing projects and also on

their board of directors.

“I’ve been volunteering all my life and this is one of the best projects I’ve ever been a part of, and it’s been great getting to know these families,” Hawkins said.

— Apryl Veld Contributing Writer

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Friday, March 25, 2011 • Coast Reporter • H7

Horizons 2011

CELEBRATING OUR PEOPLE, PRIDE AND GROWTH

New owners, new outlook for HSPP

PHOTO COURTESY HOWE SOUND PULP AND PAPER

New owners have brought a new outlook to HSPP.

While most manufacturers were still feeling for their glasses after being sucker punched by the previous year’s recession, Howe Sound Pulp and Paper (HSPP) was able to raise its gloves and parade the ring with new owners.

Paper Excellence, part of a DutchIndonesian group, took the reins at the Port Mellon mill in October 2010, retooling the plant to produce highgrade paper products that overseas markets demanded.

“That they wanted to invest in this operation is good news for the people who work here and for the

community,” said Al Strang, HSPP’s manager, environment and external relations. “The company that bought the plant from Canfor and Oji Paper replaced and upgraded equipment to increase the capacity and reliability of the operation and allowed many of their employees who were laid off to return to work.”

Strang explained that the mill’s capital budget was increased last year to $17 million from two million the previous annum, and that doesn’t include the money for the green upgrades of $40 million (in federal funding).

The mill had traditionally produced newsprint and kraft pulp, but the demand for these products has been dwindling, due to a lot of news sites accessible through the Internet.

Off-shore demands for various paper types gave the operation a new market to tap into, however.

A key turning point, Strang noted, was being permitted to produce electricity to run the mill, so much power, in fact, that they could sell some back to BC Hydro beginning last October.

“The sale of power is having a huge impact on the viability [of operations] because of the additional revenue stream,” he said.

The way this has been achieved is by acquiring the right technology and permits to cleanly and efficiently burn a petroleum by-product along with ‘hog fuel,’ a mixture of bark and sawdust that at one time mostly ended up in the landfill, Strang noted. The federal green transfer grants made it possible to reach and surpass domestic and global emissions standards, and enable the plant not only to produce its own cleaner energy, but also gave them another way to generate income for the operation.

The change-over to green power is a big plus, he added.

“The reduction in greenhouse gases is the equivalent of taking 3,000 cars off the road,” Strang said, adding they can now save the equivalent power of running 1,000 households every day.

— Apryl Veld Contributing Writer

Strait from the Sunshine Coast to you since 1996 When you buy Fair Trade certified coffee, you help to promote the fair treatment of small farmers and workers, ensuring them healthy living conditions and a sustainable economic future. Strait Coffee has been buying, roasting and supplying wholesale, organic coffees since 1996. As part of our commitment to sustainability, we have made choices in our business that will help the environment. An example of that effort is our packaging. Our new one-pound bags are printed with water-based inks and lined with a corn-based polymer, which is biodegradable and compostable.

Read more at www.straitcoffee.ca

One-stop shopping at Sunnycrest Mall Sunnycrest Mall is connected to the community, welcoming hundreds of non-profit events each year, supporting local sports teams and creating bursaries.

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H8 • Coast Reporter • Friday, March 25, 2011

Horizons 2011

CELEBRATING OUR PEOPLE, PRIDE AND GROWTH

BCI helping to boost local business opportunities In an effort to bolster the region’s economy, members of a new development task force made history earlier this year when they agreed to work together in a Coastwide effort to boost local business and attract more investment.

“All 14 [task force members] have given their complete support for a Coast-wide economic development organization paid for by taxes,” said Michael McLaughlin spokesperson for Best Coast Initiatives (BCI) and Gibsons economic development officer. “That, to me, is remarkable. They’re not arguing over the details — they’re just saying,‘let’s do it’.”

This task force evolved from members of BCI and Community Futures meeting with other community group reps in midFebruary to join forces in promoting local

industries, while attracting new business and investment to the Sunshine Coast.

McLaughlin said the task force membership includes representatives from all three Coast Chambers of Commerce, Community Futures, the Community Forest, Capilano University, Sunshine Coast Botanical Garden Society, Coast Employment Services and the Sechelt Downtown Business Association, among others.

“We are trying to evolve a Coast-wide economic development function, and to a certain extent, local governments have asked us to lead them in that direction,” McLaughlin said.

Prior to this, each community had handled its own area individually when it came to promoting and assisting the area’s economic growth.

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The Coast’s enterprises could all be more efficiently promoted, he opined, if it were done by a group that represented all communities inclusively.

“Because you can market it all for the same cost as marketing one piece of it,” he pointed out.

Planning efforts have given the region many accessible and serviced commercial lands for companies to set up shop, which are available for a variety of permitted uses, McLaughlin noted.

Hillside Industrial Park boasts a massive 120 hectares on West Howe Sound lands near the Langdale ferry terminal, and the 13 hectares near the Sechelt airport would be attractive for businesses desiring such proximity. Add to this 12 hectares on the east side of Porpoise Bay and five hectares below the highway in Wilson Creek. Ways in which the Area E and F groups have supported commerce included matching enterprise with appropriate locations and helping navigate red tape. A couple of years ago they commissioned surveys of local households for on- and off-Coast shopping preferences.

“These were intended to show where the best growth potential lies,” he said, adding they also did a ferry fare survey for what is the most people said they could afford and still make a commuting job viable.“This kind of information is vital to businesses.”

In a newer venture, a “virtual cluster” of local businesses on the BCI website advertises member services to the public as well as to each other.

“This concept tends to work well with export industries,” of which McLaughlin said the Sunshine Coast has an estimated 500.

FILE PHOTO

Michael McLaughlin

He praised local governments in stepping up to the plate, but said they can improve the chances of economic prosperity by kicking it up a notch in processing permits.

“Government has a tremendous influence over whether their community is a good place to locate ... businesses can’t sit around for eight months to a year, just waiting for a permit to operate,” he said.

McLaughlin noted that Monday, April 18, the Sunshine Coast Regional District is scheduled to host an economic development workshop. Participants can look at innovative solutions for business challenges in this area and in general.

— Apryl Veld Contributing Writer

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Friday, March 25, 2011 • Coast Reporter • H9

Horizons 2011

CELEBRATING OUR PEOPLE, PRIDE AND GROWTH

Youth retention, promotion critical to Coast growth

A new initiative to focus on the needs of youth appears to be getting the attention it deserves from education officials and the public up and down the Sunshine Coast.

A January forum saw the organization, called Attract, Engage and Retain Young Adults Foundation, strike a mandate to curb the shrinking population of young people in the region and to improve their quality of life here.

One of the foundation’s members and key speaker at the forum, School District No. 46 (SD46) school board chair Silas White, said the call to forge ahead with more youth-focused planning was sparked by data in the Sunshine Coast Community Foundation’s 2009 Vital Signs report, showing the area lacked several elements needed to attract and keep -younger people.

“The school district’s interest lies in -that we need larger families to keep genrolment up and support our schools,” White explained.“For our part, we’re hop-ing to expand [high school] apprenticeaship programs in the next four to five tyears, to help students get skills they -need.”

He said many businesses are stepping forward to create work experience and tjob readiness that will give youth ways -to make stable livelihoods for themselves kwith trades that are in demand.

- “We had a lot of interest from local business to assist with programs such as dCoast Community Builders Association,” rWhite said. “It’s in the interest of busi-

nesses to retain local workers.”

Area governments and SD46 are aware of the benefits of attracting young families from off-Coast as well, he noted, and new programs are already being considered for their 2011 facilities budget.

White said he is pitching to the community through Facebook and other means for youth-oriented programs like outdoor/environmental classes and is behind suggestions for international baccalaureate, French immersion and other alternative programs.

“A lot of families are looking for choices for study, for skills and the district needs to adjust to that,” he said. “The school district is looking at a variety of suggestions because declining enrolment is hurting school budgets. We need to look at different programs to draw children of new families to the area.”

Youth of the region have also formed a group call VOICE, to identify concerns and find solutions youth are interested in working toward.

White expressed that when both youth and government reps are taking an issue seriously enough to act, it speaks to its importance.

“When you have senior community leaders standing up for this, it’s a sign that they have seen this problem a long time,” he said, adding the community needs to create and promote more youth activities that make the area a place suited for young people.

— Apryl Veld Contributing Writer

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Pricing is very competitive and often lower. The company prides itself in making sure that the customer is getting the correct information about the floor they are looking at. Both staff and contractors are kept up to date on the latest technology with in-house seminars and training.

There are so many things to consider when choosing your flooring. Whether it be hardwood, tile, carpet or vinyl, choosing the correct flooring can be an overwhelming task. With hardwood, it is even more important to be educated.

Hardwood acclimation, humidity before and after installation, floor levelness, installation and maintenance all have to be considered when choosing. Not following one of these important steps could void all manufacturer and in-house warranties. With tile installation, are you waterproofing your showers properly?

Have you used the correct underlayment? We have full-time estimators and service employees who are up to date and knowledgeable on all the technical aspects for your flooring jobs.Why take chances on a potential issue? Let Custom Carpet’s knowledgeable staff and installers remove any of the guesswork you may have. The store will match any price from town, and you do not have to worry about how to get it to the Coast. With the great selection and price, it is surprising that people would go anywhere else to purchase their flooring.

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H10 • Coast Reporter • Friday, March 25, 2011

Horizons 2011

CELEBRATING OUR PEOPLE, PRIDE AND GROWTH

Visitor Information Park

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Jason Chidgey of Ground FX.

“The benefits of mulching your garden are that it suppresses weeds, regulates soil temperature, retains moisture in times of drought and it looks beautiful,” noted Theresa Chidgey of Ground FX.With her husband Jason Chidgey, they explain how the “blown in” method creates a unique look unattainable by any other method of application.

The blower’s 200-foot hose can get those hard-to-reach areas, like back yards and steep banks. It goes between garden beds without damaging plants and allows for a more uniform application, eliminating the damaging effects to areas of your yard or lawn from compaction of equipment and personnel.

Ground FX offers a selection of mulches, fir bark being the common product used. For a real wow factor, they also offer eco-friendly coloured products in red, black and coffee brown.“Many people like the look of soil but need the benefits of mulch, so the darker colours have been popular,” Theresa added.

Ground FX also offers custom blends for specific applications. “A cedar/fir blend has a lot of benefits to consider,” Theresa said. Cedar is a fibrous mulch, thus it retains more moisture for dry areas and creates a matting effect, which is great for steep banks and pathway applications. Their cedar products are aged and will not harm plants that like the conditions cedar creates. Another benefit is the cost, as it can be upwards of 30 per cent savings to the cost of fir.

Ground FX also offers soil and compost for delivery.

Try to imagine what it looks like to people coming to the Coast for the first time as they come off the ferry. They may feel disoriented or tired from their journey. Once they are caught in a long train of commuter and tourist traffic snaking through a congested downtown Gibsons, they may not get the necessary information to make their visit a success.

Now think of an accessible place for them to get their bearings, a large and easy-to-read series of maps spread out in a park setting with picnic tables and benches. Add to this washrooms, bike racks, child- and pet-friendly areas, and you have a combination for even greater Coast-wide tourism success.

This is the vision driving local businesses to get behind creating a new visitor park on the highway between Langdale and Gibsons. Builders, landscapers, site preparation experts and others have risen to the challenge to make this plan a reality by summer 2011.

“It will get visitors off the road and allow commuter traffic to go by, so they can see where they are and what the area has to offer in a comfortable way,” said Gibsons and District Chamber of Commerce executive director Chris Nicholls, whose Chamber is spearheading the project.

Volunteers will begin in a few weeks to construct the central attraction, a series of panels made from donated rustic-hewn wood that will display detailed maps of attractions and geographic markers with information to enhance the Sunshine Coast travel experience.

The Chamber of Commerce-led effort is hoped to create a sense of welcome

and “give people a break and let the kids and pets out after being cooped up on the ferry,” Nicholls enthused. “And once they have some information it will give them reasons to stay longer — and to come back.”

Nearly half the funding for the estimated $300,000 project has come from in-kind donations and offers of materials and trades work.

Nicholls said they are looking to government grants from the Sunshine Coast governments and the provincial government for the balance. Selling sidebar spots for local advertising would support the upkeep of the site, he added.

But as with most collaborative efforts, community support is just as important.

“Businesses and the public are really rallying behind this project,” he said.“It can be an effort, but it can also be fun. Especially when you think of the added benefits for everyone, it can be uplifting.”

But he pointed out that more help is always welcome.

Along with the proposed tourist park, the four visitor centres already on the Coast will continue to be a network of support for both off-Coast adventurers and for locals looking to explore. It has become a priority, also to encourage other modes of travelling other than by private vehicles brought here, he said.

“Many would like to see the network of alternative transportation made easier to access, and for more foot trails and bike paths to be improved and given more prominence,” Nicholls added.

— Apryl Veld Contributing Writer

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Friday, March 25, 2011 • Coast Reporter • H11

Horizons 2011

CELEBRATING OUR PEOPLE, PRIDE E AN AND GROWTH

Iris Griffith Centre offers a hands-on look at nature

PHOTO SUBMITTED

The Iris Griffith Centre

Iris Griffith Centre offers visitors close encounters with nature, and it also highlights how humans rely on nature’s balance for our own survival.

The Centre, which sits next to a Madeira Park rainforest and adjacent restored wetland, offers living displays, workshops, summer clubs and hiking adventures. It also boasts a nature school with week-long programs for kids and teachers. Freshwater ecologist and Lagoon Society director Michael Jackson said the program isn’t like your typical classroom.

“Every day [students] spend at least an hour outside in a spot of their choosing, to take in whatever is going on,” he said.“It’s not often a person gets to stop and just sit quietly and connect with

the natural world.”

Students get to note what they observe, which they can later share and compare to data. And some of their input can be very artistic.

“Some of the things they put down are wonderful,” Jackson noted.

The destinations on site include nature trails, a floating platform, a unique bird hide and a nesting beach for western painted turtles.

The Centre tries to show how nature’s systems and cycles sustain people.

“We learn, when we look after the air and water, how it looks after us,”Jackson explained.

Some other teaching happens through demonstrations of the Centre’s

use of green technology to build and run the facility, including solar hot water heating and solar electricity, rainwater catchment and a reed bed septic system.

Jackson, who helped conceive the Centre, is one of several scientists/ society board members who volunteer to achieve goals such as education, conservation and mapping of local eco-systems.

He described how field trips help identify and preserve precious habitat.

“By going on hiking trips, we find out more of what’s here, we can encourage research and get more parks,” he said, adding less than three per cent of the Sunshine Coast is designated parkland.

On field trips to local woods and waters, volunteers and employees sometimes find and report rare animals, discovering a new species of stickleback fish on Nelson Island in 2007, also written up in the New York Times.

The society also collaborates with local groups, including the Botanical Garden Society, Employment Centre, Natural History Society and Sunshine Coast Community Foundation, Jackson noted.

The Iris Griffith Centre and Lagoon Society also work with local governments to map water sources and protect them. Visit Iris Griffith Centre for free: winter hours are Thursday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, see www.lagoonsociety.com.

— Apryl Veld Contributing Writer

The Conservative government – here for you In the two and a half years I’ve served as your MP, we’ve worked together and seen some great accomplishments.

Here on the Sunshine Coast, I’m proud to highlight some of the projects we’ve been able to achieve together.

We’ve seen substantial upgrades to Pender Harbour, improvements to our public transit, grants to improve our sports and recreation facilities, waste water upgrades to the Langdale ferry terminal, and a large investment in the Howe Sound Pulp and Paper facility. These investments in our community are creating jobs and building our infrastructure, with lasting benefits for years to come.

Our priorities are clear and a result of listening to the needs and concerns of Canadians and constituents right here on the Sunshine Coast. We are committed to lowering taxes, making our streets safer and delivering tangible progress for our constituents.

On the national scene, our government has been delivering meaningful tax relief to all Canadians for the past five years. We’ve reduced the GST, reduced income taxes and increased the amount of income you can earn completely tax free. Tax Freedom Day now arrives 17 days earlier than under the previous government!

When it comes to tackling crime, our government is serious about getting tough on criminals. It’s time Canadians felt safe in their communities and in their homes. Our government has made real progress in this by repealing the faint hope clause and introducing the Keeping Canadians Safe Act. With these measures and many others, we are committed to making our streets safer.

This is just a sample of the many ways our government is responding to your needs. We’re committed to listening to Canadians. For more information on our priorities and to get in touch with my office, please visit www.johnweston.ca.

— John Weston, MP, West Vancouver – Sunshine Coast – Sea-to-Sky Country

JOHN WESTON, M.P. West Vancouver • Sunshine Coast • Sea to Sky Country

Serving You in Ottawa Sechelt Office: Open: 9:30am - 5:00pm Tuesday and Thursday Tel: (604) 885-2939 207-5760 Teredo Street, Fax: (604) 981-1794 Sechelt, BC V0N 3A2 TF: 1-800-665-6004

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H12 • Coast Reporter • Friday, March 25, 2011

Cascadia Centre: the home of Rosen Method and mindfulness based stress reduction Dr. Eddie Berinstein and Mariette Berinstein came to the Coast in 1977, where they began practising meditation with Anagarika Dhammadinna.

In 1989, Mariette began her work in Rosen Method Bodywork and, in 1995, became a certified practitioner through the Rosen Method Institute. Rosen Method Body work enhances relaxation, movement and aliveness by increasing SUBMITTED PHOTO our awareness of the Dr. Eddie Berinstein and Mariette Berinstein connection between our physical and emotional selves.

In January 2010, the Rosen Method Cascadia Centre became a certified registered school within B.C., under the combined leadership of director Mariette Berinstein and Bill Samsel, director of teaching. Mariette’s passion and commitment is to have a school where there is a special quality to the process of education that supports the students to discover themselves and the essence of Rosen Method Bodywork and Movement. Bill’s leadership and professional support have helped shape the qualities and values of the Rosen Method Cascadia Centre.

Rosen Method Open House - April 2 and May 28 from 1 to 4 p.m.

Eddie continued to study meditation with Anagarika until her death in 1991.

Over the past several years he has attended Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) professional training workshops with Jon Kabat-Zinn. MBSR is about the cultivation of mindfulness through meditation practice that allows us to be more present for our moments as they unfold and to embrace the “full catastrophe” of our life in a more harmonious and balanced way.

MBSR workshop - April 15 to 17 at Cascadia Centre in Roberts Creek Call 604-885-0179 for more information.

CELEBRATING OUR PEOPLE, PRIDE AND GROWTH

St. Mary’s Hospital expansion a long time coming Fundraisers for St. Mary’s Hospital are not only trying to equip the new hospital extension, they’re also trying, in their own words, “to make it the best little hospital in B.C.” And as the spirit of competition never hurt any endeavour, the St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation and the Hospital Healthcare Auxiliary are each trying to raise $750,000 for the hospital, over three years. By all accounts, if the Auxiliary is as good at fundraising as they are at tug-o-war, (proven at last year’s fundraising picnic), they may be a force to reckon with. The fundraising drive was kicked off last spring with an old-fashioned picnic organized by both entities, which included a barbecue and games.

Foundation chair Maureen Clayton credited a number of factors for the combined effort’s overall success.

“The generosity of talented and committed individuals and service clubs — what a wonderful community,” she said.

To date, the Foundation and Auxiliary have raised a total of $800,000 in support of the hospital’s expansion/renovation project. The funds will go towards purchasing both clinical and non-clinical equipment.

Another major fundraiser on the horizon is the Foundation’s annual golf tournament. Last year’s tournament raised more than $27,000.

And individuals have stepped forward to raise money in other ways.

“For example, an infant resuscitation unit, which costs $35,000, is on this list, and a local community member wanting to support pediatric care on the Coast orga-

APRYL VELD PHOTO

Auxiliary president Karen Scott, left, and Foundation chair Maureen Clayton.

nized an event which successfully raised these funds,” Clayton said.

“Everything’s on schedule and doing well,” added Auxiliary president Karen Scott.

Scott said that among their efforts, the Auxiliary runs a thrift shop and a hospital gift shop, and they accept donations from the borrowers of medical-support equipment at a loan cupboard they have operated for many years. She praised the people she works with on the projects and the community for rallying behind the drive.

“What an awesome bunch,” she said of her Auxiliary colleagues.

Continued on page 13

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Horizons 2011

Friday, March 25, 2011 • Coast Reporter • H13

Horizons 2011 From page 12

“The community has been so great in getting behind us and the Foundation.”

As a result, the new wing of the hospital will be provided with some special features including a number of single-patient rooms, expected to offer more quiet as well as heightened cleanliness. Another will be patient servers, which are a two-way supply cupboard, accessible by both the patient and staff. These features, Clayton noted, aim to increase comfort for patients, provide greater efficiency for the staff and reduce the potential spread of infection.

“Every room will have a chair that converts into a bed for a family member to stay overnight in comfort,” Clayton enthused.

The rooms cost upwards of $50,000 to equip, and any donation that covers that entire cost will reward the donor with a plaque over that room’s door, in effect naming that room in his or her honour.

The Sunshine Coast Regional Hospital District (SCRHD) in conjunction the Vancouver Coast Health Authority (VCHA) is now responsible for the important role

CELEBRATING OUR PEOPLE, PRIDE AND GROWTH of funding St. Mary’s Hospital. In this current expansion/renovation project, VCHA funds 60 per cent and SCRHD funds 40 per cent. Clayton said that foundations throughout the province were formed to provide extra community financial support for local hospitals, which is why the St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation now exists.

Clayton joined the 12-member board around 2006, wanting to contribute to an organization that supports such crucial services to people of the area.

“Having an effective local hospital available for all of us when we need it is important, which is why I feel passionate that the energy put toward the completion of the Foundation’s goal to enhance patient care is the most rewarding,” she said.

Clayton expressed pride that their efforts continue to change the status of St. Mary’s Hospital, from being a small rural hospital where patients go to be stabilized or come to die, to a modern, wellequipped, 21st century facility.

— Apryl Veld Contributing Writer

Kenmac Parts - friendly folks

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Jason, Mike, Darrell, Nick and Shawn. Missing from photo: Kim

Come and meet our friendly staff at Kenmac Parts. From tune-up parts to performance parts to stereos — or just to making your car sound and look good — we can help you.We are now the authorized dealer of Rockford-Fosgate stereos.

Come in and browse our displays, and check out our welding supplies.

Rug Runners - paying it forward Making life easier for our valued customers! Merging into our expanded showroom on North Road! Our friendly, courteous and informative staff would love to take care of your flooring and window covering needs.

A smart smile with Dr. Bland We are a team dedicated to the new horizons of oral health care: implants, preserving tissues, preventing loss of structure and function and maintaining and enhancing appearance. These are all aspects of health that we value as time progresses. Being able to look the way we want, to eat, talk and feel the way we want, are all important elements of aging with power and control over our destiny.

Exciting new products coming in daily — come see what’s new! Lots of warehouse specials. Rug Runners — where customers become friends. Ask us about our $50 customer appreciation “Pay it Forward” promotion.

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Our approach is to offer urgent care when necessary, consultations with respect to your specific requirements and quality oral health care for gums, teeth and health. More and more, the link between oral health and overall health is becoming crucial. We are tuned in to the emotional, physical and economic factors that play into health — the new horizon of dentistry.

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Bonnie and Danny Hubenig

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H14 • Coast Reporter • Friday, March 25, 2011

Horizons 2011

CELEBRATING OUR PEOPLE, PRIDE AND GROWTH

Community schools: the lifeblood of the Coast

The Source has been a strong retail presence in Sechelt for the better part of two decades The Krake family, new owners of The Source, seek to build on an already solid foundation and provide the entire Sunshine Coast with a local alternative to big box retailers.

With the help of a small but knowledgeable staff, you can be sure to find what you’re looking for and get the advice you need at The Source. We offer local delivery and SUBMITTED PHOTO installation services at reasonable rates to ensure Sam, James, Jeanene and Kevin from The Source. that, regardless of your technical expertise, you can get the full enjoyment out of your new home theatre and audio purchases. Within the past year we have expanded our product line-up to include audio equipment from Paradigm and Yamaha, and cutting-edge televisions from Sharp. And what home theatre is complete without a movie collection to match? With the addition of new and previously viewed DVDs and Blu Ray disks, and new titles arriving weekly, there is always something more to add to the collection. We also stock games for the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3, and with a large database of titles both old and new, we are happy to accept special orders for that hot new release or hard to find gem.

Community schools on the Sunshine Coast share a common goal to not only provide programs but also attempt to create bridges in the community to prevent isolation of students and their families.

All School District No. 46 (SD46) designated community schools — Chatelech/Sechelt, Elphinstone/Gibsons, Roberts Creek, Halfmoon Bay and Pender Harbour — have a mandate to support and connect area families to each other.

The ways they accomplish this vary from teen nights to early childhood education, breakfast programs, dance, outdoor recreation and cooking clubs, noted Roberts Creek and SD46 community school co-ordinator Stacia Leech.

Leech, a long-time school advocate, said the focus of community schools has shifted since their formal designation in the B.C. school system. In the 1990s, she said, the Ministry of Education began with significantly more funding and a broader mandate.

“After 2001, official funding was shifted towards only vulnerable families,” she said.

“Since then, health research has shown how a more universal approach better serves education and social goals. Students do better academically when they feel more connected to their community.”

She said partnerships between schools and community services have become important to the cause.

“Partnering is key. It’s also how we leverage funds to support our initiatives,” she said.

Leech noted several groups whose support of schools is essential to their success.

Sunshine Coast Community Services is a major partner as they help with programs

Another welcome addition is the return of guitars and musical accessories to our product line-up. With a range of products from Cort, Roland, Yamaha and many others we provide you with all the tools you need to fuel a musical lifestyle.

We also provide service for cellular phones from Bell Mobility and Virgin Mobile. With smartphones from Samsung, Apple, Blackberry and a wide variety of traditional cell phones, you can be sure to find a phone that suits your individual needs. Operating on Canada’s largest cellular network, there is a phone from Bell or Virgin for everyone.

We provide on-site repairs and technical support for Windows-based computers so you can be sure to take full advantage of your new computer purchase or breathe new life into an old one. Located centrally in Trail Bay Mall, The Source is your convenient one-stop shop for all your electronic needs.

to identify and support youth who are at risk for homelessness, offer substance abuse discussions for schools, sponsor after-school programs and offer babysitting training in some schools.

“Youth outreach being offered is about helping young adults through an important transition time in their lives, and endeavours to offer them life skills as well,” she said.

The Roberts Creek Community School is home to Nights Alive, where youth and teens are invited to participate in fun activities and is a venue to meet their peers as well as adult mentors. Another example is how Elphinstone Community School partners with the Gibsons and Area Community Centre staff to sponsor youth drop-in activities.

“Every community school is different,” adds Kate Tauber, co-ordinator of Gibsons and Elphinstone Community School.

Some programs are offered into only one or two schools, while some are offered district-wide. For instance, all community school students participated in Roots of Empathy, where special guided encounters with babies have shown to dramatically reduce bullying and aggression. Many schools also have breakfast or lunch programs,or support special needs,while others provide school readiness for young children through initiatives like Kinderspark, where children visit schools including the library, gym and playground before they enter kindergarten. Others, including Strongstart, allow parents and tots to have learning opportunities and chances to socialize with each another early in their children’s lives.

Continued on page 15

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Friday, March 25, 2011 • Coast Reporter • H15

Horizons 2011

CELEBRATING OUR PEOPLE, PRIDE AND GROWTH

From page 14

Halfmoon Bay embraced the community school model out of concerns about local social dysfunction due to isolation. Incidents of aggression prompted school advocates to reach out to families.

“The Halfmoon Bay area has a lot of beautiful trails and parks, but it can be hard to meet people,” said school co-ordinator Sue Lamb.“The area has no community centre or downtown, but the school emphasizes the importance of welcoming new families. A major goal is getting parents and kids in the school as soon as possible.”

Lamb regularly greets students, gives a hand to staff and parents, and works with several regular volunteers, whom she cheerfully notes were also once students there.

She describes how a now-defunct B.C. Health Foundation research grant provided them with monies to create spaces that sup-

port their programs. A common space, The Pod, incorporates an office, a roomy kitchen and several areas set up for preschool programs. Other rooms are used for after-school care, clubs and teen night activities. Their music room portable also hosts dance classes and evening yoga, she added, while another room is busy with a homework club. A separate building houses a daycare.

Lamb said the popularity of the school’s mountain biking club, run by HMB teachers, and for which they help parents get certified in coaching. The school has hosted a mountain biking competition, she said, adding participants camped on the school field and were able to access some indoor spaces. Halfmoon Bay also runs summer programs such as their preschool so families can get to know each other before school starts in September.

— Apryl Veld Contributing Writer

Sechelt’s Paul’s Paintin’ Place applauds the recently announced collaboration between Benjamin Moore Paints and GlucksteinHome and its founder, the acclaimed Canadian interior designer, Brian Gluckstein.

The newest GlucksteinHome bedding and bath collection is accompanied by the design maestro’s suggested colour palette, a range of 185 Benjamin Moore paint colours he has personally chosen from among the revered paint company’s 1,800 hues.

“These are paint colour selections meant to co-ordinate with and complement not only GlucksteinHome’s textiles for bed and bath, but all of the design firm’s furniture, accessories and lifestyle lines,” said Nick Harris, Benjamin Moore consumer marketing manager. “Benjamin Moore is especially excited to be working with Brian in bringing this one-stop decorating solution to consumers. It’s the perfect way to achieve a cohesive designer look in every room in the house.”

The select palette, ranging from raspberry truffle (2080-10) to sage (2143-10) to ansonia peach (HC-52) to violetta (AF-615), can be found in a virtual fan deck at www.benjaminmoore.ca/glucksteinhomeinspired and for sale in hard copy format beginning in April. The bedding ensembles, exclusively available at The Bay and at Home Outfitters in Canada, are packaged with suggested paint colours best suited to achieving a finished environment with the polish of a professional: an attractive convenience for today’s busy consumers.

Paul Morris, owner of the independent paint and decorating store Paul’s Paintin Place, understands full well, from his first-hand experience working in the coatings industry since 1987, why Gluckstein says he insists on Benjamin Moore in all his interior design projects.“Benjamin Moore gives us really authentic, great colours,” Gluckstein said.“There’s a richness to the paint colour, a depth and a complexity to it that’s peerless. There is a very fine development of the colours that we as designers look for, and that can’t be duplicated. In using Benjamin Moore paint, we’re always confident and assured that we get the exact colour we want, the exact quality we want,” he said.

School District’s mission The mission of School District No. 46 (Sunshine Coast) is to enable and inspire our students to realize their full potentials, as knowledgeable, confident and contributing citizens in a global community. We offer public K-12 education across the Coast at nine elementary schools, three secondary schools and one alternative school.

Sechelt’s Paul’s Paintin’ Place

Find out more about the GlucksteinHome palette and any other Benjamin Moore product from Paul and his friendly, knowledgeable staff. They’re pleased to help with all aspects of your decorating project, big or small: choosing the appropriate product for the job, making the best colour decision and selecting tools and supplies.

Stop in today at Paul’s Paintin’ Place, 5476 Trail Avenue, Sechelt, tel.

604-740-0344. See the new local website: paulspaintinplace.com for more product information.

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H16 • Coast Reporter • Friday, March 25, 2011

Horizons 2011

CELEBRATING OUR PEOPLE, PRIDE AND GROWTH

Capilano University ESL program helps bridge the language gap A program being offered by Capilano University to help new immigrants on the Coast improve their language skills has expanded to offer even greater services.

The ESL settlement assistance program, which trains volunteers to work one-onone with new immigrants, is also designed to smooth the way for them to call the Sunshine Coast their home.

“It works in two ways,” said CapU’s ESL instructor Sandy Middleton. “For one, we help them improve their English, and two, we assist them with their settlement in the community. We can help them feel a part of the community and give [both students and volunteers] opportunities to get out and socialize.”

It is easy to understand how in the larger urban centres like Vancouver there

are more opportunities for such occasions, Middleton explained, and for people learning English to meet people and get acquainted with what the community has to offer.“But here in a more rural setting, people can become easily isolated,” she said.

The settlement assistance program has evolved in its fourth year to expand from its main centre in Sechelt to being offered to new immigrant residents from the Town of Gibsons. Middleton described how the programs are merged, but separately funded, and why they are dependent on communities and their services to be successful.

Presently, the Sechelt Public Library lends out space for the tutoring sessions, and they are looking to the Gibsons

Sunshine Coast Festival of the Written Arts The 29th Sunshine Coast Festival of the Written Arts takes place Aug. 4 to 7 in Sechelt’s historic Rockwood Gardens. The Festival has a national reputation for showcasing the best of Canada’s established and emerging writers. Each year a diverse group of authors from across the country joins with hundreds of their readers to celebrate Canadian writing in a relaxing, informal and beautiful setting.

The Festival is fun, friendly, inspiring and entertaining — and every year there are one or two unexpected surprises. Come join us this year; you might be surprised.

Tickets go on sale May 25!

For more information, go to www.writersfestival.ca or call 604-885-9631.

CATHIE ROY PHOTO

These young Sri Lankan women enjoyed the family atmosphere at a community celebration last summer.

Public Library to provide the same for participants from there. She applauds the community partners for making the program successful.

“The excellent support of our partners has grown the program,” Middleton said, adding that without the help of the community, there might not be a program to expand. “There aren’t any immigration services on the Sunshine Coast, so the program really fills a gap in that respect.”

There are 30 people enrolled in Sechelt, and 10 spaces presently in Gibsons. Not all the classes involve the formal one-on-one sessions. “[Students and tutors] also meet in

groups to work, and go on field trips … [for example] to the North Vancouver [campus of] Cap University and the Museum of Anthropology at UBC,” she said.

Middleton added that it’s remarkable how quickly some students of English can make progress and that it gives both student and tutor satisfaction.

“Many students quickly can speak at high level, once they have someone who they are comfortable to practice with,” she imparted, adding that one spin-off benefit of the arrangement “is that students and tutors often become friends.”

— Apryl Veld Contributing Writer

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Friday, March 25, 2011 • Coast Reporter • H17

Horizons 2011

CELEBRATING OUR PEOPLE, PRIDE AND GROWTH

SD46 striving for greater student success

School District No. 46 (SD46) officials will be concentrating on their priorities, capitalizing on successes, and striving to offer choices to students in both the long and short term.

SD46 board chair Silas White said the school district will continue to offer its best programs as it starts to move ahead with planning for future needs. “A real positive thing is that we’re looking at other programs to engage the students, though we’ll work to maintain great programs like our special education services, which are some of the best in the province, and our alternative school, which has been extrasuccessful,� White said.

At long last the district will also see a new roof over the heads of Gibsons younger students, as the 300-student Ofacility, Gibsons Elementary School, has the go-ahead for a rebuild under provincial seismic upgrades program. “This is big news in the district, as the process must move forward this year,� White emphasized, adding it has been a long time coming, since the school has been on top of the district’s list for several years, and the building itself can take two to three years.

In response to declining enrolment, some of the district’s energies had to be spent reconfiguring schools to keep budgets in line with funding challenges as well. One of the 2011 changes saw grades 6-7 from Davis Bay Elementary School move to Kinnikinnick Elementary School. “In general, we’re looking at all schools, as some schools will soon be over capacity,� White said.

The

29

Trends such as affordable housing that attracts young families to areas like West Sechelt are projected to put that school past capacity before long. He added that Halfmoon Bay families are also growing, and the election of trustees this fall will force the next board to make other decisions about configuration for these schools.

This coming September, the process will also see Sechelt Elementary School students attend Kinnikinnick. An application was made to the education ministry to consider a community learning centre on the Sechelt Elementary site, which may host a variety of learning facilities including classrooms, a museum, art centre and library. Provincial leadership changes may affect existing policies, however, White said.

Other moves in the district include six district schools starting all-day kindergarten programs, while another three are expected to follow by fall 2011 depending on enrolment. This winter also saw White step forward with regional leaders, business and youth in exploring opportunities for meaningful work, education and recreation for young residents. Uniting under the name Attracting, Retaining and Engaging Young Adults Foundation, the group is seeking ways for young people to contribute their talents locally. The school district put forward ideas such as expanded apprenticeship programs and more choices in school programs to attract new families to the region and keep others engaged. — Apryl Veld Contributing Writer

APRYL VELD PHOTO

School District No. 46 board chair Silas White

Chartwell Consultants — forestry solutions There are numerous studies, surveys, permits and plans needed to do any work in the forest, and Chartwell Consultants Ltd. in Sechelt can help with it all. “We provide full-service solutions to forest operations,� said registered professional forester Warren Hansen.

The team at Chartwell Consultants Ltd. can walk you through the process or help with specific needs as they arise.

They also offer project management, timber valuation, site plan preparation, auditing forestry practices and operations, visual impact assessments, GIS mapping, forest road engineering and management, cutblock layout and design.

For more information, stop by their office at Unit 203, 5760 Teredo St., call 604-740-8809, or visit www.chartwellconsultants.com.

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H18 • Coast Reporter • Friday, March 25, 2011

Horizons 2011

IGA Madeira Park Pender Harbour is known as the Venice of the North as, in years past, waterways were the only connector of the small bays, coves, inlets and islands, including Irvines Landing, Garden Bay and Madeira Park. MarketPlace IGA Madeira Park, run by Troy Callewaert, has been in the area since 1974.

“Many of our customers still come to us by boat,” said Callewaert. He believes in supporting the communities SUBMITTED PHOTO of Pender Harbour “not only Store manager Troy Callewaert because it’s important for the people who live here, but it’s also essential for us as a community to grow tourism in the area — drawing people to the Venice of the North.”

Contact Troy Callewaert Store Manager at iga078@igabc.com.

IGA Gibsons MarketPlace IGA Gibsons continues to change and evolve to meet the needs of our customers. We have moved and expanded our gluten-free section and are proud that it is by far the largest on the Sunshine Coast.

We have started our own in-store fresh sausage program, enhanced with fresh sausage from Bosa Foods.

Our new Ocean Wise Seafood program guarantees the consumer that we are selling wild fresh fish while ensurSUBMITTED PHOTO ing our suppliers are using Store manager Bob Hoy sustainable fishing practices.

Our produce department is evolving with more and more local selections and we have expanded our organic offerings.

CELEBRATING OUR PEOPLE, PRIDE AND GROWTH

Pets are vital to a community’s growth We love animals on the Sunshine Coast, but we can always do more for them. Just ask many of the Coast’s animal outreach workers.

Gibsons Wildlife Rehabilitation (aka Cliff and Irene Davy) take up to 3,000 calls a year from Coast residents concerned about wildlife in distress.

“It’s more birds-of-prey in the winter that are being hit by cars or are starved,” Clint said. “The public often finds injured animals while out walking, most recently a golden eagle.”

But sometimes they don’t need help, like new fawns who have no scent, so their mothers leave them to forage.

“A coyote can walk right by and not smell them, so it’s actually safer to leave them,” he said.

It’s the same for baby seals.

“Mothers naturally leave the pup on the beach while they fish, and come back when no one is around and call them to nurse,” he said.

Around 500 animals a year are brought to the Davys. Helping prevent harm to wildlife is a good way to help them, Clint said, asking residents to not feed their pets outside, to clad over their crawl spaces and lock up tool sheds to stop raccoons nesting there.

“It’s not humane to move the kits once they’re born as they often die,” he said.

“People should scare out adult raccoons before they breed with loud rock music, Super Soakers or ammonia-soaked rags.”

Cats cause a lot of the injuries to birds they see, he said, but keeping cats inside or in a run, especially from April to June, can help.

“A bell on a cat means nothing to a fledgling,” he said.“Windows can also harm songbirds.“ Some male birds see their reflection and think it’s another male, so try to drive him off [hitting the glass].”

He suggested a lamp shined on the window, decals for glass and foil tied on eaves, “are subtle, but can really help,” he said.

Some good news is that due to a high demand for pets in this area, SPCA manager Shannon Broderick reports that the Coast branch actually brings in surrendered and rescued animals from other branches where adoption is less likely.

“We’re proud that of the 450 [pets] that came into the branch in the past year, only 103 were surrendered by Sunshine Coast owners and the other 200 were transferred into our branch from other communities,” she said.

Animals transferred here are mostly from more northern and interior B.C. towns like Prince Rupert, Prince George and Quesnel.

These areas and others have population problems due to less neutering/spaying and the absence or small scale of their rescue kennels, she added.

Broderick advises caregivers to budget time and money for their pets’ needs.“People lacking resources can get some pet food from the food bank, but it isn’t going to be a lot,” she cautioned, as “pet-food drives only happen a few times a year.”

The rescue official also said people should beware that getting a ‘free’ pet could be far from free.

Continued on page 19

Moving is easier with Len Wray’s

The deli department is preparing new sandwiches, fresh wraps, home-cooked roast beef and a new array of salads for your dining pleasure. You have asked for more grocery variety and with our new partner, Bosa Foods, we are doing that. If you have any suggestions or ideas to enhance your local grocery store let us know, we are always willing to change! Email your suggestions to b.hoy@hotmail.com

IGA Wilson Creek “The last year has continued to bring change to MarketPlace IGA Wilson Creek,” said Bryan Marshall, store manager.“We have been working hard on improving our customers’ shopping experience on several different levels, focusing on three key areas — variety, convenience and service. To achieve improved variety, we added another aisle to the store and revamped several others. This has provided SUBMITTED PHOTO us with the shelf space necesStore manager Bryan Wilson sary to carry more of the items customers were asking for such as organics, gluten-free products, naturals and specialty imported items.

“Improving on convenience comes in the way the store is laid out.We have really tried to make the products flow from one end of the store to the other. We want the item the customer is looking for to be where it makes sense to them. We value our customers’ time and want to provide them with a store that is easy to shop.

“Service has always been a main priority. Our knowledgeable, friendly and courteous staff are always willing to help you find something or answer any question you may have.We always put the customer first, whether it’s bringing in a special request item or delivering an order to someone who can’t make it in, we want to earn and keep your business through the customer service we provide.”

Store manager Bryan Wilson can be contacted at iga091@igabc.com.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Employees Adam Windsor, Romeo Lizee, Jeff Underwood, Ashley Williams, Irayne Omoregbee and Brian Soanes

Let’s face it. Moving is tough. There’s no real way around that, but there is one company in Gibsons that has been making it easier since 1968.

Len Wray’s Moving and Storage provides a full turn-key service for all aspects of moving furniture: from internal relocations within the home to the other side of the world and all points in between. Their professional and courteous staff have consistently scored top marks in industry and customer surveys and most recently won the honour of being ranked number one in customer satisfaction from B.C. Government Employee Relocation Services in our region.

For your seasonal storage or renovation needs, Len Wray’s can help move and store your household goods until they are needed.They create an inventory listing of what is being moved, professionally pack fragile items, blanket wrap furniture and expertly store items in their secure and dry facility in Gibsons.

Recently, a long-time storage customer was completely satisfied when her items arrived to her home in Morocco. After 15 years of storage and several weeks of ocean travel, her china and furniture (including a prized piano) arrived “in the same condition as when your staff picked it up in Sechelt years ago.”

If you are a do-it-yourselfer, Len Wray’s sells packing material at their retail store located at 1052 Gibsons Way (across from Wheatberries Bakery). Smiles and good advice are free!

Visit or call them at 604-886-2664 to plan your next move.

Friday, March 25, 2011 • Coast Reporter • H19

Horizons 2011

CELEBRATING OUR PEOPLE, PRIDE E AN AND GROWTH

Cool surgery at the Sechelt Animal Hospital providing less discomfort and quicker return to function

SUBMITTED PHOTO

SPCA volunteers help to make sure pets like this dog, get happy homes on the Sunshine Coast.

From page 18

They can actually cost much more once you add up all the care, she noted.

“For $145, you can get one that’s dewormed, vaccinated,and sterilized with ID. With no tattoo, microchip or tag, some pets and owners are never reunited,” she said.

“There was a family dog that had been [at the pound] for two weeks … the dog was clearly loved and well-cared for, but because the dog had no ID, both the dog and family went through a traumatic time before she was claimed.”

Big-hearted Gibsons gal, Violet Winegarden implores Coast residents to think before they allow their pets to procreate. The head of Happy Cat Haven has seen nearly 6,300 cats come through her Gibsons home and cat kennel over the past few years.

While she has managed to arrange for the care and sterilization of many of these animals, Winegarden is concerned about people satisfying their wants instead of choosing the more compassionate route of sterilization.

“I want kittens, people think,” she sighs, “not realizing how many cats will flood the local population when their kittens go to other owners in the community, unspayed and unneutered.”

Other than fostering cats, one of the best thing people can do for cats and to assist with Winegarden’s efforts is to sterilize their pets.

“I know we sound like a broken record, but spay and neuter … there will still be enough cats,” she said.

— Apryl Veld Contributing Writer

As always, at Sechelt Animal Hospital, we are mandated to be at the forefront of leading medical and surgical technologies. Some examples of these have been tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) for stabilization of cruciate ligament injuries in dogs, laparoscopic spaying and minimal invasive surgical techniques, and total hip replacement for dogs with chronic hip diseases.

These and other cutting edge procedures have been performed at the Sechelt Animal Hospital since 2005.

In 2010 we became certified in Regenerative Stem Cell Therapy. This uses the individual animal’s own stem cells, derived from their SUBMITTED PHOTO fat (adipose) stores, to treat Helping our four-legged friends. arthritis, conditions of the hip, knee, elbow and shoulder, and soft tissue conditions involving ligament and tendon tears. 2010 has also brought us advanced laparoscopic and thorascopic techniques such as lung lobe removal and pericardectomy. Many of the surgeries of the abdomen and thorax that once required large, open incisions can now be performed through very small ports with our rigid scopes and instruments.

We are now practicing arthroscopy of the knee, elbow, shoulder and hip joints decreasing the need for more invasive joint surgery techniques. Cruciate ligament and meniscal injuries can now be treated by the use of a small arthroscope instead of large, open joint incisions. These minimal-invasive surgical techniques allow for less soft tissue trauma, quicker return to function and less post-operative discomfort and complications for our four-legged friends.

Committed to our Community Passionate about your pets 7 days a week

Our Community Commitment

Our Services

• We donated over 1,300 pounds of pet food to

• Wellness exams • Ultrasound

the local food bank and Happy Cat Haven

• Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine

• Raised over $4,000 for the SPCA Paws for a Cause

• Dental Services • Emergency Care

• We hold annual free First Aid Seminars for pet owners

• Laparoscopic surgeries • Arthroscopy

• Call to arrange a school tour

• Stem cell therapy • Digital X-ray

• Children love the Teddy Bear Surgery at our Annual Open House in October

Our Veterinarians Dr. Lorne Carroll

Dr. Mike Tigchelaar

Dr. Karen Kemp

Dr. Heather James

5500 Wharf, Sechelt • 604-885-2309 • secheltanimalhospital.com

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Open 7 days a week! We also accept walk-in appointments.

H20 • Coast Reporter • Friday, March 25, 2011

Horizons 2011

CELEBRATING OUR PEOPLE, PRIDE AND GROWTH

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