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Letters A Park Bench for Bob Timothy The Ladysmith Horseshoe Club recognizes Bob Timothy as the founder of the Transfer Beach Horseshoe Pitching facility. Not only was Bob instrumental in the 1971 negotiations with the Town of Ladysmith, the location of pitches in the park, but, also with the help of his horseshoe compatriots raising the necessary funds, for the installation of 12 pitches in 1975 and the clubhouse a year or so later. Bob was an accomplished Class A 40’ horseshoe player, BC Champion in 1974, Vancouver Island Champion in 1971, 1973, 1978 & 1980. In 1977 the Canadian Championships were held at Transfer Beach Park and Bob placed 2nd in the Men’s Class A division to the reigning World Champion Elmer Hohl and in 1971 Bob won the Canadian Class B event. To honour our founder Bob Timothy and his many accomplishments, the Ladysmith Horseshoe Club would like to have a park bench installed at the Transfer Beach Horseshoe Pitches. We have initiated a fund raising campaign called, “A Park Bench for Bob”. A donation of any amount would be greatly appreciated towards our goal of $ 2500.00. Thank you for your kind consideration. - Ladysmith Horseshoe Club, PO Box 777 Ladysmith. Contact Vince Herkel 250-245-2897
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Garbage pickup in Ladysmith Re: When will the town of Ladysmith get serious about waste? (Letters, August 2016, TAKE 5) I am one of those single homeowners with a pet that has “unfettered access to garbage disposal”. I am not sure what you would have me do. We all pay to have our garbage picked up, same amount for everyone. I do understand how much garbage three small children produce and your frustration with the system. I also believe the limits are unreasonable. The thought being “we must all limit our garbage amount” for the good of the environment. Interesting though that you can buy tags to go over the limit, so for a price all is possible. It would seem to me that perhaps there should be a system that families could apply to have a higher limit at no fee depending on the circumstances (three small children in diapers for example). The Town of Ladysmith should have the flexibility to make these arrangements. I will be contacting them to voice this opinion. I only wanted to reply to your comments because I think the writer’s anger is aimed in the wrong direction. - Sharon Lazaruk
Sewage Sludge Smell There is a terrible smell coming from the Ladysmith Public Works yard when they mix the sludge from the sewer plant to the garden waste clipping collected around town. People have been complaining about the smell for a year or more and nothing has been done by the Mayor, the Council or anyone else. Take a drive up and check out the aroma coming from the garden waste at the Public works yard on 6th Avenue and Roberts Street -- you will be gagged by the ferocious smell. The Town council needs to move it. - Gord Barney Letters to the editor is an open forum to exchange comments and ideas. Letters may be edited for space, and legality. Articles published in TAKE 5 do not nescessarily reflect the opinions of TAKE 5. editor@take5.ca, Facebook.com/take5publications, fax 250-245-7099 or PO Box 59, Ladysmith, BC, V9G 1A1.
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Ladysmith’s Waterfront Plan There are many things we all cherish and value about our Town. On our waterfront, we have world-class recreational and gathering opportunities at Transfer Beach, plus kayaking, paddle boarding, canoeing, marinas, trails, heritage, arts and culture as well as marine businesses. For more than 20 years, successive councils have grappled with how best to further develop this jewel to maximize both recreational and economic opportunities. The area is not without its challenges, mainly due to the legacy of 100 years of industrial use. In addition, there are several different stakeholders in the area we consider the Ladysmith waterfront, including the Town, Stz’uminus First Nation, provincial government and private landowners. Before we move ahead on any new initiatives on our waterfront, it’s vital to have a current and well-thought-out plan. This is why we are now updating the Town’s Waterfront Area Plan. The original plan was adopted in 1997 and
forms part of the Town’s overall Official Community Plan. The main purpose of the Waterfront Area Plan is to guide land use and development on the Ladysmith waterfront. After the 2009 Ladysmith Community Sustainability Vision confirmed the community’s interest in a mixed-use waterfront, the Town knew we needed to update the Waterfront Area Plan in order to integrate the many ideas and elements of character, identity and use that the community developed through the visioning process. We are ready to move ahead with this update. After much discussion, council has determined the geographic area that is the focus of this project — mostly lands that are undeveloped and are of prime importance to completing the Town’s waterfront. The Rocky Creek Industrial Park
and Transfer Beach Park (which are within the boundary of the current Waterfront Area Plan) are not included in the review. It has taken a long time to get to this point, but in some ways I am grateful for the timing. The Stz’uminus First Nation have centuries of history on the lands and waters of Ladysmith Harbour. Council sees this Waterfront Area Plan update as a reconciliation project and will be working in close partnership with Stz’uminus Chief, council, elders and citizens throughout the project. To have a really great plan, we need to make sure we engage stakeholders, partners, neighbours and the community. Engaging with the community is a key strategic priority of council for 2016. The Waterfront Area Plan update is a chance for us to make that happen. We
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have set up a process that will involve community representatives, property owners and neighbours throughout the project in a number of different ways. We are striking a Property Owners and Tenants Working Committee so that we involve those who have active interests in our waterfront. We will also be appointing members of the community to take part in a design charrette. A design charrette is an intensive planning session where citizens, designers and others collaborate on a vision for future development. It provides a forum for ideas and offers the unique advantage of giving immediate feedback to the project leaders. The focus of the Waterfront Design Charrette is to illustrate, in visual representation, the potential land use and design aspirations for the waterfront uplands, including the Machine Shop area, and the adjacent water lots. We will also be holding a series of community engagement sessions, including a speakers’ series. Topics could include what other communities are doing or have done with their waterfronts, “place-making,” vibrant communities and waterfront development — I’m looking forward to sharing more details as the project moves ahead. In 2009, members of the community envisioned a “waterfront for all” that involved a mix of natural areas, recreation, marinas and marine activities, residential and related commercial development, and traditional industrial and related uses. The new Waterfront Area Plan Update Project is an opportunity to take that vision, update it and create guidelines for development and land use that will move us towards realizing that vision. My ultimate vision of the waterfront may not be exactly the same as yours. I sincerely hope that if we all work together and try to take part in the process as it unfolds over the coming months, we will be able to help create a new Waterfront Area Plan that reflects our collective values and those of our neighbours, celebrates our heritage and keeps our waterfront accessible while creating new opportunities for economic growth and jobs. We will be providing updates on the project and on ways to get involved. Check local advertising, www.ladysmith.ca, facebook.com/LadysmithBC) and twitter (@TownofLadysmith), or call City Hall (250-245-6400).
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Ladysmith Little Theatre’s Art of Murder Ladysmith Little Theatre’s presents their season opener, “Art of Murder,” written by Joe DiPietro, Directed by Mary Lou Reside. In a remote estate in the countryside of Connecticut, Jack Brooks, one of the most accomplished and eccentric painters of his generation, awaits the imminent arrival of his art dealer. But the visit is not a standard one, for Jack feels wronged, and he is intending to kill the man. As Jack lays out his intentions for the evening, his wife, Annie, calmly paints. She is reluctant to go along with the plan, until Jack’s threat of violence convinces her otherwise. When, Jack’s flamboyant art dealer finally arrives, will Jack carry out his plan? Will
Annie help him? Or is something else going on? The play runs from September 29 to October 16. For reservations call 250924-0658 or visit www.ladysmiththeatre.com.
Music Showcase Expect a fun and eclectic night on September 9 in Ladysmith at In the Beantime Cafe. A showcase of seven Mighty Speck Recording artists will perform live. Artists include Eleanore (alt/art rock), Wickaninnish aka James Kasper (roots noir), Brahma Blue (alt/folk rock), Simon deLaat Music (folk pop), Braydon Bell (roots), Skellig (fiddle-driven rock), and Terry Boyle Music (folk). The show starts at 7 p.m. and is for all ages. Admission is $10.
Rare Tennessee Williams’ play at Chemainus Theatre The Chemainus Theatre Festival presents a rarely produced dramatic comedy by Tennessee Williams. “A Lovely Sunday for Creve Coeur” is a story of bittersweet redemption, written with rich symbolism and witty dialogue. The show runs September 9 to 24, and tickets are available now at 1-800-565-7738 or chemainustheatre.ca. The one-act play takes place in a cramped, mid-1930s St. Louis apartment. Southern belle schoolteacher, Dottie, is awaiting a call from her Prince Charming. She is sure his imminent proposal of marriage, given their recent romantic tryst, will change her life — and boost in her social class. However, Dottie’s friends have evidence that her plan to escape single womanhood is a delusion.
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”A Lovely Sunday for Creve Coeur” is one of Williams’ lesser-known (and final) works, written in 1978. While relatable in theme to his first success, “The Glass Menagerie,” the story he debuted 35 years later offers a kinder look at the subjects of a dominating matriarch, a wounded heroine, and foolish romantic dreams. The play has received new appreciation in recent years by theatre companies and directors.
Emily Carr Inspired Murals Unveiled People came out to join the fun on Saturday, August 20, to help the Chemainus Festival of Murals Society and Anthem Properties celebrate the unveiling of three Emily Carr inspired murals in the lane between Utopia Bakery and Bonnie Martin Restaurant. With their creative vision, the mural artists were asked to incorporate a copy of an original painting into a larger picture. Two of the paintings were done by Island artists Cim MacDonald and Mario Labonte. The three new murals bring the number of pieces of art in Chemainus dedicated to the life and work of Emily Carr to five. The last mural in the series was completed in 2010.
Nanaimo Conservatory of Music Appoints a New Executive Director The Board of the Nanaimo Conservatory of Music is pleased and excited to announce the appointment of Barbara Livingston as our new executive director. Previously from Vancouver Island, Barbara now hails from Vancouver, where she has most recently served as executive director of the Vancouver
Unveiling of the three new Emily Carr murals in Chemainus. Photo (left) by Marlie Kelsey and Nick Longo (above)
Bach Family of Choirs. Barbara is an accomplished voice teacher/opera coach. She was a member of the Victoria Conservatory of Music faculty and served on the VCM Faculty Association executive and the VCM Faculty Evaluation team. Barbara also enjoyed a highly successful career as a professional opera and concert singer, performing principal roles throughout North America. In 1998, she received the George and Jane Heffelfinger Pacific Opera Victoria “Artist of the Year” award.
ing them will be Bergemasca, a recorder group from Vancouver under the direction of Tony Griffith. The concert under the direction of Deborah van der Goes will present Renaissance and Baroque music with Sospiri Viols and Sospiri Recorders. There will be singing and poetry, too! Admittance is by donation at the door, refreshments to follow the concert.
Music for Hope, a Fundraiser for Refugees The local Early Music group Heart’s Ease will present a concert September 25th 2 PM at Hope Lutheran Church 2174 Departure Bay Road in Nanaimo as a fundraiser for refugees through the Canadian Lutheran World Relief. Join-
Heart’s Ease refugee benefit
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Wildwood donors want their money back
Above: Logger sports is set for Sept. 18 at Amphitheatre in Ladysmith. Photo: Rob Johnson.
Loggers sports are back It’s the second Annual Ladysmith Loggers Sports Exhibition on Sunday, September 18, starting at 3 p.m at Transfer Beach Park’s Amphitheatre. This is always great fun and this year it is by donation. The event is a fundraiser for Tour deRock. Admission is by donation. Expect to see professional loggers perform and entertain with axe throwing, 120′ pole climbing, saw bucking and many other loggers sports including a high pole act! Also featured is a chainsaw carver, plus the fire department will have their equipment on display - offering lots of fun for the whole family. Hot dogs and drinks also available by donation.
Donors who paid The Land Conservancy (TLC) $860,000 to purchase Wildwood Forest in Yellow Point in 2010 are speaking out: If Wildwood is sold privately, they want their donations back. Peter Jungwirth, Chair of the Ecoforestry Institute Society (EIS), says, “Some of the original donors have told us they believe the proposed sale of Wildwood to a private individual by the TLC Board is a violation not only of the TLC’s promise to Merv Wilkinson, but also an action that brings into question the whole purpose of donating to a cause. EIS is one of those original donors.” Jessica Wolf, a member of the Wildwood Protectors, states “As a member of The Land Conservancy since 1999, I am outraged by this violation of trust. TLC promised donors they would protect Wildwood forever — now they are going to sell to a private buyer. This precedent will severely impact the entire Land Trust movement.” Among those asking for the return of their donations is Lorraine Bell, who gave close to $216,000 to pay off the remaining mortgages for Wildwood in 2011. Ms. Bell donated because “I saw the co-operation between TLC, the Ecoforestry Institute and Merv Wilkinson. I was impressed by the dedication and commitment of Jay Rastogi to Merv Wilkinson’s vision of a sustainable, functioning and productive ecosystem. Wildwood has the capacity to inspire change.” Not a wealthy woman, Ms. Bell was willing to make her significant donation provided Wildwood would be protected in perpetuity. Aware of TLC’s tenuous finances at the time, she offered the donation “on the condition, agreed to verbally with TLC, that Wildwood would be protected in Merv Wilkinson’s vision, and from the family and other private interests, in perpetuity. It is my belief that this was also Merv Wilkinson’s wish.” Ms. Bell’s donation is the reason TLC declared Wildwood “inalienable.” For its part, EIS gathered approximately $20,000 in donations from supporters to give towards the purchase price. If Wildwood is sold privately, they want that money back and will make their best efforts to return it to donors, who gave it
Roblyn Hunter along with other donors for Wildwood wants her money back.
to them in trust for Wildwood. Merv Wilkinson was quoted in the Nanaimo Daily News, January 13, 2001: “I want to guarantee the continuation of this property as an educational unit that is now recognized by the rest of the world. People are coming here from all over. I want to preserve, as best I can, a facility that needs to be in use for all people.” Now, in 2016, TLC has been in creditor protection for almost three years, and the people and societies that trusted TLC with unsecured loans have been told they may now receive only 29 cents on the dollar. Adding fuel to the fire, TLC has just announced the sale of Wildwood to a private individual. Many members of the general public are outraged and many donors want their donations back. TLC will need court approval for the private sale and, in seeking that, will have to ask the court to lift their bylaw on inalienability regarding the sale. That bylaw only allows transfer during bankruptcy to “an organization having similar purposes to the Society.” Other donors willing to speak out include Maria Gauley, who not only wants her donation back, but payment for all the hours she worked as a volunteer for TLC, a large portion of those hours devoted to helping protect Wildwood. Roblyn Hunter is another, stating, “I want my donation back. I did not donate to the purchase of Wildwood for it to be sold to a private individual. I donated to protect a precious forest for public interest.” Other donors may want to join the I Want My Donation Back campaign to demand the return of their donations if Wildwood is privatised. We also encourage people
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to post selfies or photos of Wildwood to social media with the hashtags #iwantmydonationback and #savewildwood. For more information, please contact Kathy Code, EIS Communications Director, at CodeKat999@gmail.com or Jessica Wolf of the Wildwood Protectors at Wild@JessicaWolf.ca, or visit www.facebook.com/ wildwoodecoforest/ and www.savewildwood.com/wildwood-at-risk/. The Wildwood Protectors are an informal citizens group that oppose the sale of Wildwood to private interests, and are working to ensure this legacy remains in the hands of a not-for-profit charitable trust or society. These public voices are representative of community members, naturalists, forestry professionals, conservation biologists, ecologists, university professors, citizen scientists, advocates of wilderness preservation and environmental sustainability, as well as members of TLC and donors to the campaign to purchase and protect Wildwood.
Women’s Heart and Soul Expo
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17, 2016 at the Cedar Community Hall. Included in the festivities is the famous “Mood Swings” jazz band, silent auction, open bar, snacks and refreshments. Tickets are $10 at the door. The event is a fundraiser to support Cedar’s historic Boat Harbour and trails. Any participation in the event is gratefully accepted such as donations of objects or services to the silent auction. Visit www.gofundme.com/SaveBoatHarbour to donate. To support offline, visit any Island Savings Branch and quote: Acct. # 2493153 Cedar Branch. Women’s Heart and Soul Expo organizer Alana Newton. Photo submitted.
If you feel there are people in your life that fit the criteria, please submit a nomination up and until September 15. The categories include Heart and Soul Entrepreneur, Heart and Soul Community Leader, Heart and Soul Warrior, and other categories. For more info text 403650-1902 or alana@alananewton.com.
Taking place at the Nanaimo Golf Course Cedar Trail and Environment on Saturday, October 1, 2016, the WomStewards Fundraiser en’s Heart and Soul exposition is to honour Enjoy a night of great music, dancwomen who show up each day with their ing and fine wines on Saturday, Sept. heart and soul in business or community.
Green Party Presents a Discussion of Climate Change and LNG The Nanaimo-North Cowichan Green Party of B.C., in conjunction with surrounding ridings of the B.C., presents an educational fundraiser to discuss the immediate and long-term impacts of climate change as well as the related consequences of LNG. The speakers include Elizabeth May, Green Party of Canada Leader and Andrew Weaver, Green Party of B.C. President and MLA. The keynote presentation is by VIU Professor Jeff Lewis, and the event will be hosted by Ladysmith Mayor Aaron Stone.
It may have been a rainy day but Ladysmith’s Arts on the Avenue was enjoyed by an enthusiastic crowd. Photo (left) Nick Longo Photo (above) Rob Johnson
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The event, which takes place on September 17 at 6:30 p.m. at the Aggie Hall, is free and open to the public with a suggested donation at the door. There will be a donated raffle, the winners will be notified through their emails. Please contact the Nanaimo-North Cowichan Green Party president with any questions or assistance regarding this event: David Basnett, davidbasnettsnr@ hotmail.com.
Snowbirds Fly for CH.ILD BY ALLEN MCDERMID On Wednesday, August 4, the residents of Nanaimo and area were treated to a dazzling aerobatic display, featuring the world renowned Canadian Forces Snowbirds 431 AD Squadron and a Canadian Forces CF-18 Hornet. The show was organized by the Foundation for Children with Intestinal & Liver Disorders (CH. ILD). The Snowbirds are the ambassadors for the CH.ILD Foundation. On the day prior to the air show, local children suffering from these disorders were treated a BBQ at the Nanaimo Flying Club and had the chance to meet the Snowbird pilots and the Avionics technicians that travel with the aircraft. Many of them had the rare opportunity to sit in the cockpit of the Snowbird Canadair CT-114 Tutor aircraft and have their pictures taken with the pilot. These aircraft were used for training pilots for the Canadian Forces from 1963 to 2000. Snowbird #2 Pilot Captain Avert Pyne and CF-18 Hornet Pilot Cap-
Canadian Forces Snowbirds 431 AD Squadron at the Nanaimo Airport puto n a show in support of the Foundation for Children with Intestinal & Liver Disorders (CH.ILD). The Snowbirds are the ambassadors for the CH.ILD Foundation. Photo: Allen McDermid
tain Ryan Kean, both of Victoria, said that, as Air Cadets, they had done some of their glider training at the Nanaimo airfield. They also said that it was great to be back on Vancouver Island and to be able to fly for CH.ILD. The CH.ILD Foundation was established in 1995, founded by Dr. Grace McCarthy, Lindsay Gordon and President and CEO Mary Parsons, to fund research for children that are stricken with
Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and liver disorders. They built B.C.’s first research lab on the site of B.C. Children’s Hospital that includes twenty researchers and investigative staff, and are receiving national recognition for their work.
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13th Annual Ladysmith Show & Shine The People’s Choice Award Winner was D. Jay Nicholls, from Langley, his car was a 1955 custom Chevy Wagon. 2nd place went to Andrew Roberson, from Shawnigan Lake, and 3rd place People’s Choice Award Winner was Greg Fishlock. The owner of a 2010 Harley Davidson motorcycle Grai Cash from Nanaimo received an award for Neatest Paint Job presented by Little Valley Restorations. Pauline Fox was the recipient of the Ambassadors Choice Award. 2016 Participants Choice award winner was Ron Hovestad, owner of the 1969 red/orange Camaro. Photos Rob Johnson and Nick Longo
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“The place to improve the world is first in one’s own heart and head and hands, and then work outward from there” — Robert M. Pirsig
Nation to Nation, Coming to Terms September is here, and it’s time to knuckle down. Another year is about to begin with the 150th birthday of the country. And if the official notice of our prime minister is to be believed, it’s going to last 16 months or so, starting right now! Along with the well-deserved celebra-
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tions, I’m thinking that there’ll also be time for some reflections ... You know, how far we’ve come, maybe even what our ancestors could have done better? And as proud as we are of our country’s beginnings, we will similarly be contemplating our nation’s future. The wise and considerate Canadians that we are, setting aside our innate humbleness for the moment, we’ll probably also be willing to assume our place as world leaders. Why not? And if you think about it a little more, that’s probably been the plan all along. By our example so shall the world change. We’ll each do our part, show respect for the efforts of others, and over time we’ll attain the goals of a good life well lived. We’ll stand strong and true to the promise, freedom and equality that first brought our ancestors to these shores, and the world will surely follow. First things first then. Here on the Pacific coast, we colonists arrived with a flourish, honourable intentions, potential and abundance evident, and our western civilization’s ways and duties heavily in favour of the empire’s, but admirable nonetheless.
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First Nations, who knew little to nothing of our culture and past, welcomed our ships, knowledge and goods. They were open to the possibilities of sharing the lands and waters, of trading and working together. There was enough for everyone, and promises were negotiated, so that livelihoods and interests of all peoples might continue for all time. As far as the eye could see, there was plentiful land and shores, waters awash in salmon, shellfish and marine life. One could live off the land and cultivate a way of living in balance with the seasons, in harmony with nature and at one with the universe. Such vast riches soon caught the attention of the less gracious however. The timber and coal of Vancouver Island and Cascadia’s gold primed a wild west, where one might be lucky enough to find their fortune. Fending off usurpers to the throne and mantle of the British Empire, however, meant that U.S. claims to this territory must be met head-on. And the many who then found themselves in the new colony of British Columbia had no say whatsoever in the decisions and chess game of sovereignty.
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Larger interests and powers were at play, with fortunes to be won. Long-term visions for the New World, and riches they might call their own, decided the future of nations and empires. The power and authority wielded for the colony simply brushed aside questions of legitimacy, circumstance and a need for haste in dictating the agenda. In the process, First peoples and promises were for the most part forgotten or ignored. The lands and waters of the west yielded to the victors, with no one conquered. And though this short period in the history of our continent and civilization saw great strides, for many the indigenous peoples and First Nations, however, their rights and cultures did not benefit the same way. With 2017 before us, it is again a time of promise and time to come to terms with our past. Now is the time to renew the part-
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nership first nurtured across cultures when the great country of Canada was forming. From sea to sea to sea, we again have the chance to put things right, to revisit the highest aspirations and principles, to find the honour and respect and to meet as equals. Now is the time for reconciliation, humanity and the bond of friendship to reach for it’s true meaning and value. Perhaps to enrich us all, across all nations and peoples. Now is the time to be the world leaders we were always meant to be. M’gwich. Laurie Gourlay and Jackie Moad have worked with First Nations peoples and issues, and environmental, social justice, women’s and community groups for thirty-odd years, farm 20 acres organically, and seek local solutions to global challenges with leaders everywhere!
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Olympics of a different nature The rumours had started even before the trip. Word was out that I was going to the Olympics, and the comments from friends ranged from “I’m so jealous” and “You are going to have a great time” to “I can’t believe that you would do something like that.” The Olympics I went to this summer, however, were the mountain range and National Park in Washington State — not the sporting spectacle in Brazil (or the mountain in Greece). The Olympic National Park is over 900,000 acres, with 60 glaciers and 3000 miles of streams and rivers. It extends
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from sea level to 7956 feet at the summit of Mount Olympus. And all of this is just a short ferry ride south from Victoria. Our trip included five days and four nights in the backcountry and a few smaller day hikes from our camp after the main trip. The highlights for me were the flowers. As we gained elevation from treed valleys to mountain meadows, we climbed into spring. The snow was melting and in its wake, flowers quickly emerged. At mid elevation, we went through meadows carpeted with bear grass; and, as we climbed higher, through meadows of paintbrush species, interspersed with saxifrages, columbine, tiger lily and many others. Avalanche lilies (Erythronium montanum) dominated meadows at higher elevation. Stream edges and bogs were lined with monkey flowers, elephant’s heads, Jeffery’s shooting stars and other beauties. There were a few animal highlights as well. One sunny day, we had the chance to observe a black bear feeding in the meadow for some time. After which, it went over to an area of snow pack and belly-flopped on to the snow, trying to cool off. We also observed a herd of elk resting on another snow pack , perhaps to keep cool and also get away from insects. We had seen this herd grazing in a different valley the previous day. We also saw mountain goats feeding on rock cliffs, and one morning, one came into camp. These goats were introduced to the area in the 1920s and 1930s for hunting. The ecology of the area is being negatively affected by their grazing and the erosion caused by their trails. Plans are underway to control the population in some way (perhaps relocating them to areas where they are native). The rangers
Olympic National Park. Photo Jay Rastogi
we met had paintball guns (with mineral oil) to shoot at the goats in an effort to make them wary of humans. Interestingly, the salt on clothing and backpacks as well as urine greatly attract these goats. There were relatively few bird species in the montane and subalpine forest. The most common was the Oregon junco. But the most notable species for me were the American dippers in the streams and the Townsend’s solitaires, nesting high on one of the mountain peaks (about 5500 feet elevation). The Olympics are an ecologically diverse area that is just a short ferry ride away. (We were fortunate to get some good looks at Humpback whales on the return trip.) Although the name might cause confusion, the spectacles of nature will still evoke plenty of “oohs” and “aahs.” Jay Rastogi is a naturalist, horticulturist and educator living in Yellow Point. ecoforestry@gmail.com
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COMPILED BY CINDY DAMPHOUSSE AND ALLEN MCDERMID
Seniors Drop-in Centre Society, 9824 Willow St.
1146 to reserve your spot
7, 5pm, Bingo, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 1135 4th Ave., 250-245-3079
14, Chemainus Wednesday Market, Waterwheel Park, Chemainus, 250-246-3944
Sept 1-3
9, 9:30am to 11am, Muffin Mornings, Chemainus Seniors Drop-in Centre Society, 9824 Willow St.
14, 5pm, Bingo, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 1135 4th Ave., 250-245-3079
9, 7pm, Saltair Pub Entertainment — Beverley and Ray — 10519 Knight Rd., 5-minute drive from Ladysmith/Chemainus
15, 10am, General Meeting, Chemainus Seniors Drop-in Centre Society, 9824 Willow St.
1, 10am to 1pm, St. Joseph’s School Open House, 9735 Elm St., Chemainus, 250-246-3191 2, 7pm, Saltair Pub Entertainment — Wayne & Gord — 10519 Knight Rd., 5-minute drive from Ladysmith/Chemainus 3, Photography & Printmaking Art Show, Ladysmith Water Front Gallery, with guest speaker Paul Fudge 3, 11am to 3pm, Summer Farmers’ Market, Transfer Beach, 250-245-2112 3, Live Entertainment, the Cranberry Arms, 1604 Cedar Rd., 250-722-3112 3–4, Ladysmith Kinsmen’s September long weekend Slow Pitch Tournament — all monies raised go towards the Kinsmen Charities (to enter your team, contact Jim at 250-245-3137)
Sept 4-10 4, 10am to 2pm, Cedar Farmers’ Market, parking lot, Crow & Gate, www.cedarfarmersmarket.org 4, 1pm to 4pm, Local Heroes Concert benefit for CVCAS, Waterwheel Park, Chemainus 5, 4:45pm, Bingo, Chemainus Seniors Drop-in Centre Society, 9824 Willow St. 6, 6pm to 8pm, Join the Royal Cdn. Air Cadets 257, ages 12–18, Open House, Aggie Hall in Ladysmith (for more info, call Cathy 250-245-8119 or ladysmithaircadets@yahoo.ca) 7, Chemainus Wednesday Market, Waterwheel Park, Chemainus, 250-246-3944 7, 10am to 11am, Tai Chi on the L.M.S dock — free but space is limited to 15, so call 250-2451146 to reserve your spot 7, 9:30am to 11am, Muffin Mornings, Chemainus
10, 9am to 10:30am, Pancake Breakfast, Chemainus Seniors Drop-in Centre Society, 9824 Willow St. 10, 11am to 3pm, Summer Farmers’ Market, Transfer Beach, 250-245-2112 10, 1pm to 4pm, Cedar Women’s Institute Blackberry Tea — come and enjoy a leisurely cup of tea (or coffee or lemonade) and blackberry sweet of your choice — tickets $6 adult, $5 senior and $3 for children (4–12yrs.), Cedar United Church Hall, 1644 Cedar Rd. 10, 11am to 3pm, Cedar Fun Daze, kids games, face painting, giant slide and more , Cedar Village Square, 250-722-7010
Sept 11-17 11, 10am to 2pm, Tai Chi demos, organized through the Mid-Island Tai Chi Club (www. midislandtaichi.org), Cedar Farmers’ Market, parking lot, Crow & Gate 11, 10am to 2pm, Cedar Farmers’ Market, parking lot, Crow & Gate, www.cedarfarmersmarket.org 11, noon, Royal Canadian Legion 171 Annual Picnic at Transfer Beach at the Horseshoe Venue, all welcome, free admission, hotdogs and burgers on sale and liquid refreshments, activities and competitions for children 12, 4:45pm, Bingo, Chemainus Seniors Drop-in Centre Society, 9824 Willow St. 14, 10am to 11am, Tai Chi on the L.M.S Dock — free but space is limited to 15, so call 250-245-
16, 7pm, Saltair Pub Entertainment — Andy McCormack — 10519 Knight Rd., 5-minute drive from Ladysmith/Chemainus 17, 5pm, Potluck Birthday Party, Chemainus Seniors Drop-in Centre Society, 9824 Willow St. 17, 11am to 3pm, Summer Farmers’ Market, Transfer Beach, 250-245-2112 17, 8pm, Community Dance and Silent Auction at Cedar Community Hall — support and protect Cedar’s Historic Boat Harbour and Trail 17–18, 9am to 7pm, Island-Powell River Horseshoe Championships, Transfer Beach, Ladysmith (contact Vince Herkel at 250-245-2897)
Sept 18-24 18, 11am, Terry Fox Run, Frank Jameson Community Centre, 250-245-6424 18, 3pm, 2nd Annual Ladysmith Logger Sports Exhibition fundraiser for Tour de Rock, Amphitheatre Transfer Beach Ladysmith 18, 9am to 3pm, North Oyster & Area Historical Society Annual Giant Garage Sale,13467 Cedar Rd., hot dogs and pop sales — rain or shine! 18, 10am to 2pm, Cedar Farmers’ Market, parking lot, Crow & Gate, www.cedarfarmersmarket.org 18, noon to 4pm, South Wellington Heritage Day: If you have any memorabilia, photos or displays relating to South Wellington and wish to share them at South Wellington Heritage Day, please bring them along, South Wellington Community Hall, 1555 Morden Rd. (more info, call Lynette Tilley, 250 755-7884)
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19, 4:45pm, Bingo, Chemainus Seniors Drop-in Centre Society, 9824 Willow St. 19, 7pm, Town of Ladysmith Regular Council Meetings, Council Chambers City Hall, 410 Esplanade 21, 10am to 11am, Tai Chi on the L.M.S Dock — free but space is limited to 15, so call 250-2451146 to reserve your spot 21, 11am, Blood Pressure Clinic, Chemainus Seniors Drop-in Centre Society, 9824 Willow St. 21, Last Chemainus Wednesday Market for 2016, Waterwheel Park, Chemainus, 250-246-3944 22, 7pm, North Cedar Improvement District’s Draft Budget Presentation at Committee of the Whole Meeting, www.ncid.bc.ca
25, 10am to 2pm, Cedar Farmers’ Market, parking lot, Crow & Gate, www.cedarfarmersmarket.org 25, 1pm, 4pm, 7pm, Theatre One Fringe Flicks presents “The Daughter,” Avalon Cinema 25, 2pm, Early Music group Heart’s Ease presents a concert as a fundraiser for refugees, donation, Hope Lutheran Church, 2174 Departure Bay Rd, Nanaimo 26, 4:45pm, Bingo, Chemainus Seniors Drop-in Centre Society, 9824 Willow St.
23, 4:30pm, Beerfest, Cottonwood Golf Course, 1975 Haslam Rd., 250-245-5157
28, 10am to 11am, Tai Chi on the L.M.S Dock — free but space is limited to 15, so call 250-2451146 to reserve your spot
23, 7pm, Saltair Pub Entertainment — Mark Crissinger — 10519 Knight Rd., 5-minute drive from Ladysmith/Chemainus
30, Polka Dot Studio Tour, various locations in the Chemainus area (for more info, visit polkadottrail. com)
23–24, 50th high school reunion for Nanaimo Senior Secondary School (contact jwenn@shaw. ca or Facebook: NDSS CLASS 1966)
30, 7pm, Saltair Pub Entertainment — West Coast Jones — 10519 Knight Rd., 5-minute drive from Ladysmith/Chemainus
24, 10am to 2pm, the NanGo Grannies Giant Fabric Sale, Nanaimo Curling Club, 106 Wall St., www.nangogrannies.org — proceeds to the Stephen Lewis Foundation
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24, 6pm, Ladysmith Legion’s annual Seafood Dinner and Silent Auction, all welcome, bids start at 6pm, dinner at 7pm, the auction concludes at 9pm, ticket sales ($35) at office or at the lounge bar (limited numbers, so be quick) — proceeds for the Wounded Warriors and other Veteran needs
Sept 25-30 25, 9am to 3pm, North Oyster & Area Historical Society Annual Bag & Box Sale, 13467 Cedar Rd., hot dogs and pop sales — rain or shine!
1–2, Polka Dot Studio Tour, various locations in the Chemainus area (for more info, visit polkadottrail.com) 1, 7pm, Musical Art Show, Ladysmith Water Front Gallery, with guest speaker Mary Fox 1, Women’s Heart and Soul XPO and Awards, Nanaimo (above, clockwise) Sept. 10- Cedar Women’s Institute Blackberry Tea Sept. 18 – N.O.A.H.S. Giant Garage Sale Sept. 25 – Theatre One – The Daughter
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RDN Area A (Cedar, Cassidy, S. Wellington) Director Alec McPherson will return next month. alecmcpherson@ shaw.ca
CVRD Area H (North Oyster, Diamond) While many of you have been able to take time off this summer, the staff and directors of the Cowichan Valley have been very busy responding to many different issues. Numerous meetings have been held on regional and electoral area budgets and fine tuning the strategic plan. There have been workshops on many topical issues, such as risk assessment
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and the Wildland-Urban interface. Wildland-Urban interface is the main topic that I will address in this submission. Pat Hayes and Brian McIntosh provided a PowerPoint presentation that was very enlightening for those in attendance. Both of these men have more than 35 years of forestry experience. Pay Hayes is a fire management instructor and Brian McIntosh is a consultant as a Certified Fire Behaviour Specialist. Their knowledge and expertise certainly hit home. Wildland-Urban interface is where homes, structures and infrastructure, such as roads, outbuildings, water systems, BC Hydro and communication poles, meet forested or grassland areas. The Cowichan Valley has many exam-
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ples where Wildland-Urban interface exists. The Cowichan Valley has many different types of natural assets that grow in our forest and range lands, such as coniferous trees (Western redcedar, Douglas fir, hemlock and more), deciduous trees (alder and maple), grass, slash, broom, ocean spray, gorse and Garry Oak ecosystems. As you have seen, many homes in the Fort McMurray area abutted a Wildland-Urban interface. The natural environment provided the fuel for tragic fires. The presentation included data on the averages for moderate to extreme fire danger for 2005 to 2015, as well as additional data on climate and wildfires on the coast. Again, it was an eye opener. I can advise you that the CVRD’s Community Wildfire Protection Plan is currently being reviewed and updated to reflect today’s situation while we plan for the future. The “Fire Smart Homeowner’s Manual,” a very useful tool for every homeowner, is also being updated. I encourage you to acquire the manual as soon as it becomes available. The manual is also available online at http:// www.bcwildfire.ca/prevention/docs/ homeowner-firesmart.pdf. North Oyster Fire Hall Project Update The New Fire Hall Referendum proposal was turned down by taxpayers, and the project appears to have been stalled for a couple of years. I would like to update you on the issues and progress that has been made since that time. During the public process, it was apparent that most of the public who approved of the project wanted a hall that would fit today’s needs and the needs well into the future. With that in mind, the CVRD negotiated with a close neighbour for a very small amount of land that would be added to the existing site. The Agricultural Land Commission application is under review along with
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the rezoning and development permits. The pertinent subdivision application has been submitted to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure. We are currently awaiting their feedback, which may likely take several months. Because of new building codes and environmental requirements, additional studies were required. The appropriate hazardous building material survey is complete and allows for safe and informed dismantling of the old fire hall
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structure in order to make room for the new hall. All environmental studies and surveys are complete and approved with no concerns. CVRD staff have had ongoing meetings with the architect to review and finalise the building plans. We expect that by mid to late August, the quantity surveyor process will begin. Once that process is complete, we will have the information regarding costs and contract. When completed, the blueprints or construction documents will provide the specifics of the project for moving forward to obtain a final bid from appropriate contractors for construction. It is anticipated that the construction documents may be complete and ready for tender by January/February 2017. Once we have all the pertinent information, myself and CVRD staff will bring you concrete information on the project. Because we cannot pin down a definite timeline for receiving all of the required information, I cannot give you a date at this time. I will inform you once the information is complete and will set a
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date for bringing the information to you. Agricultural Land Commission Eases Rules For Hosting Events In early August, the Agricultural Land Commission announced that B.C. farmers will no longer be required to have a permit from the Commission for events, such as weddings, concerts, corn mazes and the like. However, the events must meet certain conditions. These conditions include a limit on the number of guests and the number of events. Only ten events are permitted per year. All public parking must be contained on the farm property and cannot be permanent or interfere with the farm’s agricultural productivity. The farm must be classified as having farm status under the Assessment Act and no new permanent structures can be built. Over the years, a number of safety concerns have been raised by local residents. The concerns are mainly about the number of vehicles parked on the side of the road for different events. Excited children have run across the road without looking for oncoming cars. Near misses have been reported. I believe the new regulations will address the safety issues, without impacting the farms income. The local farms that take advantage of agritourism opportunities are, in many different ways, a great benefit for the community while giving the farmers the ability to stay viable throughout the year. To ensure that the new regulations are successful in resolving community concerns, I also believe that enforcement of the regulations must be consistent, fair and carried out in a timely fashion. Only time will tell if the Province will be capable of carrying out the new mandate
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CVRD Area G (Saltair) Being an electoral director in the regional district system is sometimes misunderstood or not clear in residents minds. There are 15 directors on the Cowichan Valley Regional District board. Six of the directors are municipal: one is from Ladysmith, one from Duncan, one from Lake Cowichan and three from North Cowichan, because it has a population close to 30,000. In addition to the six municipal directors, there are nine electoral directors, who act like a municipal council. They make decisions on land use issues in the electoral areas, such as Saltair, of which only they can vote on. So at the CVRD table, I, as an electoral director, will wear three hats. One hat will look after the interests of the people of Saltair/Thetis Island, and the second hat will support the interests of the CVRD as whole. The third hat will be my conscience, considering what is good for the planet and social structures in the future, based on my knowledge and philosophy. Occasionally, these hats are in conflict with each other. We don’t live in a black and white world; sometimes it’s grey, and sometimes one hat wants white and the other hat wants black. Further complicating things is the social interactions of board members and staff members. Other board members can help me with issues in Saltair, or they can obstruct me. It’s their choice, and it’s a fact of life in all social situations. So maintaining good social relations at the board table to get things done in a proper manner is important. Representing a small area, like Saltair, sometimes can be difficult. We don’t want to get steamrolled by bigger areas, feeding their own interests and wanting us to pay. We have different priorities in Saltair than those in the bigger municipalities. And it takes a bit of educating to get them to see our point of view. Moreover, there are other jurisdictions that electoral areas have no control over, like roadways. The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure is in control of all the roadways in Saltair. I talk to, email and phone them about issues and conditions in our area, but it is really their call on what can be done. They do listen and try to help us, but they are under financial restraint as to what will be done. Emcon is the contractor that is tasked with the actual repairs. To report issues, give them a call at 250722-9494. They have a 10-year contract that will soon expire. At the present time, I am working to get better bike routes through Saltair, both along Chemainus Road and the Trans Canada Trail. We are part of the Rotary Bike Route that was set up by the South Island Rotary Clubs to promote bike touring. We want to make it safer and more popular. Another complicating factor of being a director is that the Province is continuing to trickle down issues that were in their jurisdiction to local governments. The question is, do we do their work with our money? The Riparian Area Regulations that govern development near watercourses is the provincial responsibility, and now they give it to us. Another one that has big implications is the new water 4-3-2-1 regulation, where if your water system uses surface water, you must filter it. This is very expensive. We already treat excellent water with chlorine and ultra violet light, and now they want us to filter it. The Saltair Community Society is looking for more board members. If you are interested in serving your community and doing good work, give me a call at 250-510-5431.
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Saving Seeds Successfully As a seed saver you participate in the selection process to encourage those qualities in a plant you most value. We choose flowers for beauty, colour or fragrance, and vegetable traits, such as early ripening, disease resistance, high yields, size and good flavour. Of course, it always makes sense to select seeds from the healthiest and best performing plants in the garden that will grow plants with the greatest vigour. Here are a few basics you need to know about saving seeds. Choose open-pollinated rather than hybrid seeds to guarantee that you get the same plant year after year. Hybrids result from crossing two parent plants. If you save seeds of hybrids, the plants will not come true in the next generation. The resulting plant may revert back to characteristics from one or the other of the parent plants, or display an undesirable mix of both. Species of plants that have not been hybridized grow true to the original plant.
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Determine whether plants are selfpollinating or cross-pollinating. Plants, such as tomatoes, beans, peppers, lettuce and peas, are self-pollinating. They have “perfect flowers,” which means their flowers hold both male and female parts, so they can be pollinated without the assistance of bees, insects or the wind to carry pollen. This allows the gardener to grow different varieties in closer proximity to one another without fear of them “outcrossing.” Use isolation distances to be sure accidental crossing does not occur. Different tomato varieties should be separated by a distance of six feet (30 feet if they are potato-leaf varieties). Different varieties of lettuce should be 10 feet apart. Bush beans need to be separated by 10 feet and pole beans by 30 feet. These are all self-pollinating vegetables. Many plants, such as squashes, have “imperfect flowers,” which means each plant has separate male and female flowers. Squash needs to be isolated by a quarter mile to prevent insects spreading pollen from the male flowers of one variety to the female flowers of another variety. If you’ve ever had an unidentified squash volunteer in your garden, it was the result of cross-pollination between different varieties of squash grown there the previous year. Biennial crops, such as beets, carrots and cabbages, produce their edible crop in the first year and set seed the following season. These crops need isolation distances of a quarter mile to prevent cross-pollination. Carrots will cross with
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wild carrot, Queen Anne’s Lace, if they are grown within a quarter mile of each other. Brassicas, (for example, broccoli), Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, collards, kale and kohlrabi must be separated by a quarter mile to prevent cross-pollination. Label seeds. For everything you collect identify the species and variety, record any special features and record data, such as the place and date the seeds were collected. Dry seeds thoroughly. Drying seeds thoroughly is critical before storing them in sealed containers or envelopes. The larger the seeds, the longer they need to dry. Let them dry in a warm area away from direct sunlight for two weeks. Clean seeds before storing. Remove chaff and debris by sieving seeds through screens of different-sized mesh. Winnow seeds in a light breeze to remove any tiny particles or dust. I use a hairdryer on a cold setting to do this. Tomatoes are cleaned by a wet process, where they undergo a fermentation process for a few days that eliminates seed-borne pathogens. Melons, squashes, cucumbers, cape gooseberries and tomatillos are also cleaned using water, allowing dead seeds to float to the surface and good seeds to sink to the bottom of the container. Store seeds in a cool dark area, away from fluctuations in light and moisture. The ideal temperature for storage is 55 F (13 C). Paper envelopes or airtight containers, such as yoghurt tubs, work fine for seed storage. Keeping seeds in
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an airtight, waterproof container in the fridge prolongs seed life — longer if you freeze them. Carolyn Herriot is author of “The Zero Mile Diet” and “The Zero Mile Diet Cookbook,” available at local bookstores. She grows IncrEdibles! in Yellow Point (www.incredibles.vision).
We have our own fairy tale in Ladysmith! This is a photo of Jack and the Beanstalk. Jack Maier did some research and found a place to buy caster beans. This is the one Jack planted in his backyard in the spring. Here are the results of its rapid growth and beautiful foliage. This amazing plant is still growing. Giants, watch out! Photo: Cora Maier
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Tragically gulpable My wife took one sip of Stags Hollow 2015 Vidal and exclaimed — and I mean exclaimed, that’s why we’re using capital letters — “THIS WINE IS TOTALLY GULPABLE!!!” This from my wife, an honest, experienced taster not prone to excessive hyperbole. (Unlike someone else.) Now, if my wife issues such an enthusiastic endorsement of a wine, you can take it to the bank. Although I must warn you, the last time I got caught drinking at the bank, there was serious trouble. Since with wine matters I usually value her opinion more than my own (more on this later), my ears perked up, which is not always good if you wear glasses. The wine was indeed memorable, a candidate for wine-of-the-year, in fact. Not to be out done by her enthusiasm, I straightened my mustache, stuck my nose in the glass and ranted on about creamy texture, hint of gooseberry and that kind of thing. But if the truth were known, the closest I’ve come to a gooseberry is down at the park, watching Canada Geese shoot small cylindrical pellets out their backside. Now the mystery begins, Vidal is a hardy, cold-resistant grape normally used for ice wine. It is a grape well suited for this climate. It also makes, as Larry and Linda of Stags Hollow have repeatedly proven, a dynamite dry table wine. Wine so good, in fact, that it could be B.C.’s signature wine. Yet for some mysterious reason, everyone ignores it. To my knowledge, Stags Hollow is the only winery in B.C. producing a dry Vidal. What gives? Larry and Linda call their wine “Tragically Vidal.” As they explain on the label, “Why you ask, is this lovely wine called ‘Tragically Vidal’? Overlooked by self-appointed ‘wine experts’ because it lacks noble breeding and devoured by deer and birds who think they have died and gone to heaven, this grape has had
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a hard time surviving in the Okanagan.” Here at Slightly Corked World Headquarters, we’ve been a big fan of Stags Hollow Vidal for close to 20 years. Not only have I been entrusted with the Vidal secret handshake, but I also have an official Stags Hollow Vidal t-shirt to prove it. Yes, the shirt took several direct hits in the great moth attack of 2006, and some might regard the state of patina to be rather advanced. “Terminal,” according to my wife, who won’t go to town with me if I’m wearing it. But despite these objections, it remains a fine garment. Some theorists believe the grape’s
The wine was indeed memorable, a candidate for wine-of-the-year, in fact. hoity-toity name might be the problem. British Columbians aren’t ones for putting on airs; we’re more comfortable with commonplace grape names — Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sally, to name just two. There’s also the confusion issue with Vidal Sassoon. Never an advantage when your wine has the same name as your hair colouring. (Vidal Sassoon reinvented the women’s hairstyle known as “the bob.” Not to be confused with “the bob and weave,” which was invented by Joe Frazier.) So possibly a name change might help. My choice is “The Grape Formerly Known as Vidal,” but I’m sure you all have your suggestions. That’s why I’m proposing a contest. We’ll call it Name That Grape. In fact, I’m so excited about this I’m going to donate a highly valued first place prize. The winner gets to wear my Vidal t-shirt for a whole week. Don’t worry about the holes in the armpits, nothing a needle and lots of thread won’t fix. But back to “more on that later,” the part where I implied that women are better wine tasters than men. I say this because men don’t have much of a sense of smell. In fact, by the time they reach 50, prime wine-tasting age, they’re lucky if they can smell their own flatulence … Well, okay, maybe not that lucky. Women on the other hand, have a
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highly developed sense of smell. This comes with being the primary caregiver for their children. They can walk into a gymnasium packed with screaming three-year-olds and, at 50 feet, detect a leakage in Robert Junior’s shorts. Meanwhile, in the same situation, Dad, known at family gatherings as Mr. Oblivious, scoops Bob Junior off the floor, drives him home with raw sewage oozing out of his crowded diaper and then wonders why the family canary, there for a reason, fell off its perch. A man mainly uses his nose to prevent his glasses from sliding into his mustache, whereas a woman actually uses her nose to smell. Watch women cook, anything close to an expiry date gets a sniff test. A man takes no such precautions, and, much like a Labrador puppy around an unguarded lunch bucket, anything in the fridge is fair game. This explains how you ate the neon blue gel ice pack, thinking it was a jumbo Slurpee. Simply put, men lose their ability to smell, because they are prone to blockage. The first thing to look for is an overabundance of nose hair. This can plug the opening, a leading cause for premature death in males. A recent study revealed men who harvest their nose hair on a regular basis tend to live longer. To do this, you’ll need a nose harvesting attachment, which looks like a baby weed wacker and fits on the end of your electric toothbrush. Another cause for blockage is an index finger inserted in a nostril. This can be readily observed in a doctor’s office, where men have nothing to do since the germ police have rounded up all the magazines and burnt them as, I dunno, they cause cancer? Note not only the index finger gently probing the nasal cavity, but also the ferocious look of concentration on the face of the finger’s owner. That’s because he’s engaged in an activity far more gratifying than fishing and more addictive than video games. It’s called “Trolling for Boogers,” and what it has to do with grapes in the Okanagan, I haven’t a clue. Maybe ask the old guy sitting in the corner with the tattered Vidal t-shirt. Delbert Horrocks is a co-proprietor at Mahle House Restaurant. Follow him at Slightlycorkedandmore.wordpress.com
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Cougar Close Encouters Vancouver Island has one of if not the greatest population densities of cougars in the world. Estimates run between 600 and 800, but sighting are very rare. If you ever sight a cougar, take a photograph, as the likelihood of you ever seeing another one is very small. Many hunters, who have travelled up and down the Island over many years, have never seen one, so that gives you an idea how stealthy cougars are. Even with so few sighting problems do arise. On Vancouver Island, we have up to 40 per cent of all cougar attacks in Canada and 25 per cent of the fatalities in North America. The prime food source for cougars is local deer. They usually attack the very young, the old or the sick. They will attack other prey, such as domestic animals and small pets. Fortunately, attacks on humans are rare. On average over the past 50 or so years, cougar attacks amount to just under one a year on Vancouver Island. Unfortunately, some of these attacks will occasionally result in a tragic death. Too often the victim is a child. These big cats are acting on natural instinct and will often chase anything that runs from them. They are opportunists. Cougars are naturally fearful of humans, but if the cat is weak and inexperienced, or if it no longer has its natural fear of humans, attacks can occur. Since 1978, three children have been killed by cougar attacks here on the Island, a 9-yearold and two seven-year-olds. The erratic actions of children and their high pitched voices may be mistaken by the cougar as a wounded animal. These attacks are of great concern to the public and the Conversation Officer Service, whose job is to ensure the safety of the public. When there is a conflict between a cougar and humans, their first
Home owners found a cougar relaxing in the backyard of their Malone Road home in Ladysmith. Photos: Jackie McDermid
attempt is to defuse the situation before any action is taken, such as relocation or putting down the animal. The Conservation Officer Services determine what can be done to protect the public and wherever possible save the offending animal. Protocols have been established for field officers on how to handle these conflicts, but public safety is paramount. In the case for the need to put an animal down, it is based on the actions of the animal. It basically, boils down to whether the animal has become “human habituated,” in other words no longer fearful of humans. Once these animals feel comfortable entering human occupied space, especially where humans and especially children are likely to come into conflict, action has to be taken. An example of this occurred earlier last month, when a young male cougar entered the backyard of one of the townhouses on top of Malone Road in Ladysmith. The cougar laid in the yard, rolled in the yard and sat a few feet away from the home, seemingly at ease with his surroundings and unafraid of people, even when property owner Allen McDermid tried to scare the big cat away. The cat showed no fear of people, prompting McDermid to be concerned for the safety of children playing in the surrounding yards. Eventually, the cougar moved out of the yard and up the hill towards the power lines before the conservation officer arrived. In an attempt to determine if the cat had truly left the area, Conservation Officer Stuart Bates tracked it. He discovered that the cat had not left the area and was laying in the rock bluffs
Lorne Gault points out cougar scratching tree. Photo courtesy of Rob Johnson
behind the housing complex. Shortly, Bates spotted it crouched on a bluff near him. The cat showed no fear of the large man and began to demonstrate predatory behavior towards Bates. A cougar that would allow a large man to approach within 20 feet and then show predatory behavior to that person in a residential area is deemed to be a serious threat to the safety of the public. For the safety of the public, the officer made a decision to protect the public and put the animal down. Had the cat gone back into the forests behind the town, it would have been allowed to move on into the wild, but its aggressive nature and its lack of fear of humans forced his
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action to put it down. In respect for the cougar, it was donated to local First Nations people, who used it for meat and ceremonial purpose. In short, nothing was wasted. TAKE 5’s FaceBook page exploded with comments following the cougar’s shooting. Many asked, why couldn’t it have been tranquillized and relocated? I asked that very question to the conservation officer. He explained that the tranquillizing drug takes 15 to 20 minutes to take effect, and in that time the cougar could run off. Secondly, studies have shown that relocated cougars often return in a short time to their territory and food source. What about taking them off the Island? Vancouver Island cougars are a separate subspecies, and are smaller that mainland cougars, so they can’t be taken off the Island. Another problem with relocating is the possibility that a dominate male in the new area will kill the relocated animal in order to maintain its dominance. In the rare case where the animal that has been relocated manages to stay within its new territory, there is still a possibility that it could continue its bad habits. Thereby, the problem has not been solved, but moved elsewhere. Local sportsman Dave Judson believes we may have 20 or more cougars behind Ladysmith. They regularly spot cougar scat and find “cougar scratching trees.” Cougars have always been around here, living with humans in mainly harmony. This is because cougars have a natural fear of us and avoid us. When they lose this fear there is conflict. These magnificent cats, the top of nature’s food chain, are predators. We not only put ourselves in harm’s way when we encourage them into what is now our space, but we are sending these beautiful animals to their death. Respect our cougar population, but also fear them — they are not a large version of your pussy cat. The last thing we should do is to allow them to become used to humans, because that is a death sentence for them. At least that’s as I see it. For more information on cougar awareness visit BC Conservation Office webiste or watch our Cougar Safety Tips video on how to minimize contact with cougars and what to do if you meet one. www.youtube.com/take5newstv.
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FOR RENT BASEMENT SUITE AVAILABLE October 1 . $950 includes everything, seperate entrance but share laundry. No pets phone 250-710-6767. OFFICE SPACES Ladysmith, Call 250-245-3395. WANTED LOW VISION MATURE ADULT, needs a ride to / from Nanaimo for errands and groceries once per week. Located on Yellow Point Road . Share gas cost. Contact Michael at (250) 245-9646 depodesta_michael@yahoo.ca FOR SALE 1960’s CHAINSAW, $100, 250-245-4073. INVERSION TABLE, $100, 250-245-9165. BUSINESS SPECIAL EVENTS PHOTOGRAPHY. We have years of experience from weddings, family portraits to glamour and corporate clients. Free photo book included of your images. Email for quote and portfolio: marinasacht@yahoo.ca or call 250-245-9165. KEN’S MOBILE MARINE SERVICE. Over 25 years licensed Marine Mechanic, repairing and maintaining diesel, inboard, outboard, stern drives, electrical, etc. We come to you. Call Ken 250-210-0756. BARNACLE BILL’S CHARTERS. Fishing, prawning, crabbing and sightseeing. Call 250210-0787 or 250-245-4185. CONCRETE RESULTS. Contracting, full-service forming and finishing, walls, walks, patios, drives. 35 years experience. Call Gord 250-753-4024. EXPERIENCED HOUSE SITTER. Available for winter. References avail. Prefer long stay. Kathleen 1-250-619-0786.
BEADS BEADS BEADS ETC.! 9752 Willow Street, Chemainus. Beat prices on the island. Follow us at Facebook@EtcInChemainus or call 250-324-2227. I CAN EDIT. Copy editing, proofreading, structural editing and more. Web content, books, resumes, documents, prepare eBooks. Fiction or nonfiction. For more information, email editican@gmail.com. PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS with a video or mark a special occassion with a corporate history book or video We can help you with print and online projects. Call TAKE 5 250-245-7015 for a consultation and an estimate. editor@take5.ca y or visit us at take5.ca EDUCATION SENSE OF PLACE YOUTH PROJECT Child care — BACK TO SCHOOL SPACES FILLING FAST! (Lic# KRIS-9MPPYV). 7am to 6pm, weekdays. Outdoor, arts/crafts, hiking, building, music, nature. Full-/part-time and drop-in. Subsidy welcome. www.senseofplaceyp.com, 250-6671222 or 250-618-3396. PIANO LESSONS w/LINDA SHERATON. Will teach beginner to Grade 8 in Toronto Conservatory of Music style. Rates $25 for 45 minutes or $35 for 1 hour. For more info, email sheratonlinda61@ gmail.com or call 250-327-9119. HEALTH & BEAUTY BOWEN TECHNIQUE is a gentle soft tissue remedial therapy that resets the body to heal itself. Useful for joint, back and neck pain, frozen shoulder, asthma, chronic fatigue and many other problems. Lilja Hardy, FMBAC, in practice since 1994. www.bowtech.com. For information and appointments, call 250-245-7738.
SEPT 2016
TAI CHI for mental & physical health. Beginner class starts Sept., Mondays at Cedar Heritage Centre. On-going class Wednesdays at North Oyster Community Center. Both classes 10am to noon $20/mo. www.nanaimotaichi.org. Call Sara 250-245-1466. YELLOWPOINT BODY WORKS. Book four consecutive Relaxation Massages for $50 each (reg. $65 ea.). Other treatments, Chakra balancing, exfoliating rubs and hot wax treatments. Call for appointment and brochure 250-618-8218. HOME & YARD NEW LIFE YARDWORK and PAINTING. Lawn mowing, weeding, power washing, rubbish removal, gutter cleaning. Prompt, courteous, reliable service for your home or business. Contact Terry at newlifeyardwork@gmail.com or call 250668-8383. ISLAND KING RENOS LTD. Kitchen-BathTile-Backslash-Countertops-Flooring-DrywallPaint-Siding-Fences-Decks INTERIOR and EXTERIOR. Quote by JOB not by the HOUR. www.islandkingrenos.com. Call 250-924-4924. QUALITY RENOVATIONS. Big or small. 25 yrs exp/journeyman, affordable. For free estimate, call Lars 250-616-1800. KEEP IT CLEAN SOLUTIONS. Top to bottom service. General, event, windows, we’ll even make your bed! Great for families, seniors, single parents, office cleaning, flexible service to fit your schedule. Email aliciajohnson@telus.net or call Alicia 250-709-1364. SASSA’S HOME AND GARDEN CARE. Specializing in fall & spring cleaning, inside & outside of your home or business. We use the tools & products that make the difference. Call 250-9244735 or 250-218-4735. THE HAPPY GARDENER. Weeding, digging, raking, cutting back, etc. I also do odd jobs. Cheerful and conscientious. Call David 250-6189217.
TAKE 5
ISLAND GARDEN SCAPES.CA. For all your garden needs. Booking now for fall clean up. Call/ text/email islandgardenscapes@gmail.com or 250-802-0461. HOUSECLEANER. Long-time local housecleaner has openings available for weekly, bi-weekly or monthly cleaning. Cheerful reliable service. Heidi 250-327-2546. ISLAND PRUNING. Professional tree care from large scale orchards to budding new trees. I can meet any pruning need. Shrubs, vines and ornamental. Large and small clean ups. Call Darcy Belcourt 250-323-1260. DARRELL ESSAR RENOVATIONS. Over 30 years experience, certified journeyman carpenter. No Job is too small, from fences, decks, tile work, hardwood flooring, painting, drywall, etc. For free estimate, call Darrell 250-714-3823. PETS PROFESSIONAL PET CARE SERVICE. Leash ’em & walk ’em with Marlena. Insured and bonded. Animal First Aid and CPR. Service for all pets including dog walking, home care visits, overnight with pet in your home and much more. As my love is yours! Call 250-246-3394. TOO CRAZY BIRDY HOTEL. Now four locations: Victoria, Cedar, Parksville and Comox Valley. Travel with peace of mind, parrot boarding in loving settings. Budgies to macaws. $7, $14, $18 for sml, md, lrg. www.toocrazybirdyhotel.com. Diana and Kip 250-722-2201. THE PET NANNY. Let us pamper and love your pets at your home or ours. Experience and references are available. Shanon or Bill at 250924-8809, Ladysmith. SENIORS LYNN’S SENIORS CARE HOME. High quality personalized care. Warm caring environment. Great food and snacks. Family events. Couples and pets welcomed. Ocean views, gardens. North of Ladysmith. www.lynnsseniorcare.com. Call 250-245-3391. SENIORS’ UPGRADES. Railings, ramps; interior re/ finishing, carpentry, painting, custom shelving/storage, decks, benches. Enhance your enjoyment of the home you love. Namaste Home Improvements, 250245-2751 (see display ad) RECORD your memoirs in a book, photo book or make a video. We can help you keep your memories alive and leave a lasting legacy to your family and friends. Reasonable rates, professional and respectful service. TAKE 5 offers book publishing, photography and video production for print and online projects. Call Marina Sacht at TAKE 5 250-245-7015 for more information and let’s get started. editor@take5.ca
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