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Rural
OBSERVER Celebrating Our Rural Community Lifestyle
Serving Port Renfrew Jordan River Otter Point Willis Point East Sooke Malahat Shirley
Cover Photo by Jason van der Valk of Sooke
THE GIFT OF GRATITUDE ELECTIONS MATTER
Vol. 8 Issue 5 November 2011
The Juan de Fuca Rural Publication Society Mission Statement A group of Juan de Fuca residents formed a non-profit society to launch a news and advertising publication for the Juan de Fuca Electoral Area. We provide a forum for our rural communities to share news, exchange ideas and develop a sense of community. At the same time the publication gives businesses within and outside the electoral area an opportunity to promote their products and services and reach potential customers. We also hope to make current information about the region and its services available to the many tourists who visit the area each year. Our goal is to protect, preserve and enhance rural life. The publication will rely on community members to share their interests and points of view through articles, correspondence and photographs. We welcome articles and letters reflecting the very diverse interests of our member communities and expressing all points of view. The editorial committee reserves the right to edit for brevity, accuracy, clarity and taste. Though every reasonable precaution will be made to verify the accuracy of material submitted, the editorial committee assumes no responsibility for the content of published articles. The responsibility is that of the writers. References and descriptions of products or services are provided “as is” without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. We’re online! www.ruralobserver.com If you wish to submit an article for an upcoming issue of the Rural Observer, please email it to:
NEW INT R P O FOT HERE AD
submissions@ruralobserver.com Or mail to: Juan de Fuca Rural Publication Society 6790 East Sooke Road, Sooke BC V9Z 1A6
BECOME A MEMBER or RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP! Celebrate our rural community lifestyle by helping us share stories and information about our region. Become a member of the Juan de Fuca Rural Publication Society today. Our fee structure is as follows - you may renew/join at the basic level of $10, become a “Friend” of the Rural Observer for $25, a “Supporter” for $50, or a “Lifetime Member” for only $100. We recommend the lifetime membership - you won’t need to remember to renew each year! The Rural Observer needs your support to keep it strong, viable and independent. Please make out cheques to the Juan de Fuca Rural Publication Society and mail to: J.Roots, 6790 East Sooke Rd, Sooke, BC, V9Z 1A6
Vivi Curutchet
Jo in U s
Advertising Sales Ph: (250) 642-1714 Email: advertise@ruralobserver.com
Juan de Fuca Rural Publication Society
2012 MEMBERSHIP / RENEWAL FORM
Name ____________________________________ Address _______________________________________ ______________________________________________ Phone ____________ E-mail ______________________ Are you able to help? _____________________________ Return to: JdF Rural Publication Society, 6790 East Sooke Rd, Sooke, BC, V9Z 1A6
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November 2011
ER Y E T UN TUNIT L O V POR OP
Elections Matter by Tom Eberhardt
The upcoming elections for Regional Director, Land Use Committee, APCs, Mayor, and Council members come at a pivotal point in humanity. Although things around us are changing all the time, this particular period in present day history seems more volatile, more critical, and more anticipated than ever. Recent world events are looming large in all our lives and are changing the way we think. Ideas, events, economies, personal and global philosophies all seem to be changing at a pace that we have never seen before. Or have we? (That’s another chapter for another time.)
Emergency Support Services Director for the Juan de Fuca Electoral Area Emergency Program
Right now, age old political dynasties around the world are being forced out within months by citizens tired of the injustices associated with them. Economies around the world are floundering under the G8’s “global economy”. Now the “Occupy Wall Street” movement is quickly morphing into a world revolution against greed, corporate control, and the political, environmental, and social inequality seen as the heart of what Wall Street and Stock Markets stand for.
The Juan de Fuca Emergency Program is seeking an Emergency Support Services Director (ESSD) for the Juan de Fuca Electoral Area. The ESSD leads the evacuation reception centre teams, and ensures that the ESS Program is ready to help citizens during times of major emergency and disaster. Additionally, the ESSD will be normally called out for house fires. The ESSD reports to the Juan de Fuca Emergency Program Coordinator. The position receives a nominal honorarium and anticipated hours are approximately 10 to 15 hours per month. In cases of emergency the Director receives an hourly wage.
Even though our little piece of heaven here seems miles away from all that, it’s not. The philosophy and political stature that will evolve from the representatives elected will have a role to play not only in our lives and region, but they will also be representative of our region to the ever shrinking world. We’ve all heard of the ‘trickle down’ theory that dictates, “What happens at the top eventually falls upon the lower rungs.” Well, what we are seeing these days is that it’s the lower rungs that are dictating to the top what change will happen and when. It’s called ‘People Power’ or better yet ‘Global Consciousness’! Even in our local communities the people spoke against a certain development so loudly that the top could not control the outcome. That is why, in this day and age, it is ever more important to elect officials that are able to see the bigger picture. They must be accepting of the fact that we live on a finite planet that is not able to sustain our current psychopathic economic systems that are propped up by rich political systems. Most of us want to work towards a political and economic system both regionally and globally that is just and healthy for all.
Please submit a covering letter and resume to:
George A. OBriain Juan de Fuca Emergency Management 2-6868 West Coast Road PO Box 283 Sooke, BC, V9Z 0S9 or by email to: jdfemerg@telus.net
This is no easy task, and elected officials are on the front line of it. Any elected officials today must be aware of the world as it is, and not how they want it to be. They must incorporate the will of the people into their thinking and agendas and not stride around like a prima donna, unaware and uninterested in what’s going on around them.
Deadline for submission is 30 November 2011
Some candidates refuse to accept the will of the majority and will strive to keep things the same or worst yet, try to step back in time and reverse changes that have occurred years ago. These are the candidates that will be stuck in the mud and spinning their tires uselessly as the avalanche of change simply buries them like the dinosaurs they are.
directly to candidates, e-mail them, call them, and get to know them. See where they stand on issues important to you, not them. Popularity contests and voting for the loudest voice are out. Those with an ‘act locally global conscience’ are those who will represent you and our region best.
All I would suggest is do your homework if you’re going to vote, and realize the true reasons why someone is running in an election. If a candidate is running to advance his or her own personal agenda or political gripe then beware. Ask questions
Good luck and may the best persons win! 3
November 2011
On Our Cover
X Phillips, Heather Your best choice‌. Land Use Committee, Otter Point Living Spaces for Our Grandchildren
Waves Breaking at Otter Point Photo by Jason van der Valk - www.vandervalk.ca
John Horgan
MLA Juan de Fuca
Your Rural Voice in the Legislature 800 Goldstream Ave, Victoria, V9B 2X7 250 391 2801 john.horgan.mla@leg.bc.ca www.johnhorgan.com JH-RurObs-0909.indd 1
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9/24/09 12:41:00 PM
November 2011
Readers’ FORUM An election for Regional Director in the Juan De Fuca Electoral Area will be held on November 19. The two candidates for this position are Alanda Carver and Mike Hicks. Mr. Hicks has already served one term in this position. His track record, like his campaign slogans, leaves me puzzled. During the past three years, a number of proposals for bylaws have been submitted that make little sense to me. For example: in an area with a large deer population, why would anyone want to legislate the maximum height of front fences to about 1.3 meters? Why would a development be allowed right next to East Sooke Park on a covenanted lot next to a creek? At the time, concerns were raised about the protection of well water at this site. Also, a number of large conifers are present in the adjacent park and the summers are usually very dry. Still, one proposal was halted. It involved responsibility for assessment of slope stability. At present, geotechnical engineers have much of this responsibility, and even though these professionals are highly trained, they are the target of frequent lawsuits when mistakes are made. A proposed change would have seen much of this responsibility shifted to building inspectors who, of course, are less trained. When relevant arguments were presented, the proposal was withdrawn. There were also puzzling decisions made concerning secondary suites on lots as small as one acre. One wonders who benefits from these proposed changes. The second candidate for JDF Regional Director is Alanda Carver. She admits that she has no experience in politics, but she has had much experience in working with and helping people. She is concerned with such issues as drinking water quality, and says that her decisions will be based on the concerns of all involved. She is a great believer in citizen participation in major changes.
Editor: Water safety and quality are critical to our communities in the region. I can’t understand why our elected officials are not doing anything to protect the quality of our drinking water.
Dale W. Read East Sooke
Even after our local water utility clearly delineated the negative effects of placing a septic system near Goudie Creek, our drinking water source, the CRD Committee responsible for permits and variances, did not vote against the request. Even more amazing was that our local representative to the Land Use Committee voted in favour of the permit and variance to allow the placement of this septic system. I would ask that the two candidates who are running for Regional Director and the two who are running for LUC from Shirley commit to voting against this development permit and variance. If they truly care about water safety and water quality for the people of Shirley, that is the only possible vote. We depend on a safe and protected Goudie Creek for our drinking water. If the incumbents will not make this commitment, they should lose your vote. Bobbie Metzger Shirley
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November 2011
DONT’ FORGET TO VOTE
Calendar of Events for Shirley
Voting poll location in Shirley is at the Shirley Fire Hall Saturday, November 19 - 8am to 8pm
Unless otherwise indicated, events are held at the Shirley Community Hall
All Candidates Meeting Sponsored by SEAS November 16, 2011 7:00 p.m. John Walls- 250-646-2484 Shirley Fire Department Practices held Wednesdays 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Chief Donovan Ray – 250-646-2107 Shukokai Karate for all ages Mondays, 6:30-8:00 p.m. Alida – 250-642-4631 Kundalini Yoga with Alanda Carver Tuesdays, 6:45 – 8:00 p.m. muircreek@hotmail.com Nia Dance/Movement Thursdays, 6:45-8:00 p.m. Sundays, 11 a.m. -12:15 p.m. movingmelody@gmail.com or 250-646-2995 Shirley Quilters and Crafters Thursdays 10:00 a.m.– 3:00 p.m. Electoral Area Elections November 19, 2011 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Shirley Fire Commission AGM Sunday, November 20, 2011 2:00 p.m. Xmas Lunch & Party Saturday, Dec 17, 2011 Noon – 3:00 p.m.
Waves Breaking at Muir Creek Photo by Jason van der Valk - www.vandervalk.ca
Shirley Community Association Meeting Wednesday, January 12, 2012 7:30 pm. Souper Saturday Lunch Saturday, Jan 21, 2012 Noon – 2:00 p.m. By donation Souper Saturday Lunch Saturday, Feb 18, 2012 Noon – 2:00 p.m. By donation
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November 2011
Giving Ourselves the Gift of Gratitude
up for me today in busy downtown Victoria. It’s another thing altogether to experience gratitude within the context of humanto-human relationships.
by Sarah Nakatsuka
As I settle into the early phase of my maternity leave and prepare for one of the biggest adventures of my life – parenthood - I am struck by a feeling I can barely articulate. At first it feels like overwhelm by the magnitude of what we are embarking on. Then I realize there’s not a feeling of anxiety associated with it. As I sit with it more, it is actually a feeling of fullness (and I don’t mean just physically, although that is there too!). It’s more like abundance. Gratitude. Yes that’s it.
So, as I write these few words that may be my last for sometime here in this wonderful publication that is the Rural Observer, I think about all the wonderful folks who dwell in these amazing rural communities that surround us and how blessed I feel to be in relationship with many of them. Then I think about the folks who live far away from here who have found a way, despite the odds, to stay authentically close with me, and I with them. I think about the wonderful partner I have who is entering this journey of parenthood with me. And I feel gratitude.
And I remember a conversation we had last weekend with our doula when she was giving us some tips on how to induce labour, should we need to. She mentioned something quite beautiful – that the genuine feeling of gratitude stimulates oxytocin. For those who aren’t familiar with this wonderful hormone, oxytocin’s biggest claim to fame is the stimulation of labour, but it is also responsible for all kinds of other good things like the ability to maintain healthy relationships, intimate connection, and feeling a secure sense of bonding. It is often referred to as the “cuddle hormone”, or “love hormone”. In essence, it is a hormone that makes us feel deliciously held, loved and accepted. It’s a hormone that, if we are alive and mammalian, we all most certainly want to encourage.
And I leave each of you with the encouragement to become aware of those precious moments that can often pass us by when we are in connection with another. Those moments of feeling our hearts expand, even for a brief moment in relationships. And while it is possible to produce oxytocin from the gratitude we feel in the presence of strangers, the research suggests that the greater impact is when we are aware of our closeness with those who really matter to us. And to make things more interesting, although oxytocin is produced when others express their gratitude toward us, it seems greater levels are produced when we ourselves express genuine gratitude to others.
I’m sure this isn’t the first time you’ve heard that practising gratitude is a good idea (I’ve even referred to it in previous articles). But what I’m particularly fascinated by currently is how researchers like Dr. Rebecca Turner are finding a close link between oxytocin and the emotions that govern human relationships. What this indicates is that there is a higher likelihood that we will produce that warm and fuzzy hormone if our emotional state includes a sense of connection to others. It’s one thing to be grateful for the parking spot that opened
And so, as we head into these cold months, I can’t imagine a better time to be turning our focus toward recognizing the blessings that exist in contact with another. It’s such a simple concept, but the experience of it for me, if I really tune into it, makes my heart feel massive and expansive. The proof is there – it’s not only a gift to others when we share what we are thankful for. It’s truly a gift to ourselves: emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually. Sarah Nakatsuka is a Psychotherapist, Interfaith Officiant, & founder of THIS VIBRANT LIFE Centre for Sacred Living on Vancouver Island. For more information, please visit www. thisvibrantlife.ca
THIS VIBRA N T L IF E Connect. Grow. Thrive.
East Sooke Counselling
FREE PHONE CONSULTATION
Vibrant Ceremonies Vibrant Seeds
250-642-4074 Sarah Nakatsuka BA, RPC Registered Professional Counsellor Interfaith Officiant
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www.thisvibrantlife.ca November 2011
A Community Wears Its Heart On Its Sleeve – The Kay Lovett Benefit by Trinita Waller, Photos by Norene Schmuck
“We had over 130 donations and the total was well over $20,000 for Kay,” said Norene Schmuck. She oversaw the donations at the October 28 event that brought together artists, family and supporters of East Sooke artist Kay Lovett. All the funds raised are helping to offset the costs of Lovett’s ovarian cancer treatments. Schmuck and all of the organizers were amazed at the caliber of artwork and goods and services that were donated. It was a true testament to community spirit. The event was held in the Sooke Prestige Hotel. While there was no dress theme, guests were encouraged to wear hats. “It was nice to see so many people with hats on,” said Lovett who was overwhelmed with the support that she was receiving. One of the high lights of the evening was the live art auction. Eric Charman was the auctioneer. Mr. Charman has done hundreds of fundraising auctions and was impressed by the fact that the proceeds of the whole event were going towards an artist. “It was a true spirited community event,” said Charman. “Artists, who are so often asked to donate, were
Geri Grant cuts a lock of Annie Boquist’s hair! Annie was the winner of the “Lovett & Shave it competition and she raised $2000 and donated her hair for wigs.
finally on the receiving end of this fundraiser,” said Bev Petow, friend and artist who wore many hats for the event. The guests enjoyed the music of Patrick & Patricia De Gabrielle of Celtic Reflections. Guitar players, Garnet Betts of HYPERLINK “http://www.district.metchosin.bc.ca/”Metchosin & Conor Elmes of Sooke played their own music for the crowd of over 200 people. The organizers felt event they named “FUNrai$er 4 K” was a huge success for Kay’s cancer journey. “Many people donated their time, expertise and love to put the evening together,” said Trinita Waller, event coordinator. To see more of Kay’s work go to her website. www. lovettpictures.com/kay.
Doug Read Licensed Realtor 25 years experience~17 years *Selling* in *East Sooke* Benefit from my LOCAL EXPERIENCE and LOCAL SERVICE. Doug Read Pemberton Holmes Real Estate 250-361-7939 or 250-642-2705 or toll free 1-866-536-7169 email: info@dougread.com web site: www.dougread.com
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November 2011
The auction crowd with Cheryl Taves work in the right foreground.
East Sooke Community Calendar East Sooke Volunteer Fire Department Fire Practices Thursdays 7:00 p.m. New Volunteers Welcome Chief Roger Beck 250 642-4411 East Sooke Fire Protection And Emergency Services Commission Meets third Mondays 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Chair Erik Lund 250 642-4411 Yoga Classes East Sooke Fire Hall training room Wednesdays & Fridays 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. For Info: 250 891-1788
BETTER LAND USE DECISIONS
Karate Classes For All Ages East Sooke Fire Hall training room 1397 Coppermine Rd. Tuesdays 7:00 pm Instructor: Armin Sielopp 250 642-3926
KaraMiddleton.ca
“And the day came when the risk it took to remain tight inside the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom” Anais Nin
Get your bouquet any time
Vivi’s flowers & ducks
Volunteer and Show Your Care
250 642-1714 lacuruch@yahoo.com 9
November 2011
Mike Hicks - Candidate for JdF Regional Director District of Sooke had annexed Grouse Nest, the Silver Spray Development was still dividing East Sooke, Port Renfrew’s fire truck was parked outside in the sea mist, and, in my view, the Juan de Fuca Electoral Area was a mess.
How time flies! Three years ago I asked Juan de Fuca residents for the honour of representing them at the CRD Board table and working in the role of Regional Director. Today after thousands of emails and hundreds of meetings, I am asking for one more term to finish the work I started. When I first became Regional Director, the BC Landowners were at war with the CRD, Western Forest Products were in court with the CRD, the BC Government had released thousands of hectares of land from the Tree Farm Licence into the JDF without consultation or zoning and our land use decision making process was in chaos. JDF planning staff was turning over regularly, Metchosin was entertaining amalgamation with East Sooke, the
In the last three years, we have tackled all issues, have the same planner, June Klassen, that we started with, and have managed to work within our frugal budget keeping tax increases to one of the lowest on Vancouver Island. We zoned and wrote an OCP for all lands released from the TFL by the government and the thousands of hectares of JDF resource lands. We strengthened our APC commissions and LUC committee and are 100% up to date with development applications, variances and day to day land use matters for our JDF constituents. We are now sharing the costs of crossing guards with Sooke for the three elementary schools that teach JDF children, Port Renfrew has a new fire hall to cover their new fire truck, Metchosin has abandoned amalgamation with East Sooke for the indefinite future, Shirley has high speed internet, Otter Point has a beautiful new park, and residents may now house their extended family in suites detached from their home. We have encouraged the development of an industrial park in Otter Point, the recreational cottage development in Port Renfrew, and the Circle Route with our web site www. pacificmarinecircleroute.com . In my job
on the CRD Parks and CRD Regional Water, I instigated the purchase of Sand Cut Beach to the Jordon River, part of an 18 million dollar purchase of Western Forest Products Lands. In addition, I convinced my colleagues to release water from Thetis Lake to save the Craigflower Creek Coho smolts and also to release water into Charters Creek for the Coho smolts and demonstration hatchery. The huge issues that were tearing apart the Juan de Fuca are over. Our tax base is slowly growing, our spending is tight, our staff is stable and we can now tackle the smaller but important issues facing our community. The job of Regional Director involves defining the issues, working with staff to find solutions, convincing the CRD Board to adopt the solutions and to finally implementing the solutions. The last three years has given me the experience to understand the system and develop relationships which result in relatively quick decision making on issues and problems arising in the community. I will continue to be available 16 hours a day, 7 days a week and hope you will consider me for another term. There are many changes in progress and I hope you will allow me to use my past three years of experience to quickly bring them about. I would be honoured to be your representative.
New! Organic Hair Coloring and Beam Teeth Whitening
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November 2011
Alanda Carver - Candidate for JdF Regional Director
I am a 25-year resident of the Juan de Fuca Electoral Area. I entered this election because I am committed to democracy and to making my community a better home for everyone. Although new to politics, I have a long history of community volunteering; I work hard for community interests rather than special interests. I live in the Electoral Area, but have no personal stake in land development. I am moderate, accessible, fair-minded and inclusive. Local government is where citizens act most directly in the decision making process. The JDF is an unincorporated area so all of our land use and planning decisions go through a process of local advisory commissions, with final decisions being made by Land Use Committee A of the CRD. LUC A is comprised of representatives from Sooke, Langford, Colwood and Metchosin, plus our Regional Director. Currently not one of these individuals lives full time in the Electoral Area. We have very little say in our actual governance.
The biggest issue affecting the flavour of our neighbourhoods is land use planning and zoning. Good planning is a necessity for good community. For example, we’re facing many issues around water. Each area has particular challenges but the overall concern centres on whether we will have adequate supply and quality of drinking water as the region grows. Much of our community receives its water from local water systems and wells; good planning is what keeps your neighbour’s septic system a suitable distance from your water source. Currently Official Community Plans for each community are, or will be, revised and zoning is being changed. Decisions on zoning will impact community water sources. The community needs a clear way to voice its approval or disapproval of any changes. I believe that better local governance is directly related to broader community input into the process. A single common democratic solution could empower our community. I believe each local community has a right to selfdetermination and that all members of a community deserve to be heard and respected. To this end I am committed to revitalizing local commissions and committees and holding town hall meetings in each community, and will work with all people to create the kind of communities that work for them. I will also investigate the possibility of local OCPs being voted on through a community process prior to going to LUC A. In this way voters will have a say in ensuring that their respective OCPs truly represent their aspirations for their community.
Juan de Fuca Electoral Area Parks and Recreation Commission
I support the Regional Growth Strategy, and would be an enthusiastic participant in regional discussions as this document is reviewed and rewritten to become the “Regional Sustainability Strategy”. I want to ensure that the philosophy of containing growth within settlement areas, sustainability in land use planning and protection for the environment is not lost. We are an area that values rural living, active lifestyles and environmental conservation. We support the development of a thriving, sustainable local economy built around eco-tourism, environmentally friendly industry, agriculture, forestry, fisheries, creative ventures and home based businesses. The people of the Juan de Fuca Electoral Area deserve to be represented by someone who can act in their best interest without bias. Decisions made by government impact us all. Electoral Area decisions have the most direct impact on where we live, the water we drink, how we move, where we work and how we relax. These decisions are important. Every citizen’s voice should be heard. The time is right for change - and self determination for our communities represents REAL change.
Christine Hopkins - Registered Aromatherapist Aromatherapy Massage * Seaweed Soaks Consultations & Workshops Honestly Tea - Organic & Fair Trade Top quality Black, Oolong, Green, White, Rooibos, and Herbal teas sourced from reputable International producers. email: fromthegarden@telus.net www.fromthegarden.net www.honestlytea.net
The Commission meets on the fourth Tuesday of every month at 5pm, Juan de Fuca Electoral Area Office, #2 – 6868 West Coast Road Public Welcome to Attend For more information, visit www.crd.bc.ca/jdf/parks. For meeting confirmation or enquiries, please call 250.642.1500.
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November 2011
Kinder Morgan: Under the radar? by Celine Trojand
BC local governments say, ‘whoa there cowboy’ to Kinder Morgan pipeline and oil tanker expansion plans through Juan de Fuca Strait. Late one afternoon near the end of September during the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) conference in Vancouver, I watched Victoria City Councillor Philippe Lucas step up to the microphone. He was bringing a special emergency resolution to the floor for a vote. It was the culmination of weeks of hard work by many municipal leaders such as Mayor Derek Corrigan and Burnaby city council and Mayor Dean Fortin and Victoria councillors Lynn Hunter and Chris Coleman. Councillor Lucas heaved a sigh of relief when the resolution passed by an overwhelming majority, which I’m sure he shared with those who had worked so hard to communicate the urgency of the issue to other delegates. The resolution, “LR6, Oil Tankers and Pipelines in BC”, was co-sponsored by the city councils of Victoria and Burnaby. It shines a light on a pressing though under-reported concern that could affect millions of British Columbians: the planned expansion of oil tanker traffic through the waters of the Lower Mainland and southern Vancouver Island. The UBCM conference is like a local government Annual General Meeting, Christmas party and staff retreat all rolled into one week of non-stop action. It’s where our local municipal representatives get together and make decisions on province-wide issues and demand the attention of the provincial government. I showed up this year specifically to talk with representatives about my concerns regarding oil tankers and the planned Kinder Morgan pipeline expansion.
Pharmacy service the way it is meant to be…..over 20 years of service in the communities of Sooke, East Sooke, Otter Point, Jordan River, Shirley, and Port Renfrew, ( and even for our customers who have moved to Victoria and still use our service ). Pharmacy practice to benefit the needs of OUR community and more importantly….. with PEOPLE in mind. Talk to our pharmacy staff about how we can confidentially transfer your prescriptions to our location.
Oil tanker traffic out of the Westridge terminal in Burnaby has increased from 22 tankers a year in 2005 to 71 in 2010. That’s a whopping 322% increase! These tankers fill up with oil sands crude from Kinder Morgan’s existing Trans Mountain pipeline and then ply some of the busiest waters in BC from Burnaby through the Burrard Inlet, English Bay, Georgia Strait, Haro Strait and then down Juan de Fuca Strait. If there were an oil spill, millions of people in the most populous communities in BC along the southern coast would be affected. Residents of Vancouver, Delta, the Southern Gulf Islands, Sooke to Port Renfrew, Victoria, and others could all find crude oil washing up on their shores. Kinder Morgan has plans to further expand the size and frequency of oil shipments by 405% by 2016. That’s 288 super tankers a year! The planning for this expansion is going on largely below the radar of most British Columbians. So far, there has been no active public consultation or solicitation of local government input. This is because Kinder Morgan’s expansions have been pursued incrementally and so haven’t triggered a thorough review process.
PEOPLES DRUG MART
Helping people live better lives
642-2226
Ron Kumar Pharmacist/Owner
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November 2011
Once alerted to this sneaky expansion strategy, Victoria and Burnaby city councillors immediately went to work to co-sponsor and submit their emergency resolution, in which they demanded that the National Energy Board and Port Metro Vancouver ensure that any future applications undergo “the highest degree of environmental assessment and meaningful public consultation, including direct engagement with affected municipalities, regional authorities and BC First Nations.” I managed to catch-up with councillor Lucas shortly after the conference and debrief with him about the resolution. “We managed to pull LR6 and make a strong argument and I think what we did was stand up for the rights of residents and municipalities. We cannot be left out of the consultative process” he told me. Lucas’ experience at the UBCM conference gives him hope, “I always find that municipal politicians are far more progressive on environmental and social issues than at provincial or federal levels. We’re closer to the ground and more in contact with the general population.”
If issues like the expansion of oil tankers, regional land-use, and watershed management in BC are important to you, start at home and elect champions on those issues. Find out who your candidates are and ask them tough questions. It’s time local communities organized and asserted their rights alongside First Nations governments to determine how our shared land, water, air and resources are used or protected.
My experience at the UBCM conference underscored how important mayors, councillors and regional directors are when it comes to big issues that matter most to British Columbians. And guess what? We’re moving into BC’s municipal election season! If we want to build healthy resilient communities we need to start at home by electing smart and bold leaders. Lucas reminded me that at the UBCM it’s us, the voters, who determine the political outcomes: “motions appear [at the UBCM] because the people of BC say that these things matter.”
Dedicated to Preserving and Protecting since 2003
WINTER FUNDRAISING DRIVE
DONATE NOW for the matching campaign.
For every dollar donated between now and December 15, a generous supporter of the Society will match the contribution. Please help us preserve this important part of West Coast heritage.
Go to our website: www.sheringhamlighthouse.org and click on “DONATE NOW”.
WWW.SHERINGHAMLIGHTHOUSE.ORG 13
November 2011
Commemorative Planting by Bonnie Coulter
Welcomes New Members for Their Autumn Season Male Voices are Especially Welcome We rehearse in Sooke on Thursday evenings Call 250 642 7966 for more information"
numa farms nursery Living Christmas Trees Cute Conifers, Bright Berries!
CLOSED DEC 23 - JAN 29 Merry Christmas and thanks to everyone for making this such a wonderful year. All the best in 2012!
This fall my garden to do list includes an unexpected addition brought about by loss. My fondest desire to own a piece of ground to garden has, for most part, been fostered by my Mom. This October she passed away quietly and peacefully even though we wanted her to stay just a little longer. Like a lot of moms, mine always kept a well stocked flower garden reminiscent of her English roots. Love of garden was our common ground. So it is fitting that I’ve gone on the hunt for the perfect plant that will commemorate her in spirit and be featured prominently in my garden. It has to be diminutive in size like her (shrubby), long lived, elegant enough for formal occasions (flowering) yet durable enough for the rigors of everyday living (evergreen and drought tolerant), shunning of the limelight (shade tolerant), possess uncommon beauty and never be boring. To that end I settled on the highly distinctive variegated Rhododendron Ponticum Variegatum, which has creamy white edges on its dark green leaves and masses of pale lilac flowers, an absolute marvel in spring that I will cherish when it blooms right around her birthday.
wedding specialists gift items floral art
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our own unique floral bouquets
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Open Mon to Sat 8:30 – 5:00pm • Closed Sunday 3459 Luxton Road, Langford • Tel: 250-474-6005 • numafarms@shaw.ca
As for the rest of my fall chores the list is rather long but here are some we all need to think of: 1. Clean up of fall leaves, especially the wet heavy maple leaves that can crush smaller plants. However do consider leaving small leaves that can assist mulching and feeding. There is evidence that the Japanese maples benefit from their own leaves left under them for the winter. 2. Clean out under Rhodos as insurance against disease. 3. Hill up the ground around the roses to protect the crown after you have stripped off all the leaves and apply fungicide one last time. Leave the pruning until spring if you haven’t already done it as they won‘t have time to callous over before frost. 14 November 2011
Rural RECIPE
4. Water any shrubs or perennials that are close to the house or under the eaves and don’t get the benefit of rain. 5. Do a final weeding, making sure to get any seed pods of ornamental sedges and grasses. They can form mats of seedlings in the spring.
Honey and Apple Cornbread by Robin Jackson, Sooke Harbour House
6. Plant winter pansies, hellebores or skimmia in your planters and window boxes for winter colour. Plant out daffodil and tulip bulbs ASAP
Serves: 12 people with plenty to spare
7. Store away any geraniums, fuchsias, Canna lily, brugmansia (angel trumpets or datura) in a frost free, dark place.
2 cups cornmeal 2 cups flour 2 Tbsp baking powder 2 tsp salt 6 Tbsp sugar 2 Granny Smith (or other Green Apples) minced or chopped into a small dice 2 Tbsp honey 6 eggs 1 cup melted butter 20 ounces of milk
8. Dahlias should be lifted, cleaned and dried before being stored in a frost free spot as well. Lots of gardeners leave them in the ground but I caution that this only works if they are in fast draining soil. 9. Prune summer-bearing raspberry bushes by cutting to the ground second year canes that produced fruit this summer. Those canes are stiff and grayishbrown in color; they are often peeling near the base. The new green canes will be fruiting next summer.
Combine all dry ingredients. Wash, peel and dice apples. Combine the honey with eggs, milk and melted butter.
10. Cut back your strawberries and mulch them well. Check with your local authorities if you wish to plant a commemorative tree as many parks, public gardens and government bodies accept donations of trees for dedications.
Mix the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients and pour into an 11x16 baking pan or in muffin cups. Sprinkle the apple over the top of the batter before baking. Bake at 350F for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
Randall Garrison, MP ESQUIMALT–JUAN DE FUCA Constituency office is now open to serve constituents: address: hours: phone: email:
A2–100 Aldersmith Pl, Victoria V9A 7M8 10am–4pm, Monday–Thursday or by appointment 250-405-6550 fax: 250-405-6554 Randall.Garrison@parl.gc.ca
We are here to assist constituents with Federal government programs and services.
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November 2011
Proven Common Sense Representation Fair, Strong, Experienced
Re-Elect Mike Hicks
Regional Director Juan de Fuca Electoral Area www.mikehicks.ca
Saturday November 19 16
November 2011
Barred Owls’ Sooty Journey: A Wild ARC Success Story by This recovery tale needs a whole page! Barred Owl came to Wild ARC on January 14th after she was found perched on a dining room chair in a house in Oak Bay. The finders thought she had come in through the chimney. Upon examination Barred had soot on most of her secondary feathers and her primary feathers were singed. Her head, including her eyes, ears and nares (nose) and her feet were also contaminated with soot. She had burn wounds on her elbows and wrists and all of her talons had been worn blunt likely from trying to escape from the chimney chute. Barred Owls’ wounds were cleaned and treated every day and her nares were wiped out with Q-tips regularly. She ate well after the first night in care and by the end of her first week at the centre she was bright and alert, her wounds had begun healing and she was showing strength with her flight. Barred Owls’ tail feathers had all been broken and had to be cut at the center so she needed to go through a molting process before she would be releasable. Owls generally molt their feathers once a year. MARS had the available space and other owls for Barred to stay with so she was transferred to their facility in Courtenay on February 11th with Susan Bedwell where she spent the spring and summer eating and flying well and growing in a new set of feathers. On August 5th, Barred returned to Wild ARC with a new set of beautiful feathers. Her talons were still worn down and needed to be sharpened and her feet were a bit soft but her lesions and wounds had healed. She needed to stay at the centre for another month to ensure that she was completely healed and ready to be returned to her natural habitat. On September 9th, Barred was released back to the same area where she was found, almost 10 months after she first came into care.
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This picture was taken by rehabber Melanie Gordon at her release.
November 2011
From the desk of John Horgan, MLA Juan de Fuca Get your Vote out! It seems that three years have gone by in a blink of an eye. During this time we’ve seen more than our share of contentious issues come and go in Juan de Fuca. Many of which were resolved by our local mayors, councillors, electoral area director and school board trustees. Their decisions on such things as bylaws and taxation, school budgets, sewage treatment and local development have a significant impact on the quality of our day to day lives, now and into the future. That’s why I’m so troubled with the disturbing trend occurring in BC and, in fact all across our great country. The number of eligible voters who cast their ballots has been on a steady decline over the last few decades. In the recent federal election, voter turnout was at 61% and only 51% of registered voters cast a ballot in the 2009 provincial election. In the last municipal election, a scant 26% of eligible voters participated in choosing their local municipal officials, despite the electorate knowing the importance of these positions.
But could things possibly be on an upward swing? This past year we witnessed true democracy in action in BC. After a petition drive that saw 700,000 British Columbians stating their wish to go to a referendum over the HST debacle, a vote was held and the HST was abolished. This was an unprecedented show of democracy in our Province. Regular people sending a message to our government that we matter. Our opinion should be sought and our views considered, young and old alike. We are also seeing it in action across the globe – in Libya, Syria, Egypt. And now groups of ordinary citizens are starting to occupy city spaces stating they will no longer tolerate the greed and corruption of the so called elite. Even the demographic with the lowest voter participation rate - our youth voters – are realizing they have the biggest stake in our democracy. They will inherit our fortunes, but will have to fix our mistakes and they know their vote counts. The recent federal election saw a record number of young people elected to Parliament. I for one was delighted to see the youth wave take Ottawa by storm - a trend we should encourage at every level. Dialogue and engagement are the essence of democracy and our youth need to feel comfortable enough to speak out and to offer themselves for public life. Experience is gained, not given. In our own backyard the Juan de Fuca Trail public hearings were a case study in public involvement. Agree or disagree, the process was open, transparent and available to anyone wishing to offer an opinion. Even visitors from foreign lands were asked to give a view and they were heard. Not every issue generates such widespread involvement. Not every topic of debate warrants days of public hearings. But that we were able to gather peacefully and give voice to our opinions is a blessing many millions go without. I’m hopeful the current wave of democracy - locally, nationally and internationally - will encourage us to buck the voter apathy trend and put us back on the right track. A civil society is dependent on participation, not just by candidates at election time, but by citizens every day of the year. We rarely agree on everything when it comes to politics. For me, elections and public service is not about agreeing as much as it is about finding the best way through very difficult decisions. On November 11th we will take time to remember those who fought for our country, who sacrificed to ensure our freedom and the right to freely and equally elect our government. I urge you to honour them and participate in the upcoming municipal elections. Take the time to research your local candidates, attend all candidates meetings, and engage your voice on how you want your community to be governed. Exercise your right to vote on November 19th, and exercise your right to make your choice matter. John.Horgan.MLA@Leg.bc.ca 250-391-2801
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November 2011
The Rural Observer’s publication If you would like to submit an article or photograph please send to submissions@ruralobserver.com. Enquiries are welcomed by our editorial staff, so if you have an idea for a story or a photograph of high quality and resolution that you think would work on our cover, please call 250 646-2528.
A Sea of Bloom Floral Designs p.14 250-642-3952 Alanda Carver Campaign p.20 250-642Alice McLean Pottery p.17 250-642-3522 Custom Digging p.12 250-413-7685 Deb’s Barbershop p.10 250-391-7566 Doug Read - Pemberton Holmes Realty p.8 250-642-2705 East Sooke Counselling p.7 250-642-4074 East Sooke Fire Protection Commission p.9 250-642-4411 EKOOS Vocal Ensemble p.14 250-544-0528 Felix Irwin - Chartered Accountant p.5 250-642-5277 Fotoprint p.2 250-382-8218 From the Garden... at French Beach p.11 250-646-2177 Hallway Farm p.9 250-413-7321 Heather Phillips Campaign p.4 Hugh Gregory Fine Painting p.10 250-480-8295 James Craven & Associates p.17 250-744-9455 JdF Emergency Program pp. 3,12 250-642-2266 JdF Ground Search and Rescue p.18 250-642-1085 JdF Parks & Recreation Commission p.11 250-642-1500 John Horgan - Juan de Fuca MLA p.4 250-391-2801 Juan de Fuca Veterinary Clinic p.17 250-478-0422
Pacific Rim Dental p.15 250-478-4114 People’s Drug Mart p.12
250-642-2226
Race Rocks Automotive p.4
250-478-1920
Randall Garrison, MP p.15 250-405-6550 Rural Observer - Advertising pp.2,19 250-642-1714 Sarah Richer Yoga p.8 Sheringham Point Lighthouse Pres. Soc. p.13 250-646-2528 Sooke Arts & Crafts Christmas Fair p.7 Sooke Harbour House p.5 250-642-3421 Tale of the Whale p.17 250-642-6161 Victoria Alarm Service p.13 250-721-0266 Walk, Sit & Stay - Dog Walking p.8 250-642-0458 Westside InstaPrint p.10 250-478-5533 Worklink p.15 250-642-3685 Wren House p.9 250-642-0874
Kara Middleton Campaign p.9 Kimmel Massage Therapist p.6 250-646-2865
CONTRIBUTE TO THE RURAL OBSERVER
Markus’ Wharfside Restaurant p.7 250-642-3596 Mike Hicks Campaign p.16
250-642-6310
If you have an activity of a rural nature in the Juan de Fuca area that you would like covered, please send it to us. We cannot promise to print every article, but we try to, if and when space allows! Any thoughts or questions, please email us! submissions@ruralobserver.com
Mosaic West Consulting Services p. 15 250-642-0399 Noella LeDrew, Graphic & Web Design pp.2,19 250-889-4100 Numa Farms p.14 250-474-6005 Otter Point Electric p.4 250-588-4324
Vivi Curutchet
Advertising Sales Ph: (250) 642-1714 Email: advertise@ruralobserver.com
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November 2011
“I support...” Community Initiative Local Business & Agriculture Green Manufacturing Sustainable Communities Keeping Taxes Low
“I will provide...” Strong, Capable Leadership
It’s the right time. It’s the right choice. On Nov. 19 elect Alanda Carver for Regional Director. AlandaCarver.com 20
November 2011