Issue2012 05

Cover Photo by Rosemary Jorna of Otter Point

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Rural

OBSERVER Celebrating Our Rural Community Lifestyle

Serving Port Renfrew Jordan River Otter Point Willis Point East Sooke Malahat Shirley

Living on Shaky Ground Make Room for Stinging Nettles Farmer2Farmer Network

Vol. 9 Issue 2 May 2012

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:

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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 $20, become 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

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Return to: JdF Rural Publication Society, 6790 East Sooke Rd, Sooke, BC, V9Z 1A6

2

May 2012

Butterflies and Stinging Nettles

On Our Cover

by Rosemary Jorna

before it sheds its final skin revealing the pupa/chrysalis.

This rigid case already shows the outline of the butterfly though it will be days or weeks before the caterpillar’s tissues will have reformed into the wings Photo of Anglewing Butterfly by Rosemary Jorna and body of the adult. An amazing transformation is taking place. An adult will emerge ready to fly, sip fluids, mate and start the cycle over again. This cycle can be repeated once or a few times producing several generations each year depending on the species of butterfly and its geographic location.

The following information is for life cycles of butterflies living in the Capital Regional District below the snowy San Juan Ridge.

Satyr Anglewings are one species in a closely related group of very similar looking Anglewing butterflies. Their brilliant orange and dark chocolate colours might even be seen on a sunny January day if they have emerged for a mid-winter snack of tree sap. When they close their wings they vanish. Except for a distinct white comma which gives the butterfly the alternate name of Satyr Comma, their under wings are patterned like the bark they rest on. Most of the winter they stay tucked away in a fold of that bark or in a pile of brush. Satyr Anglewings wake up and fly in earnest as the days lengthen in March. When the stinging nettles are growing well in April, they are ready to lay minute eggs, one at a time, on the nettle leaves.

This is a plea for making room for stinging nettles, Urtica dioica, in your garden. They can provide a source of protein, minerals and vitamins early in the spring before most other plants are up, and can be substituted for spinach in any recipe. As they mature, getting tougher, they can provide a source of fibre for clothing and netting. Currently nettle cloth is enjoying a run among high fashion designers in Europe. My plea, though, is for stinging nettles as a food plant for four of our most beautiful insects: the Satyr Anglewing, Polygonia satyrus; Milbert’s Tortoiseshell, Aglais milberti; West Coast Lady, Vanessa annabella; and Red Admiral, Vanessa atalanta butterflies.

Nothing lives without the correct diet, and these four butterflies are very picky eaters. Their ‘children’ choose to eat stinging nettles. No stinging nettles, no butterflies.

Butterflies have complex life cycles going through four distinct phases; egg, larva- caterpillar, pupa-chrysalis and adultbutterfly. Insects have rigid exoskeletons, and the caterpillar is no exception. Its skin is like an empty plastic shopping bag and does not stretch. When the skin is full the caterpillar has to make a bigger one. When the caterpillar has grown a newer, larger skin beneath, it becomes quiet, lethargic for hours as the old skin separates from the skin underneath. Then, with a burst of visible activity, it shimmies out, leaving the old skin in a small bundle behind.

At each of these instars the caterpillar can change its appearance and colour, making identification tricky. This happens 4 or 5 times before the caterpillar pupates. When the caterpillar is ready to pupate it spins a small silk pad and anchors itself, assumes a J shape and hangs semi-curled, looking dead, for a couple of days

A week to ten days later the caterpillar emerges, eats its eggshell and makes its way around the prickles of the nettle to begin feeding. When the Satyr caterpillar is maturing it becomes an attractive meal for wasps, flies, birds and rodents, so it cuts continued on page 4 3

May 2012

Farming Community, Growing Community

and folds the nettle leaf binding it with silk to form a shelter to offer some protection from life’s hazards. Although the caterpillar creates a shelter it chooses to pupate in the open, leaving the chrysalis hanging on a nettle for the fourteen days needed to complete transformation to butterfly. The first generation emerges to enjoy a few weeks of life before mating and laying eggs for a second generation with Satyr Anglewing adults emerging in July and August. The second generation will live for 8 or 9 months, fly through the fall, hibernate and winter over to mate in the spring starting the cycle over again.

Satyr Anglewings like to remain close to the area where they emerged. If you are privileged to have them on your property you should be seeing their children and grand children next year.

by Erika Rolston, Farmer2Farmer Network Coordinator

Sooke Food CHI (Sooke Region Food Community Health Initiative Society) is probably best known for the very popular Sunriver Community and Allotment Garden, the annual Farm and Food Garden Tour and the enormously successful Seedy Saturday events at the Sooke Community Hall.

In the last few years, strange weather patterns have been hard on the Capital Regional District’s butterflies. Victoria’s naturalists have kept one of the longest and most consistent butterfly counts in North America. Unfortunately, for 2011 “the final result was the lowest final tally ever” (p 8 March April 2012 Vol. 68.5 the Victoria Naturalist). More information on the other leaf tiers, Milbert’s Tortoise shell, Red Admiral and West Coast Lady in future issues. We cannot control many of the conditions affecting the decline in butterfly populations, but simply providing stinging nettles will increase their numbers.

Rosemary has successfully raised Cercropia Moths, Monarch, Red Admiral, Compton’s Tortoiseshell, and Satyr Anglewing butterflies.

Natasha and Diego are part of the emerging farmer community

Sooke Food CHI is also a strong voice for local food – food that is grown locally, sold locally and eaten locally. In fact, this is what people, particularly those in government, mean when they speak about things like “local food systems” and “food security”; the concept that all people in the community, at all times, have access to nutritious, safe, personally acceptable and culturally appropriate foods, produced in ways that are environmentally sound and socially just.

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 Ph: 250-646-2425 www.fromthegarden.net www.honestlytea.net

One thing is for certain: no farmers, no food.

The Farmer 2 Farmer Network, proposed by Food CHI and supported by the Juan de Fuca Economic Development Commission, is intended to help strengthen the farming community of the Sooke region.

Farmer2Farmer seeks to cultivate a strong network of farmers in the area by strengthening communication, cooperation and marketing systems. F2F provides opportunities for shared learning and cooperative resource use among existing farmers and to extend these opportunities to emerging farmers in the region.

Historically, as the owners of family farms aged, the succession was clear: the children would take over the farm. This is no longer the case, and currently many farmers getting out of the business have nobody to take over for them. One mid-term result of this is reduced farm production, and as production decreases, farm produce markets look elsewhere for their purchases.

A longer term result is reduced access to farmable land.

This comes from retiring farmers looking to sell the property that they can no longer farm. Very few younger or emerging farmers can afford to purchase the land, leaving it vulnerable to development and further compounding the issue of decreased land in food production.

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May 2012

Maid In Nature: Why Organic Cleaning Products? by Jessica Stovin

It is not difficult to understand the importance of local food; the trick is puzzling together a local food system from many different pieces over a wide range of options.

The spectrum includes everything from window box herb gardens and backyard chickens to commercial sale to restaurants and beyond.

It has only recently become apparent that household use of commercial cleaning products poses hazards to human health and the environment. 80,000 chemicals that are in common use have unknown toxic effects. One million poisonings in Canada each year are due to household cleaner ingestion. Some are fatal. Thousands of children and adults are permanently disfigured or injured through contact with chemicals in the home each year. Scientists have linked some of these substances to long-term health problems, including cancer, allergies, reducing immunity, hormonal effects and reproductive system disease.

It is fortunate that there is an abundance of solutions to choose from. Co-operative models, community supported agriculture and long-term leases on land are some options that have been used successfully in other communities.

Solutions need to be found that address the key challenges of lack of access to land, loss of local farming knowledge and access to a variety of markets to sell local food products.

Our pets are also at risk. Animals that don’t have access to clean, fresh water are more likely to drink out of puddles, gutters, toilet bowls, or any old container left sitting around with a liquid in it. By choosing nontoxic cleansers, consumers can help to improve indoor air quality, prevent disease and protect the environment. Natural cleaning products like vinegar and baking soda do not cause skin irritation or other injury. You don’t even need to wear rubber gloves while cleaning. These ingredients quickly biodegrade into safe, neutral elements.

Communities benefit from having locally grown, harvested and processed food being purchased and eaten in the community to create a local food economy for the region.

The question is not “what do we want” but rather, “how can we get there”?

Currently, there are two very important planning efforts underway: the CRD is updating its Regional Growth Strategy into a Regional Sustainability Strategy, and the District of Sooke is creating an Agriculture Plan. To learn more about the plans and how you can provide input check the following sites: CRD Regional Sustainability Plan - www.sustainability.crd.bc.ca; and District of Sooke Agriculture Plan - www.sooke.ca.

I think as a general rule, people who avoid these very toxic chemicals are going to be healthier. Let’s not make the solution worse than the problem!

For more information, please contact: Maid in Nature Organic Cleaning Services, Jessica Stovin jesstovin@yahoo.com

Here are some ways to take a pro-active role in the future of food in the Sooke region: • Attend an open house about Sooke’s Agriculture Plan • Tell the CRD what you think about local food production • Support local farmers at farm gates or country markets • Ask your grocer to provide locally grown options • Frequent restaurants with local food menus, tell them why you chose their restaurant • Choose simple foods to grow on your own – even if you just start with radishes or lettuce Farmer2Farmer is also working pro-actively towards a healthy local food economy. An example of F2F farmer support includes two free information events already this year, one on Farm Insurance and one on Farmers & Government. The information gathered at each event is recorded and posted to an email group created for the F2F Network.

It is heartening to know that as individuals we can influence our community’s future in so many ways. By getting involved, being informed and informing others we can help create economic opportunities, reduce impacts on the environment and, of course, eat.

To learn more about Farmer2Farmer, contact Network Coordinator, Erika Rolston by email at erikarolston@ gmail.com, or go to the Sooke Food CHI website at www. sookefoodchi.ca.

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May 2012

Calendar of Events for Shirley

Unless otherwise indicated, events are held at the Shirley Community Hall

When the Shaking Stops

by Paul Johnson, JDF Emergency Program volunteer - Shirley District

Southwestern BC is a little piece of weather heaven. No widespread catastrophes such as hurricanes and tornadoes occur in our garden of Eden.

Sure, there is the very occasional rain or wind storm, but these are minor events when you consider areas such as the gulf and east coast of the USA. Our blizzard of 1996 and the wind storm of 2006 were a minor blip on the energy scale when you consider storms like hurricane Katrina.

Having said that, how did you fare through our snow and wind storm? Did you have sufficient water for cooking and drinking?

Did you have plentiful food each day over the course of these weather events?

Were you warm and cozy in your home?

Reflect back on these events on how your daily routines were or were not disrupted as you coped with snow blocked roads, no telephone service, and no hydro for days on end.

Now, back to the present and consider the future great quake of 2???. The exact date is not known. Just as it has ruptured many times in the past, a subduction zone earthquake is going to occur for certain again. When the shaking stops will you be warm in a cozy home with enough food and water? When the shaking stops will you have a home earthquake survival kit?

When the shaking stops will you have an earthquake survival kit in your vehicle?

When the shaking stops will you have a meeting place for the family? When the shaking stops will you have an out of area contact number? When the shaking stops will you know where to go in your home

community or your place of employment area for Emergency Social Services support? When the shaking stops will you be a survivor or a casualty, resulting from your preparedness efforts?

Considering the damage of collapsed bridges, damaged roads, natural gas line and water line ruptures, landslides, and the loss of hydro, telephone and cell phone services the restoration of infrastructure due to a subduction zone earthquake will take weeks to many months. Large population centres will get available resources first so smaller communities must be self reliant during the first phase of any recovery. When the shaking stops what skill sets will you be able to provide? First aid? Search and Rescue? ESS support? Amateur Radio Communications?

If you are prepared for the worst case scenario of a subduction zone earthquake then everything else Mother Nature throws at you should be manageable. The CRD has an emergency program involving all communities within the Juan de Fuca electoral area.

Information regarding your local community emergency program is available from your local Emergency Coordinator. Make an effort to find out who that person is and contact them.

Consider volunteering, get active, get involved, be prepared. It really is all up to you when the shaking stops!

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, 11:00 a.mm -12:15 p.m. movingmelody@gmail.com or 250-646-2995 Shirley Quilters and Crafters Thursdays 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Shirley Community Association AGM Wednesday, May 9, 2012 7:30 p.m.

Shirley Farmer’s Market 2nd and 4th Sundays May 13 – October 2012 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Contact: Christopher Lucas 250-900-8817

Go to the following web site for the latest information on the CRD Juan de Fuca Emergency Program: http:// www.crd.bc.ca/jdf/emergency/ emergency.htm

6

May 2012

Shirley Farmer’s Market – a new initiative for Shirley

by Christopher Lucas

It is springtime and there is new activity in Shirley with an exciting new project: the Shirley Farmer’s Market!

Beginning on May 13th, the Farmer’s Market will be held on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month – except in August when there will only be one (August 5) and they will run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. until late October.

The market will be held in Pioneer Park next to the Shirley Hall.

There is space for 30 vendors with all kinds of products showcasing the area’s foods, crafts, arts, kids programs and community events. Space is filling up, but more vendors would still be welcome.

Seedy Saturday in Sooke

For more information on the market please contact Christopher Lucas at 250-900-8817.

See you at the market!

1346 Martock Rd., Sooke, BC V9Z 1B1

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May 2012

East Sooke Fine Arts Show and Sale

by Bonnie Coulter

For artists, time spent in the studio is a precious experience of intense focus, with significant self-discovery through creative exploration and inspiration. A demanding and sometimes lonely effort, many artists spend the winter giving consequence and depth to an infinity of ideas, bringing order out of the chaos that moves them to create critically acclaimed and award winning works. carved lino prints, limited editions, prints and cards.

Val Speed - Colourful birds or single raven stitched in black thread. Wool blankets and sweaters are redefined and hand stitched into pillows and framed artwork.

Eleven such East Sooke artists have offered to share their new works with you in a 3 day home grown event. On May 4th - 6th, 2012, from noon to 7:00 p.m., you are invited to experience a Mothers’ Day show and sale at two locations:

The Boar’s Bristle, 1509 Woodcock Road Angela Menzies of Brown Dog Studio - Painter of wild women and bad dogs Alice McLean - Potter of ceramic fountains, sinks, lamps and everyday functional ware and ornamental raku pieces.

Bev Petow of BitchenHeat Metalwerks - Crazed woman plasma cuts, hammers, welds, grinds and finishes metal into unique indoor/outdoor decorative or functional pieces. Original designs, often with found objects.

Bonnie Coulter - Immersed in the seashore and deep blue sea.

Whales depicted in fresco. Salmon assembled from tins and reflective objects. Landscapes, seascapes and botanicals in oil on canvas.

Kathy Johannesson - Small oil pastel paintings and tiny baskets made of kelp.

Kay Lovett - Paintings with a quirky sense of the abstract. Modern living palettes for this mad world. Don’t ever sweat the small stuff, now you can buy one!

Noreen Schmuck - Mosaics done in the Pique Assiette style, using hand cut crockery and porcelain dishes. New-Pebble mosaics, marine themes using locally sourced stone.

Jacquetta Nisbet - Textile art and graphics grown out of a lifetime’s dedication to the contemporary continuation of the rich heritage of human creativity in cultures from Peru to Persia.

Trinita Waller - Sculptures that juxtapose positive & negative shapes to create figurative forms. Photograph & paints are the palette of choice to express her love of colour.

Wren House Garden and Shop, 5701 East Sooke Road Leslie Speed - Reflections on rural life are celebrated in finely

Volunteer and Show Your Care

For more information call Bonnie Coulter at 250-642-7650; or visit www.eastsookefineart.com

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

8

May 2012

East Sooke Community Calendar

Using Technology During a Disaster

East Sooke Volunteer Fire Department Fire Practice Thursday nights 7:00 p.m.

Chief Roger Beck 250-642-4411 We NEED Volunteers!

Please, help us protect our community East Sooke Fire Protection And Emergency Services Commission Third Mondays 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Public Welcome Body Fitness Classes ** New class ** East Sooke Fire Hall 1397 Coppermine Rd. Monday & Wednesday mornings 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.

Inst: Marita 250-598-3947

We rely on technology more and more to keep in touch with our family, friends and colleagues with a click of a button.

But what happens in the event of a major emergency?

Suddenly these tools can become vital in helping you and your family deal get in touch and stay informed. So here are some tips on the use of technology in an emergency: · If possible, use non-voice channels like text messaging, email or social media. These use less bandwidth than voice communications and may work even when phone service doesn’t.

Yoga Classes **new class** East Sooke Fire Hall Wednesdays NIGHTS 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Inst: Connie 778-425-2205

· If you must use a phone, keep your conversation brief and convey only vital information to emergency personnel and/or family. This will also conserve your phone’s battery.

Karate Classes For All Ages East Sooke Fire Hall 1397 Coppermine Rd. Tuesday nights 7:00 pm Instructor: Armin 250-642-3926

· Unable to complete a call? Wait 10 seconds before redialing to help reduce network congestion. Note, cordless phones rely on electricity and will not work during a power outage. If you have a landline, keep at least one corded phone in your home.

Coffee, Conversation and more...

Ragley Market Saturdays 10:30 am - 3:00 p.m.

Ragley Farm, 5717 East Sooke Road Contact: ragley@telus.net

· Keep extra batteries or a charger for your mobile device in your emergency kit. Consider getting a solar-powered, crank, or vehicle phone charger.

If you don’t have a cell phone, keep a prepaid phone card in your emergency kit. · Keep your contacts up to date on your phone, email and other channels. This will make it easier to reach important contacts, such as friends, family, neighbours, child’s school, or insurance agent. · If you have a smartphone, save your safe meeting location(s) on its mapping application. · Conserve your smartphone’s battery by reducing the screen’s brightness, placing your phone in airplane mode, and closing apps you are not using. You never know how long a power outage will last!

Remember, in an emergency or to save a life, call 9-1-1 for help. You cannot currently text 9-1-1. If you are not experiencing an emergency, do not call 9-1-1. For more information visit: www.GetPrepared.ca

9

May 2012

Living on Shaky Ground

by Fred Roots

Everyone in the Juan de Fuca Region knows that we live in a special place.

The scenery, the climate, the rich natural life both on land and offshore, the native cultures and history of exploration – all these are summed up in the arrogant boast on our tourist brochures, “the best place on earth”. But most of us rarely stop to think, except maybe when we are paying property taxes or insurance, that underlying all this richness is a situation that makes the Juan de Fuca region a particularly special place on the planet, a situation that causes some local problems at times and almost certainly will, sometime in the future but not likely too far away, result in a great deal of destruction of much that makes the place so beautiful and worthwhile today.

We all know, or have heard, that the continents and the ocean basins of our planet are made up of large, fairly brittle plates of the Earth’s crust overlying more plastic, hotter, deeper layers.

These plates jostle each other along seams which sometimes buckle to form mountain ranges, or fractures that allow molten material from the underlying layers to come to the surface. The material that comes up these fractures keeps pushing the plates apart.

pressure, it mobilises or melts, and the new fluid material may find a fracture to the surface and erupt as a volcano.

In our area, the two plates are coming together at a rate of about 4 centimetres a year. This, as geologists are fond of saying, is about the speed at which your fingernails grow. It does not seem much, but if this continues for a hundred thousand years, it can re-shape continents and ocean basins.

These movements – subduction, earthquakes, and associated volcanoes – are part of a long line of processes and events around the whole rim of the Pacific Ocean, from Antarctica up the west side of South and North America, Alaska, Japan, the Philippines, South Pacific, and New Zealand, popularly called the Ring of Fire. Most of the world’s big earthquakes occur along this Ring – think of those offshore from Sumatra in 2004, Chile 2010, New Zealand 2011, Japan 2011, the many in California since 1906, or the big Alaska one 1964 that sent a destructive wave down the BC coast as far as California. But curiously, although the Juan de Fuca region lies right on the Ring of Fire, there has been no major earthquake in this area since 1700.

In our area, the plate that makes up most of the North American continent is being pushed bodily westward by new material which is coming up in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, while the plate to the west that underlies part of the Pacific Ocean (called the Juan de Fuca Plate) is being pushed eastward by crustal movements and new material from a big fracture about 400 kilometres farther west. The two plates collide along a big fracture, which geologists have named the Cascadia Fault, about 1400 kilometres long, that runs parallel to the edge of North America and about 100 kilometres offshore.

But the two plates do not meet evenly. The Juan de Fuca Plate, being composed of denser, heavier material than the continental North America Plate, slides under it at a shallow angle, slightly raising and tilting the edge of the continental plate, which carries Vancouver Island and the Olympic Peninsula.

This is a process known as subduction. The sliding process is sometimes smooth, but more commonly it is by limited slips or jerks, which we call earthquakes or seismicity. The underlying plate continues moving, bending downward until, under heat and

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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10/18/11 11:47:4310 AM

May 2012

This ‘gap’ in the major earthquakes of the Ring of Fire was a puzzle until after careful geological investigation it was determined that the two plates at the Cascadia fault or ‘subduction zone’ were locally ‘locked’ and had been for three hundred years while plate movements continued and stresses were building up. These stresses cause numerous small earthquakes in the overlying continental plate (Vancouver Island), but analysis of their motion suggests that they do not help to relieve the stress along the plate junction; indeed they may help to concentrate it. At some time in the geologically near future – next century? – next year? -- next month? – tonight?

– the locking will have to give way, and -- PING!! — the North America plate will spring back, mixing up the forests and cities and humans who are passengers riding on the western edge of it. This is why we can say, with scientific justification, that we are “Waiting for the Big One”.

Scales of Earthquake Severity There are several ways of classifying earthquakes according to their severity.

The Richter Scale, widely used by scientists and often quoted in newspapers, is a measure of the magnitude of an earthquake, as determined by the amount of ground motion, and thus related to the amount of energy involved. This scale is logarithmic, meaning that the motion of a quake of Richter 3 is ten times greater than one of magnitude 2, one of magnitude 5 is 100 times greater than one of 3, and of magnitude 9, ten million times greater. Magnitude 3, common in southern Vancouver Island, causes the hard rock outcrop at the surface to move suddenly about a millimetre; magnitude 5 would be a jerk of a few centimetres, and magnitude 9 would mean a nearly instantaneous movement of tens of metres.

When an earthquake occurs beneath the sea, and there is a sudden vertical displacement of the sea floor, the overlying water is given a sudden vertical pulse, which then spreads outward in concentric waves known as tsunamis. Because of the enormous energy involved, and the efficiency with which ocean water transports energy, tsunamis can cross entire oceans with a speed almost equal to that of a jet plane. On the open ocean they are scarcely noticeable; a quick metre or so rise among all the currents and storm waves. However, when they reach coastlines, the waves are slowed by the shallow depth and increase in height, and may become the most destructive widespread forces on the surface of the planet. The tsunami waves may bounce and ricochet from shorelines and islands.

The Mercalli Scale is a way of classifying the intensity of the earthquake at any one place on the surface. It depends upon the magnitude, the distance from the place where the quake originates (the epicentre), and the local geology. It is a measure of how the earthquake likely affects property and people. It is a scale ranging from 1 to 12. Mercalli 1 is not felt by people; 2 is rarely noticed except on upper floors of high rises; 3 is like a passing big truck; 5 will break many windows, crack plaster, start some avalanches; 8 will bring down brick chimneys and factory stacks, send cars off the road; 10 will destroy most masonry or wooden buildings, bend rails, dislocate highways, and cause big landslides; and 12 is total damage.

The tsunami created by the 1964 Alaskan earthquake reached Bamfield on the west coast of Vancouver Island in about four hours, where it was a wave a little more than two metres high.

Then part of this wave sloshed up the 60 km-long Alberni Canal, until at the end, at the city of Port Alberni, it was a surge of water twice as high – at least ten waves bouncing back and forth across the narrow inlet. The resulting destruction is an important part of Vancouver Island history.

to a hundred million times more energy than any earthquake felt in Canada in historic times, and within minutes reaching the JDF area, and Victoria, Vancouver, and Seattle with, in addition to the earth shaking itself, waves that could be up to twenty metres high.

The Juan de Fuca region and Capital Region District is therefore subject to several kinds of earthquakes and tsunamis. (1) Longtraveled tsunamis may arrive along the coast from anywhere in the Pacific region, taking about fourteen hours from their parent earthquake from Chile, ten hours from Japan or the Philippines, four hours from Alaska, and could, based on recorded experience make waves up to about four metres high when they reach PDF, unless concentrated by the shape of the inshore bottom.

(2) Earthquakes occur on local or regional fractures in the continental plate upon which we live as it is being heaved, tilted, or cracked as it rides over the underlying descending oceanic plate. These are frequent small shocks which happen almost daily, mostly too small to be noticed except with instruments, with some larger ones every few months, and every few years or so some with severity up to what seismologists call magnitude 5, which can destroy buildings, cause landslips and be the basis of insurance claims. Few of these appear to be in position to cause important tsunamis. And (3) there is the prospect, the inevitable certainty, of the ‘big one’ on the Cascadia fault, when the locked crustal plates finally become unstuck, as they surely must, along a subduction suture forty to one hundred kilometres offshore from Vancouver Island and Cape Flattery. This quake, from all we know today, can be expected to be as severe as any that has been accurately studied in the world to date – probably magnitude 9 or 10 on the seismologist’s scale, releasing a million

What should we, as citizens living in this lively part of the planet, do in light of all this complexity? The first thing is to try to understand a bit of the situation, and enjoy it. Here we are, on a grand bit of uplifted terrain and an active seacoast, with more happening under our feet than in anywhere else in Canada. We receive from time to time messages by way of tsunamis of events of earth movements from over half the planet; and if our little portion, the Cascadia zone, has been laggard for about three centuries in sending out its own message, we understand that it is just building up its power to send out a really big one. Every clear day, we can look southeast and see the gleaming cone of Mount Baker which gives off steam; it signals that the sea floor

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delicate problem. Do they ignore the possibility or evidence of impending catastrophe until its imminence is certain, by which time it is too late to do anything about it, or do they risk upsetting the public, affecting property values, disrupting or discouraging industry, spending a lot of money to no apparent purpose when nothing has happened so far and there is no firm prediction?

This is not an issue that can be dealt with here; but each responsible citizen should keep the dilemma in mind. It is part of what we expect from our politicians in this part of the world.

which not so long ago in the history of the Earth was actually to the west of us, has slid right under our feet and has now spouted up inside the edge of our continent. And in the meantime, we are riding on a very busy bit of local countryside. If we want to be anthropomorphic about it, the planet is having fun, and we are going along for the ride.

But in a more prosaic sense, what is being done? The governments, internationally, nationally, provincially, and locally, are doing quite a lot. The International Tsunami Warning System is in place, supported by all the countries facing the Pacific Ocean. Canada has classified the coastal area of BC according to seismic risk (based upon known and observed events, and not speculating about the Cascadia fault; it is under periodic evaluation). The National Building Code, and industrial and residential insurance policies, are based upon this classification.

The BC Provincial Emergency Program deals carefully with tsunami risk, has established a Provincial Tsunami Warning Plan with approved evacuation routes and ‘safe gathering’ areas, and has erected conspicuous Tsunami Evacuation signs on vulnerable highways. New highway contracts must take earthquake risks into account, and contracts have been let to up-grade hundreds of highway bridges and transmission towers in vulnerable areas. City Councils in areas vulnerable to tsunamis – Port Alberni, Tofino, Ucluelet, Colwood, Victoria – have developed plans and continue to up-grade them. None of these, however, can deal with the inevitable forthcoming major Cascadia Fault subduction earthquake and tsunami, whose date of occurrence in the future is unknown.

As an individual citizen, each of us has a responsibility to learn something about earthquakes and tsunamis in this part of the world, and to be aware of the evacuation routes, to read carefully the earthquake risk clauses in our insurance policies and to question them, and to be familiar with the Provincial Emergency Program.

We should personally consider and think carefully about structures such as retaining walls, garden terraces, landfills, and shore structures in our area. We should push hard to make sure that earthquake and tsunami knowledge is a standard part of our school curricula. And when on the beach, we should be aware that a tsunami could happen at any time, think about the way to evacuate to higher ground, the need to get off the beach fast – very fast – if the water should suddenly recede as part of the build-up to a monster wave, and enjoy the beach nevertheless.

This is part of living in this very special place.

For more information on the Provincial Emergency Program, go to: http://www.pep.bc.ca/hazard_preparedness/tsunami_ preparedness.html

Local governments and utility managers have a very difficult and

A special Thank You to the hundreds of generous contributors who have made the Society a success!

Without the support of the hundreds of people who help the Society each year with their membership and contributions the work of the Society could not continue.

Please continue to help the Society preserve and protect this special part of BC and local heritage.

Go to sheringhamlighthouse.org and click on “Become a Member” Contributions are tax deductible and are presently BEING MATCHED by a generous supporter. Please send your contribution today.

The Sheringham Point Lighthouse Preservation Society was established in 2003. The Society is incorporated under the Society Act of British Columbia, File #S47588 - May 17, 2004. The Society is registered as a charity by the Canada Revenue Agency, #858885940RR0001, July 29, 2004.

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What’s New In The Juan de Fuca Emergency Management Program

How do I find out more about becoming an ESS Volunteer?

The ESS Volunteer Program will be launched this coming September. If you’re the type of person who is interested in becoming trained in delivering assistance in a critical event, this could be a program for you! If you are interested in receiving information about the program, please contact Leslie Ramsay at jdfessd@crd.bc.ca or call 778-425-3575.

by Leslie Ramsay

What is Emergency Support Services (ESS)?

Emergency Support Services (ESS) is a new component of the Juan de Fuca Electoral Area’s Emergency Management Program. It provides short-term assistance to residents who are forced to leave their homes because of fire, floods, earthquakes or other emergencies. This assistance includes food, lodging, clothing, emotional support and family reunification.

How are Emergency Support Services delivered?

Upon being notified by the fire department or Emergency Operations Centre, the ESS Director will contact ESS volunteers to assist evacuees in an emergency. Because of the large size of Juan de Fuca, as well as the potential for communities to be cut off from each other in a larger emergency, it is essential to have trained volunteers located in each community, before an emergency occurs.

How do ESS volunteers help people?

As an Emergency Support Services (ESS) volunteer, you could provide much-needed assistance to people who have suddenly found themselves homeless following a fire, evacuation, industrial accident or flood. You could make a difference in your community by: helping evacuated families find temporary accommodation; providing practical help and emotional support to distressed people; and by directing people to other organizations and agencies that will help.

What skills and training do I need?

You need to be able to communicate effectively with people of different ages and backgrounds, who are faced with a difficult and stressful situation. We will give you the training and support you need to do this role.

How much time will I be asked to provide?

You and the ESS Director will discuss how much time you are able to give. If one of our services requires more time than you are able to give, we may have other volunteering opportunities that fit your schedule.

Will volunteering cost me anything?

We reimburse all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses when you volunteer for us.

Why are volunteers needed?

If there is a potential for communities to be cut off from each other in an emergency, we need local volunteers to provide evacuees with the help they need in a crisis.

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Sooke Region Cultural Alliance: Creating Partnerships by Marlaina Elliott

To achieve this goal, community members have been working on various aspects of the Sooke Region Cultural Plan to lay the foundation for the Cultural Plan’s implementation. The development of a business plan was essential in identifying and articulating the first steps to take in moving the Cultural Plan forward. After further discussion among community members of the Cultural Plan’s broad mandate to support art, culture, heritage, and culinary arts and agriculture, and the ability to obtain funding, it was determined that forming a new society would provide more opportunities for establishing partnerships and obtaining financial support from a variety of sources.

There is a diverse arts, music, and heritage sector within the Sooke Region, and community members have long supported local culture. In order to strengthen this wide variety of cultural activities, and the artists, musicians and food producers that make-up these regional events, supporters have devised a plan to enhance culture within the Sooke Region, cultivate partnerships, build community capacity and expand the range of annual events.

In the past few weeks, volunteers have canvassed community members, some who were involved with the Cultural Mapping ArtsWave project, to elicit suggestions for a name for a new society with broad cultural appeal, which resulted in the name, Sooke Region Cultural Alliance (SRCA). Additionally, volunteers have been working to create the bylaws and constitution for the new society and engaging in community outreach to develop collaborative relationships and invite community members to join SRCA.

In order to celebrate and build upon the Region’s unique cultural heritage, community volunteers have created the Sooke Region Cultural Plan (SRCP), providing a framework and process for guiding the enhancement and appreciation of local culture and heritage, creating a vibrant art community, and increasing tourism. Creative City Network of Canada and 2010 Legacies Now provided guidance for the SRCP, which was funded by the District of Sooke, Juan de Fuca Economic Development Commission, Sooke Community Arts Council, Sooke Region Tourism and the Sooke Fine Arts Society.

Also, the SRCA has been invited to have a representative on the District of Sooke Economic Development Commission (EDC).

Debbie Clarkston is the SRCA representative and Marlaina Elliott is the alternate. Both Clarkston and Elliott attended the first EDC meeting on March 21st, where Councillor Maja Tait, EDC Chair, explained the structure for working with SRCA and other non-profit organizations within the community to further various economic development initiatives. The District of Sooke strongly supports the Cultural Plan and the economic development opportunities that enhancing arts, culture, heritage, and culinary arts and agriculture can bring to the Sooke Region.

The mission of SRCA is to “create a diverse and vibrant arts, cultural, heritage, culinary arts and agriculture sector in the Sooke Region that will encourage participation, support and appreciation of the creative arts by residents and visitors, and expand economic opportunities for artists and businesses by making the Sooke Region a cultural destination for residents and visitors.”

Juan de Fuca Electoral Area Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission

SRCA will be working with a variety of other non-profits within the Region, such as, Sooke Community Arts Council, Food CHI, Sooke Fine Arts, T’Sou-ke Nation Arts Group and other organizations that represent various art, culture, heritage and agricultural sectors of the Region. SRCA will be establishing a board of directors and engaging in community outreach to seek volunteers to help make this new society a vibrant and inclusive organization that represents the interests of all cultural sectors and strengthens those organizations for the benefit of residents and visitors.

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.

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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If you are interested in working with us to expand the Sooke Region’s arts, culture, heritage, culinary arts and agricultural sectors into a vibrant and inclusive cultural destination, please contact Debbie Clarkston at 250-216-8582 or email srcalliance@ yahoo.ca.

May 2012

Rural GARDENING

The Ultra Girl Affair: Know Your Limit

by Bonnie Coulter

Once again it’s time to plant what you want to eat for the next year or more. The trick is to purchase the right amount of seeds, sets or plugs to fill your garden and fill your pantry, but not to let the whole process get out of control. Get it wrong either way and you could be in for disappointment or a bleeping lot of work. If you are ordering from catalogues be sure to understand the number of days to maturity and the expected yields.

Sooke Hospice Has A New Sign

I remember one winter when I handed off an armload of seed catalogues and bird order forms to The Mister. An instant zealot, he dove in and formulated a plan of attack. While waiting for seeds to arrive he built a 720 cell tower for starting plants that would have made Martha Stewart swoon with desire. She would have approved of its occupation of the living room picture window. I most certainly did not!

by June Roots, Hospice Volunteer

If you have been going down Murray Road in Sooke towards the park along the shore, you may have noticed a huge portion of the trunk of a venerable cedar tree, which is now the sign for the Sooke Hospice on Goodmere Road. It is both welcoming and reassuring, and is a fitting reminder that the Hospice has been established in our community since 1986 to help meet the needs of the terminally ill in palliative care and the support of their families.

Armed with the best wisdom offered in the Foxfire publication he started engineering starter soil. I was onboard right up until he began sterilizing barnyard byproduct in our kitchen wood cook stove. A peaceful resolution took a good deal of marital compromise. I lost that round, but had no way of knowing there would be worse.

The Mister had fallen hard. He was in love with Ultra Girl. Just a whisper at first - a seed packet left on the kitchen table, an overrun of 250 labels, one for each plant. Flat upon flat filled the great tower, most bearing the righteous tag, ‘Ultra Girl’! To my dismay, none dampened off, none were consumed by bugs and none perished. She was, after all, from hardy stock. Even with 100 acres of fertile Fraser River soil, I was alarmed by her intimidating takeover. He planted Ultra Girl everywhere. At his invitation she elbowed her way into every prime location.

Dahlias departed. Gladioli vanquished. Sweet peas sent packing. Lawn disappeared. If you couldn’t eat it or cure with it - gone. Still, the worst was yet to come.

Summer progressed despite my grumbling about his time spent staking, shaping, pruning and pampering her. In every direction the view changed from green to tomato red. By the end of August I was in tomato hell. They came to the kitchen door in boxes, wheelbarrows and buckets. Relentless waves of unending processing. Over a 3 month period we canned 2,000 pounds using every recipe known to man. We sold 1,000 pounds. Our friends turned their backs on us. The pigs refused any further assistance. I prayed for frost when 800 – 2 quart canning jars weren’t enough. Three very large, deep freezers already full with 100 meat birds, 5 turkeys, 20 geese, 1 pig, 1 moose, and 2 deer. That’s when it happened.

I took to calling him “Mister” with an edge to it. We survived the affair. Just! The next year yield records would be kept. A list of buyers would be compiled. A small nursery greenhouse would be built. I would no longer bear witness to the incessant coddling of his leggy girl friends.

We moved into our very own home at 6669 Goodmere Road on December 1st, 2010. The quiet end of the road, with a small garden surrounded by trees is our base for keeping equipment that we loan out to individuals receiving care, counselling, training volunteers and a meeting place for professionals concerned with the comfort and well being of those facing terminal illness.

The very large and homely cedar log was donated to Hospice

by Robert Hill of Ragley Farm, and the lettering for the street address was designed and carved by Robert Byers of East Sooke. We would like to thank them for their very fitting contribution to our Hospice. We also appreciate the help we have received from gardeners and landscapers. Numa Farms Nursery, Razu Welding, Stu Cumming and Haldane Construction donated their time and materials to erect the sign.

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May 2012

From the desk of Randall Garrison, MP Esquimalt Juan de Fuca With so much at stake, this year’s federal budget could have made a positive difference here in Esquimalt – Juan de Fuca. It could have set out a practical roadmap to create jobs, promote growth and strengthen the services families rely on. Instead, on almost every front, this budget fails Canadians.

Budgets are about choices, and the Conservatives are making the wrong ones. They are asking you to tighten your belt while they continue to blow billions on fighter jets that don’t meet Canada’s needs, a costly prisons agenda, and more handouts for banks and big polluters.

In other words, you are being asked to work even harder and pay even more for Mr. Harper’s misguided priorities. And by imposing deep cuts in a time of economic uncertainty, experts warn that he even risks throwing Canada back toward a job-killing recession.

It does little to create jobs, something Stephen Harper had promised for months. In this budget we see deep cuts to the DND, veterans, the sport fishing industry and public sector jobs.

This budget weakens the environmental review process for Mr. Harper’s friends in the oil and gas industry. And it attacks our most vital public services—including health care and public pensions.

That’s not the leadership we need. Since the Conservatives came to power, we’ve seen 400,000 good-paying manufacturing jobs vanish—too often replaced by insecure, part-time or temporary work. It’s time to turn that around.

New Democrats are proposing tax credits for new hires, a helping hand for small businesses and a plan to keep good jobs here in Canada. These are practical steps to generate the sustainable growth we need to make Canada a global leader once again. At the same time, New Democrats are fighting to strengthen the public services families rely on, starting with health care and retirement security, because in good times and bad, these are the cornerstones of our country that ensure no one is left behind.

The Conservatives are unilaterally rewriting the formula for federal health transfers—short-changing provinces by $31 billion.

For many Canadians, the result will be fewer doctors, longer waittimes and more frustration.

This budget also raises the Old Age Security eligibility age from 65 to 67. That will take up to $12,000 from seniors’ pockets and force them to work two years longer. In cutting this vital program, the Conservatives are flatly ignoring expert advice that the OAS is fully sustainable. Mr. Harper ran an entire election campaign without saying one word about cutting your health care or pensions. As recently as January, he promised to protect both. But now he is springing these reckless cuts on families and provinces that simply can’t afford them.

Randall Garrison, MP Esquimalt – Juan de Fuca

Email: jdfepc@crd.bc.ca

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From the desk of Mike Hicks, JdF Regional Director There is always a great deal of media coverage concerning municipal, provincial and federal budgets this time of year, and I appreciate this opportunity to explain how the Juan de Fuca compares. Each year, I prepare, based on figures provided by the CRD, a detailed analysis of the Juan de Fuca taxes. These figures can be found at www.crd.bc.ca/jdf/budget.htm and explain in a simple format the expenditures of each community within the JDF. This year, I have gone a little further and compared the taxes for each community with various municipalities on Vancouver Island and the mainland. My figures are close but not necessarily 100% accurate. They do, however, give a greater understanding in general of our situation. The figures do not include water, sewer and school taxes.

This year, our overall tax rate in the Juan de Fuca will remain roughly the same as 2011. We have kept our increases to an absolute minimum or less for the past few years. The following table gives the different tax rates per $100,000 residential assessment for the different communities: North Saanich West Vancouver Highlands Vancouver Jordon River Durrance Road Metchosin Port Renfrew Langford Otter Point Willis Point East Sooke

236 248 263 263 265 275 281 295 297 320 325 328

Colwood Shirley

Sidney Saanich Central Saanich Malahat Sooke Victoria Tofino Port Alice Nanaimo Port Hardy Port Alberni

329 341 367 374 375 398 402 429 502 539 576 651 823

On another note, Jeri Grant has taken over from George OBriain as the head of our Emergency Services. George was a fantastic leader and Jeri, a long term member, is the perfect replacement. I know I speak for all our residents in thanking the Emergency Services volunteers that tirelessly plan and work for our safety.

Have a great spring!

NUMA FARMS NURSERY TREES & SHRUBS SHRUBS & TREES Bones of your garden!

✃

Open Mon to Sat 8:30 – 5:00pm • Closed Sunday Debit, Visa, Mastercard 3459 Luxton Road, Langford, B.C. • Tel: 250-474-6005 numafarms@shaw.ca

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May 2012

From the desk of John Horgan, MLA Juan de Fuca The month of March saw us remembering the earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan on March 11, 2011. And now a stark reminder of that disaster will be coming our way as debris may start to wash up on our beaches.

We need to be prepared ourselves for the possibility of a large earthquake and potential tsunami on our shores. It is also a reminder of how important our shores and fisheries are for our environment and our economy.

The constituency of Juan de Fuca is made up of coastal regions.

Our boundaries stretch from Port Renfrew to the Highlands.

Rural communities in particular could face a substantial period of isolation if we are hit by an earthquake. In many areas there are only one, or maybe two, roads in and out of the community.

That being said, the official disaster response route runs through our constituency. These routes are not evacuation routes; they are for the quick movement of emergency vehicles to arrive at areas where a need has been identified for emergency services.

In the case of an emergency, vehicles using these routes will have identification. Police, ambulances and other emergency vehicles are exempt. Smaller arteries and back roads can be used instead of a designated disaster response route.

Folks in Port Renfrew and other rural areas have experienced numerous extended power outages and communication challenges over the years. But how prepared are we really for a long period of self-sufficiency? I know I have had to evaluate my plans both at home and for my office. How prepared is my family? Do we have enough food, water, and emergency supplies to last for at least 72 hours? Do we have access to a radio to learn of situations and possible evacuation instructions? Will cell phones still work?

There are provincial services to assist in the case of a disaster, as well as local organizations. The CRD has the Juan de Fuca Electoral Area Emergency Management Commission. It was

formed in response to the Provincial Emergency Program Act. For residents of Juan de Fuca it is important to note that there is a network of local contacts to turn to in the case of an earthquake or other emergency. More information can be found on their website at http://www.crd.bc.ca/jdf/emergency/emergency.htm Many of these programs are run by volunteers. The Juan de Fuca Search and Rescue has over 30 volunteers. I personally know of people who have been assisted by these well-trained volunteers, and I feel thankful to all of those people who devote their time and energy to helping to keep us all safe in the case of an emergency. I would encourage you to get involved with your local Emergency Preparedness organization. It is a way to be connected in your community, to participate and to learn. As we all learned from the snowstorm of 1996, we all need to work together when there is an emergency, and it is our neighbours who will be our biggest supporters.

Whenever there is a significant disruption in our work day lives, community usually grows stronger, relationships are forged and readiness for the “next” disruption is improved. As we anticipate the arrival of tsunami waste from across the pacific landing on our shores, I invite readers to check out the Surfrider Foundation at www.vancouverisland.surfrider.org. Established in southern California in the 1980s, the Vancouver Island chapter of Surfriders does a monthly beach clean up to monitor trends and protect our coastline from increasing garbage. The group rotates between beaches from Port Renfrew to Sidney. Bring some gloves and help out. Our marine environment will be better off and you will make new connections with other people who care about our coast.

I’d be interested in hearing your thoughts on any of these issues.

My Langford Community Office is open to help with any provincial government issues. Drop by, call or email john.horgan.mla@ leg.bc.ca anytime. And remember, in case of an earthquake, to drop, cover and hold on!

John Horgan, MLA

New! Organic Hair Coloring and Beam Teeth Whitening

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May 2012

The Rural Observer’s publication schedule for 2012: June 30 – deadline is June 4 Alice McLean Pottery p.8 250-642-3522

Sept 30 – deadline is Sept 5

Cadillac Imaging & Implants p.13 250-590-2040

November 30 – deadline is Nov 2

Custom Digging p.16 250-413-7685 Deb’s Barbershop p.18 250-391-7566 Doug Read - Pemberton Holmes Realty p.8 250-642-2705

Otter Point Electric p.13 250-588-4324

East Sooke Fire Protection Commission p.8 250-642-4411

Prestige Ocean Front Resort p.17 250-642-0805

Envirotemp Refrigeration p.7 250-893-4530

Rainwater Harvesting - James Scott p.4 250-686-6920

Felix Irwin - Chartered Accountant p.6 250-642-5277

Randall Garrison, MP p.10 250-405-6550

Fotoprint p.2 250-382-8218

Rural Observer - Advertising pp.2,19 250-642-1714

From the Garden... at French Beach p.4 250-646-2425

Sage Garden Services p.15 250-217-8797

Hallway Farm p.9 250-625-1714

Sager’s Home Living p.14 250-386-3841

Hugh Gregory Fine Painting p.18 250-480-8295

Sheringham Point Lighthouse Pres. Soc. p.12 250-646-2528

James Craven & Associates p.17 250-744-9455

Tale of the Whale p.10 250-642-6161

JdF Emergency Program pp.9,16,20 250-642-2266

Victoria Alarm Service p.16 250-721-0266

JdF Parks & Recreation Commission p.14 250-642-1500

Walk, Sit & Stay - Dog Walking p.8 250-642-0458

John Horgan - Juan de Fuca MLA p.14 250-391-2801

Westside InstaPrint p.18 250-478-5533

Juan de Fuca Veterinary Clinic p.2 250-478-0422

Worklink p.5 250-642-9525

Kimmel Massage Therapist p.6 250-646-2865 Maid in Nature Cleaning p.5 778-678-4993

CONTRIBUTE TO THE RURAL OBSERVER

Markus’ Wharfside Restaurant p.17 250-642-3596

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. 17 250-642-0399 Noella LeDrew, Graphic & Web Design p.19 250-889-4100 Numa Farms p.17 250-474-6005

Vivi Curutchet

Advertising Sales Ph: (250) 642-1714 Email: advertise@ruralobserver.com

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May 2012