Issue2014 05

Celebrating Our Rural Community Lifestyle

Serving the Juan de Fuca: Port Renfrew Jordan River Otter Point East Sooke Malahat Shirley

Artwork by Bonnie Coulter of EastSooke

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Rural

OBSERVER

Vol. 11 Issue 2 May 2014

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: submissions@ruralobserver.com Or mail to: Juan de Fuca Rural Publication Society 2617 Seaside Drive, Shirley, BC V9Z 1G7

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: 6602 Tideview Rd, Sooke, BC, V9Z 1A6

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May 2014

Hubris

by Bev Mitchell, long-time resident of Glenairley

I am sick and tired, fed-up, disgusted, ashamed, frustrated, and very, very angry. And I am not alone. Literally thousands of British Columbians share my feelings. As Stephen Harper said recently, “It wouldn’t be BC without a protest.” Indeed!

We have reason to protest. Why? Because of what our federal and provincial governments are doing—and aim to continue doing—to Canada, the Pacific Northwest, and the planet.

Consider Stephen Harper and his inner circle of old halfwitted sheep bleating articulate monotony about the “national interest” and ”jobs, growth and prosperity.” Consider, too, their monomaniacal insistence that salvation lies in oil, LNG, and coal. During his recent visit to BC, Harper excoriated the NDP for “dangerous ideas” and the Liberals for “vacuous thinking,” saying they would reverse all the progress his government has made.

So let’s examine the “progress” Harper is patting himself on the back for: fired or muzzled scientists; closed research stations; cut-backs to the Coast Guard; closing some CG facilities; gutting, ignoring, and changing environmental laws; gutting the scientific research libraries of Fisheries and Oceans; changing the Navigable Waters Protection Act to exempt pipelines and power lines; closing Veterans Affairs offices; even closing the Centre of the Universe in Victoria (this saved less than $245,000) ... and on and on and on. All these “savings” to make Canada’s economy strong.

For those of us west of the Rockies, these measures are the antithesis of “progress.” They are beyond determined dumbness, destructive, and dangerous. They raise serious questions about the judgement and ethics of the Harper government. What is it that Harper fears from scholars researching primary resources? From what our scientists and environmentalists know? From knowledge of our past? What is it that he doesn’t want us to learn?

Apparently, some have been taken in by his rhetorical bleating and the bombardment of newspapers and TV ads which are deliberately misleading. (When does “deliberately misleading” become fraud?)

According to a recent (Nov.2013) Harris/Decima poll of more than 1,000 Canadians, 87% believe oil and gas development is economically important, 53% rank it as the most important sector in Canada. Without knowing what questions the pollsters asked, these numbers are meaningless. But the implicit message being touted is that the oil and gas sector is indeed “making Canada strong.” But—the poll was commissioned by the Harper government. This alone makes it questionable.

Artwork by Bonnie Coulter of East Sooke

kind of cockamamie deals has the Harper government made? I am saying “Harper” government purposely, not the “Canadian” government, because these deals have been made arbitrarily

by Harper and his inner circle in collusion with foreign countries and companies. The details have not been released, not even— judging by the silence of the lambs on the back benches—to all Conservative MPs. Given all the hype, one would think that this is the promised land, Canadians are laughing all the way to the bank, and our prosperity is reflected in the national GDP. This is not the reality. continued on page 4

Is the oil and gas sector really “making Canada strong”? More than half (51.1%) of all oil and gas operating revenues goes to foreign companies, and more than 71% ownership of all tar sands production is foreign. Foreign companies control 24.2% of production. (These numbers will have changed over the past two years as more foreign companies have become involved—but they won’t have changed in Canada’s favour.)]

Good grief! We’re talking about OUR gas and oil! What 3

May 2014

According to a research study (Sept.2013), the last official numbers from the Canadian Energy Research Institute(CERI) in 2000 estimated revenue from the resource industries to the national GDP at 1.5%. Now, unofficial but reputable studies estimate this to be around 1.65% or 2% with “support activities” added. With the exception of Alberta, the share of this revenue to the provinces is calculated to be less than one half of one percent. No matter how it is cut, this is not a significant piece of the pie for all Canadians. It does not make the natural resources sector the “most important” in Canada economically-- as the government would have us believe.

Neither does it make “Canada strong.”

It is significant for Albertans, however, because they receive 90% of the economic benefit. In addition to royalties from companies, the high wages of workers in the oil sands are reflected in peripheral benefits to businesses and in taxes; the province receives more than 25% of its GDP; and even Kitimat in BC is experiencing a real estate boom in expectation of Northern Gateway and the ineffably silly Kitimat Clean with its proposed two or three pipelines from Alberta and six more near Kitimat because China “needs” our fossil fuels. (The founder of Kitimat Clean really said this! What an asinine remark from someone who should know better.)

What have these deals cost the taxpayer?

In 2013, the International Monetary Fund identified $26 billion per year in Canadian taxpayer subsidies to the oil, gas, and coal industries; $129 million has been contributed to a carbon capture project in the Alberta oil sands; over the past two years, two-thirds of the government’s total advertising

budget has been spent to promote the message that “Canada is an environmentally responsible and reliable supplier of natural resources,” $24million on advertising abroad and $16.5 million domestically. There are more costs, literally millions of dollars, unreported and hidden—but these are only economic costs and do not take into account the incalculable cost to the environment and its consequences.

What about the “hundreds and thousands of jobs” Harper has promised? The government claims that 10% of all jobs in Canada are found in the natural resources sector: 950,000 in the sector itself and 850,000 in industries that service this sector. But--like all government figures, these should be taken with a grain of salt because they cannot be verified. Neither can they be believed.

On the other hand, according to the CCPA, for every job in the petroleum industry sector in the past decade, net employment in the export-oriented goods industries declined by almost 520,000 jobs.

Statistics released later reported another 69,000 jobs lost. These numbers are growing and can be verified by reports in the media.

But -- there is no way more than 600,000 unemployed can pick up roots to work in the oil sands or its related industries. Their only alternative is part-time jobs.

The promised “hundreds and thousands” of new jobs simply have not materialized. If Canada’s economy is strong, it is in spite of— not because of—the oil sands.

To be continued in the next issue of the Rural Observer, as Bev asks, “What about the ‘hundreds and thousands of jobs’ Harper has promised?”

Juan de Fuca Electoral Area Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission The Commission meets on the fourth Tuesday of every month at 3pm, Juan de Fuca Local Area Services Building #3 – 7450 Butler Road, Sooke, BC Public Welcome to Attend For meeting confirmation or enquiries, please call 250.642.1500.

Email: jdfepd@crd.bc.ca (O) 250-642-8105 (C) 250-883-0607 #3-7450 Butler Road Email: jdfepc@crd.bc.ca Sooke ,BC V9Z 1N1

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May 2014

The Village Farm -- Carrying On Down New Paths

strategies to save precious farmland. In order to learn more about the practicalities of cooperative living from a permacultural perspective, a number of us are getting together to study the book, “People and Permaculture”.

by Susan Nelson

If you would like further information about any of these initiatives please contact us:

With the Agricultural Land Reserve under attack, farmland being developed and costs rising, the difficulties in accessing land for beginning farmers, and regulations that drive up the expenses beyond the means of smaller scale farming, we need to try some new approaches. More and more people are beginning to see the potential benefits of community farms, cooperative farms where the work and income is spread out a bit and sustainability applies to human energy as well as environmental. Also people who are not farming but who understand the importance of having access to local food are stepping up to participate in the farms near them and in their own community allotment gardens, or in more urban settings, the SPIN gardens -- where urban farmers will come and convert your lawn into vegetable growing beds.

For the community farming group and study group -canadaalegre@gmail.com or phone Susan Nelson at 250-6421714. For the Sooke Region Farmland Trust -- Mary Alice Johnson at alm@islandnet.com, or phone 250-642-3671 www.sookefarmlandtrust.weebly.com

Not quite a year has passed since we realized that we were not going to be able to buy the farm on Helgesen Road. The excitement generated by the organizing and attempt to acquire the land for the purpose of creating a community farm was phenomenal. Ideas were inspired, relationships were formed or strengthened and dreams were shared. So many people stepped forward with enthusiasm and encouragement. So it seems that though we did not succeed in acquiring that particular farm, at that particular time, the attempt was very successful in bringing attention to the need to preserve farmland and to create a cooperative way of living and farming that is sustainable on every level.

Helping constituents with Federal government programs and services.

When we called off the effort, we said that we would not be giving up and we would let you know within a year about our progress in fulfilling the vision. We are happy to report that sprouts are appearing in more than the rhubarb bed. Though the new endeavours may need a while before there’s a pie, they are up and growing.

On the cooperative farming front, a group of Village Farm folks has been working together farming and planning this past season preparing for a move to a small farm where they will create a smaller scale version of the Village Farm. They will grow a market garden, create a permaculture forest garden and initiate a small farm/homestead skills centre that includes learning about livestock and their products. Lots of community participation will be integral and some of the group will be living on the farm. The plan includes forming a non-profit organization to operate the educational aspects.

Randall Garrison, MP

ESQUIMALT–JUAN DE FUCA

A2 – 100 Aldersmith Place View Royal, BC V9A 7M8 M–Th, 10–4 / 250-405-6550 Randall.Garrison@parl.gc.ca www.randallgarrison.ndp.ca

Negotiations are underway for the use of land owned by a non-profit charitable organization in East Sooke and should be completed within a few months. In the event that a workable agreement isn’t reached, the group will be continuing with the plan on another location.

RG-RuralObserver-1311.indd 1

2013-11-06 12:35 PM

On site coffee roasting.

On site bakery.

Everything’s better when someone else makes it.

Ask us about catering.

The Sooke Region Farmland Trust Society was founded last summer and is led by a board that includes our Village Farm colleagues Doug Brubaker, Mary Coll, Mary Alice Johnson and Steve Unger. Its chief objective is to acquire, preserve and/or manage local farmland and return it to productive use by offering long-term leases at affordable rates to farmers who couldn’t otherwise afford the land. The society is now seeking charitable status while also meeting with representatives from Farm Folk/ City Folk and other BC land trusts to share ideas and develop

MONDAY to FRIDAY 6-6 SATURDAY & SUNDAY 7:30-6

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May 2014

It’s Not Just the Largest Trees: The Northern Alligator Lizard

by Rosemary Jorna

BC has Canada’s largest trees and Canada’s largest lizard, the Elgaria coerulea principis. The Northern Alligator Lizard is Vancouver Island’s only native lizard. This little “alligator” is all of 20 to 27 cm from the tip of its nose to the tip of its very long tail.

Covered with square, keeled scales, it has a long narrow head, sharp teeth, and short legs. Its general colour is a grey/ brown with darker splotches and a light underbelly. It has a neat fold along its side that makes for easy expansion after eating a large meal or when carrying eggs.

Our subspecies Elgaria coerulea principis is found in wide range with habitats from the coastal rainforest into interior BC, and from sea level up to 1800 metres. It has adapted to function even when its body temperature is as low as 11C enabling it to have the northern most range of any North American lizard. It can be found on the cool forest floor, but still depends on sunny openings with warm mossy slopes, logs or rocks to bask on.

finds a female grabs her head, holds on and late in the summer 4 to 6 tiny lizards emerge from her body. She is viviparous, incubating her eggs within her body. This is another adaptation which allows this lizard to range so far north. The energy needed to incubate means that the female bears young only every second year. The young will take 2 to 3 years to reach sexual maturity in a life span thought to be 7 to 8 years.

Northern Alligator Lizards spend most of their time hiding. They are most likely to be seen basking on a high point or a tree branch, in the late afternoon sunshine. A male will bask after a big meal, and a female because she must have heat to incubate those eggs. They are not wanderers, staying close to their wintering spots. They make a great addition to a garden, taking care of most insect pests. Their slightly forked tongue helps them locate prey and their loose jaw means they can swallow large insects. This feisty little lizard has several defensive moves.

It voids a foul offensive mixture, it bites and as a last, desperate measure, it can autotomize or shed its tail. Sacrificing a tail is a desperate measure for any animal as precious stores of fat needed to reproduce and to get through the winter are lost, but it still has a second chance. Losing a tail is not as final as becoming some ones dinner. Tails do grow back even if shorter and stubbier and darker in colour. The shed tail continues to wiggle perhaps distracting the cat or snake intent on a meal.

Like all lizards, the Northern Alligator Lizards are ectotherms, needing some external heat to digest food, move and reproduce. Mating occurs in March or April as this lizard emerges from its hibernacula, the burrow below the frost line where it has spent the winter. It will retreat there again if the summer becomes too hot. There is no courtship ritual for these fellows. The male

When I think of lizards I think of sunshine and have seen these attractive lizards on our sundrenched hillside, but after finding a lizard on a wet forest trail and the report of one in a shady 6

May 2014

Green 365 Spring Cleaning Campaign Underway

garden, I wanted to learn more about them. As for so many of our small fauna, much is still to be learned. This lizard has several sub species with varying habits. Its range and ability to adapt to varied climatic zones means that the species does not seem to be at risk. However, it is not an adventuresome wanderer and if a local group is wiped out by destruction of its habitat or by predation it may be gone for good in that spot.

provided by the CRD

In April, the Capital Regional District launched a new outreach campaign in support of “Green 365”, a multi-themed campaign promoting year-round sustainable living both inside and outside the home.

For more information: Amphibians and Reptiles of British Columbia B.M. Matsuda, D.M. Green and P.T. Gregory 2006, or check the web.

“Green 365 Spring Cleaning” will run until June, promoting green behaviours that apply when tackling spring cleaning within your home. The campaign will teach residents how to deal with unwanted household items, properly dispose of expired or unused medications, safely dispose of household hazardous waste and create environmentally-friendly cleaners.

“We want to provide residents with useful knowledge when cleaning their garages, bathrooms and around their homes to ensure items are properly and safely disposed of,” said Nils Jensen, chair of the CRD’s Environmental Services Committee. “Green 365 will be an excellent resource to help contribute to environmental stewardship in our region.”

“Green 365 Spring Cleaning,” will offer residents weekly spring cleaning tips. Search #Green365 on Twitter or visit www.crd. bc.ca/green365 for tips and to find out where to visit the CRD outreach team to pledge for a complimentary spray bottle.

As well, be sure to enter the photo contest that will give away weekly prizes for eight weeks and a grand prize at the end. In exchange for submitting photos showing green spring cleaning activities, residents will be entered into a weekly draw for a green cleaning supply kit from Balance Home Cleaning. The grand prize winner, who will be selected from all of the entries, will receive a gift certificate to Balance Home Cleaning, valued at $1,000.

Following the spring cleaning theme, on May 24, the CRD will be co-hosting with Fairfield Gonzales community association a community garage sale from 9am-3pm at St. Matthias Church.

Come on down and practice the 3Rs: reduce, reuse and recycle. Residents will also learn how to properly and safely dispose of materials and discover useful green cleaning tips and recipes. An eco-cleaning prize will be drawn on the hour.

“Green 365 in the Kitchen” is proudly supported by: CFAX 1070, KOOL FM, Balance Home Cleaning and The Times Colonist. For more information, go to the CRD’s website: www. crd.bc.ca/green365

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May 2014

Calendar of Events for Shirley

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

Panjama and Pot Luck

Shirley Fire Department Practices Thursdays 7 - 9:00 p.m.

To volunteer – 646-2107

by Terri Alcock

Recently, Shirley Panisteros (enthusiasts and players of handpan music) met in a Panjama - that is, a jam session.

Shirleyites welcomed handpan ambassador and maestro, Colin Foulke, whom some of you may have heard a while back in Pioneer Park. This was Colin’s third visit to Shirley, this time, with his wife, Kari. Colin and Kari took time off from a working trip to visit Shirley handpan player Carol Whitney and some of her handpan friends.

Food, music and laughter set the atmosphere vibrating, though quietly, as the handpan is a quiet instrument. The dogs were enchanted, as is common with handpans. No guarantees for cats!

On his previous visit, Colin brought the handpan donated as a gift to Carol by the handpan.org online forum. Carol is learning to play and enjoying every minute.

Jamming has been a favorite activity of hers throughout her long musical life.

The jamming group also welcomed fellow BC Panisteros, who have played in Shirley before, with their various handpans. (Details about handpans may be learned by visiting the online forum at www.handpan.org/forum/index.php.)

Carol is hoping eventually to expand the jamming to include any violins, flutes, acoustic guitars, or other instruments compatible with handpans. Appropriatelytuned drones are most welcome with handpans. She hopes, eventually, for regular jam-sessions. Her instrument has the unalterable pitches (D3) as the central note, and, around the rim, the notes A3 Bb3 C4 D4 E4 F4 G4 A4 (same as A440), and C5.

Carol’s videos can be seen on YouTube, on the channel of CarolWCamelo, and the story of the donated handpan is on the online forum, in a Sticky thread in SPb House. YouTube carries videos of many different handpans, including the Hang, BElls, Halo, SPb Pantam (Carol’s) and the newer, Saraz.

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Shukokai Karate for all ages Mondays, 6:30-8:00 p.m.

Alida – 642-4631 Pilates Mondays, 10 -11:00 a.m.

Saturdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. svakayoga@gmail.com Yoga Tuesdays, 6 – 7:00 p.m.

Fridays 10 – 11:00 a.m.

Nia Dance/Movement Thursdays, 6:45-8:00 p.m.

Sundays 11:00 a.m. -12:15 p.m. movingmelody@gmail.com Shirley Quilters and Crafters Thursdays, 10:00 a.m.

Shirley Women’s Institute 3rd Tuesdays10:30 a.m. stephaniecroft@hotmail.com Shirley Fire Commission Meeting 3rd Wednesdays, 7:00 p.m.

Shirley Country Market Sundays, May til end of September Contact Larry - lwmcca@shaw.ca Shirley Boogie Bob Bossin presenting “Davy the Punk” Saturday, May 10th, 7:00 p.m.

Contact: Guy McDannold guymcd@shaw.ca or 646-2730 Shirley Community Assoc. AGM Wednesday, May 14 2014, 7:30 p.m.

In future, community announcements will be 2 lines only; for more, please contact advertise@ruralobserver.com for a small ad -4 lines for $20

May 2014

Fashion Trendsetters in Shirley

by Carol Whitney

Colleen of Cross Point Farm has started a new fashion craze and a new art form. Since late 2013, Colleen has been walking West Coast Road every day, wearing one of those highly visible traffic jackets. She walks regularly for long distances; sometimes ten kilometers or more.

Colleen has always had her own, unpretentious way of doing things, which makes her particularly effective in setting useful fashions. I’ve passed her on the road many times on my way to Sooke or returning, but alas, I was driving and she was walking.

I visited Colleen in her home not long ago and got the surprise of my life!

Colleen led me into a room where a statue a few feet tall, on a base that brought it up off the floor, graced the centre of the room.

It looked quite human. However, it was entirely made of a variety of objects we humans generally consider junk - objects discarded along the roadside. Colleen found these during her daily walks when she’d step off the road to let a big truck go by so as not to be anywhere close to in the way! And she would carry these found objects all the way home.

Wow! Talk about conditioning. Not to mention trendsetting safety not only by being visible, but also by stepping out of the way of the big trucks.

I am about to embark on a condition-myself walking program, however mine doesn’t BEGIN to approach Colleen’s; it’s much more modest. And I won’t be carrying discarded stuff like old rusty nails, unless they weigh practically nothing. If I DO find any treasures, I’ll probably offer them to Colleen.

So, I finally got myself one of those jackets, and I’ve been wearing it walking. Then yesterday from my kitchen window I happened to see a regular neighbourhood walker, also a woman, walk past, and she was wearing a very visible red jacket.

I do believe Colleen has led the way in Shirley, to a most useful, decorative, and ultra-gorgeous fashion for the ladies. Even gents might follow suit. I bow also to walker Aldo, who wears a hard to miss yellow jacket, and always has a friendly greeting for neighbours as he passes. Those who don’t yet know Aldo might enjoy walking when he does and having a word with him.

I hereby dub these walkers Shirley Walking Enthusiasts, in honour of their independence, persistence and neighbourliness, and for being trendsetters in our community.

SEAS

Shirley Education and Action Society MAKE A DIFFERENCE Help make certain Shirley stays a rural community..

10 years of service, and a new dedication to the principle of “Stay Rural” focusing on watershed protection Join SEAS today: go to our newly revitalized website and join the effort to Stay Rural.

www.seasbc.org or stayrural.org 9

May 2014

Brush Clearing Opens Alternate Routes - Don’t Miss What Aylard Farm’s Meadows Have To Offer

the woods. I was curious and he was kind enough to explain what he was doing that day. “It’s about offering options”, he told me, “so that everyone can enjoy this lesser known part of East Sooke Regional Park.” I knew what he meant. The rocky, root-strewn coastal and interior paths are fantastic and offer both adventure and exercise but there are days when a more relaxed and easy stroll through the open meadows is a better option. That particular morning Alastair noted that he was being extra careful not to disturb the voles that lived under the rocks and in various other nooks and crannies among the grasses. They are so delicate, he said, that even the act of uncovering them can cause them to die on the spot. I knew then that this was someone who took his work very seriously.

by Lynda Chambers

It’s easy to park the car at the Aylard Farm entrance to East Sooke Park and in five minutes be either at the beach or the beginning of the popular coast trail. In fact, it’s so easy that a lot of people do just that and miss what the surrounding meadows have to offer.

Without a doubt, each day I walked the trails in 2012 and all through 2013, I’d notice them getting better and better. I never quite knew where Alastair would be working on any particular day, but I always knew where he’d been because there would be a culvert or a ditch or a bit of “crush” laid down to redefine a path that had long been overgrown and invisible to most. As well, over time, a long row of alder saplings were painstaking removed by hand and the end result was a whole new swath of meadow and an unobstructed view of cedar and fir.

Over the past two-and-a-half years, extensive brush clearing and drainage work has opened up a series of interconnecting flat trails that meander through the grass all way to where the forest closes in. These often overlooked paths provide an easier alternative to hiking on some of the more difficult forested and coastal trails.

The option for a more leisurely walk comes as a result of CRD Parks recognizing in 2011 that Aylard Farm could use some attention. “We were fortunate that we had a staff person available who could put some focus into the place and help improve the aesthetics of the meadows,” says Mike MacIntyre, Regional Parks Manager of Operations at CRD. “Alastair Graham has removed tons of Daphne and Scotch Broom and the result is not only enhanced accessibility but improved viewscapes as well.”

Alastair and I didn’t always get a chance to speak. I’d be keeping up with my dog and Alastair would be focused on the task at hand but when we did chat I always came away with an interesting nugget. For example, I learned that by providing alternative routes for the dog-walkers, families, seniors, birdwatchers, backpackers and others who usually flock to the park for the popular coastal trail or beach, the CRD was helping them ‘slow down’. “I believe people shouldn’t feel rushed when they come to a park,” says Alastair.

It was February of last year that I first came upon Alastair. He was working in the furthest meadow, clearing brush to re-define an old flat trail hidden in the tall and varied grasses that grow there. It was just up from the point where the popular coast trail opens into

Humans aren’t the only ones benefiting from this clearing and drainage work. With the return of native plants such as wild roses, the birds – including quail and redwing blackbirds - have safe places to nest and hide. And in keeping with birders’ wishes, no

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May 2014

foreign products were used on the trails. Only gravel in some areas and small amounts of ‘crush’ over culverts. “The grass will eventually come through there,” says Alastair.

With a lot of the broom gone, there are way more glimpses of ocean now from the Aylard Farm meadows too. Unfortunately, it’s also true that at certain times of the year, there’s another kind of water view. Puddles!

Despite hand-dug and strategically-placed ditches to channel a lot of the surface water, the reality is there are still times of the year when without the right foot gear socks get soggy and legs speckled with mud. The bright side is that when the rains taper to showers, the drainage work seems to really make a difference. Thanks to the CRD’s focus on Aylard Farm these past years, there are culverts over the worse bits and Alastair has managed to place large flat boulders that serve as stepping stones over a notoriously wet part of one meadow.

Doug Read Licensed Realtor 26 years experience~19 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

Images from far left:

Work at Aylard Farm began long before I started to notice it in early 2012. The handicapped toilets, for example, were installed in 1986, but this most recent work - completed almost entirely by hand with shovels and clippers, machetes and muscle has impacted me the most. Alastair’s assignment was completed in December 2013, coinciding with his retirement from CRD Parks, but the work he began will not be ignored.

Mike MacIntyre says he knows that keeping the invasive plants in check is a never-ending process. Next time you visit Aylard Farm, look for me. I’ll be in the meadows!

1. Red takes advantage of large flat boulders that serve as stepping stones over a notoriously wet part of one meadow.

2..Over the past two-and-a-half years, extensive brush clearing and drainage work has opened up a series of interconnecting flat trails that meander through the grass all way to where the forest closes in.

3. Marjorie Schmidt and her 16-year-old spaniel Angus know all the trails – rugged and otherwise - throughout East Sooke Park but don’t routinely hike them anymore.

“My knees have started to bother me so Angus and I prefer the meadows now. We’re here every day and I love it.”

4. At least five rustic log seats like the one Jada and I are enjoying here have popped up in the meadows. See if you can find them all.

East Sooke Community Calendar

Unless otherwise indicated all events in the ES Fire Hall meeting room

Pure Confident Fitness Cardio & Strength Class Instructor: Vanessa Harms 250-589-4877

Gentle Yoga Class at Sarah’s studio Instructor: Sarah Richer 250-642-2142

COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE Date to be decided in June Contact copperminepark@telus.net

Hatha Yoga Classes Instructor: Connie Rose 250-889-0753

East Sooke Fire Protection & Emergency Services Commission Third Mondays, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

East Sooke Volunteer Fire Dept Fire Practice Thursdays, 7:00 p.m.

Volunteers Welcome

Karate Classes For All Ages Instructor: Armin Sielopp 250-642-3926

In future, community announcements will be 2 lines only; for more please contact advertise@ruralobserver.com for a small ad of 4 lines for $20

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May 2014

Sharing the Road

by Janet Caplan

Ahh, the pleasures of rural life! There certainly are many, but one at the top of my list is walking along our country roads and pathways. Just getting out into the fresh air, breathing in the scents of sea and forest and meandering through the hilly terrain of East Sooke is a joyful and refreshing start to any day. I love it and so do my dog companions.

And most days, that’s exactly how it is, simple pleasure, at least until I arrive at East Sooke Road. I wish I could say that this road that connects most of the streets threading through East Sooke was as enjoyable to walk as the others. But often it’s not, and in fact at times it can be downright frightening.

This narrow road, the main artery through the community, is well travelled back and forth by residents, commercial vehicles and public transit. I’m aware of its hazards and pitfalls and I do expect the need to

John Horgan

be highly alert to traffic. But really…is the speed necessary?

As I walk up the road, most often on the sloping shoulder, I’m amazed at the way some people drive. With little or no regard for the pedestrian or her dogs, they blast by right at the edge of the road, often spraying gravel in their wake. At the very least, with not much oncoming traffic, why not move out from the shoulder a bit, maybe crossing the fading yellow line if need be?

The vast majority of drivers I encounter along East Sooke Road are courteous and thoughtful: my issue is with a small minority. But it is an issue for me and for many others I’ve met on the road.

I’d like to feel safer out there. I know we all would. A little more thought and respect for pedestrians’ along the way would be greatly appreciated. Please look out for us, slow down and share our roadways.

MLA Juan de Fuca

Your Rural Voice in the Legislature #122–2806 Jacklin Rd, Victoria, BC V9B 5A4 250-391-2801 john.horgan.mla@leg.bc.ca www.johnhorgan.ca

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2013-11-06 12:56 PM

May 2014

The Holly and the Ivy

by Brian White

English Holly and Ivy are just two of the European invasive species that are replacing native plants throughout Juan de Fuca. Birds, particularly Robins, eat the Holly and Ivy berries, and the berry seed coatings are etched as they pass through the bird’s digestive tract. Germination is thereby facilitated, and the plants have become established as a significant understory element in many areas, including in Seagirt Ponds Park in East Sooke. In some situations in the park, and on properties throughout the Juan de Fuca, Holly has displaced native species as the plants, which are shade tolerant, spread by underground runners. Dispersal is mainly by runners, because most of the Holly plants do not bear berries in shaded situations until they become mature trees. Digging out the roots and runners is laborious and time consuming, but necessary to protect native plant habitat. If nothing else, it’s a great workout!

Trees can become infested with Ivy, which is also shade tolerant, and in time starts to spread across the ground by runners and also overwhelms native species. Cutting the vines at the tree’s base will kill the vines on the tree, but the tendency then is for Ivy to spread by runners, so digging out the roots and runners at the tree’s base is important. Once the soil is disturbed, it’s important to replant with native plants before the invasive plants can get a foothold again.

Some invasive non-native plants are more sacred than others, it seems. There is no strategy for the removal of blackberry vines, which form thickets. The vines provide a good harvest of blackberries each summer and are valued by both wildlife and humans. Also, as blackberry vines are shade intolerant, they don’t spread under the forest canopy.

Other invasive species are of concern in the Juan de Fuca region, in particular non-native thistles and tansy ragweed.

Broom and Daphne removal will be ongoing in Seagirt Ponds Park, but is now at a maintenance level, mostly involving removal of seedlings. Removal of helleborine orchids (Epipactis helleborine) will also have to be ongoing, since these weedy European orchids can displace native wildflowers. In the Park we hope to replant some areas with native plants that have been lost or diminished, including Western Trilliums, Western Columbine, White Fawn Lilies, and Red Flowering Current.

Residents in other communities of the Juan de Fuca might want to consider taking on these species in their areas.

Juan de Fuca Emergency Program is promoting a new

REGIONAL PREPAREDNESS WORKBOOK &

The eradication of invasive species - and their replacement by native plants- is a great way to learn about both the resilience and fragility of our local ecosystems, and it’s a great way to get to know your neighbours! There are problems with invasive species throughout Juan de Fuca, and there are many places where native species have been overwhelmed by Broom, Gorse, Holly, and Ivy. Determined efforts to remove these invaders will prevent them from continuing to spread, and helps to maintain the ecosystems that make our landscape so unique.

26 WEEKS TO PREPAREDNESS National Emergency Preparedness Week May 4-10 For more info: prepareyourself.ca Follow @JdFemerg

We need more volunteers to help with the restoration of Seagirt Ponds Park, but whether it’s on your own property or volunteering to work on parks or other public spaces, we may all do something to protect and improve the very special places that we call home. We only have to visit other areas of the CRD to see what can happen when the Holly and the Ivy are ignored!

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May 2014

Buy Local, Support Our Communities

by Kerry O’Gorman

Up cycle, buy local, support local. These are all catch phrases that you hear a lot these days. Walking into the recently opened shop ‘Inspire’, a second store for owner Karen Stones of ‘A Sea of Bloom’ flower shop, is a completely different experience, with a “shabby chic”, “vintage”, “up cycled” and “handmade” feel!

The shop showcases local talent from potters, wood workers, felters and jewellery makers to those who have taken “up cycling” to a whole new level. Bags and slippers made from recycled wool blankets and sweaters, furniture repurposed into “shabby chic” style, old buttons turned into works of art. These creations are the kind of products that people are looking for, for themselves as well as for gifts without having to use gas, time and energy to go outside the community.

not only for its finished look, but also for the work that went into it, a face behind the creation and the global footprint it has as it’s made and brought to the customer. There’s a sense of community as well as creativity as soon as you walk through the door of ‘Inspire’. You are at once reminded of how important these things are to the owner Karen Stones and her staff.

At ‘Inspire’, the concept of showcasing local artisans is not only about keeping business in the community, but also about educating the public on what part we all play in the global economy and our environment. The fact that these creators are helping to keep so many things out of the landfills is what makes this type of shop so appealing. Recognizing the value of a product

Awareness Film Night

At ‘A Sea of Bloom’, the emphasis has been on providing locally grown flowers as much as possible. Karen has been growing and selling cut flowers for over ten years now. You may have seen her at either the Sooke Country Market or the Metchosin Farmers Market in the past. She is coming up to six years of business at the flower shop located in the heart of Sooke. Karen is known for her award winning floral works. In 2010, she won the Best Bridal Bouquet in British Columbia award in Vancouver. She has also won local awards from the Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce.

Films on topics normally disregarded by mainstream media.

Screened monthly from October thru May. Available every day at the lending library.

Details: www.awarenessfilmnight.ca

The response to Inspire has been very supportive. New and returning customers at ‘A Sea of Bloom’ are deeply appreciative of Karen’s creativity and her passion for providing a unique product.

It feels good to support not only small, local businesses but a way of life for many in our community!

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May 2014

Rural RECIPE Boiled Raisin Cake aka “Great Depression Cake”

by Bonnie Coulter

I love this cake for its simplicity. My mom and my grandmother made it for us. My own kids loved it warm out of the oven on a cold winter’s morning. No Martha Stewart skills required.

Here is the basic recipe, but when I make it today I use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar, butter instead of lard and glutenfree flour instead of regular flour and it still works!

1 cup brown sugar ½ cup shortening or butter 1 cup cold water 1 ½ cups raisins 1 tsp. cinnamon 1 tsp. nutmeg ½ tsp. ground cloves 2 cups flour 1 ½ tsp. baking soda.

Great Deprssion Cake served recently at Rural Observer Board meeting

Sheila’s Coastal Crunch Granola

In a sauce pan, combine the sugar, butter, water, raisins and spices. Bring to a boil and continue to boil for 3 minutes, then cool.

Fresh * Pure * Delicious

In a separate bowl, combine flour and baking soda. Stir into the cooled raisin mixture. Pour into a greased and floured 9” (23 cm) square pan.

Locally produced, naturally healthy granola available at Sooke Country Market May – October or by contacting

smwallace@shaw.ca 250-642-7906

Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 25 minutes, or until cake springs back when touched gently.

Sprinkle lightly with icing sugar.

250-642-3596 15

May 2014

From the desk of Mike Hicks, JdF Regional Director The fall and winter seasons were a busy time for business in the Juan de Fuca.

Port Renfrew residents are enjoying an improved water system, which was built by 3 Point Properties as a condition for building their new recreation cabin development. They are half way through their 95 unit waterfront project, a welcome addition to the tax contribution to not only Port Renfrew services but the overall JDF tax base.

For those interested in numbers, the total assessment for the Juan de Fuca in 2013 was approximately 1.3 billion dollars. New construction was 23.8 million, or 1.8% growth, in comparison to the total assessment. The JDF was 2nd in growth in the CRD with the average being .9%.

Shirley, Jordon River and East Sooke are now working through their OCP Review, and Otter Point is in the final stages of having their revised OCP adopted at the CRD Board. The Otter Point OCP cost $150,000 to complete, and we are budgeting $150,000 for the East Sooke and Shirley/Jordon River OCP Reviews. This process is incredibly expensive, only affordable with the use of our Gas Tax Funding. Land Use has historically been the JDF’s most contentious, divisive issue and our investment in the OCPs, I believe, is now producing dividends with far less conflict throughout our Region. Our Malahat residents have finally caught-up and those residents with acreages are allowed a suite in a detached building.

We built our 1.7 million dollar office building in Otter Point, which houses JDF departments and a 2,000 square foot meeting room. If you will remember, we borrowed the funds from the CRD at very favourable rates with principal and interest payments being the same as previous rent. We now have

a beautiful facility that will be debt free in 15 years. East Sooke residents are going through this process and building a 2.2 million dollar fire hall. Their timing is also good with historically low interest rates. Willis Point recently finished their service garage addition.

The building process is very difficult and a huge drain on the volunteers in our communities such as Willis Point and East Sooke that must work between the residents, architects, engineers and CRD. I hope they know that after all the headaches, and sometimes criticism, they are very much appreciated.

There are a few huge issues facing the CRD and the JDF in which I am engaged. Willis Point residents are facing the prospect of having the Seaterra sewage processing plant and CRD kitchen scraps composting plant as neighbours in the CRD Hartland Landfill site. On Jan 1, 2015, Hartland will no longer accept kitchen scraps and we must develop a system in the JDF to separate, collect and dispose of this material. On an even larger scale Kinder Morgan is proposing to twin their existing pipeline from Alberta to Burnaby and dramatically increase the number of oil tankers navigating our waters.

In addition to my previous duties, I am now the Chairman of the Seaparc Board and sit as a new member of the CRD Governance Committee dealing with issues and policies affecting the CRD Board. We have applied to the National Energy Board to have intervener status at the Kinder Morgan hearings, and I have offered to take a lead role, focusing on the safe passage of oil tanker traffic from the Strait of Georgia to Buoy Juliet on the Swiftsure Bank.

This could very well be my last report before the municipal elections in November. Once again, I will be putting my name forward to be considered for the job of Regional Director of the Juan de Fuca Electoral Area. I wish to thank the staff of the Rural Observer for allowing me these reports and the residents of the JDF for having me as your representative and giving me this tremendous experience.

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May 2014

From the desk of John Horgan, MLA Juan de Fuca March has been an interesting and invigorating month for me! As many of you know, on St Patrick’s Day, I entered the race for leadership of the Official Opposition. I want to thank all of you who have offered your support and sage advice.

The task ahead is a daunting one, but I want to assure you that representing the constituency of Juan de Fuca remains my top priority.

The Legislature has been in session for a number of weeks and it feels good to be back in the House. We have debated the budget, which continues to increase the provincial debt at breakneck speed. During the election campaign the premier traveled around BC in a bus stamped with the slogan “Debt Free BC.” After 13 years of a BC Liberal government our record debt levels will continue to rise over the three year plan presented with the annual budget documents. Hardly debt free, and certainly not a record to be proud of.

The government states that personal provincial taxes have not increased. So I called on the Premier to tell us where we are in terms of the total burden of cost through increased fees and charges that government puts on its citizens with its new budget policies. When you add increased MSP premiums, hydro rates and the many other costs, it makes the ‘no new taxes’ statement meaningless.

In BC Hydro’s June 2013, three year fiscal plan it stated that “The annual dividend payment is forecast to average $243 million.”

Then, only eight months later, we find the three-year fiscal plan, (yes, the very same document), states “The annual dividend payment is forecast to average $410 million.” I tried to give the Minister of Energy an opportunity to explain how he shot BC Hydro’s overall debt up by $2 billion. I tried to get him to explain how announcing another billion and a half dollars in differed debt, and putting a crushing 28 per cent increase on the backs of BC businesses and ratepayers was good fiscal management! No answers were forthcoming.

Currently committees have limited powers, rarely meet, and are often not established for certain policy areas and can only examine issues specifically referred to them by government. The reality is that many of these committees don’t actually sit and haven’t for many years. My legislation would create a parliamentary committee system that is more accountable and effective.

The second is the Parliamentary Calendar Act, which sets a firm parliamentary schedule for the Legislative Assembly. The BC legislature only sat for a total of 36 days in 2013, the fewest number in any year since 2001. The government has chosen to invoke time limits and closure on key pieces of legislation to avoid a fall session and duck accountability, thereby choosing political expediency over public accountability. This legislation would prevent government from cancelling future fall sittings and allow MLAs to do the work that the people of BC elected them to do.

The third piece of legislation I introduced was the Hydro Affordability Act, which would give the BC Utilities Commission the authority to require BC Hydro to offer a discounted lifeline rate in order to maintain the affordability of energy for low-income British Columbians. To qualify for a lifeline rate, families or individuals would have to demonstrate their need based on household income and number of persons residing in the household. Those struggling to provide the basic necessities for their families should not be forced to decide between feeding their families and keeping the heat on. With this legislation, the BC Liberal government will have an opportunity, at a minimum, to do what’s right and bring in protective measures that will stop low-income families from falling further behind.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns about provincial programs, please don’t hesitate to contact my office.

John Horgan, MLA Juan de Fuca

I also asked the Minister of Transportation about increased ferry costs and severe service cuts. Did his government do an economic analysis on the consequences to ferry dependent communities before they implemented these changes? Increased fares have a direct consequence to ridership. Despite the obvious correlation, the government has not done an impact assessment to determine what further damage will result from higher fares and reduced service.

Unfortunately, all I received in return to these questions was hollow rhetoric.

I have not just been pointing out the shortcomings of the current government, I have also proposed some much needed reforms.

I recently introduced three private members bills into the House, the first of which was the Standing Committee Reform Act. This legislation creates 11 statutory Standing Committees that would meet year-round and would be comprised of MLAs from all parties, in proportion to their representation in the House. The Act would allow the committees broad powers to consider matters on their own initiative and also would require the House to debate and vote on any reports submitted to the Legislature.

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May 2014

From the desk of Randall Garrison, MP Esquimalt Juan de Fuca Conservative Election Reforms Will Undermine Democracy Canadians oppose the so called Fair Elections Act (C-23) that the Conservative government is attempting to ram through the Parliament of Canada. Town hall meetings across the country are being well attended by citizens who understand the threat to our democracy that this Bill imposes.

Over 200 Canadian and International Political Scientists and Chief Electoral Officers have written to the government urging them not to pass this UnFair Elections Act. Recently I hosted a town hall meeting on this issue with Murray Rankin, MP. Over 200 people attended and were shocked to hear of the threat to democracy that the UnFair Election Act poses.

Stephen Harper’s Conservatives have a bad record when it comes to respecting our election laws. Now Conservatives are using the Fair Elections Act” to skew the next election in their favour, giving themselves every advantage and at the same time making it harder for many of their likely opponents to vote. This unfair bill is nothing short of a serious attack on our democracy After widespread voter suppression and documented fraud

by Conservatives during the 2011 election, this legislation was supposed to offer tools to crack down on abuse. Yet the Conservatives have refused to include the most effective measure to enhance investigations of irregularities, giving Elections Canada the power to compel testimony. And they ignored a 2012 NDP motion that would have given Elections Canada the power to have access to political party documents, which would help uncover shady schemes.

Bill C-23 will actually make it harder for most Canadians to vote.

The Conservatives propose to eliminate the two provisions that have proven most effective in ensuring Canadians can cast their ballots. One is the long-standing Canadian practice of vouching which allowed more than 120,000 people to vote in 2011.

Vouching allowed a voter on the voters list with proper ID to swear to the identity and address of one other voter who lacked sufficient ID. Students, seniors in residence, First Nations people living on reserve, and others often lacking ID with a current address have been able to use vouching to exercise their right to vote.

The second way Bill C-23 will suppress voting is that Elections Canada officials will no longer be able to accept Voter Identification Cards as identification. These are the cards voters get in the mail that tell them they are registered, give their current address, and tell them where to vote on election day or at advanced polls. Not allowing voters to use these cards as identification means all voters will have to bring two pieces of ID to the polls to prove they still live at their current address, not just their card and a Driver’s License as most people have done.

This will make voting day more difficult for most voters and lead to confusion and congestion at polling stations.

Conservatives claim that vouching and use of voter identification cards are the source of widespread fraud, but there is zero evidence to support these claims. Instead, Bill C-23 seems to be a concerted attempt to disenfranchise those with lower incomes or more transient lives.

This bill also attempts to muzzle the Chief Electoral Officer by prohibiting him from engaging in public education or outreach to groups that are less likely to vote. At a time of record low voter turnout, this just does not make any sense. As the Chief Electoral Officer Marc Mayrand pointed out, “there are no other jurisdictions in the world where the electoral body cannot talk to voters about democracy”.

This restriction means that it will now be illegal for the Chief Electoral Officer to run the very effective civics-outreach Student Vote Program. During the 2011 election, over 500,000 students across Canada cast mock ballots through the program, an effort designed to encourage them to vote when they turn 18. Nor will Elections Canada be able to employ special outreach officers who previously worked with aboriginal communities to help people get on the voters list and to encourage getting out to vote.

Finally, passing major changes to the Elections Act, of all legislation, is something that should be done in a non-partisan way, consulting with experts and all parties. Instead, the Conservatives failed to consult the top expert on elections law, the Chief Electoral Officer, or any of the Opposition parties, and then moved to shut down debate in the House of Commons an hour after the Minister introduced the bill.

We deserve genuine electoral reform to stop fraud during elections and to ensure every Canadian can exercise their right to vote. Unfortunately, in Bill C-23 Stephen Harper’s Conservatives have given us the opposite. Canada deserves better.

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May 2014

FREE

INFORMATION FOR THE ASKING

Our advertisers are happy to provide any information about their products or services. Please feel free to use the phone numbers below to contact them directly.

A Sea Of Bloom Floral Designs p.18 250-642-3952 Alice McLean Pottery p.10 250-642-3522 Aristos Mail Tech Inc. p.2 250-384-7678 Awareness Film Night p.14 www.awarenessfilmnight.ca Axel Joosting Web Design & Consulting p.7 250-642-4773 Coastal Crunch Granola p.15 250-642-7906 Custom Digging p.14 250-413-7685 Digital Direct Printing Ltd. p.2 250-388-7082 Dom’s Water Service p.3 250-646-2528 Doug Read - Pemberton Holmes Realty p.11 250-642-2705 Envirotemp Refrigeration p.15 250-893-4530 Felix Irwin - Chartered Accountant p.9 250-642-5277 Honestly Tea p.9 250-646-2425 Hugh Gregory Fine Painting p.12 250-480-8295 James Craven & Associates p.16 250-744-9455 JdF Emergency Program pp.4, 13 250-642-8105

Perfect Grade Plumbing p.14 250-532-8678 Race Rocks Automotive p.4 250-478-1920 Randall Garrison, MP p.5 250-405-6550 Rural Observer - Advertising pp.2,19 250-642-1714 Salish Sea Technologies p.7 778-425-1994 Sheringham Point Lighthouse Pres. Soc. p. 20 250-646-2528 Shirley Education & Action Society p.9 seasbc.org Shirley Delicious Cafe p.8 778-528-2888 The Stick In The Mud Cafe p.5 250-642-5635 Victoria Alarm Service p.14 250-721-0266 Vivi Curutchet - Architectural Drawings p.9 250-624-1714 Walk, Sit & Stay - Dog Walking p.10 250-642-0458 Westside InstaPrint p.12 250-478-5533

JdF Parks and Recreation p.4 250-642-1500

The Rural Observer’s Publication Schedule for 2014:

John Horgan - MLA, JdF p.12 250-391-2801

July/August Issue - June 26, 2014 October Issue - October 2, 2014 December Issue - December 4, 2014

Juan de Fuca Veterinary Clinic p.14 250-478-0422 Kimmel Massage Therapist p.9 250-646-2865 Let’s Talk Spanish! p.7 250-642-1714

CONTRIBUTE TO THE RURAL OBSERVER

Markus’ Bistro & Dinner Club p.15 250-642-3596 Marlene Bowman - Seagirt Pottery p.17 250-642-7620

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.

Email us! submissions@ruralobserver.com

Noella LeDrew, Graphic & Web Design pp.2,19 778-352-2070 Numa Farms p.7 250-474-6005 Otter Point Electric p.4 250-588-4324

Vivi Curutchet

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

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May 2014

CRITICAL TIMES REQUIRE QUICK ACTION Please act today to Preserve and Protect our Lighthouse at Sheringham Point.

The federal government is in process of making decisions about heritage status of the lighthouse, land and access for Sheringham Point. Without your immediate action, the site may be lost forever. The Society has submitted all the proper paperwork and now it is up to the Federal Government to decide whether or not the land and structure are protected under the Lighthouse Heritage Act. Please go to: www.sheringhamlighthouse.org and click on “Take Action”. Send an email to the decision makers.

It’s easy, fast, and will help make the difference.

YOUR HELP TODAY WILL MAKE THE DIFFERENCE.

SHERINGHAMLIGHTHOUSE.ORG BC Lighthouse Channel

oJ in U s

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: 6602 Tideview Rd, Sooke, BC, V9Z 1A6

Juan de Fuca Rural Publication Society 2014 MEMBERSHIP / RENEWAL FORM Name ____________________________________ Address _______________________________________ ______________________________________________ Phone ____________ E-mail ______________________ Are you able to help? _____________________________

Return to: JdF Rural Publication Society, 6602 Tideview Rd, East Sooke BC V9Z 1A6

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May 2014