January 5, 2012 by North Island Gazette

GAZETTE NORTH ISLAND

Publications Mail Agreement No. 391275

46th Year No. 01 THURS., JANUARY 5, 2012

EDITORIAL Page 6

LETTERS Page 7

www.northislandgazette.com NORTH ISLAND LIFE Page 9

SPORTS Page 11

PAGE 8 A Port Alice woman gets new truck for Christmas in local grocer’s giveaway contest.

Newsstand $1.25 + HST CLASSIFIEDS Page 13-14

J.R. Rardon photo

The North Island splashes into another New Year Michael Wickstrom leads the charge as 20 hardy swimmers braved the waters of Port McNeill harbour Sunday during the annual New Year’s Day Polar Bear Swim. The Port Hardy Polar Bear Jump was cancelled due to unsafe conditions. See more coverage on page 9.

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Thursday, January 5, 2012

McNeill seeks grant for pool upgrade J.R. Rardon Gazette staff PORT McNEILL—The Town of Port McNeill snuck in under the deadline to apply for a grant to upgrade its crumbling swimming pool. Now it will have to wait to see if the project is approved under grant criteria. Last Thursday, the Infrastructure and Finance Division of the B.C. Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development emailed confirmation of receipt of the application to the town office along with a project reference number. But Brian Bedford, the program’s infrastructure resource officer, said that does not indicate the project has been approved as meeting grant requirements. “It’s simply an acknowledgment of receipt of the application,” Bedford said of the project reference number. “That’s to help us track projects as they move through the system.” Council approval for the project came during its Dec. 19 meeting, just nine days before the application deadline. “The grant application

closes Dec. 28, so we have very little time to prepare something very involved,” Mayor Gerry Furney said. “Obviously the swimming pool is going to need major work. The heating system is wearing out. Maintenance recommends we can change that out with the help of the grant.” The most immediate need at the pool is a heating system, but there are longerterm concerns over failing concrete in the pool itself. Approval came despite concerns from the public that the pool upgrade would not qualify for the grant and questions from councillors wondering if there was a backup project that might be submitted in case the pool upgrade was rejected. The maximum amount of provincial financing listed for the Community Recreational Grant is $400,000, but Furney suggested council shoot for more. “Technically, it can go higher,” he said. “I recommend we ask for $600,000.” Newly elected councillors Grant Anderson and Chris Sharpe made and sec-

“What you’re talking about doing sounds like maintenance. It’s quite likely you’ll be denied.” Shelley Downey

onded the motion before coun. Gaby Wickstrom and Furney made it unanimous. Coun. Shirley Ackland was absent, but Furney said he had spoken to her earlier and Ackland “approved the grant application 100 per cent.” The first dissent to the proposal came at the close of the meeting, when the floor was open to comments from the public. Former coun. Shelley Downey noted the language in the recreation grant application specifically prohibits funding for routine maintenance and upgrades to existing facilities. “What you’re talking about doing sounds like maintenance,” Downey said. “Replacing a boiler and rusting pipes is not

doing something new. It’s quite likely you’ll be declined.” Sharpe asked if the town could submit more than one recreational grant application and Furney responded that, while regional districts like the Regional District of Mount Waddington could submit as many as three proposals, towns and municipalities like Port McNeill get only one shot each. Wickstrom then asked if a “Plan B” was in place in case the pool project was not qualified, and Furney said that if it was necessary a special meeting of council would have to be called prior to Dec. 28. One visitor came armed with her own Plan B and a copy of the Community Recreation Program guide

that she waved at council. “It says here it will be denied for repair of existing infrastructure,” Jill Nava Chaney said while holding up the guide. “I was wondering if the grant could be used for a bike park.” Furney responded by pointing out a local cycling group — the North Island Trail Riders Organization — has explored construction of a riding area with volunteer labour on cityowned property along Pioneer Hill. Nava Chaney said she has been in touch with NITRO organizers, but is reluctant to sink her time and labour into a project on land that could be sold out from under the bikers. “Could you consider making it a permanent-use recreation area?” she asked. “I would recommend you discuss it with the group and bring in a formal presentation,” said Furney, who noted the town has no pending offers or near-term plans to sell the property. “If any kind of sensible presentation can be made to council, we’d be happy to hear it.” Sweet said he had been in contact with provincial offi-

cials and would call again to verify the pool project. But he added he disagreed with Downey’s and Nava Chaney’s characterization of the work. “It’s not maintenance,” he said. “We’d be changing to an entirely new heating system. We’re not repairing it; it’ll be basically a new pool.” Anderson said he didn’t know whether or not the pool would qualify for the grant, but something will have to be done — and soon — if it is going to remain available to the community. “It’s in dire shape,” Anderson said. “There’s cement rotting away under the tile. It may last another year, but we’re not going to have it long without putting in a lot of money.” The Community Recreation Program is a $30 million provincial program designed to invest in local government capital projects, specifically those that address recreational infrastructure in smaller and remote communities. Beford said the ministry has set no timetable for awarding grants or announcing accepted.

Intersection scrutinized after pedestrian near-miss J.R. Rardon Gazette staff PORT McNEILL—A near-miss at a busy intersection could result in the installation of a fourway stop at Campbell Way and Mine Road, depending on results of further research by council. A pedestrian was nearly struck while walking in the lighted and marked crosswalk on Mine Road where it crosses Campbell Way, the first intersection faced by traffic entering Port McNeill from Highway 19. “I’ve asked (RCMP Sgt.) Phil Lue for stats on that intersection,” coun. Gaby Wickstrom said after meeting with the family of the pedestrian. “I think a really easy fix for the intersection at Mine and Campbell is a four-way stop.

to get the “I know it’s Council blessing of not popular Meeting the Highway with a lot of Port McNeill Dept., espethe communicially if ty, but people come into town way too they’re gonna be paying for the signs. Which they fast.” The suggestion may should be.” Council agreed to table prove unpopular with some motorists, but it the discussion while went over well in the Sharpe gathers more Dec. 19 council meet- information. It is expected to be on the agenda ing. “I’m looking into it,” for council’s next meetsaid coun. Chris Sharpe, ing Monday evening. who picked up the pubEmergency vacancy lic safety portfolio after Coun. Wickstrom being elected to his first term in November. “I’d informed council Port like us to do something McNeill has been withto slow traffic down out a local Provincial before somebody gets Emergency Program hit. (A four-way stop) coordinator since Chuck is probably not popular, Lok stepped down from but it’s the quickest and the post late last year. Mayor Furney sugeasiest solution.” And perhaps the least- gested council could Corianne expensive, an idea that approach sat well with Mayor Neilson, who succeeded Lok as the North Island Gerry Furney. “We probably need PEP Coordinator last

month, about reprising Lok’s dual role as local PEP rep and regionwide coordinator. “She’s not interested,” Wickstrom answered. “She believes it’s too much for her to take on right now, and wants to focus on her duties as the North Island coordinator.” Coun. Grant Anderson said it could be useful to meet with Lok and Neilson to ask about training requirements for a replacement PEP coordinator. “It’s not inexpensive,” Anderson said of the training. Wickstrom said she has spoken with Lok and Nielson, and both are willing to attend a council meeting to discuss the job. She said she would follow up and see when they could be included on the agenda.

Ocean spray Members of Port McNeill’s Coast Guard Auxiliary Unit 50 run their inflatable through heavy waves between Port McNeill and Sointula during an exercise Sunday, J.R. Rardon photo Jan. 1.

Thursday, January 5, 2012

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Wandering bear shot dead A l e i s t e r Gwynne Gazette staff P O R T H A R DY — P o r t Hardy RCMP officers said they were forced to shoot and kill a bear that entered the town and posed an imminent risk to public safety. The young black bear, which appeared to be a yearling, was first reported as being under a trailer in Cedar Heights Trailer Park just before 7 a.m. Thursday Dec 29. After leaving on its own shortly afterwards, the bear was observed again at 10:45 a.m. by Hwy. 19 near the four-way stop. Police then chased the furry interloper into a nearby green space. The bear was seen again short-

Remember… Drop off your dead batteries at the Gazette ofﬁce. DISTRICT OF PORT HARDY 2011 COUNCIL MEETING DATES

As per Bylaw No. 03-2009 - a Bylaw to Regulate the Meetings and Conduct of Council Regular Council Meetings are held at 7:00 pm on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of every month in Council Chambers at the Municipal Hall, 7360 Columbia Street. To allow for holiday periods, UBCM convention dates and other events Council may, from time to time and by resolution, change the regularly scheduled meeting dates. The meetings are governed by the Council Procedure Bylaw and Robert’s Rules of Order. All members of the public are welcome to attend these open meetings of Council. If desired, the public can address Council at these meetings if arrangements to do so are made ahead of time. January ......... 10 .....24 February .....14 .......28 March ............ 13 .....27 April ........... 10 .......24 May.................. 8 .....22 June ...........12 .......26 July ................ 10 August ..........7 September .... 11 October ........9 .......23 November ..... 13 .....27 December.. 11 Gloria LeGal, Director of Corporate Services

RCMP officers remove the body of a bear they said they were forced to shoot last week in Port Hardy. Photo courtesy Nancy Wilson Natural as out a summer,” of ly afterwards described walking down the being “small and said Schumacher. Resources and extensive highway towards unhealthy.” He noted it was has Tim Schumacher, a poor berry year field experience a populated area and was not dis- the North Island’s last year, and a with bears, pointB.C. shortage of wild ed out bears are turbed by passing lone C o n s e r v a t i o n foods will lead very complex cars. individuals and was At this point, officer, bears to forage a wide variety police shot the advised of the around towns. of different facbear, which Port action taken. Larry Woodall, tors contribute “They (the Hardy RCMP Staff Sgt. Anna bears) have had a who works for to how any bear Ministry behaves. Marie Mallard tough year with- the

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B.C. payroll fees rise in 2012 Tom Fletcher Black Press VICTORIA—The B.C. government boasts Canada’s lowest income tax rates on earnings up to $113,000 a year, but other deductions from take-home pay are going up again in the new year. The latest in a series of Medical Services Plan premium increases takes effect Jan. 1. The Canadian Taxpayers Federation calculates that the increase means a family with children will see their monthly MSP bill rise from $121 to $128, or $84 a year extra. MSP premiums have gone up 18.5 per cent since 2009. “Very few politicians and public sector employees pay the MSP tax, so they don’t understand the big deal,” said Jordan Bateman, the federation’s B.C. director. “But entrepreneurs, small business owners, middle class families and even those private sector employees lucky enough to have an employer pick up their MSP tab, know what a bite

Jordan Bateman this is out of their pockets.” The federation also notes that federal Employment Insurance and Canada Pension Plan premiums are set to rise by $306 for the average employee in 2012.

“Very few politicians and public sector employees pay the MSP tax so they don’t understand the big deal.”

Jordan Bateman

Half of that is paid by the employee. Other everyday costs are also going up for B.C. residents. BC Hydro rates were pared back in a spending review ordered by Energy Minister Rich Coleman. An interim eight per cent increase took effect in the spring of 2011, but BC Hydro has committed to rate increases of 3.9 per cent in 2012 and 2013. The coming year will also see the last legislated increase in B.C.’s carbon tax on fossil fuels. As of July 1, 2012 the carbon tax on a litre of gasoline rises from 5.56 cents to 6.67, with similar increases on diesel, natural gas and other fuels used by consumers and industry. The current legislation requires each increase to be offset by reductions in personal and business income taxes. Premier Christy Clark says consultation is underway with business and the public to see what direction the province takes on the carbon tax after 2012.

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Benefits being a Chamber member

Chamber Update submitted by Cheryl Jorgenson Port McNeill & District Chamber of Commerce Manager P Submissions to Update: Fax: 250-956-3131 or email pmccc@island.net

Th Ch The Chamber b off Commerce is a non-profit organization that provides a variety of services which assist local organizations and businesses to save money, to advertise, and to network with the local business community. As a Chamber Member you qualify for numerous benefits including: s /PPORTUNITY TO DISPLAY brochures/business cards in the Visitor Centre s "USINESS REFERRALS s 7EBSITE EXPOSURE s .ETWORKING opportunities s 0ROMOTIONAL ADVERTISING in the “Chamber Update” PUBLISHED IN THE .ORTH Island Gazette)

s !CCESS TO THE #HAMBER of Commerce Group )NSURANCE 0LAN s "USINESS ADVOCACY s !ND MOREx "ENElTS AVAILABLE TO YOU and your business right now include: s #HAMBERS OF #OMMERCE Group Insurance s #HAMBER ,EARNING .ETWORK s #HAMBER -ASTER s #OMMERCE %NERGY s #ONSTANT #ONTACT s %SSO s (OTEL $ISCOUNTS s (USKY -OHAWK s 0AYWORKS s 0ETRO #ANADA 3UPERPASS s 3HAW 3ABEY s 3HELL s 3TAPLES !DVANTAGE

s 4$ -ERCHANT 3ERVICES s 4RAVEL 0ROGRAM )NDUS s 6ERSA0AY Chamber Member General Meeting Dates: January 24 February 28 March 27 April 24 May 22 June 26 July- Cancelled for summer hiatus August- Cancelled for summer hiatus 3EPTEMBER /CTOBER .OVEMBER $ECEMBER #ANCELLED FOR holiday hiatus this message is sponsored by the

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Thursday, January 5, 2012

B.C. braces for Japan tsunami debris Tom Fletcher Black Press VICTORIA—With scattered reports of light debris already arriving on the west coast of North America, B.C. officials are bracing for thousands of tonnes of material to wash ashore from the March 2011 tsunami in Japan. Tofino residents have begun reporting increased Japanese material washing ashore at Long Beach and other western coastal areas of Vancouver Island. There are reports from both Washington State and Alaska of plastic floats identified as being from a Japanese oyster farm, and lumber and other light objects have been reported showing up along the coast nine months after the disaster. Canadian federal, provincial and local officials are setting up a

task force to deal with the material on that washes ashore in B.C. Part of the job will be identifying hazardous materials that may make it across the ocean. The tsunami struck Japan March 11, triggered by a 9.0 magnitude megathrust earthquake off the coast of Japan. As the debris field was tracked moving across the Pacific Ocean, scientists in Hawaii estimated in October that as much as 18 million tonnes of material could be carried along. Appliances, television sets, boats and structures were seen floating in a patch more than 3,000 km long. The initial estimate was that it could take until 2014 for debris to cross the ocean. But experts have since indicated that buoyant objects can be pushed by winds

and arrive much earlier. In November, the B.C. and federal governments announced $4.5 million in reconstruction aid for the Tokuhu region of Japan. Governments provided $2 million each, and Canada’s forest industry contributed the other $500,000. The funds will go toward a school, care facility or other public project to demonstrate the

Claire Trevena’s Port Hardy Ofﬁce Room 7, Robert Scott School 6855 Market Street (Box 2479) 2P0 Port Hardy, V0N V0P 2P0 Phone: Fax: Email: Hours:

250-949-9473 or 866-387-5100 250-949-9403 claire.trevena.mla@leg.bc.ca Wednesday and Thursday 11 am to 3 pm

value of wood construction in earthquake zones. Governments and industry have a similar program in China. The Canadian and B.C. governments previously gave $1.5 million to the Red Cross for immediate disaster relief in Japan. Private cash and in-kind donations from Canadian individuals and corporations reached $40 million.

Japanese debris that’s washed up on B.C. shores

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Mount Waddington Health System Stabilization Local Working Group (LWG) The LWG, in collaboration with the Vancouver Island Health Authority, has been established and is meeting regularly to develop a community-led plan aimed at strengthening and stabilizing health services in the Mt. Waddington region. The LWG anticipates presenting its recommendations to VIHA in March 2012. For information on the LWG, including meeting agendas, minutes and membership, Mt. Waddington residents are invited to visit the VIHA website at: http://www.viha.ca/ about_viha/community/mt_waddington.htm For further information, please contact: Alison Mitchell, LWG Co-chair 250.956.4461, Ext. 66257

January 8th, 1997

Just for You

We do not forget you, Nor do we intend, We think of you often, And will to the end. Dear to our memory, You will be. Friends Cathy & Wayne

Courtesy of Island Foods you receive a free pop with every Just for You Placed in the Gazette!

Thursday, January 5, 2012

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THE YEAR ACCORDING TO LARRY 2011 was an interesting year on the North Island, made even more so by the Gazette’s award winning editorial cartoonist, Larry Woodall. The artist lampooned issues and politicians on the federal, provincial and — perhaps in his most entertaining works — the local level. Here are just a few of his cartoons from the past year.

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Thursday, January 5, 2012

COMMENTARY Comments? Box 458, Port Hardy, B.C. V0N 2P0 250-949-6225 Fax 250-949-7655 or email us at editor@northislandgazette.com

When the words leave Every year at this time, we join hundreds — perhaps thousands — of other editors and reporters who are stretching and pounding their brains in various attempts to come up with pertinent fodder to fill this space for the first editorial of the New Year. Most of us have recently returned from time spent with our loved ones, eating their food and sucking back all the free booze we could find in their welcoming homes. (Ha ha Uncle — thought I’d be fooled when you hid that bottle under the lawn mower in the garage? Puh-lease.) The point is, until very, very recently most of us really haven’t been thinking of an editorial to write and are becoming desperate. One that might be incisive, insightful and maybe even thought-provoking. Well, good luck if you’re looking for any of that here this week — some of us will even add extra, extraneous words in horribly awkward attempts to create new paragraphs that will move the column down a line and fill space. Shameless, really. You’d figure someone could come up with something motivating — after all, it is a new year, 2012, to be exact. But no, no .... There are some who are content to just ramble on, praying like crazy to have enough words to fill — what on most days — is a space to small for what we want to say and ... Hey! Have a great New Year!

We Asked You Question:

Does Port Hardy have a dog problem? (Yeah, yeah ... we know)

Yes 62%

No 31%

www.northislandgazette.com Total votes received for this question: Voting deadline is Monday at 3 p.m.

OK, it’s not the $50 million prize of a Lotto Max, but Jacquie MacKenzie’s win of a new truck is nice, as in nice to see a local win a great prize.

Many of us overextended this Christmas and the huge bills coming in are a reminder of our wonderful generosity. And to also remind us to make sure we don’t do it again.

Harsh year ahead for B.C. politics The B.C. government enters 2012 with the weight of its “golden decade” heavy on its shoulders. Having delivered a throne speech and a raft of legislation last fall, the government must pick up where it left off and build a February budget from the wreckage of the HST. The NDP Opposition finds itself in a front-runner role and now faces pressure to detail its long-promised practical alternative. The Conservative Party must also move beyond protest to problem solving. Here are some of the problems facing the legislature when it resumes Valentine’s Day. Education: It seems inevitable the B.C. Teachers’ Federation will once again have a new contract imposed. In December, school support staff joined the public sector unions that accepted the two-year “net zero” wage mandate. Deficits that forced that

B.C. Views Tom Fletcher

with

mandate ballooned again due to the HST mess, and the October throne speech hinted strongly net zero will be extended in all but name in 2012. Little noticed amid the usual labour noise, Education Minister George Abbott launched a broad plan to “transform” education. Along with “personalized learning plans” and “flexibility and choice,” the plan promises “regular teacher performance evalu-

The North Island Gazette is published Thursdays at Port Hardy, B.C. by Black Press Ltd. Canadian Publications Mail Agreement #391275. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage.

ral gas and cement companies’ emission projects has to stop, as Environment Minister Terry Lake has admitted. A storm is about to begin up north as federal environmental hearings open on a proposed oil pipeline to Kitimat. Clark remains carefully non-committal, the NDP bitterly opposed. But the parties actually agree on liquefied natural gas exports from the same port. The NDP signaled cautious support for the plan before Christmas, with greater scrutiny of drilling and water use. Fixing B.C.’s impaired driving legislation, to keep that out of our clogged courts, should also be expedited. B.C.’s traditional blame game won’t make the problems of 2012 go away. Tom Fletcher is legislative reporter and columnist for Black Press and BCLocalnews.com tfletcher@blackpress.ca

ation sessions.” Health care: Premier Christy Clark hosts the annual premiers’ conference in Victoria Jan. 16-17. The provinces divided sharply in December, as the three western ones backed Ottawa’s imposition of a new funding formula, while those from Manitoba east protested the news that sixper-cent annual increases will slow a bit in five years. B.C.’s more immediate problem is a shift to percapita funding that phases out targeted money for things like our dedicated hip and knee surgery program. The B.C. Liberals have this year to find savings, or face the task in an election year. NDP leader Adrian Dix is restricted by his vow to make spending promises that add up. Energy and environment: As with the minimum wage, the B.C. Liberals are forced to tinker with the carbon tax. Taxing schools and hospitals to fund natuA member of

This North Island Gazette is a member of the British Columbia Press Council, a self-regulatory body governing the province's newspaper industry. The council considers complaints from the public about the conduct of member newspapers. Directors oversee the mediation of complaints, with input from both the newspaper and the complaint holder. If talking with the editor or publisher does not resolve your complaint about coverage or story treatment, you may contact the B.C. Press Council. Your written concern, with documentation, should be sent to B.C. Press Council, 201 Selby St., Nanaimo, B.C. V9R 2R2. For information, phone 888-687-2213 or go to www.bcpresscouncil.org

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LETTERS editor@northislandgazette.com

Spin won't outsmart smart meter research Dear editor: It never ceases to amaze me that people can be so poorly informed about such things as smart meters and renewable energy development. After all, we live in a world with easy, almost instantaneous, access to accurate information. So there really is no excuse for being misinformed. Take, for example, the claims made in a recent email received by our group (B.C. Citizens for Green Energy) from someone who only identified themselves as “Cyber Grannie.” Now it may well be that Cyber Grannie is an actual granny. However,

given the dubious nature of online screen names it is equally possible that Cyber Grannie is a 25-year old male attempting to yank our chain. We have no real way of knowing. Nevertheless, in “her” email, Cyber Grannie claimed that the smart meters being installed by BC Hydro are “manufactured in China” and are “not green” because the manufacturing plant in China would be powered by burning dirty coal. Unfortunately for Cyber Grannie, her information about the origin of the smart meters being installed by BC Hydro is 100 percent wrong. The

Itron smart meters being installed in B.C. by BC Hydro are manufactured at Itron’s smart meter manufacturing facility in Oconee, South Carolina, not in China. This information is easily found online for anyone who bothers to look for it. For example, Itron’s website has a Nov.10, 2011 news item which details a plaque presentation to BC Hydro smart meter program staff to celebrate the delivery of the first 500,000 Smart Meters from Itron’s South Carolina manufacturing plant. Interestingly, Cyber Grannie’s misinformed claim about smart meters

is reminiscent of the makean-outrageous-claim-andhope-it-sticks-to-the-wall tactics we often see coming from COPE 378 union organizers who, among other things, are opposed to the implementation of smart meters because a couple of hundred COPE 378 union members currently employed as meter readers are being re-assigned or seeing their positions eliminated through normal attrition, saving taxpayers millions of dollars in salary costs along the way. And given the complete, and somewhat suspicious, inaccuracy of Cyber Grannie’s claim about the point of origin of the smart

Try a little tenderness Dear editor: We’ve all heard the old saying: “It takes a village to raise a child.” I love to hear words of commendation or encouragement from my friends when they are with my child and engaged in different activities. I like the way my son’s teachers work so hard at caring and helping to shape the rough edges he or she might see in my children. But I am so much more amazed and thankful to

"I like the way my son’s teachers work so hard at caring and helping to shape the rough edges ..."

those who don’t really know my son but take an interest in acknowledging the effort he puts in to accomplish various activities. For example, my son has a paper route and this Christmas season he

received bountiful gifts as appreciation from his subscribers on his route. He was so thrilled and so excited that somebody would notice and acknowledge the work he does every week rain or shine.

He has been doing it for three years. So I would just like to thank all those out there who help raise our children by showing these deeds of kindness to our young people. I hope and pray that my son too will one day remember the kindness and generosity his subscribers showed him when his paper boy delivers a paper to his door in years to come. Irene Oickle Port Hardy

smart meter manufacturing facility last year, part of the company’s commendable efforts to reduce its overall carbon footprint. So, regardless of who Cyber Grannie really is, the claims she makes about the smart meters being installed in B.C. are completely wrong. And sadly, there really is no excuse for it, because if Cyber Grannie has the computer savvy to create a screen name and set up a Hotmail account, then she should also have the ability to check basic facts online. David Field, Co-spokesperson B.C. Citizens for Green Energy

meters being installed in B.C., it also becomes very easy to dismantle Cyber Grannie’s other claim regarding the source of the energy being used to manufacture these meters. With just a few minutes of online research, Cyber Grannie would have discovered that the electricity powering Itron’s smart meter manufacturing facility in Oconee, South Carolina more than likely comes from the nearby Oconee Nuclear Station located on Lake Keowee in Oconee County, South Carolina — a non-emitting energy source. Moreover, Itron installed a 57 kWh solar panel system at its South Carolina

Who knew Bill? Dear editor: I am writing to you with the remote hope you may be able to assist me in contacting a family member or friend of the late Bill Dignan who formerly lived in Port Hardy many years ago. Bill served in Korea and that is where he met my father who was serving in the New Zealand Army. Bill came to New Zealand and stayed with my family when I was quite young and I have never forgotten him as he was such a lovely man. Yesterday I rediscovered a recipe book he sent to my mother in 1965 from the Port Hardy area and which contains many recipes from local

ladies, including (Bill’s) sister, Mrs. Anne Thornley. He has written a short letter in the back of this book which was a lovely surprise. Sadly Bill died after an accident and was unable to make a planned return trip to NZ and my dad has since passed away. I would be very interested to correspond with anyone who knew him, if anyone is interested, and if not I would just like people who did know him to be aware that he is still remembered — even if I am on the other side of the world! Thank you very much. Bronwyn Scott (nee Milford) Balclutha, New Zealand

Safer water for all a charge led by Canadian children Dear editor: Please help the Safe Drinking Water Foundation to send sponsored Operation Water Drop, Operation Water Pollution and Operation Water Biology kits to teachers across Canada. Students learn much about issues and solutions surrounding drinking water quality from these educational programs, and then

put their knowledge into action as they educate others in their community and take action to improve the drinking water situation in their community and other communities. Currently, Canadian teachers are waiting for 1,135 Elementary Operation Water Drop, 715 High School Operation Water Drop, 355 Operation Water Pollution, and 578

Letters to the editor

Operation Water Biology kits to be sent to their schools. This means Canadian teachers are waiting for the opportunity to educate more than 111,000 Canadian students about issues and solutions surrounding drinking water quality! These teachers do not have the funding available to purchase kits for their students so we need funders

who are willing to sponsor kits to be sent to schools. If you would like to sponsor kits we would be more than happy to discuss with you the schools which are on the waiting list from your geographic area! Give us a call at (306) 934-0389, e-mail info@ safewater.org or visit our website (www.safewater. org) and donate today! We are a registered

Canadian charity and issue receipts for income tax purposes for all donations of $10 or more. With an Elementary Operation Water Drop kit you can educate an entire classroom — approximately 30 students — of Grade 4 to Grade 8 students for only $70. These kits are immensely popular with teachers because they are so effec-

tive in educating students and in motivating them to take action to inform others and to take steps to alleviate drinking water quality issues. I would like to wish you and your loved ones Happy Holidays and a joyous New Year. Nicole M. Biederbeck, Safe Drinking Water Foundation Saskatoon, Sask.

The goal is to publish every letter, so keep them brief, clear and to the point. Be hard on the problem, not the person; skip quotes except where readily confirmable; accept editing for length and legality. Include full name and home community (plus phone number to confirm authorship). Mail, fax, email or drop off c/o the editor by 4:00 pm Friday.

8 www.northislandgazette.com

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Half-ton of fun! Jacquie MacKenzie (centre), a married Port Alice mom of two, won F.P. Foods year-long contest for a 2011 Ford Ranger pick-up. The winner, who said she’s never won a major prize, saw her name drawn Dec. 24 by Port Alice Mayor Jan Allan (far left), from a barrel full of names from people who got an entry for every $100 purchase at the Port Alice food store. F.P. Foods owner Bill Feader (right) called the winning name. STORES FLYERS DEALS COUPONS BROCHURES CATALOGUES CONTESTS PRODUCTS STORES FLYERS DEALS COUPONS BROCHURES CATALOGUES CONTESTS PRODUCTS STORES FLYERS DEALS COUPONS BROCHU BRO CHURES RES CA CATAL TALOGU OGUES ES CON CONTES TESTS TS PR PRODU ODUCTS CTS STORES FLYERS DEALS COUPONS BROCHURES CATALOGUES CONTESTS PRODUCTS STORES FLYERS DEALS COUPONS STORES FLYERS DEALS COUPONS BROCHURES CATALOGUES CONTESTS PRODUCTS STORES FLYERS DEALS COUPONS BROCHURES CATALO CAT ALOGUE GUES S CONTEST CONT ESTS S PRODU PRODUCTS CTS ST STORE ORES S FLYERS DEALS COUPONS ONS NS BROCHURES CATALOGUES CONTES CON ON NT TESTS E TS PRODU PR OD O D DU UCTS CT C TS S ST STORE ORES S FLY FLYERS ERS DE DEALS ALS COUPONS OU O UP PON PO ON O NS BROCHURES BRO BROC ROC OCHUR HU UR U RE ES S CATALOGUES CONTESTS PR PRO P ROD RO DU DUC UC UC CT TS S TS ST TORES FLYER T

BC’s Games inspired thousands Kerry Vital Black Press With the 2012 BC Winter Games set to start in Vernon in February, spirit is building in every community across British Columbia. The brainchild of Premier W.R. Bennett, the Games began in 1978 in Penticton. Since then, 38 communities across the province hosted, some of them more than once. Over 200,000 people have volunteered and over 150,000 athletes have competed since it began. “One of the most important benefits of hosting a BC Games is how it brings a community together,” says Henry Pejril, President of the 2006 BC Summer Games in Kamloops. “There aren’t many opportunities like a Games that can capture the full cross-section of a community. The feeling of pride and accomplishment lasts in a host city for many years to come.” Many well-known athletes had their start at the BC Games, including Tour de France cyclist Ryder Hesjedal and 2010 Olympic women’s snowboarding cross gold medal-

list Maelle Ricker, who are among the alumni who say their dreams of international competition began at the BC Games. “My Olympic success can be traced to the provincial Games in my native Manitoba and I see the BC Winter Games providing the same opportunity for young athletes today,” says BC Games Society Chair and 1976 Olympic speedskating silver medalist, Cathy Priestner Allinger. “The BC Winter Games provide rising stars an opportunity to benefit from excellent coaching, while testing their skills against B.C.’s best. Our next generation of Canada Games athletes and Olympians are getting ready for the 2012 BC Winter Games in Vernon.” Participants are generally under the age of 18 (depending on the sport), and have the potential to move beyond local and regional competition to the national stage and beyond. “The BC Games are an important stepping stone towards the Canada Games and ultimately the Olympic Games,” says Kelly Stefanyshyn, a former Olympic swim-

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mer and BC Games Society board member. “Learning to (compete) for a team beyond just your sport and focus while so many events are occurring is imperative to an athlete’s success.” According to the official website, the aim of the Games is “to provide an opportunity for the development of athletes, coaches, and officials in preparation for higher levels of competition in a multisport event which promotes interest and participation in sport and sporting activities, individual achieve-

ment, and community development.” Brian Carruthers, President of the Williams Lake 2002 BC Winter Games, is proud of the achievements of B.C. athletes. “Sport builds character in individuals and brings people together in a positive environment, whether as competitors, spectators or organizers,” he says. The Winter Games feature 15 sports, including curling, figure skating, skiing and women’s hockey. It is expected that over 1,500 athletes and over 300 coaches will par-

ticipate in the Games in February. “I believe in the BC Games as it provides an opportunity to share the spirit with other British Columbians while celebrating your community in the most fantastic and rewarding way,” says Diana Johnstone, Operations Manager for the 2002 BC Summer Games in Nanaimo. “I can’t wait until 2014 when Nanaimo will once again be privileged to host this amazing event.” Surrey will host the 2012 BC Summer Games in July.

REGIONAL DISTRICT OF MOUNT WADDINGTON NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to sections 890 and 892 of the Local Government Act that a Public Hearing will be held in the board room of the Regional District of Mount Waddington (RDMW) administrative office, 2044 McNeill Road, Port McNeill, B.C. on Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at 3:45pm for the purpose of hearing representations concerning “Telegraph Cove Holdings Ltd. Land Use Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 828, 2011”, which proposes to amend the permitted uses of the Residential – Mobile / Modular Homes Zone included in Telegraph Cove Holdings Ltd. Land Use Bylaw No. 497. More particularly, the permitted uses would be revised to exclude “Commerce”, “Recreation” and “Accessory uses” and include “Accessory uses that are clearly incidental to a residence”. One property is included in the Residential – Mobile / Modular Homes Zone and it is legally described as Lot 2, District Lot 79, Rupert District, Plan VIP61691 Except Those Parts in Plans VIP71975, VIP73514 and VIP84787 and further identified by Parcel Identifier Number (PID) 023-160586, Assessment Roll Number (Folio) 78514804.105 and is civically addressed as 1576 Bauza Creek Road. TAKE NOTICE that proposed Telegraph Cove Holdings Ltd. Land Use Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 828, 2011 and related information that may be considered by the Board of the RDMW can be obtained at the RDMW administrative office located at 2044 McNeill Road, Port McNeill, B.C., between the hours of 8:30 A.M. and 4:30 P.M., Monday through Friday from January 5, 2012 until January 17, 2012. Anyone who believes proposed Telegraph Cove Holdings Ltd. Land Use Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 828, 2011 will affect their interests shall be afforded an opportunity to be heard in person, by a representative or by written submission at the above-noted time and place. If you are unable to attend the Public Hearing, written comments may be mailed, facsimiled, emailed or hand-delivered to the Regional District of Mount Waddington by 2:00pm, Tuesday, January 17, 2012. Legally, the RDMW cannot consider any representations made after the close of the Public Hearing. Enquiries and written comments/submissions should be directed to: Jeff Long, Manager of Planning Regional District of Mount Waddington (RDMW) PO Box 729, 2044 McNeill Road, Port McNeill, B.C. V0N 2R0 Telephone: 250-956-3301 Ext. 222 Facsimile: 250-956-3232

Email: jlong@rdmw.bc.ca

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Thursday, January 5, 2012

www.northislandgazette.com 9

North Island Life

J.R. Rardon photos A pair of swimmers plunge into the froth during Port McNeill’s annual Polar Bear Swim Sunday. At right, Lois Trudeau leaps from the water. Trudeau was having so much fun she was the last one out of the water, and had to be hauled out by son-in-law Wally Henschel.

Wet and (too) wild Gazette staff High winds forced a rare cancellation of Port Hardy’s annual Polar Bear Jump Sunday, but 20 souls braved the waters in Port McNeill’s Polar Bear Swim before onlookers bundled in toques, gloves and rain gear at Port McNeill Harbour. And one Port Hardy family opted to hold its own impromptu New Year’s swim in the choppy surf of Storey’s Beach after the traditional leap from Seagate Wharf was scrapped. Jackie Hildering, a volunteer diver with the Top Island Econauts Dive Club, said conditions were unsafe for the

jump, with the lower dock swaying violently and visibility reduced to near-zero by the heavy surf. In Port McNeill, where swimmers run into the water from the shore, the Polar Bear Swim was held as usual and actually drew more participants than last year’s sunny-weather event. Organization and supervision of the Port McNeill swim was transferred this year from the Chamber of Commerce to Port McNeill’s Coast Guard Auxiliary Unit 50, and several members were on hand dressed in full rescue gear. Local teen Michael Wickstrom,

appearing in his seventh straight Polar Bear Swim, used the event to gather pledges to benefit the auxiliary. By the time he led the charge down the boat ramp into the water, he’d collected $207 and was expecting more to come in after the swim. At Storey’s Beach, Heather Jones and daughters Claire and Laura frolicked in the surf in front of their home, along with Heather’s sister, Ann Cooper of Vancouver. Claire Jones jumped from the wharf during the 2011 Pat Corbett-Labatt photo Port Hardy Polar Bear Jump and had been looking forward to a Anne Cooper of Vancouver and Laura Jones of Port Hardy frolic in repeat leap before this year’s the surf at Storey’s Beach Sunday after Port Hardy’s annual Polar jump was called off. Bear Jump was cancelled due to extreme wind.

J.R. Rardon photos Left to right: The wind can’t keep Paisley Barolet from enjoying the show in Port McNeill; Patrick Donaghy dives while Aaron Frost of the Coast Guard Auxiliary looks on; Bonnie Bramham sports the latest in swimwear accessory fashion.

Thursday, January 5, 2012

10 www.northislandgazette.com

North Island

Hot Spots

January 14 North Island Concert Society presents the Afro-Cuban roots music of Adonis Puentes and his band. Show starts 7:30 p.m. at Port Hardy Civic Centre. Single tickets $25, sold at Cafe Guido, PH Museum, Hobby Nook, Port McNeill Flower Shoppe, Gail Neely in Port Alice, 250284-3927. FMI, 250-902-2228 or www.niconcert.net. January 28 The North Island Reel Film Festival continues with The Guard, a comedy for the dark days of winter, 7:30 p.m. at PHSS Small Theatre. Tickets available in advance for

MEETINGS & ONGOING EVENTS â&#x20AC;˘ Quatsino Museum & Archives is open Friday to Sunday from 1:00pm-2:00pm. Open daily July & August. FMI quatsino.museum@recn.ca â&#x20AC;˘ Port Hardy Museum & Gift Shop Closed December 24 to January 31 for renovations. Call 250-9498143 for more information. â&#x20AC;˘ PH Lions Club Bingo every Thursday. Doors open at 5:30pm. â&#x20AC;˘ The German Edelweiss Cultural Club meets Thurs. at 7pm in PH Inn Pub. FMI 250-230-1376. â&#x20AC;˘ Lions Bingo every Thurs. @ Civic Centre. Doors open at 5:30pm. â&#x20AC;˘ PH Lions Mtgs: 1st & 3rd Tues every month @ Lions Den - Civic Centre 7:30pm. Everyone welcome. â&#x20AC;˘ Every other Tuesday: Footcare clinic at Hardy Bay Seniors 9-5pm. FMI 1-888-334-8531.

$8.50 at Cafe Guido. Tickets $10 at door, but seating is limited and advance tickets recommended to guarantee seating. Ages 16-over only, please. February 11 North Island Concert Society presents the swinging gospel stylings of The Sojourners, backed by their band, in the societyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual dinner show at Port Hardy Civic Centre. Doors open 5:30 p.m. for buffet dinner catered by Malones and backed by dinner music from the North Island Community Band. Concert follows at 7:30 p.m. Single tickets $45 on sale in Port Hardy at Cafe Guido, PH Museum, Hobby Nook; in Port McNeill at The Flower Shoppe; in Port Alice by calling Gail Neely at 250-284-3927. February 21 Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at St Columba Church.

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February 24-25 Port McNeill Figure Skating Club presents Under the Big Top, its 2012 Ice Carnival, at Chilton Regional Arena in Port McNeill. Shows 7 p.m. Friday, 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday. Raffle table, concession. Info, Elizabeth 250956-3995.

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February 22 Raising the Roof, a roots music fundraiser for St. John Gualbert Church, 7 p.m., Gate House Theatre. Featuring the folk guitar and vocals of Steven Palmer. Tickets $15, available in advance from East of Java gift shop and A-Frame Bookstore.

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SPORTS

www.northislandgazette.com 11

RECREATION

Submit results to 250-949-6225 Fax 250-949-7655 or email us at sports@northislandgazette.com • Deadline 10 am Monday

on deck Tell us about items of interest to the sports community. January 6 Commercial hockey Warriors vs. Bulls in 2nd annual Gilbert Walkus Jr. Memorial Game, 9:15 p.m., Port Hardy. January 7 Rep hockey North Island Eagles midgets vs. Alberni Valley, 2 p.m., Port McNeill; Eagles peewees vs. Alberni Valley, 2:30 p.m., Port Hardy. January 8 Rep hockey North Island Eagles peewees vs. Alberni Valley, 9 a.m., Port Hardy. January 13-15 Minor hockey Port McNeill midget tournament at Chilton Regional Arena. Concession, raffle table, 50/50 draws. Game schedule tba. Curling Fort Rupert Curling Club’s annual Mixed Open Bonspiel. Concession, lounge open. Game times tba. Info on Fort Rupert Curling Club Facebook page. January 14 Rep hockey North Island Eagles atoms vs. Peninsula, 2 p.m., Port Alice; Eagles bantams vs. Powell River, 3:45 p.m., Port Alice. January 15 Rep hockey North Island Eagles atoms vs. Peninsula, 9 a.m., Port Hardy. Eagles bantams exhibition game vs. North Island Extreme midget girls, 1:15 p.m., Port Hardy. January 20-22 Minor hockey Port McNeill atom tournament at Chilton Regional Arena. Concession, raffle table, 50/50 draws. Game schedule tba. Curling Broughton Curling Club’s annual Ladies Open Bonspiel, Port McNeill. Concession, lounge open.

She-devils win first tourney J.R. Rardon Gazette staff The North Island’s newest hockey team entered a holiday tournament having played only one game and with no wins to its credit. Three days later, the Triport Peewee Shedevils boasted five wins and the championship trophy in the Oceanside Girls Hockey Tournament’s peewee division. “It was girls from three communities getting together to play hockey down-Island,” said Boni Sharpe, head coach of the peewee girls team that debuted this season. “We didn’t know what we were in for, but we played an excellent tournament.” It would be difficult to have done much better. The She-devils swept all five games in the Dec. 27-29 tourney, allowing just one goal. Goaltender Sarah Case picked up four shutouts, and the lone goal she surrendered, in a 3-1 round-robin win over Nanaimo, she inadvertently knocked into the net herself, Sharpe said. The peewees faced Nanaimo again in the championship final and scored a 2-0 win behind goals from Emma Mitchell and Kerrigan Sharpe. The celebrations began before the final seconds ticked off. “With two seconds left the gloves were in the air and the sticks were flying,” Boni Sharpe said. “It was a great moment for the girls. They kept telling me, ‘We want it more. We want it more.’ And they went out on the ice and proved it.”

J.R. Rardon photo Mercedes Trevor of the Triport peewee She-devils skates past a Campbell River opponent during their exhibition game in November in Port McNeill. Trevor scored three hat tricks as the She-devils won the championship of their first tournament last week in Oceanside. until Mitchell netted ey house programs in the game-winner with Port McNeill and Port four minutes left, and Hardy and, in two Trevor added an insur- cases, with the North ance goal with 1:19 to Island Eagles rep program. It includes two play. The peewee girls second-year atom skatrolled into the playoffs ers and a first-year with the top point total, bantam in Case, who and blasted the Sooke is eligible under recreThunderbirds 8-0 to set ational girls program up the finals rematch rules. “I think a lot of with Nanaimo. Trevor had her third people at the tournahat trick of the tour- ment thought we had ney in the semifinal tryouts, like we pick Jamie Keamo photo win. Ward and Watson the best players from a The Triport Minor Hockey She-devils peewee girls pose with added two goals each big pool,” Boni Sharpe their gold medals after winning the Oceanside tournament last and Kerrigan Sharpe said. “Then they asked, week. ‘How long have you also scored. The She-devils was a 12-1 romp over coaches loved that In the final, Mitchell been together?’ opened the tourney Cowichan Valley that they were getting a scored with 2:14 left “I told them these with a 9-0 win over the featured hat tricks by run for their money,” in the opening period. girls have played Oceanside Icebreakers Trevor, Sharpe and Boni Sharpe said. Sharpe added the final against each other as Mercedes Trevor Mitchell, along with “They held us down score with 5:55 to go for years, but they’ve scored a hat trick, two goals from Ward for a long time.” never played together in the second. Kerrigan Sharpe and one from Gough. Trevor finally put The She-devils pro- until now. I think we’re Then came the tense the She-devils on the gram was formed last finally building the added two goals, and Tiffany Watson, Randi opening matchup with board with 12:57 to fall of players from bridge here. There’s Ward, Kate Gough and Nanaimo, which was play, but Nanaimo Port Alice, Port Hardy no more Port Hardy, Mitchell each found scoreless going into evened the score with and Port McNeill, who Port McNeill and Port the third period. the net once. a goal just 16 seconds play for minor hock- Alice.” The second game “The Nanaimo later. It remained 1-1

Action returns to local arenas this week Gazette staff With the Christmas and New Year's holidays in the books, hockey play returns to local arenas beginning

this weekend. Friday in Port Hardy, the crosstown rival Port Hardy Bulls and Warriors meet in the second annual

Gilbert Walkus Jr. Memorial Hockey game, beginning at 9:15 p.m. Saturday in Port McNeill, the North Island Eagles

midgets host Alberni Valley at 2 p.m. The Eagles peewees host Alberni in Port Hardy Saturday at 2:30 p.m. and

Sunday at 9 a.m. The following weekend, Port McNeill Minor Hockey hosts its annual midget hockey tournament.

12 www.northislandgazette.com

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Sports & Recreation

Bantams tourney run ends in semis Gazette staff The North Island Eagles bantam rep hockey team rolled to the top spot in its pool, but failed to reach the championship final of the Comox Holiday Tourament with a 7-2 loss to Sooke in semifinal play last Thursday. Playing with only nine skaters, the bantams opened tourney play Dec. 27 with a 6-3 loss to host Comox. However, the Eagles bounced back impressively, posting back-toback shutout wins of 4-0 over a visiting Seattle team and 8-0 over Nanaimo. That pushed the bantams to the top of the pool A standings, but they struggled in the elimination loss to Sooke to fin-

ish the playoff round. Riley Heemels had a goal and an assist in the semifinal. Matt Lingl also scored, and Darryl Coon added an assist. Coon punched home two goals in the openinground loss to Comox. Tyren Dustin, a former Eagles peewee skating as an affiliate player from Port McNeill Minor Hockey last week, also scored. Lingl had two assists and Heemels and Alexander Stavrakov added helpers in the loss. Shae Simpson manned the goal for the bantams. Coon added two more goals in Wednesday’s blanking of Seattle, and Heemels and Brandon Purdey also found the net. Stavrakov contributed a pair of assists, with

singles going to Thomas Symons and Alex Scott. Coon, a defenseman, capped a big scoring week with a hat trick and two assists in the romp over Nanaimo and fellow blueliner Brodie Wilson, a traditional stay-at-home defender, added a rare goal to go with two assists. Dustin finished with two goals and Heemels and Symons scored once each. Stavrakov, Lingl and Dustin each had assists as well. The bantams return to the road this weekend for a league doubleheader, with games Saturday at Saanich and Sunday at Peninsula. Their next home contest comes Saturday, Jan. 14 when they host Powell River in Port Alice.

J.R. Rardon photo North Island Eagles bantam Darryl Coon slides into goalie Riley Mathieson while helping make a stop during a game in Port McNeill earlier this season. The bantams return to league play this weekend after competing in the Comox Holiday tourney.

Connolly shines for juniors

J.R. Rardon photo North Island Eagles atom development forward Carson Strang tries to gather the puck during a game against Comox earlier this season in Port Alice. The atoms get back to league play this weekend against the Chiefs.

Atoms get tie for holiday Gazette staff The North Island Eagles atom development team did not pick up a win during the Comox Holiday Tournament Dec.2729, but they did reverse an early season habit by battling from behind to forge a 4-4 tie with Campbell River. The atoms have set a trend this season of running out to early leads and then struggling to hold on. On three occasions, they’ve watched opponents charge back

to tie. “We were trailing them 4-2 and ended up tying the game 4-4,” atoms coach Marty Gage said. “That was the highlight for me. Finally, a tie game where we feel like the winners.” Otherwise, the tournament fell into the category of a “positive learning experience” for the team, said Gage. The atoms dropped a 9-2 decision to Cowichan Valley in their opening game,

then, after the tie with Campbell River, fell 8-3 to host Comox. “Those two games were against teams from our division, but they had our number this week,” said Gage. “Our final game against Alberni found us a little outmatched, but the kids showed a lot of heart and competed right to the end. For that, I’m proud of them.” Alberni Valley, competing one division higher than the Eagles in Tier 3, scored an

8-1 win over the atoms in their final tourney game. The atoms will be right back in Comox this weekend to resume Division 4 league play against the Chiefs. The Eagles play their next home contest the following weekend against Peninsula. “We’re looking forward to working on a couple of things this week and preparing to get back into our league games,” Gage said.

Gazette staff Brett Connolly, the NHL skater who began his hockey career in Port Hardy, played a big role in Team Canada's fast start in the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships, scoring four goals and adding an assist as the team rolled unbeaten through pool play and into Tuesday's semifinals. Connolly, who took home a silver medal from last year's Junior Worlds, now plays for the Tampa Bay Lightning. He played in Port Hardy before moving with his family to Prince George.

Men’s Commercial Hockey League Standings Through Dec. 31 W L 7 0 6 6 4 5 2 8

T 0 0 0 0

SARAH CASE

The Port Hardy goalie posted four shutouts and allowed just one goal in five games as the Triport peewee girls She-devils rolled to the title in the Oceanside Holiday Tournament. J.R. Rardon photo

Strait Shooter Photography Sports & Event Photo Specialists

Commercial Hockey

Team Devils Warriors Islanders Bulls

ATHLETE of the Week

Pts 14 12 8 4

Friday, Jan. 6 Ice Devils at Islanders, 8 p.m., Port Alice Bulls vs. Warriors, 9:15 p.m., Port Hardy

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Thursday, January 5, 2012

www.northislandgazette.com 13

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS PERSONALS

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Paisley Barolet of Port McNeill, 3, stayed high and dry while watching the Polar Bear Swim at the harbour.

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COMING EVENTS

The next regular School Board Meeting of the Board of Education of School District No. 85 (Vancouver Island North) will be held on

Monday, January 9th, 2012 6:00 p.m. North Island Secondary School This is a public meeting. All interested parties are welcome.

COMING EVENTS

PORT HARDY BAPTIST CHURCH Corner of Trustee & Highland Morning Service 11:00 am Plus regular family activities Office: 250-949-6844 www.porthardybaptistchurch.ca Pastor: Kevin Martineau 11/12

ST. COLUMBA ANGLICAN UNITED 9190 Granville St. Port Hardy Phone 250-949-6247 11:00 a.m. Sunday School and Service Wed., 12:00 noon Bible Study 11:00 am Midweek Eucharist Everyone welcome Meeting rooms available Rev. Rob Hutchison columbac@uniserve.com 11/12

FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS

DEATHS

FULL GOSPEL CHURCH 2540 Catala Place Port McNeill (across from Firehall) Sunday 10:30 am - Morning Worship Church Office 250-956-4741 Pastor Stan Rukin Youth Pastor: Steve Taylor Cell: 250-527-0144 Office hours: 10am-4pm Mon-Thurs Visitors always welcome www.ptmcfullgospel.org 11/12

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS to Every Hunter in BC! Advertise in The BC Hunting Regulations Synopsis 2012-2014 publication. Increased circulation 250,000 copies! Tremendous Reach, Two Year Edition! Contact Annemarie at 1 800 661 6335 or hunt@blackpress.ca

HOME BASED BUSINESS. We need serious and motivated people for expanding health & wellness industry. High speed internet and phone essential. Free online training. www.project4wellness.com

of the week.

LEMARE GROUP is seeking a certiﬁed heavy duty mechanic and an experienced off-highway logging truck driver for the North Vancouver Island area. Full time union wages. Send resume by fax to 250-9564888 or by email to ofﬁce@lemare.ca.

Coppick Freddie (nee Telford) and Fred

September 3, 1918 – December 10, 2011 May 30, 1926 – December 14, 2011 Formerly from Port Alice, Courtenay and Chemainus. On November 15, 2011 they celebrated 63 years or marriage.

Together Forever They are survived by their children Toresa, Susan, Michael and Rick. Predeceased by their daughter Debbie and their daughter-in-law Kim. They will also be deeply missed by Terry, Carl, Sherry, Tracy; grandchildren Jeremy, Heather, Stephanie, Eric, Luke and Jessi and numerous friends and family. A Memorial Service will take place January 7, 2012 at 1 p.m. At the Oceanview Community Church in Ladysmith.

CHRIST CHURCH ANGLICAN Alert Bay Sunday Services - 10 am Reverend Lincoln Mckoen 1-250-974-5844 Warden Flora Cook 250-974-5945 Warden Joan Stone 250-974-2234

COMING EVENTS

North Island Church Services SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH 4680 Byng Rd. Port Hardy Pastor George Hilton 250-949-8925 or 250-949-8826 “Everyone welcome” Saturday Services 9:30am - Bible Study groups 10:45am - Worship/Praise service Wednesday @ 7pm - Prayer meeting Avalon Adventist Jr. Academy Offering Christian Education 250-949-8243 11/12

NORTH ISLAND CATHOLIC CHURCHES Sunday Masses St. Mary’s Port McNeill: 9am St. Bonaventure Port Hardy: 11am St. Theresa’s Port Alice: 1st, 2nd & 5th Sundays 9am 3rd & 4th Sundays 1:30pm Alert Bay: 2nd & 4th Sundays 10am Father Roger Poblete 250-956-3909 11/12

PORT MCNEILL BAPTIST CHURCH 2501 Mine Road Sunday 9:45 am (Sept-June) - Sunday School 11:00 am - Worship Service 7:00 pm - Evening Fellowship Youth Group Wed - 7:00 pm Children’s Programs & Adult Bible Studies are scheduled throughout the year. For information contact 0ASTOR $AVE 0URDY s 11/12

11/12

ABUNDANT LIFE FELLOWSHIP “A non-traditional connecting point for North Island Christians” - Monthly “large group” gatherings - Food, Fellowship & Encouragement - Home-Group gatherings and studies now underway! Go to www.MyNewChurch.ca or phone Pastor Rick Ivens at 250-230-5555 for more info. Time for a change in your life? Everyone is welcome! 11/12

COMING EVENTS

PORT HARDY CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP at Providence Place, 7050 Rupert St Sunday Worship 10:30 am & 7 pm Tuesday Prayer 7:30 pm Midweek Biblestudies - Call the church for time and place 250-949-6466 Pastor George & Karen Ewald (home) 250-949-9674 E-Mail:pastorgeorge@providenceplace.ca 11/12

PORT ALICE ANGLICANUNITED FELLOWSHIP Sunday Services - 4pm Reverend Rob Hutchison 1-250-949-6247 Box 159, Port Alice You are extended a special invitation to share in our Services 11/12

ST. JOHN GUALBERT UNITED ANGLICAN CHURCH 250-956-3533 Email: gualbert@uniserve.com Sunday Worship - 9:00am All Welcome 175 Cedar Street Port McNeill 11/12

GWA’SALA-’NAKWAXDA’XW SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH at entrance to Tsulquate Village (8898 Park Dr) Saturday/Sabbath 10:00 am-Sabbath School 11:15 am-Worship Service Pastor Randy Elliott 250-230-1885 cell 11/12

LIGHTHOUSE RESOURCE CENTRE s #HAPLAIN 3ERVICES s "IBLE 3TUDIES s 3PIRITUAL #OUNSELLING s 7EEKLY !! 'ROUPS (8635 Granville St. Port Hardy) 250-949-8125 11/12

14 www.northislandgazette.com

Thursday, January 5, 2012

MERCHANDISE FOR SALE

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SEASONED FIREWOOD Vancouver Island’s largest ﬁrewood producer offers ﬁrewood legally obtained during forest restoration, large cords. Help restore your forest, Burndrywood.com 1-877-902-WOOD.

MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE CAN’T GET Up Your Stairs? Acorn Stairlifts can help. Call Acorn Stairlifts now! Mention this ad & get 10% off your new Stairlift! Call 1-866-981-5990.

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SCRAP BATTERIES Wanted We buy scrap batteries from cars, trucks & heavy equip. $4.00 & up each. Free pick-up anywhere in BC, Minimum 10. Toll Free 1.877.334.2288.

HELP WANTED PORT MCNEILL3 Bdrm townhouse, close to schools & hospital. Avail now. 250-9563440 www.portmcneilltown houses.yolasite.com

SUITES, LOWER GREATER PORT Hardy area: Fully private, above ground, 1bdrm suite, newer ocean view home, across the street from the beach. High ceilings. Hardwood. Tastefully furnished. No excessive drinking. Avail. now.$495.Marie 250-949-9970

HELP WANTED

Economic Development Manager Kwakiutl Nation is seeking a creative and energetic Economic Development Manager (EDM). The successful candidate will possess a tightrope walker’s ability to balance Aboriginal Title & Rights interests with First Nations Economic Development aspirations. Kwakiutl (pop. 755) is located in Tsakis, British Columbia, admacent to the community of Port Hardy on the scenic north end of Vancouver Island. Reporting to the Band Manager, the EDM will have the requisite skills to protect Kwakiutl’s Land Base, research and/or develop a statement of declaration and promote Employment and Job Creation. Further, the successful candidate will have experience in First Nations community economic development, strategic planning, project management and writing: funding proposals, Terms of Reference and business plans. The position requires 35 hours per week in an ofÀce environment with Áex time (as needed), criminal records check and valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle. The closing date is January 12, 2012. Please apply by sending your cover letter w/salary expectations & resume to manager@kwakiutl. bc.ca Thank you for applying. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

HELP WANTED KWAKIUTL DISTRICT COUNCIL Campbell River, B.C. Phone 250-286-9766 Fax 250-286-9713

SEA WIND Estates Port Hardy: 2 b/r, 1 bath, newly reno’d condo, F/S, W/D, N/P. Avail immed. $650/m. Very safe and secure. Jeff 250-591-1641 email: calderjeff75@yahoo.ca

PORT MCNEILL Mobile Home Park Short walk to town. Pads for rent. Water, sewer and garbage included. $258.00/ month Call 250-956-2355

FREE CASH back with $0 down at Auto Credit Fast. Need a vehicle? Good or Bad credit call Stephanie 1-877792-0599 DLN 30309. Free delivery www.autocreditfast.ca

SCRAP CAR REMOVAL

PORT HARDY Large 3 bdrm condo, secure building & caretaker on site. W/D in unit. N/P, N/S. Avail imm. Heat & hot water included. $725/mo. Ref. req. Lease options. Call 250-949-7085 after 5pm.

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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Northern HUB Community Engagement Coordinator Location: Port Hardy Term (21 Hours per week) PURPOSE: Under the direct supervision of the KDC Health Director, must develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with North Vancouver Island First Nation Bands, the First Nations Health Council, Vancouver Island Health Authority, including non-First Nation Health agencies, and government representatives. Develops and implements communication strategy, planning and administrative expertise to engage partnering First Nations communities in developing a comprehensive community health wellness plan. This plan will include strategies required to identify current gaps in First Nations health services. The HUB mandate is communication, collaboration and planning as per the First Nations Health Council. RESPONSIBILITIES: Communication: develop, implement, evaluate and revise as needed, a communication strategy; database of HUB multipartner contacts Facilitation: event planning, multi-First Nations meetings. Work closely with diverse community representatives by facilitating community consultation engagement meetings. Ensure that organizational wellness plans are culturally appropriate, holistic, and attainable linking the social determinants of health and the health indicators Coordination: initiatives within HUB, host bi-monthly meetings, community engagement forums, meet with each member community Chief and Council and Health Advisory Collaboration: with Vancouver Island HUB Coordinators, First Nations Health Directors Association members and First Nations Health Council Governance Representatives Oversee: the Kwakiutl District Council Nations Community Wellness Strategy initiative; provide HUB member communities with support in the further development of health planning, develop and administer HUB budget and reports to funders to ensure that expenditure policies and/or guidelines are followed Proposal Writing: successful proposal writing and implementing funding requirements QUALIFICATIONS: • CertiÀcate in Health Care Administration or equivalent • Education and training deemed equal to the above requirements • Knowledge of Microsoft OfÀce software. multipartnerships experience • Demonstrated ability to provide culturally appropriate leadership, planning and communication • Valid Class 5 BC Driver’s License and reliable vehicle • Successful completion of a Criminal Record Check (C.R.C) required Submit cover letter, resume and three references to: Health Director, KDC Health 1400 Drake Rd, Campbell River EMAIL: reception@kdchealth.com or Fax: 250 286-9896 DEADLINE: 4:00 p.m. Friday January 6, 2012 Pursuant to section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference may be given to applicants of Aboriginal ancestry We thank all applicants in advance only those short-listed will be contacted

Thursday, January 5, 2012

www.northislandgazette.com 15

Thank You North Island! For generously supporting the 2011 Gazette Hamper Fund. Special thanks to Lions Clubs in Alert Bay, Malcolm Island, Port Alice and Port McNeill; Port McNeill Lioness; Port Hardy Volunteer Dept, Port McNeill RCMP; Port Hardy Rotarians, Diane Alfred & Namgis First Nation; band office staff at Fort Rupert, Gilford, Gwa’sala-Nakwaxda’xw, Kingcome and Quatsino First Nations. The staff at each one of the grocery stores; FP Foods in Port Alice, Marketplace IGA in Port McNeill, Overwaitea in Port Hardy, ShopRite in Port McNeill & Alert Bay, and Super Valu, also in Port McNeill. Each of the toy & food drive donation drop offs; The Bargain Shop and Fields, both Port Hardy and Port McNeill, Smyth’s Tru Hardware, Rexall, Peoples Drug Mart-PH, CIBC’s in Port Hardy and Port McNeill, Bank of Nova Scotia-PH and Coastal Community Credit Union. Staff and students at PHSS, Sandra & staff at Thunderbird Mall, Gazette Hamper Fund Society Directors, and all the businesses who accepted and displayed the hamper tins. Those who held fundraising events to help support, such as the silent painting auction artists and businesses who displayed the art, plus so many more events on the North Island. Cathie Poje and her wrapping and sorting team in Port Hardy which consisted of Alison Flanagan, Robyn Gordon, Alice Myers, Judy Fyles, Stacia Johnson, Lori Walker, Leslie Driemel, Darcy Deacon, Ray Poje, Madison Grenier, Brenda Fleeton, Debbie Huddlestan, James Ley, Nadine Gough, Heather Jones & the Pathfinders, Kevin, Bethany, Sydney & Mallory Martineau, Louise & Bert Stromstedt, Jill, Neil & Norah Brown & last but definitely not the least, Carla Pritchard! And the final part of the Hamper Fund; the delivery. Thanks to all those volunteers that showed up that day to help us out and get those hampers out in all of the North Island communities! Without all of your help, especially the donators, the Hamper Fund wouldn’t be able to prepare & deliver the roughly 580 hampers this past season. A special thank you from the Gazette publisher to each and every one of you (especially the grocery stores) for your patience while I worked through my first official Hamper Fund season! We hope we didn’t miss anyone who helped out as there are so many ‘behind the scene’ volunteers! Donor Amount Alana Check .............................................................. Books Priscilla O’Neil .............................................................Toys Emily Ashford ................................................................$20 Mitchell Stead ..............................................................Toys Port McNeill Bargain Store Staff ...............................Toys Fields ........................................................ Wrapping paper Provincial Employees Community Services ....................................................$546 Lynda & Colin Allison .................................................$300 Port McNeill Forest Service Staff ................................$80 Theresa & Bob Roe ......................................................Toys Murray McGill Fall Fair Book Donations ...........................................................$400 The Driemels ................................................................Toys Angus & Liam Fenton-Passmore Birthday Donation ............................ Food & Toys & $225 Linda Northey ..............................................................Toys Mt. Waddington Community Futures Salmon BBQ ..................................................$450 Emma Gordon-Birthday Donation .............$84.75 & Toys Epcor Employees .........................................................Toys Create for a Cause ............................. Food & Toys & $860 St. Bonaventure Catholic Church ...............................$300 St. Columba Church Women ......................................$100 Sadler Family ...........................................................Teddys Port Hardy Liquor Store .........................................Teddys Bruce, Wanda, Lisa & Tara .........................................$100 Debbie Griffiths .............................................................$20 Malcolm Island Lions Club .........................................$500 Gerry Treger...................................................................$20 NI Eagles Alumni Benefit Game ...... Food & Toys & $335 Kwakiutl Band Council .............................................$1500 Helen McLennan .........................................................Toys Weight Watchers ......................................................... Food Murray McGill Book Sale .............................................$50 Overwaitea ...........................................Boxes ($700 value) Chester & Alana Check ..................................$100 & Toys John & Debbie Thomson ............................................Toys Dixie Robinson ........................................................... Food North Island Kinsmen Club ......................................$2500 Inlet Haven B&B .........................................................$100 Ethan & Aaliyah Stewart...............................................$40 Jan Pearson..................................................................Toys Margaret Page ..............................................................Toys Schnurr & Fedorak ........................................ Toys & Food Peggy & Barb Paterson & Elaine & Bob Sanford .........................................................................Toys Walker Family ..............................................................Toys Heather Gould ............................................................ Food Quatsino Band ...........................................................$2000 Harley Owners Group .................................................$300 Adeline (Clothes Inn) ..................................................Toys PG Enterprises ...............................................................$50 Sandra Umpleby ..........................................................$100 Kathy Bedard .........................................$40 & Accessories Hospital Employees Union Tri-Port Local ...............................................................$360 Tsakis FC Soccer......................................................... Food

Donor Amount Barbara Bruner ............................................................$100 Mt. Waddington Highland Dance Assoc ........................................ Food & Toys & $10 Rick & Dorothy Marcotte .............................................$50 District of Port Hardy .................................................$171 Herb Saunders Contracting ........................................$500 Miguel Catarata ...................................................... Clothes Port Hardy Baptist Church ...................... $165.92 & Food John & Anita Hormoth ...............................................$100 Louise Dugas................................................................Toys Keta Cable .................................... $479.50 & Toys & Food Gord Wolden ................................................................$100 C.A.B. Industrial Auto Supplies .................................$300 C.U.P.E. Local 2045.....................................................$200 Port Alice Thrift Shop .................................................$500 Jim & Mary Borrowman ...........................................$2000 W. Paul Grier ...............................................................$250 WC Fuels ......................................................................$100 Hardy Builders’ Supply ...............................................$500 Chubby Old Elf............................................................Toys Better Buy Blinds.........................................................$100 Michael Schnurr Campaign .....................................$98.61 D&D&H Contracting ..................................................$100 John & Pat McCart .....................................................$100 Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Nation .................................$500 WFP Staff-Port McNeill Xmas Party .......... Toys & Food Ruthie & Doug Shewan.................................................$50 Ashord Family ..............................................................Toys Brenda Loerke .............................................................$100 Temwa & Mark Ceuyler & Family...............11 Shoeboxes Billie Vose & Family ............................$20 & 3 Shoeboxes Don & Linda Felkley ...................................................$100 Jean Hemphill................................................................$50 Neucel Christmas Party ...................... Toys & Food & $20 NI Eagles & Saanich Braves Atom Hockey .......................... Toys & Food & $39 St. Columba Anglican Church .......................................... Toys & Food & $248.73 Judy & Robert Fyles ...................................................$100 Strait Shooter Photography Social ...............................$75 Ministry of Forests, Land & Natural Resource Operations & B.C. Timber Sales............................. $3000 & Toys & Food In loving memory of Catherine Mary (Rena) Piggot .......................................................$25 Patricia Corbett-Labatt................................................$100 North Island College......................................Food & Gifts PHSS ............................................................................$500 OK Paving ....................................................................$250 St. Marys Catholic Comm. ..........................................$100 Stepping Stones Daycare .............................. Food & Toys Deane & Aileen Wooldridge........................................$100 Marine Harvest ..........................................................$2000 Neucel Staff ..................................................................Toys Ladies 20/20 Group......................................................Toys George Kearey .............................................................Toys Norkan Construction ...................................................$500 Bev & Jerry Reed .............................................Toys & $25 Port McNeill Lions Club .............................................$500

Donor Amount Red Hat Divas..............................................................Toys Ashlyn Walker...........................................................$21.58 Robert Short.................................................................$136 Stephen R. Hunt ..........................................................Toys Scarlet Point Seafoods ...............................................$1000 Pam Rees ........................................................................$40 Jean Lill..........................................................................$40 Warden & Marian Rees .................................................$50 Orange Tabby B&B .................................................... Food Rotary Club of Port Hardy .......................................$1144 Craig Ferguson.............................................................$200 Maarten & Lora Lee Van Rossum ..............................$100 Ministry of Forest Staff ...........................Turkey $ & $230 Telegraph Cove Resort ................................................$500 Strategic Forest Management Staff/Employees .........$960 Strategic Forest Management Matched Employees ......$960 Karen & Ole Zoffman ....................................................$50 Brennan Cook ..............................................................$200 Dazy & Chrystal Weymer ...........................................$500 Mary Russell ................................................................$100 Terrance & Marguerite Whitney.................................$100 Ralph Henkel .................................................................$50 Cathie & Ray Poje..........................................................$75 Spiketop Cedar.............................................................$200 Bradshaw ........................................................................$50 The Harrisons ..............................................................Toys Royal Canadian Legion, Ladies Aux-Port Hardy .........$300 Tri Port Race Track & Drivers/Members .................. Food Anny .............................................................................$100 Girl Guides ...................................................................$412 Catherine Grifﬁth...........................................................$75 CCCU ......................................................................$237.90 Bob Davis .......................................................................$50 Royal Canadian Legion, Ladies Aux-Br. 198 ..................$100 Rotary Club of Port McNeill.............................................$500 Margaret & Lyle Flostrand..................................................$50 Carol Daya ............................................................................$40 Vivian Cook ...........................................................................$50 Hamper Tins.................................................................... 615.32 Anonymous.......................................Toys & Food & $1485.50

36,370.81 $

30,000

16 www.northislandgazette.com

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Fort Rupert construction no quickie job ort Rupert was established in Beaver Harbour on Northern Vancouver Island in 1847, the second permanent trading post established on Vancouver Island after Fort Victoria in 1843 by the Hudsons Bay Company (HBC). During the advent of coal-powered steamships, Fort Rupert was established to support the mining of coal from reported surface deposits in the area. Due to the perceived hostility of local First Nations, Fort Rupert was one of the most highly fortified forts constructed by the HBC. It had an 18-ft palisade wall, was fortified with inner and outer gates, and was protected by a number of cannons, one of which is on display outside the current Kwakiutl Band Administration office. More than 2500 First Nations lived in the area immediately adjacent to the Fort. There are numerous historical references to cannons being used on local First Nations villages during this early historical period. James Douglas, the Chief Factor for HBC in Victoria, signed two Douglas Treaties with the Queackar and the Quakeolth First Nations in the North Island in 1851, in order to settle concerns about establishment of the Fort. They were paid in blankets the equivalent of £64 and £86 respectively. These are some of the only treaties ever concluded historically with B.C. First Nations. More than 220 large stumps were removed to prepare the site, just to the southeast of the main Kwakiutl reserve. Pics from the past show Fort Rupert (above) and, below, remnants of the chimney for the central oven, The fort was constructed with green wood, which reportwhich was built three times before it was considered up to snuff. edly twisted and cracked as it dried, meaning the buildings required significant repair as they aged. The chimney for the central oven was constructed three times before it met the specifications of standards required. It was one of the last remaining vestiges of the fort, still visible as recently as 2003. French Canadians, Russians, and Hawaiians were employed to construct the fort. The settlement included wharves, houses, a blacksmith’s shop, gardens, a common kitchen, livestock areas, water closets, a provisions house, a trading shop, and areas for coal and firewood supplies. Before long it also included a graveyard behind the main Fort. The Fort was designed to be manned by a small number of employees. Fort Rupert never lived up to the expectations of the HBC, and was sold to an HBC employee, Robert Hunt, at some point between 1873 and 1882. Hunt and his wife, Mary Ebbets, from a high ranking Tongass-Tlingit First Nations family in Alaska, had 10 children, and many of their descendants still reside on the North Island today in such families as the Hunts, Lyons, Cadwalladers, and many others. Brenda McCorquodale lives in Port Hardy and is a North Island history enthusiast. If you have any stories or North Island information that you’d like to share, please e-mail Brenda at storeysbeach@gmail.com.

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c o m m e n t s

Welcome to the ﬁrst Capsule Comments column of 2012. The beginning of the New Year always triggers promises to take better care of our bodies. We say we will eat better (and less), exercise more (and regularly), stop smoking (for good this time!) and drink less alcohol. All great ways to bring us better health. Here are a few ideas to help you feel better throughout the year: Have a massage occasionally. Women often couple this with a manicure/pedicure and it’s a great boost to feeling better inside and out. Keep active. People are often intimidated by the idea of regular exercise but it doesn’t have to be a big commitment. Even a 15 minute walk 3 or 4 times per week is a positive step. The great thing about exercise is that you feel better doing it and you’d soon miss it when you stop. Start slowly and gradually increase your walking time. Your doctor is a good source of advice in this regard. If you smoke, quitting is the single most effective way you can improve the length and quality of your life. Make the beginning of this year a new beginning of a healthier life. If you want a “start” day, how about January 18? That’s “Weedless Wednesday”, a great day to quit smoking. Pharmacists are a great resource that you can use on your path to good health. We’d be happy to help you with your health goals. w w w . p e o p l e s d r u g m a r t . c o m

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