Powell River Peak VOL 25 March 27, 2020 by The Peak

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CROSSWORD ........... 5 COMMUNITY ........... 7 SPORTS ................... 8 CULTURE ................. 9 CLASSIFIEDS ......... 10

CHAPTER ONE

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Friday.March 27.2020

Vol.25 No.23

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GETTING PICTURE: Powell River photographer Leah Laurie has been engaging in #thefrontstepsproject, where she has been going to local households and taking pictures of isolated families, from a distance. In this photo is the Veenhof family, consisting of [from left] Hazel the dog, Kyle (seven), Shaun, Ally and Jaxon (three).

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LEAH LAURIE PHOTO

Bringing smiles to community

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Project involves photographing people on front steps PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com

Powell River photographer Leah Laurie really gets the picture when it comes to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. She has become a participant in #thefrontstepsproject, where photographers are photographing people in front of their houses to help uplift people in their communities. “I put in out there on my Facebook page, just asking if people would be interested, and I had an overwhelming response to the idea,” said Laurie. “The project would be a way to document this, because it will be an historic moment in time somewhere down the road. It also gives people a reason to get their hair brushed and their teeth brushed and out of their pajamas for five minutes, and as one lady said yesterday, a reason to put makeup on. “It’s giving people a purpose, if it’s for five minutes only, eht LLA teGGet ALL the ta sgnitsNEW il WEN listings at m prhotnewlistings.com oc.sgnitsilwentohrp eunevA ecyoJ 6674 4766 Joyce Avenue 6B3 A8V CB ,rPowell eviR llew River, oP BC V8A 3B6 1324 584 406 :ecOffice: fifO 604 485 4231

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and puts a smile on their face.” Laurie said participants get a family picture out of the deal and she’s not charging anybody for them. ‘It’s just done out of the fact that I have to stay busy,” said Laurie. “I shut my studio down a week ago and I’ve been going stir-crazy ever since. I need something to do and I need something that also helps to uplift as much as I can.” She didn’t want to do anything that would jeopardize anyone’s safety. She’s a believer that the more people comply with regulations, the better everybody we will be. She said that from a safe position, with a long lens, she takes the photographs while maintaining social distance. She corresponds with prospective photographic subjects by email. She puts her location out on her Facebook page, indicating she will be in a specific area the next day. She gets a bunch of emails and picks the first few. “I was planning on doing two a day but I did 10 this morning,” said Laurie. “I just want to do it as long as it is safe to do it.” Families that are photographed receive one digital image from the photoshoot, emailed to them, and the results 000LISTING ,974$ 000,974$HOME NEW • LAKEFRONT

are posted online on her Facebook page with the hashtag thefrontstepsproject. She said the response has been enthusiastic and people are thanking her. She said she can’t take credit for the project, as it was the idea of other photographers that she has adapted to Powell River. “I saw it from somewhere else and I thought, I’m jumping on that bandwagon because I think it’s something that we can do safely, and it’s going to hopefully uplift spirits and make people happy for five minutes,” said Laurie. “If that’s all it does my job here is done.” Laurie, as of March 23, had been photographing on the front steps for two days. She said she will do it as long as it’s safe to do so, and people still want it done.” She said she’s had so many smiles. She said it is providing a heartwarming sense of community. “We have to be mindful of what’s going on right now but I think that we also have to maintain our mental health,” said Laurie. “My subjects are doing as much for me as I’m doing for them.”

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Community update - physician COVID steering committee March 23, 2020. Spring has started, but it will be unlike any in modern times. The sun is out, our region is beautiful, and sometimes it is hard to believe that we are responding to a global threat. COVID-19 is a novel virus, new to all humanity. We have no natural immunity, so the virus can travel very easily and very quickly between individuals and between nations. While many people will get only mild or moderate symptoms from COVID-19, experience in other countries has shown us that nearly one in five people will get sick enough to require hospitalization. Children and young adults are less likely to die from this virus, but anyone can become severely ill and anyone can spread it. In Italy the virus is moving too fast for their health care system to keep up. Instead of one in 100 (one per cent of) people dying from the virus like in South Korea, the current death rate in Italy is one in 12. We can only imagine their collective grief and trauma. Countries around the world are preparing for the possibility that over half of their citizens may contract this virus before there is an effective vaccine or treatment. In British Columbia, the number of COVID-19 patients is currently doubling every few days. Simply put, if the virus continues to spread at this rate our health care system will not be able to cope either. This is why officials are asking us to “flatten the curve.” It is critical that we slow this virus down. We are being overwhelmed with information, but clarity is more important. It can take up to two weeks for a person to develop cold or flu-like symptoms after contact with this virus. Once people have symptoms, they are contagious. We also believe people may pass on this virus before they

notice symptoms. This virus affects everyone differently. Common symptoms include a fever, cough (dry or wet), fatigue, and shortness of breath. While many people recover quickly, others will continue to worsen until they are sick enough to need a hospital. Testing is done with a nose or throat swab and takes one to two days to get a result. A person with a confirmed COVID-19 result may have contracted the virus over two weeks before. Unless that person was selfisolating, it almost certainly spread to others. It is estimated that the average person with COVID-19 passes it from one to four people. We must do the best we can with what we have, and we must act now. Currently, we are only able to test people with severe symptoms, as well as those with milder symptoms if they are in hospital, residential care, are pregnant, or are health care workers. Because we can’t test everyone, and because the time from contact to diagnosis may be up to two weeks, we simply don’t know how many people may have been exposed to this virus. To be smart, we must act as if COVID-19 is here in force. We cannot wait for confirmation. The courage and compassion of our local health care workers is already evident. This past week we had suspected COVID-19 cases admitted to Powell River General Hospital. None of the nurses, doctors, allied health care workers and support staff who support our hospital shied away from providing their best care to these patients. So far, none of these have turned out to be COVID-19 positive, but we expect this to change soon. If we have learned any lessons from countries that have gone before us, it is that we must limit the spread of this virus before

there are too many COVID-19 cases. The consequences of delay are severe. What does our local health care system need? We need everyone. Our leaders and health officials have asked us to make multiple, bold and difficult prevention efforts because the social, health and economic costs of inaction far outweigh the costs of action. Think back about how things were two weeks ago. Now imagine what our lives will be like two weeks from now. So much has changed. In Powell River, we may have been somewhat protected by our isolation so far, but our location also makes us vulnerable. We don’t have a back-up hospital, no extra pool of health care staff and limited transportation options. We need everyone to help to protect and support these resources. It will take a massive community response to limit the spread of COVID-19 to our loved ones and fellow citizens. Our shared actions from today forward will help determine how this virus affects Powell River – who will fall ill, how many will need our hospital, and how many recover. Most people are already taking these steps to protect themselves, which in turn protects others. It is our responsibility to support and teach our children how to do this as well. The sooner we all do what we can, the sooner Powell River can recover. Here’s a quick reminder on HOW to reduce the spread of COVID-19: 1. Strictly self-isolate if you are sick with cold or flu-like symptoms. 2. Strictly self-isolate for 14 days after travel outside the country. 3. Stay home except for essential work or supplies, or to spend time outdoors. 4. If you must go out, keep two metres (six feet) away from others as much as possible.

5. Wash your hands (and your cell phone!) frequently, especially after touching public surfaces and before you prepare food or eat. If you are doing these things, please continue. It has already been inspiring to see the support and selfless actions of so many people in our community. If you aren’t doing these things yet then please, please start – we desperately need your help. We believe Powell River can offer an exceptional response in these exceptional times. Our greatest strength and protection may just be our compassion and care for each other. Let that be our legacy when we look back on this time. Be safe, be smart, and support one another. Sincerely, Powell River Physicians COVID Steering Committee (PRCSC) Dr. Chris Morwood Dr. Rachel Bell Dr. Ian Ricketson Dr. Werner Schoeman Dr. Charles Van Zyl Dr. Evan Adams Dr. Robin MacNearney Dr. Neha Musini Dr. Barrie McDonald Christien Kaaij, Powell River Facility Engagement Initiative Guy Chartier, Powell River Division of Family Practice Get good information online at www. bccdc.ca, by calling 811, or by calling your family doctor – they can arrange a phone or virtual visit, and more as required. If you are coming to the emergency room for breathing symptoms, please call ahead to reception at 604.485.3211 – you will be directed to the assessment area in the ambulance bay and asked to wash your hands and put on a mask when you arrive.

City and school district playgrounds off limits Closures for play areas announced City of Powell River and School District 47 (SD47) have closed all playgrounds effective immediately and until further notice due to the COVID-19 state of emergency. According to provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry, children’s playdates and playing on playground equipment are activities where COVID-19 can be transmitted and the virus can then be brought home to the family, a media release from the city stated.

Playgrounds in Powell River will be taped off and the city and school district ask the public to observe the closures. It is important to get outside for fresh air during home isolation, according to Henry, and she encourages going for a walk with children and going to the park. Currently, Willingdon Beach park and trail, Millennium Park trails, all other city parks and the sea walk remain open, however that status is reviewed daily, the release stated. The city is asking people to enjoy the parks and trails responsibly and observe two-

metre physical-distancing and not to congregate in groups. The city is closely monitoring the COVID-19 emergency and follows the orders and recommendations of the provincial health officer and the federal and provincial governments. News, updates, and any changes to the city’s responses and actions due to the COVID-19 situation are posted on the city website, at powellriver.ca, its Facebook page and Twitter feed. SD47 has released an update of frequently asked questions on its website, at sd47.bc.ca.

NO PLAY: All city and school district playgrounds have been closed until further notice. PAUL GALINSKI PHOTO

3 Friday.March 27.2020 | Powell River Peak » prpeak.com

NEWS »

Increases in crime noted in regional district Calls for service go up in most areas PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com

OUTLINES STATISTICS: Powell River RCMP Staff Sergeant Rod Wiebe provided figures for crime within the Powell River region to qathet Regional District directors. PAUL GALINSKI PHOTO

traffickers. Wiebe said the detachment didn’t do as well as hoped with youth initiatives this year. In terms of domestic violence, the detachment

how hard it is going to all of these calls and it is a focus to keep employees well so they can stay at work. With Tla’amin Nation, the RCMP does a lot with their cultural workshops.

Since cannabis is now legal, why is this being pursued? Are these unauthorized growers that you’re going after? MARK GISBORNE

ELECTORAL AREA B DIRECTOR

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front because the issue is truly local. Wiebe said it was probably one of the most difficult offences to engage. Victims are usually female and they rely on the family unit for mental support and finances. Sometimes there are kids involved. He said the last statistic that he saw, which is fairly old, is by the time domestic violence is reported to the police, it has already happened at least 10 times. “It’s really hard and not always a cooperative dynamic,” Wiebe said. “We focus on education, partnering with the ministry of social services.” Committee chair Sandy McCormick said on Texada Island, two constables arrived within a day or two with no overlap. She said that has been resolved, but she would encourage, wherever possible, for the RCMP to ensure there is an overlap

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of one constable arriving at one time instead of both being brand new. Wiebe said they were due to be staggered but circumstances dictated otherwise. Electoral Area B director Mark Gisborne said he had a question about drug trafficking. He said he was seeing cannabis included in the list of seizures. “Since cannabis is now legal, why is this being pursued? Are these unauthorized growers that you’re going after? Why is it still a priority after the changes from the federal government?” asked Gisborne. Wiebe said seizures were far in excess of the legal limit of cannabis stipulated by the federal government. He said it was still illegal in a criminal sense to grow cannabis outside of the regulations. “These are very large, organized inventories,” said Wiebe.

WHEEL CHAIR

“Our liaison officer does an amazing job out there,” said Wiebe. “I think they are happy with what we provide to them as well.” Electoral Area A director Patrick Brabazon brought up the local domestic violence issue. He asked if there was more that could be done on the domestic violence

NEW LISTING

worked with inter-agency training and supporting other agencies. He said there was an eight per cent decrease in domestic violence last year over the previous year. “We’re happy with that number,” said Wiebe. In terms of employee wellness, he said, we’ve all heard

NEW LISTING

Crime statistics in the regional areas are showing an increase. At the Thursday, March 12, qathet Regional District committee of the whole, Powell River RCMP Staff Sergeant Rod Wiebe gave a report on crime statistics and outlined what was happening in the regional district. The area outside of the City of Powell River had an increase in calls for service. In 2018 the figure was 1,348 and in 2019 the figure was 1,438, for a seven per cent increase. Texada Island is up 10 per cent, from 271 in 2018 to 299 calls in 2019, Lund is up 13 per cent, from 69 to 78 calls, and the southern areas are up 21 per cent, from 546 calls in 2018 to 661 in 2019. Savary Island recorded a drop in calls, down six per cent from 78 in 2018 to 69 in 2019. Wiebe outlined the local detachment’s priorities for 2019-2020, focusing on the detachment’s proactive time, calculated to be at about 16 per cent, which is less than 10 minutes every hour. “Most of our time is spent on calls for service and conducting investigations,” said Wiebe. He outlined the priorities, which included: road safety, crime reduction, youth, domestic violence, employee wellness and working with Tla’amin Nation. Crime reduction included the tactical enforcement program, taking down drug

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QUICK PEAK EOC active On March 19, 2020, qathet Regional District, Tla’amin Nation, and City of Powell River activated the regional emergency operations centre (EOC) to monitor the COVID-19 situation. According to a media release from manager of emergency services Ryan Thoms, following advice from the provincial health officer, local authorities have engaged business continuity plans, and limited or closed public access to local facilities. “Following the provincial declaration of state of emergency on March 18, the three local authorities activated the regional EOC per our regional emergency plan,” stated Thoms. “The EOC will be in operation during normal business hours from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. “At level 1, the EOC will be continuously monitoring the COVID-19 situation, assisting provincial health authorities as requested, and informing the public.”

Ferry consultation British Columbians have more time to share their input for a vision of coastal ferry services, as the public consultation period has been extended to 4 pm on Friday, April 17, 2020 due to the COVID-19 situation. According to a media release from the BC government, the extension of the survey will provide time for MLAs to connect with their constituents and local stakeholders, and provide a longer time frame for the public to provide feedback. The questionnaire is available on the coastal ferries vision webpage: https://engage.gov.bc.ca/ coastalferries.

4 Friday.March 27.2020 | Powell River Peak » prpeak.com

OPINION »

Published every Friday Unit F, 4493 Marine Avenue, Powell River, BC V8A 2K1

Bold action It is time for big decisions from governments of all sizes and stripes in Canada. One week of workplace hemorrhaging from COVID-19 has punched a sinkhole into the economy, with a half-million Canadians into employment insurance. This, next, and the weeks to follow will see monstrous displacement of workers across sectors. Canada can learn one of two lessons: the ravages of some countries whose economies have sunk and stand to stay so, or the staunching of the wreckage in Denmark, Sweden and Britain to keep people in place with unprecedented wage subsidies in the hope their economies will recover much more swiftly. The latter course is basic common sense. Why make people idle, detach them from their work, and make any rebound more remote, when they can lend their hands to the hardship but also creatively contribute to a company’s crisper return to form? For 20 or 25 percentage points atop the employment insurance benefits, this is the price of a still-producing, still-retained workforce. We don’t need another Great Depression. We need a Great Expression. We can quarrel on whether the strategy to suppress COVID-19 was the right one. Might we have averted this walk off the cliff had we shut the country down earlier for a couple of weeks, quarantined the most vulnerable beyond that, and dealt with the emerging cases as part of a mitigated health problem that didn’t take the economy down? It’s too late to be the Monday morning quarterWe don’t need another back – we are where we are Great Depression. We – but in moving ahead our economy cannot be in perneed a Great Expression. mafrost when the thawing can resume. We have to think far enough ahead to be where we need to be when the world opens again for business. It’s important that these funds not be captured by slow-moving task forces to take weeks and months from transferring into businesses. Other countries enacted their measures in relative light speed. Ours can, too. It was heartening to see what the John Horgan government was able to do today to apply funds now and later, to defer taxes now and later, and to make clear that it will be listening now and later. But this is a Justin Trudeau matter of national employment consequence; his is the treasury with the extra zero at the end of the budget, so the order of magnitude is his order to give. We know that many businesses are pressed with staffing levels that will be hurt by sickness in the weeks and months to come. They need the flexibility to operate, to find people to backfill if the numbers we expect of those afflicted come true, and they will often need to step in that morning from home and not that week from recall. Moreover, the brightest ideas to regenerate our economy are going to come from workplace teams in collaboration. We are a small country with a finite talent pool and can’t afford to sideline experienced, committed workers to the monumental tasks that await businesses that will need to get on their feet quickly. A displaced workforce will be a distanced workforce when it returns, with its relationships in need of repair. There is no need for that when you examine how little additionally is needed to preserve it. We have the strongest economy of any of the G7 in entering the COVID-19 crisis. We can emerge as the strongest, too, if we are able to regain that form months, even weeks or days, faster than other jurisdictions. So, yes, accept that the economy is roughly at a standstill. But give it a standing start when it has to start running again. Keep the country on the payroll. We want a successful operation that doesn’t unduly hurt the patient. As miserable as this time feels, the time will come when we have to reignite. We won’t regret doing too much as we will too little. Kirk LaPointe is publisher and editor-in-chief of Business in Vancouver and vice-president, editorial, of Glacier Media Group.

Published every Friday by Peak Publishing Ltd. REACH US Phone 604.485.5313 • Fax 604.485.5007 publisher@prpeak.com • prpeak.com Unit F, 4493 Marine Avenue, Powell River, BC V8A 2K3 Member of the Canadian Community Newspapers Association and the British Columbia Yukon Newspaper Association. CCNA Verified Circulation – paid.

VIEWPOINT

Enemy at the gate By Jerry Eskes Well, here we are in the midst of a pandemic and the world is in turmoil with the human race pulling out all of the stops to deal with it. Mankind is in full survival mode and the sky is the limit when it comes to survival. It has always been the position of man that a single human life is a most precious thing and must be preserved and protected at all cost. It’s amazing to watch as the population becomes divided into different camps. There are those who will go to ground and hide until it’s clear to come out again, and that is just fine as it will slow the spread of the virus. There is, however, a large segment of the population who are front and centre in fighting this contagion. From the medical pro-

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fessionals to the rescue workers and the law and order providers, add to those the retail workers in the grocery stores, the drug stores and the liquor stores plus other such essential supply outlets. Every one of them is being

...if human survival is so precious, why are we not doing all that we can to preserve it when it comes to the survival of Planet Earth? exposed to this virus that is making so many sick and taking so many lives. There are volunteers stepping forward and health care workers who are coming out of retirement

ALICIA NEWMAN

creative services director GERI ANDERSON

admin/office manager

to step in to replace those who fall to the illness—heroes, one and all. There are scenes where people are applauding those who are fighting the good fight. All of mankind is very mindful of the threat that this virus represents and encourages all efforts that are being made to stop it. When it comes to human life, it seems there are no limits to what the human race will do to save itself. But that brings up a really curious question: if human survival is so precious, why are we not doing all that we can to preserve it when it comes to the survival of Planet Earth? We all know that the planet is in serious peril because of human indifference, greed and the lack of commitment to deal with this problem. We all know that if we don’t »5

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Full, complete and sole copyright in any advertising produced by Peak Publishing Ltd. is vested in and belongs to Peak Publishing Ltd. No copyright material may be reproduced in any form without the prior written consent of Peak Publishing Ltd. PAUL GALINSKI

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5 Friday.March 27.2020 | Powell River Peak » prpeak.com

CROSSWORD

You don’t have to ask the introverted, homebody-type people among us to “self- isolate” twice. We’ve got this. I was practicing “social distancing” way before a global pandemic inserted it into the language and behaviour of daily life. There is some irony, and some humour, to my personal story at this moment in time. For most of my life, especially the last 20 years, I have lived in a self-imposed social isolation. Initially, I romanticized the idea of living alone in a beautiful setting of west coast wilderness. Solitude among the tall trees and ocean waves seemed so attractive. However, that romance was replaced with psychological dysfunction as the seasons went by. Prolonged social distancing is a pattern which becomes desperately imbalanced in mind and spirit. That was one of the “take-aways” from my experience. With a lot of help, I was eventually pried away from my personal wilderness and gradually involved myself in the social world. Now, we are told self isolation is a behaviour we must abide by. Personal and public health is completely dependent on keeping a social distance from one another. The federal government likely will make social isolating a law punishable if ignored. Life doesn’t come with a promise of making sense, at least on a surface lev-

HEALTHY LIVING By Robert Skender

el. Sometimes, you just have to laugh and shrug your shoulders. Levity aside, suddenly, these are serious and strange days which feel like the whole world has been turned upside down. Young, old, or in-between, as a society, we have never experienced this type of uncertainty, fear and strangeness. Our comforting social and normal life before the pandemic isn’t allowed right now. It’s our social responsibility to reject our social instincts and live in physical separation. Is there even a slither of a “silver lining” we can glean from the altered behaviour which this global pandemic has imposed on us? With the rapid spread of Covid-19, we’re acutely aware of the global nature of life. Conversely, we also realize

how small of a community we live in and, by being separated, how interdependent we are. There is evidence all around us, from the reassuring hearts children carefully place in windows to a new kindness felt while keeping a safe social distance around town. There is a spirit of community and togetherness in the air as we pull together, while apart, to stop this health emergency. The famous Joni Mitchell song with the lyrics, “…Don’t it always seem to go, that you don’t know what you’ve got ‘till it’s gone...” seems to ring particularly true when we have something suddenly taken away. We have had the reassuring normalcy of daily life taken from us by this global pandemic. When this virus is contained with a vaccine, and it will be, I think the lesson we will keep with us is how precious every moment of that “normal” life is. How beautifully reassuring and deeply comforting simply time spent together is. When something as simple, but essential, as holding hands is not allowed, we then authentically feel the true connection and closeness such a simple act provides. That new awareness could be a slither of a silver lining. Robert Skender is a Powell River freelance writer and health commentator.

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Townsite Brewing to have outdoor area City of Powell River Council has approved an amendment to its zoning bylaw that would allow for an outdoor gathering area adjacent to Townsite Brewing. At its March 19 meeting, councillors voted to change the zoning on the subject property from general commercial to milltown centre, to match the zoning of the Townsite Brewing facility so that the development can proceed. Councillor Rob Southcott

said this proposed bylaw was to change the zoning of the lot that is immediately adjacent to the lot that is occupied by Townsite Brewing and owned by the same owner. “The recommendation here to change the zoning is intended to bring the zoning of that lot into conformity with the zoning of the lot that Townsite Brewing is on, in order to allow Townsite Brewing to extend its operation in terms of a patio-type addition,” said Southcott. Councillor Cindy Elliott said she thinks Townsite

4« VIEWPOINT pull out all the stops to save the earth and nature we will surely not survive. So, what is wrong with this picture, people,

Brewing’s intention is to build a parklike setting in the vacant lot. “It’s going to be lovely; it’s going to have gardens that are similar to what was historically there,” said Elliott. “I’m looking forward to seeing it.” According to a staff report, the desire to consolidate the properties was tied to Townsite Brewing’s wish to establish a licenced picnic area over an area within the subject property. The report stated that a liquor manufacturer may apply for one or more outdoor picnic areas

what is wrong with us? How is it that we will be so heroic in the face of an enemy that is front and centre in our lives but so

LAST WEEK’S ONLINE POLL QUESTION Have you voluntarily self-isolated due to COVID-19? 84% YES 16% NO This poll was answered by 537 respondents. This week’s poll question: Are you growing a food garden this year? Go to prpeak.com to cast your vote. Follow us on Facebook (Powell River Peak), Twitter (peak_aboo) and Instagram (prpeak)

onsite, where patrons may consume products obtained from the facility. This is a consumption area only; no sale or service is permitted. Picnic areas may be up to 1,000 square metres. They must have a clearly defined boundary and be located at ground level on grass or gravel. The picnic area must not be used as an overflow area of a lounge. The Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch requires that picnic areas be located on the same property as the manufacturer, hence the need for zoning conformity.

blind to the other equally serious enemy that we ourselves represent? But wait just a minute here, planes aren’t flying, ships aren’t sailing, everyone is staying home, cars and trucks aren’t being driven needlessly. Jobs are being lost in the hundreds of thousands, no one is out shopping and the factories are closing down. Damage to the environment is being reduced substantially thanks to the unwitting nonparticipation of the populace. Is nature finally getting even? If it weren’t such a tragic story it would be really funny. Jerry Eskes is a resident of Cranberry.

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6. Has being 7. Female voice 8. Oboe insert 9. Afternoon brew 10. Rowing blade 11. Strive 17. Navigational device 19. Melba ____ 22. Beer’s kin 24. Module 25. Small bay 26. Minor 27. Boyfriend 28. Woes 29. Legend 31. Small particle of bread 33. Search party 34. “____ Wednesday” 36. Phantoms 40. Degree 42. ____ Oﬃce 43. Type of dance 45. Steak order 46. Frosting user 47. Piglets’ mothers 48. Playpen item 49. Sooner than, in poems 50. Say yes 51. Snaky curve LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION:

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6 Friday.March 27.2020 | Powell River Peak » prpeak.com

Council approves permit New facility will mix commercial and residential properties PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com

City of Powell River Council has given approvals for a development known as Joyce Commons to proceed. At the March 19 city council meeting, councillors voted to approve variances for the properties at 4747 and 4753 Joyce Avenue, and a development permit to facilitate the construction of the facility. The initiative came from the City of Powell River’s committee of the whole, which reviewed the new property development for Joyce Avenue that will combine commercial and residential uses. Manager of planning services Jason Gow outlined the Joyce Commons devel-

opment during the March 3 committee of the whole meeting. Gow said a rezoning application had come to council in October 2018. The two properties, located just north of the First Credit Union building, were single family residential zoned properties and they were rezoned to a comprehensive development zone, which is a mix of multifamily residential and commercial use. The commercial uses are not intended to create heavy volumes of traffic and are geared to providing live-work opportunities in the proposed units that front Joyce, according to Gow. He added that the driving force behind having a commercial appearance fronting Joyce was largely the city’s planning department, and the reason behind this is the city wants to maintain the commercial appearance along Joyce, as it is one of the city’s premier commercial precincts. Gow said the proposed

commercial development is a two-storey building with a flat roof and large storefront-style windows. The buildings are right out to the road dedication on Joyce. “It’s intentional because what we are trying to do is connect the pedestrians to the storefront so we are not getting parking in front of the commercial fronts,” said Gow. What is proposed for the property behind the commercial fronts is 14 small one- and two-bedroom units that are ground-oriented. “They don’t have stairs and are easily accessible from the access lane in the development,” said Gow. There will also be eight second-storey units, so in total this development is proposing 22 residential units, said Gow. The residential units will use a gabled roof with some articulation to indicate the units below, said Gow. The exterior materials used will be largely fibre-cement, so it will be hardie plank panel siding with some West

Coast materiality, such as Douglas fir post and beam construction. The ground floor units have a semi-private patio space and there is also a communal gathering area, said Gow. Councillor George Doubt said it was an interesting style of housing. He said he didn’t think there were a lot of similar developments available in the community. He asked a question of the developers in the audience about whether the development was intended to be residential rental housing, and if it is, whether it would qualify for affordable rental housing. Developer Al Austin said the properties would be rented at market value. Gow said the developers are applying for two variances. The first is tied to the north property. He said there is a required three-metre setback adjacent to a residential property. The applicant is proposing a 1.8-metre set-

JOYCE COMMONS: City of Powell River manager of planning services Jason Gow provided details to the committee of the whole on a proposed new property development for Westview. PAUL GALINSKI PHOTO

back. The second variance is tied to the lot coverage. Gow said the maximum coverage in the zone is 40 per cent of the lot and the proponent is requesting the coverage be increased to 45 per cent. Councillor Cindy Elliott asked if there would be restrictions on how the traffic would flow around the development. “There’s a lot of pedestrians and a lot of traffic on Joyce Avenue,” said Elliott. “I’m concerned about people

getting hurt there.” Gow said there is a bigger initiative to look at the Joyce Avenue corridor that the city’s engineering department is currently working on. Councillor CaroleAnn Leishman said she wanted to thank the proponent for thinking outside of the box. “It’s the type of development that we are lacking,” said Leishman. “This is a really great way of providing rental housing and I love the mixed use.”

Hearts for health care campaign grows Initiative morphs to unify and encourage community DESIRAY FENRICK Peak contributor

PULLING TOGETHER: [from left] Emma, Kaleb and Maya Parsons have decorated their driveway in support of the Hearts for Health Care Campaign. PAUL GALINSKI PHOTO

What originally started in other parts of the world as the hearts campaign, to show support for health care workers working on the front lines of

the Covid-19 pandemic, has now grown to become a show of unity and encouragement for humanity. People have been decorating their windows and businesses with craft hearts since the beginning of March. With the power of social media, in just a few short days the Hearts of Powell River Facebook group has soared to over 980 members. The group has become a place to virtually gather and spread positivity while staying connected. Well wishes are coming from all

across the country, as far away as Nova Scotia. With tightening restrictions on self distancing and social isolation, families are using their time together to reconnect. In one driveway, covered in chalk hearts, is written a message that simply says, “Don’t worry, be happy.” While many may be feeling disconnected in these uncertain times the hearts are a simple reminder of how one small act can bring a community and a country together.

Visitors are asked to postpone travel here City of Powell River, qathet Regional District and Tla’amin Nation, along with Powell River Chamber of Commerce, Sunshine Coast Tourism and Tourism Powell River, are asking all visitors to postpone trips to the qathet region, from Saltery Bay to Lund and including Savary, Lasqueti and Texada islands.

“This request is not made lightly,” stated Powell River mayor Dave Formosa, speaking on behalf of qathet board chair Patrick Brabazon and Tla’amin hegus Clint Williams, in a media release from all three governments. “We’re following the advice of provincial and federal leaders. Our isolated and remote community has extremely

limited health care resources. Our businesses and local services are reducing to minimal levels. We’re all working together on our community’s health and safety, and we need your help.” The recommendation to restrict travel to the Powell River area is temporary, Formosa added. “We know that we’ll open

our doors to tourism soon and we look forward to welcoming everyone back to enjoy our spectacular outdoors and incredible hospitality,” stated Formosa. “But for now, we need you to help us protect our families and our most vulnerable.” Guests currently in the region are asked to speak to local visitor information ser-

vices and their accommodation providers with any questions, according to the media release. Guests with upcoming stays are strongly encouraged to listen to all directives from senior levels of government and to contact their accommodation and tour providers to rebook plans. “On behalf of our regional governments, we thank all

of our visitors for their understanding, and for keeping everyone’s health and safety in mind, above all else,” stated Formosa. The COVID-19 situation is being actively monitored and the restricted travel recommendation to the qathet region will be closely reviewed as more information becomes available.

7 Friday.March 27.2020 | Powell River Peak » prpeak.com

COMMUNITY »

Poker ride a chance for cyclists to explore Powell River’s trails Second annual event fun for all ages and skill levels VANESSA BJERRESKOV Peak contributor

The second annual TAWS/ Powell River Cycling Association (PRCA) Poker Ride will take place on Saturday, June 6, 2020, and organizer Troy Butler is looking forward to a fun day of mountain biking. “We have so many wonderful trails around Powell River,” said Butler. “Our suggested route will start at Duck Lake and go through Millennium Park before ending at Willingdon Beach.” Poker ride participants stop at up to seven locations, where they receive a card. The participant with the best poker hand at the end of the ride gets first pick of prizes. “When I did my first poker ride in Terrace, people were trading cards for better hands, so for this ride, participants will pick up a poker chip from each station, which they will trade for cards at the end,” said

Butler. “We have five main stations, two optional stations, and if riders visit all three of our sponsors – TAWS, Thick, and Townsite Brewing – they get a bonus card.” The suggested 20-kilometre route begins at Duck Lake; shuttles will be available. For those that wish to begin at Willingdon Beach, the ride will be 35 kilometres, and each of the bonus stations adds between three and five kilometres to the total distance. The route will be posted at 9 am, and riders can turn in their chips at Willingdon Beach between 5:30 and 7 pm. “This is a great family event, and because you have the whole day, it is doable for people of all skill and fitness levels,” said Butler. “It’s not a race, just a fun day on the trails with the opportunity for great prizes from our sponsors at the end.” Proceeds from the ride will be donated to the Ron Diprose Memorial Scholarship Fund, to be awarded annually to a local student entering post-secondary education in forestry, outdoor recreation, environmental science, or eco-tourism. “Ron was a legend in this community,” said Brendan Behan, or-

ganizer of the scholarship fund. “He donated thousands of hours working on the trails and organizing rides in this community. His passing was a huge loss to Powell River, and he deserves to be remembered. That’s why we’ve started this scholarship.” Butler and Behan also encourage Powell River cyclists to join the PRCA, which introduced an online member registration system in February. “The PRCA advocates for cyclists with all levels of government and other organizations,” said Behan. “We also help coordinate trail maintenance and purchase supplies for the volunteers. Membership also comes with liability insurance for ride participants.” Registration for the poker ride opens on April 1 at http://www. tawsbikegarage.com, and will cost $20 for adults, $10 for youth, or $50 for a family. Those who are not members of the PRCA will also pay a small fee for liability insurance. Cyclists can also register for annual membership with the PRCA at http://www. bikepowellriver.ca for $25 for individuals and $60 for families.

POKER RIDE: Organizer Troy Butler is looking forward to the second annual TAWS/PRCA Poker Ride, scheduled for Saturday, June 6. Participants collect poker chips at stations along the route, which they trade for cards at the end to see who has the best poker hand. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

NOTE: While cycling with family or individually is considered safe, organizers are monitoring the Covid-19 pandemic and will make

appropriate adjustments to the event as the date approaches, including postponing to September if necessary.

Blues musician performing on Facebook PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com

Powell River musician Ron Campbell is missing performing live, so instead of a performance in the public, he’s provided one for the community online. In a Facebook post introducing the concept, Campbell wrote that way back in the olden days (last week) he had a weekly dinner gig at the Seasider Bistro in Powell River. “Of course, that’s no longer possible, but I’m not gonna let a little ol’ pandem-

ic stop me from sharing my music with my peeps, especially when we’re all stuck at home,” said Campbell. So, on Wednesday, March 25, he went live on Facebook to bring everybody the same show. “I recommend that you prepare yourself a delicious meal and a nice bevvie, then tune in to enjoy the show,” he said ahead of time. “It’ll be almost like being there! Of course the show is free, though there will be a virtual tip jar for those of you who want to show your

SOCIAL CONCERT: With people unable to attend his regular performances, musician Ron Campbell has found another way to provide entertainment. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

appreciation.” Campbell said this is all very new to him. “I’ve been working all this week to try to figure out the technology and I think I’ve got it,” said Campbell. Campbell said he had toyed with the idea for a long time. He said the current situation with COVID-19 hit and he really thought this is the time to stop idly thinking about it and actually do it. “I see a lot of musicians are doing the same thing,” said Campbell. “It’s what I do is play music in front of people. I think I have something to give that people want to receive.” “I’ll do the same as I’d do for the first set of my show out at the Seasider,” said Campbell. “It will just be me, sitting at the piano, singing some old songs and some I wrote myself. I’ll do my best to make an entertaining show.” Campbell played uplifting music, saying that playing the blues doesn’t mean dismal and sad.

“I’m always about the positive energy, particularly now,” said Campbell. “We can still connect. Thank heaven for modern social media and modern technology.”

Campbell played a 45-minute show featuring blues standards and some of his own compositions. After the performance, Campbell said he was overwhelmed at the response that

he received, and humbled. “It’s wonderful how we are able to connect with people this way,” Campbell said. He added that he’ll be doing another performance at a later date.

SCHOOL DISTRICT #47 (POWELL RIVER)

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING SCHOOL REGISTRATION For students new to the Powell River School District or students wishing to transfer to a school outside of their catchment area (K-12) Please register by completing our registration form/package which is available on our website www.sd47.bc.ca - make a copy of your child’s birth certificate or passport (for K students) and either scan/email or fax your completed registration form to your school of choice. The Ministry of Education stipulates that parents may defer the enrollment of their child for not more than one year. Students registering after March 31st cannot be guaranteed a placement at their school of choice or local area. Registration packages can be found on our website at www.sd47. bc.ca, under quick links, click on registration (you will find it under the Registration heading). Partners in Education Program including Island Discovery (new registrations) Please visit our website and apply online.

8 Friday.March 27.2020 | Powell River Peak » prpeak.com

SPORTS »

Hopkins helps Blues to first national championship Powell River-born player caps his third year on men’s volleyball team with gold VANESSA BJERRESKOV Peak contributor

Capilano University Blues men’s volleyball team won the Canadian Collegiate Athletics Association (CCAA) national championships in Fredericton, NB, on Saturday, March 14, and Powell Riverborn Jacob Hopkins was named one of the all-stars of the game. “It was a long season, but winning nationals for Capilano for the first time was fantastic,” said Hopkins. “The Blues have lost both times they’ve been to the finals, so it felt great to bring home the gold.” The Blues qualified for the CCAA nationals by winning the Pacific Western Athletic Association (PACWEST) provincial championship late February in a close match against the Camosun Chargers. “BC has one of the strongest leagues in the country, so getting out of our divi-

sion was as much a challenge as nationals,” said Hopkins. “We knew we would do well, but you never feel like winning the championship is the most likely outcome.” The Blues’ journey to the finals began Thursday, March 12, when they faced Ontario’s Durham Lords in the quarterfinals. The Blues won three consecutive sets to move on to the semi-final game the next day against Alberta’s Red Deer Athletics. “Our semi-final game was very evenly matched,” said Hopkins. “Red Deer is a powerhouse; they were the team that beat us the two times we’ve been in the national finals. We won the first set, then Red Deer won the next two. We won the fourth, and we beat them 15-13 to win the match and make it into the finals. It was about as tight a game as you can get.” The Blues faced Ontario’s Humber Hawks in the final. The top-ranked team nationally, the Hawks were 24-0 for the season, winning 72 sets while only losing two. “Humber is a great team, but we knew we matched up with them well,” said Hopkins. “We beat them in three consecutive sets to win the gold.” Currently in his third year of business administration at Capilano University,

Hopkins plans to continue to play volleyball as he finishes his degree. “There’s definitely an adjustment period where you learn to balance school and six days a week of volleyball practice, but once you get into a rhythm, things flow,” he said. Hopkins was born in Powell River and moved to Vancouver when he was five, but most of his extended family still lives here. “I have spent summers and school breaks in Powell River,” he said. “I’ve always loved being there in the summer, because it has so many things that the city doesn’t, like the BC coastal lifestyle.” At the start of the season, the Blues held their team retreat at Haywire Bay, which allowed Hopkins to introduce his teammates to Powell River. “Before we went out to the cabins, we played at the Willingdon Beach courts for a couple hours,” he said. “The whole team got to experience a bit of Powell River.” Hopkins believes Capilano’s national championship will be good for volleyball in the province. “Our win shows that volleyball is doing well in BC, and that we’re competitive with the rest of the country,” he said. “I’m very fortunate to have had so many great opportunities to play.”

JUMP SHOT: Jacob Hopkins takes a shot during the Capilano Blues’ run to the Canadian Collegiate Athletics Association national championship final. The Blues won gold at the event, a first in men’s volleyball for the Vancouver university. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Owner passionate about benefits of skateboarding Sport offers physical and mental benefits for everyone VANESSA BJERRESKOV Peak contributor

Skateboarding will make its Olympic debut in Tokyo next year, and Townskate owner Tim Ladner wants to help grow the sport in Powell River. “I started skateboarding when I was 13 years old,” Ladner said. “I didn’t take to soccer, so when I gave it up, I needed some kind of athletic outlet. Skateboarding is a big workout, both for your body and your mind. You’re always learning, and there’s no such thing as mastering it.” Ladner opened Townskate, Powell River’s first skateboard shop, in October 2018. “Last year we worked together with the recreation complex to offer skateboarding for beginners and a drop-

in tutorial session for more experienced skateboarders. The cement surface of the ice rinks is ideal flat ground to learn on, and one thing we don’t have much of in Powell River is flat ground,” he added with a laugh. While skateboarding has a history of being counterculture, the community has changed. “Skateboarding has grown a lot to become the sport it is today, and there’s definitely a big, welcoming community around it,” said Ladner. “It’s intergenerational, and there’s a very low monetary barrier to entry. You can get a good board for just over $100 at Townskate, and once you’re at the park, nothing sets you apart. I bring my kids to the park all the time, and I see people from ages three to 50 there with their boards.” The physical and mental skills required to skateboard also make it great crosstraining for other sports, according to Ladner. “Soccer players, gymnasts, and mar-

tial artists will skateboard in their off-seasons,” he said. “The coach at the Powell River Curling Club told me he always asks people if they’ve skateboarded, because the way curlers push on the ice is exactly the same way you push on your board. It gives them an edge.” Skateboarding is also an activity that can be done with physical distance. “We might not meet in big groups right now, but that doesn’t mean we have to give up skateboarding,” said Ladner. “It’s fairly easy to maintain physical separation from other people at the park, and your only contact is with the concrete and your own board. It’s also a great mode of transportation that naturally keeps you at arm’s length from others, and is a physical activity just like biking and hiking.” With Covid-19, the spring and summer skateboarding classes have been cancelled, the second annual Townskate Jam scheduled

GO BOARDING: Townskate owner Tim Ladner believes that skateboarding, which will make its Summer Olympic debut in Tokyo 2021, can be a great sport for anyone. He says it teaches persistence, determination, balance, and physical literacy, as well as being a great mode of transportation. VANESSA BJERRESKOV PHOTO

for late May is on hold, and the shop is currently open by appointment only, but Ladner has not stopped working on increasing the opportunities for skateboarders in Powell River. “The Vancouver Island

University carpentry program has volunteered time and resources to build some small, easy-to-transport obstacles,” he said. “When they’re done, we will be able to turn any tennis-courtsized plot of concrete into a

training area.” To keep up to date on when lessons will resume or to contact Ladner for more information on skateboarding, visit Townskate on Facebook at www.facebook. com/townskate.

9 Friday.March 27.2020 | Powell River Peak » prpeak.com

CULTURE »

Now open in Powell River

The life and adventures of Linda Syms What you are about to read is true, as far as anyone can remember it. This is the story of a woman who, at a very young age, made the life-changing decision to leave the city and all of her family and friends, to be with the man she loved in the wilderness. So began a wild, modern day homesteading adventure, a death-defying oyster farming business, and a true love story that would last for over 40 years. In the mid-1970s, my father purchased a patch of rugged, empty coastline in Desolation Sound, about an hour north of Powell River. Dad’s dream was to turn those rocky shores, which stretched along picturesque bays, coves, and lagoons, into a 38-lot development. The plan was to build recreational ocean-access-only summer cabins. Back then, Dad wasn’t really sure what kind of folks that pocket of coastal wilderness attracted, but he would quickly find out. We were a conservative middle class family from West Vancouver. Dad considered hippies dirty and lazy, so much so that as kids, my sister and I weren’t even allowed to listen to the Beatles. The irony that our father had purchased an area on the Gifford Peninsula that had a strong appeal to the very type of people he wanted to avoid is something that he was never able to fully come to terms with. One physical attribute that kept Dad somewhat at ease was that our newly constructed cabin sat in one bay and the hippie-occupied cabins sat in another, separated by a long finger of land and a high rocky bluff covered in trees. Dad couldn’t see them, he couldn’t hear them, and that’s just the way he wanted it. Then, on a gorgeous summer day in the early 1980s, we were invited to a potluck in that neighbouring bay. The way my dad tells the story, “pot” would in fact be the

WILD PICK

By Grant Lawrence keyword to that infamous Desolation Sound potluck invitation. To their further consternation, my parents were quickly figuring out that beyond apples and oysters, there were a few other crops that could be successfully harvested in Desolation Sound. The potluck was a fiveminute boat ride away from our cabin, in the next bay. As our cranky motorboat rounded the rocky point that separated our bays, we heard the potluck before we saw it. The combined caterwaul of a late afternoon party in full swing danced across the placid ocean water. As we drew closer, my innocent, eleven-year-old eyes widened upon a scene of total summer hedonism. Intertwined brown bodies lay outstretched all over the sundrenched shoreline, smoking, drinking, laughing, singing, making out and… making love? Seemingly wild, longhaired children ran amongst the cavorting adults, some of them swinging out over the water on a zunga, local terminology for a rope swing. The kids would fearlessly drop into the warm, crystal clear green ocean water, the same water my eight-yearold sister and I were too nervous to dip a toe into. The aesthetic that united the potluck was very revealing: many of the attendees were totally and utterly nude. Just add a cranked up Deep Purple cassette and matching purple bong smoke that hung low across the bay: “Smoke on the Water,” just like the stereo blasted. This outrageous scene was more than enough for Dad to start vigorously turning our boat around, but Mom grabbed his arm and wouldn’t let him, reasoning that: a) she was bringing banana bread b) we were going to have to meet the rest of our Desolation Sound neigh-

TOGETHER: Linda Syms and her longtime life partner Wayne Lewis in Desolation Sound in the early 1980s, shortly after purchasing land on the Gifford Peninsula.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF LINDA SYMS

bours eventually and c) How would it look if the big bad developer man and his family from the city suddenly swung their boat around in full view of the entire potluck without even saying hello? We tied our skiff to a makeshift barge of boats, a pell-mell parking lot of rafts, canoes, kayaks, sailboats, herring skiffs, and rowboats. We had to gingerly climb through several of them before we could make our way up to shore. Many of the beautiful, longhaired, sun-kissed, naked people at the party warmly welcomed us with extremely uncomfortable hugs, introducing us all around. Pungent pot clouds filled the air like a skunky London fog. Mom later said that she had never maintained such steadfast eye contact in her life, and took extra caution when reaching out to shake hands with the tall guys. We spent about 90 minutes at the nude potluck. And since the only pot that my parents ever touched sat on the stove simmering Kraft dinner, they weren’t really blending in any better than my sister and me. But the food was delicious, especially the deep-fried oysters. Our boat ride home was mostly silent. I found myself looking back at the potluck, still in full swing, with longing fascination. Who were those people? What was their story? It would take me a long time to find out. We stayed in our bay for the rest of the summer. My parents stayed in our bay for the next 40 years. What I would learn many decades later was that the infamous potluck was co-hosted by two couples who were one of the first groups to purchase a lot from my dad, back in the late 1970s. One of those people was a tall and slender woman

with long brown hair named Linda Syms, she of the delicious deep fried oysters. Along with her husband, a rugged jack-of-all-trades named Wayne Lewis, they had the ambitious goal to homestead their off-grid property and live there year round—contrary to my dad’s vision of a summer paradise. Seeing that plan through would last for over four exciting decades. But who was Linda Syms? Where did she come from? How did she find this place? You’ll find out those answers and much more in the upcoming chapters of Wild Pick. Grant Lawrence is the award-winning author of “Adventures in Solitude,” and a radio personality who considers Powell River and Desolation Sound his second home. "Wild Pick” originally aired as a weekly radio serial on North by Northwest on CBC Radio One, and is based on stories that originally appeared in Linda Syms’s books “Salt Water Rain” and “Shell Games,” both available at Pollen Sweaters in Lund.

8412w17

Chapter One – The Potluck

ACCOUNTING • TAX • ESTATES

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Viewpoint brick purchase deadline Order by April 30, 2020

After that date, install will be 2021 From $175 Forms available at Powell River Chamber of Commerce, 6807 Wharf Street

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TO BOOK YOUR AD » 604.485.5313 | classifieds@prpeak.com | Unit F, 4493 Marine Avenue | Book your ad online at prpeak.com REACH 2.3 MILLION READERS WITH A COMMUNITY CLASSIFIED $395 is all it costs to place a 25-word BCYCNA Community Classified ad, reaching 2.3 million readers. For more information, call Classifieds at the Peak.

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TRENT MEYER DECEMBER 23, 2019 Due to recent developments and the ongoing spread of COVID19 throughout BC, Trent’s Celebration of Life has been postponed. We look forward to celebrating Trent with the gathering he deserves when the uncertainty settles.

Wanted: PROGRAM MANAGER The position of a program manager is a front-line leadership role within PRESS’ personalized support programs for adults with disabilities. The program manager is responsible for all aspects of the day-to-day operations of the support program he/she manages, and for ensuring that high-quality services are provided to PRESS clients. View detailed job description at https://www.pressbc.com APPLY at info@pressbc.com

Marjorie Ileen Waldie May 27,1926 - March 12, 2020

It is with sadness we announce the passing of our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend Ileen. She was born in Winnipeg and lived and worked in the area around Killarney, Manitoba. After her marriage she moved to Cartwright, Manitoba to live with her husband Stewart Waldie. After Stewart passed, she moved to Powell River to be close to her family. Ileen leaves behind her son Ron (Lorraine) Henderson, granddaughters Debbie (Darren) Tyler, Marie (Steve) Boettger, 10 great-grandchildren, niece Karin Henderson and brother-in-law Brian (Darlene) Waldie. As she requested, Ileen was cremated and is to be buried with her husband Stewart Waldie in Cartwright. We would like to thank Dr. Burns and the staff at the Evergreen Extended Care Unit for their wonderful help in meeting Ileen’s needs over the past years, as she struggled with dementia. No service by request.

Your donation “In Memory” will enhance health care in the Powell River area. Please support Powell River Hospital Foundation. prhospitalfoundation.com

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Alcoholics Anonymous • 604.483.9736 • 604.485.6994 • 604.483.8349 • 604.807.0232 (Texada) • 604.414.5232 (Texada) Meetings FRIDAYS, 8-9 pm

United Church Basement

Margaret Knoke August 3, 1934 - March 14, 2020 Born Margaret Aldham in Norwich, England, she was evacuated to the west coast of Canada during World War 2 at the age of five. She grew up on a farm in BC with her sister, adoptive siblings and adoptive parents, joined 4H, learned ballet, tap dancing, and highland dancing. She joined the Armed Forces as a Flight Control Operator on the east coast and met Wally Snow. They married in September 1957 and had five children; Ann, David, Kathy, Susan, and Esther. She divorced, remarried, and is predeceased by her husband Walter Knoke. Margaret loved to travel, and she lived variously in the Yukon, Alberta, and BC’s west coast. Always active, a major stroke in 1991 merely slowed her down a bit. She loved her family, friends, gardening, music, and her cat, Calvin, which also predeceased her. She lived many years in Powell River then spent her last few years in Parksville, a place she had always wanted to live. A memorial service will be held when public gatherings are once again permitted. Meanwhile, in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Powell River Stroke Recovery Club, 6811 Alexander Street (PR Legion), Powell River, BC, V8A 2A9.

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1120 Found FOUND HOUSE Key on Manson Avenue, near Cranberry Lake Mobile Park on March 17, phone 604.414.0569

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CLAY GLOSLEE Construction For all your renovations in 2020 604.483.6153

2005 Antiques WARD’S & BUD HAYNES Spring Firearms Auction Saturday Apr. 18th at 10 A.M. 11802-145 Street NW, Edmonton, AB. Hundreds of lots, Online bidding, antique & modern firearms. www.WardsAuctions.com. To consign, call Brad Ward 780-940-8378, Linda Baggaley 403-597-1095.

1010 Announcements

ATTENTION YOUTHS, ADULTS AND RETIREES Wanting to earn extra cash?

Carriers needed for our substitute list for both Wednesday and Friday deliveries

1205 Career Opportunities MANAGER, COMPLIANCE AND LICENSING Evolugen, a company of Brookfield Renewable, is looking for a Manager that will be responsible for managing all permitting, licensing, and compliance activities necessary to operate and maintain the hydroelectric generation assets located in British Columbia. For more information please visit: evolugen.com/careers/

Please contact Stephanie Keillor at the Powell River Peak 604.485.5313 circ@prpeak.com 1230 Work Wanted

11 Friday.March 27.2020 | Powell River Peak » prpeak.com

2060 For Sale Miscellaneous COMPOUND BOW, Hoyt Spyder 30, right hand, 60 to 70 lb draw. $650. OBO. Call or text 604.414.3529 ESTATE SALE, Dining room table and chairs, China cabinet, Roll top desk, Royal Albert country rose china, accordion, two hospital beds, 1987 Toyota truck parts, Engines, transmissions, rear-ends, body parts, lights on March 28, and 29,at 11021 Highway 101. call 604.487.9643 MOVING SALE, guitars and furniture. Please contact 604.413.1379 for viewing.

2070 Free AQUARIUM, FLASH reptile tank. 6 feet long. Text 604.414.4578

BIRTHDAY WISH? Peak Classifieds

604.485.5313

classifieds@prpeak.com

2145 Wanted RIDE-ON lawn mowers, running or not, cash for some. Contact Don at 604.487.0487 WE BUY houses, any condition. Call Mike 604.414.8595

4025 Health Services H E A LT H GET UP TO $50,000 from the Government of Canada. Do you or someone you know Have any of these Conditions? ADHD, Anxiety, Arthritis, Asthma, Cancer, COPD, Depression, Diabetes, Difficulty Walking, Fibromyalgia, Irritable Bowels, Overweight, Trouble Dressing...and Hundreds more. ALL ages & Medical Conditions Qualify. Have a child under 18 instantly receive more money. CALL BRITISH COLUMBIA BENEFITS 1-(800)-2113550 OR Send a Text Message with Your Name and Mailing Address to (604) 739-5600 For Your FREE benefits package.

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15.5’ GLASSCRAFT runabout, 60 hp Johnson, t r a i l e r, c h a r t p l o t t e r, excellent condition, $5,500 OBO. Call 604.485.4960

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Classified advertising is accepted on a prepaid basis only. VISA and MasterCard welcome. Peak Publishing Ltd. reserves the right to classify ads under appropriate headings, set rates therefore and determine page location. Full, complete and sole copyright in any advertising produced by Peak Publishing Ltd. is vested in and belongs to Peak Publishing Ltd. No copyright material may be reproduced in any form without the prior written consent of Peak Publishing Ltd. Any errors in advertisements must be brought to the attention of the publisher within 30 days of the first publication. It is agreed by any display or classified advertiser that the liability of the newspaper in the event of failure to publish an advertisement or in the event that errors occur in the publishing of any advertisement shall be limited to the amount paid by the advertiser for that portion of the advertising space occupied by the incorrect item only and that there shall be no liability in any event beyond the amount paid for such advertisement. Peak Publishing Ltd. cannot be responsible for errors after the first day of publication of any advertisement. Notice of errors in the first week should immediately be called to the attention of the advertising department to be corrected for the following edition. All advertising is subject to the approval of the publisher.

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6025 For Sale by Owner ADVENTURER 7.5 FT camper, good condition, sleeps four, fridge, stove furnace, memory foam bed. $8,500 Text 604.414.4578

6035 Industrial/Commercial INTEGRITY POST frame buildings since 2008. Built with concrete posts. Barns, shops, riding arenas, machine sheds and more. Adam.s@integritybuilt.com. 1 . 2 5 0 . 3 5 1 . 5 3 7 4 www.integritybuilt.com

6070 Real Estate Wanted WANTED OCEANFRONT property south of town. No realtors please. 604.485.6467

6505 Apartments/Condos for Rent 2-BDRM APARTMENT is available 1st of the month, heat and hot water included, $790. Phone 604.485.2895 UNFURNISHED 1-BDRM in Cranberry, available now. westcoastend.com call 604.414.8595

5520 Legal/Public Notices Notice of Vessel Auction: City of Powell River 1220-20-0530 The “Eleanor J” a 35-foot power boat, bearing no licence or registration number, and personal items therein owned by Timothy Clements, debtor to the City of Powell River, will be sold by sealed-bid auction on 2 pm on April 9, 2020. Sealed bids clearly marked “Bid to Purchase - 35’ Eleanor J power boat” shall be accepted via City Hall’s drop box outside the main entrance, address below, up to 2 pm local time on Thursday, April 9, 2020. Prospective bidders may inspect the vessel at the South Harbour main float. The Bid Form and Conditions of Sale are available from the City of Powell River’s website, listed below. City of Powell River 6910 Duncan Street Powell River, BC, V8A 1V4 Tel: 604.485.6291 www.powellriver.ca For more information, please contact Accounts Receivable at 604.485.8622.

H T

1.877.952.7277 1.877.952.7277

Anyone with information about these or any other incidents is asked to contact the Powell River RCMP at 604.485.6255, or to remain anonymous call Crime Stoppers at 1.800.222.TIPS (8477) or go to bccrimestoppers.com.

N O

MARCH 20 5400 block Borden Place At 3:27 pm police responded to a report of a collision. Police attended the scene and located a 51-year-old female who identified herself as the driver. She advised that she had struck mailboxes on the side of the road after accidentally hitting the gas pedal instead of the brake. After speaking to the female, police believed she may be impaired, and a standardized field sobriety test was completed. The female failed the test, and as a result, was issued with a 24-hour driving prohibition under the Motor Vehicle Act. MARCH 20 7000 block Glacier Street At 8:53 pm police responded to a mischief complaint. An unknown person, dressed in black, had used a power tool to puncture a hole in the tire of a red Honda parked in the parking lot. Anyone with information on this incident, or who may have witnessed it, is asked to contact Powell River RCMP at 604.485.6255, or to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1.800.222.TIPS (8477) or online at bccrimestoppers.com. COVID 19 The RCMP would like to advise the public that the detachment is now closed. During this health emergency, we are encouraging people to call the detachment rather than showing up in person, so we can determine if personal attendance is truly necessary. All administrative services such as fingerprinting and criminal record checks have been halted until further notice. Our nonemergency line is 604.485.6255.

MARCH 19 TO 25, 2020 TOTAL SERVICE CALLS = 82 IMPAIRED DRIVING = 4

ASSAULTS = 1 BREAK AND ENTERS = 1

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We will run your 15-word private party classified AUGUST 20 and GUARANTEE it until1.7300 itblock sells ** Duncan Street At approximately 4:15 am Powell River 604.485.5313 • classifieds@prpeak.com RCMP attended a break and enter at a A MacBook laptop computer * Some restrictions apply ** Maximumbusiness. 52 weeks was stolen from the business. Police continue to investigate and anyone with information on this crime is asked to contact RCMP at 604.485.6255 or

12 Friday.March 27.2020 | Powell River Peak Âť prpeak.com

How to protect yourself, your family, and your community

Those sick with cold or flu-like symptoms MUST self-isolate for at least 10 days

International travellers OR contact with COVID-19 MUST self-isolate for 14 days

Stay at home as much as possible

(may return to regular restrictions IF no symptoms after this period)

(even if you have NO symptoms).

(except for essential workers, to get important supplies, and to relax or recreate in open outdoor areas)

If you must leave your house, keep your distance

Wash your hands (and phone!) regularly

Be kind and supportive of your family and your community

(6ft, 2m) and try not to touch your face after touching public surfaces

(especially after you touch public surfaces and before you eat

or prepare food)

A message from Powell River physicians

SECTION

NESDAY | JUNE 4 | 2008

Friday.March 27.2020 Powell River Peak Â» prpeak.com

Spring

HOME AND GARDEN

SPRING HOME AND GARDEN 2020

B2 Friday.March 27.2020 | Powell River Peak Âť prpeak.com

[Above] 2019 Grand Heritage Award-winning Maple Avenue home owned by Will and Brenda Van Delft. [Right] How the home originally looked in 2013 when it was purchased. All of the exterior vinyl siding was removed and original wood repainted.

Couple restores centuryold home Results garner heritage award for Townsite property owners DESIRAY FENRICK Peak Contributor Will and Brenda Van Delft on their front porch swing which was a Christmas gift from their children. The room at the front of the house was removed and converted back to the original open front porch.

When the 2019 Home and Garden Awards were handed out by Townsite Heritage Society, recipients of the Grand

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B3 Friday.March 27.2020 | Powell River Peak » prpeak.com

Heritage Award, and previous winners of Most Improved Garden, were Will and Brenda Van Delft. The award is given to a well maintained/restored property that best represents Townsite’s heritage in exterior details, colours and landscaping. Originally started by The Powell River Company, the awards were reestablished by the heritage society in 1992. Will and Brenda spent 22 years in Kimberley raising their two boys. When one moved to Sidney to do search and rescue for the West Coast Trail and the other moved to England to go on tour as a lighting technician, it was time to move on. Coming to Powell River wasn’t their original plan, however, Will had a college friend living here and while watching the real estate market an opportunity presented itself. When they decided to relocate to Powell River When we started pulling they weren’t particuback the vinyl, little by larly looking for a heritage home. little we noticed the “As soon as Brenda original wood was still walked through the front door and saw there and [we] decided this, that was it,” said to keep going with it Will. “I fell in love with it,” added Brenda. They wanted to move into a move-in ready house but Brenda jokes that it just didn’t happen and after seven years they’re still working on it. They worked with the heritage society and museum obtaining old photos of their Maple Avenue home, including one from the cover of the 1925 edition of the Powell River Digester. When it came to restoring the 1920 property, they believed that history would help them the most and found lots of inspiration. This year they will be celebrating the home’s 100th anniversary. The outside of the building they originally purchased is barely recognizable to the way it looks today. The real estate photo from 2013 shows a home covered in drab vinyl siding with a closed-in porch. “When we started pulling back the vinyl, little by little we noticed the original wood was still there and [we] decided to keep going with it,” said Will. They also removed the room at the front of the home and converted it back to B4

Will and Brenda’s dining room showcasing the original fir floors and Madeline.

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SPRING HOME AND GARDEN 2020

B4 Friday.March 27.2020 | Powell River Peak » prpeak.com

B3« RENOVATION

Both avid gardeners, the Van Delfts have transformed the yard with their stunning gardens, including these sweet peas planted at the back porch.

an inviting open porch that now houses a chair swing, which was a gift from their children. Other than some help from family members, all of the work on the home has been done by themselves. Will spent two years in charge of facilities and maintenance in Fort Steele, an old heritage town in the Kootenays. It was during this time he gained the knowledge needed to restore a heritage home. “I was in charge of a lot of the restoration projects there, so when we came here and started seeing what we were really in for, that’s when I thought, ‘oh ya, I could do this,’” said Will. Will’s brother is an electrician who was able to replace all of the old knob and tube wiring, which considerably cut down on the cost. Although the award is for the exterior of the home, they’ve done extensive work to the interior as well. They say they were lucky because half of it had already been restored, however, they’ve gutted and reconfigured the bathroom, redone the kitchen, painted the original lathe and plaster walls in warm heritage colours, purchased ceiling lights from a heritage lighting store in Mission and installed wall sconces that were originally from Brenda’s grandmother’s home in West Vancouver. When they painstakingly removed the old shag carpet from the master bedroom it revealed stunning original fir floors. The Van Delfts both enjoy gardening, which is evident by the neatly manicured yard. The front features a breathtaking Korean Pink Dogwood, which was a housewarming gift from Brenda’s parents, and many flower beds that are just starting to wake from winter. There is a sense of pride when Will and Brenda talk about Townsite. “There’s a lot of people who’ve moved here with an idea and gotten inspired by the neighbourhood,” said Will. Many morning coffees are now enjoyed out on the front porch, which leads to plenty of conversations with people passing by enquiring about the work they’ve done. Will believes the original open front porches were built to, “foster a sense of social atmosphere.” When asked what the award means to them, Brenda is humble in her response. “It is recognition for our hard work,” she said. “We still have lots to do so when we got the Grand Heritage Award it was like, ‘no, we’re not done!’” Will concurs with his wife’s assessment. “It’s nice to get that kind of recognition, but keeping in mind that they do this every year, so every year there’s somebody deserving who’s worked really hard at restoring their home,” he said. “Those awards are meant to inspire.”

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SPRING HOME AND GARDEN 2020

B5 Friday.March 27.2020 | Powell River Peak » prpeak.com

How to keep your home clean and virus-free

KICKING THE CLUTTER By Ranka Burzan

For the last couple of months, we have all heard about Coronavirus and its potential to spread throughout the world. You may have experienced some of the consequences of Coronavirus too: stores out of toilet paper and hand sanitizer, schools closing down, and major entertainment events postponed. Powell River certainly has its share of lineups, grocery hoarding, and fear of the unknown all stemming from not being able to predict the consequences of the situation. Many of us receive countless emails, phone calls, Facebook advertisements, trying to implement extra-vigilant cleaning and health and safety procedures, encouraging us to wash our hands, not touch our faces, keep social distance, no hugging, no hand shaking, avoid large crowds, et cetera. We don’t have any control over what goes on worldwide, but we do have control over how clean we keep our home and possessions, especially now. So, how confident do you feel that your home is pretty clean? Have you disinfected the

kitchen and bathroom to make any dangerous bacteria disappear? While our kitchen counters can appear clean, that doesn't necessarily mean that they are clean. Keeping your home clean is even more important if you have pets. If your lovely cat jumps on your kitchen counter after doing her business in the litter box, your counter is not fit to have food on. There are other places we should clean and disinfect as well: doorknobs, light switches, remotes, faucet handles, keyboards, cell phones, car door handles, steering wheel or anything people touch. There is a big difference between

cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing, even with the order in which they should be done. Always clean before you disinfect. Cleaning involves some kind of all-purpose cleaner, hopefully a non-toxic one. These cleaners lift up the sticky or greasy messes like juice or grease that have collected on the countertops, or the toothpaste and soap scum in the bathroom sink. Sanitizers and disinfectants are terms that often get used interchangeably. However, they are different. Sanitizers reduce the bacteria by significant numbers, but do not extinguish or eliminate all

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bacteria. Disinfectants destroy or deactivate nearly all bacteria, moulds, and viruses, although not necessarily contagious microorganisms. A real disinfectant should kill about 99.9 per cent of the germs on a surface. Most of us have some sort of disinfectant in our cleaning collection. Now the question is: Are you using your disinfectant correctly? To be effective, most disinfectants need to sit on the surface for five to 10 minutes before you wipe them off. Because of our busy schedules and impatience, most of us just spray, wipe and run. I hate to break

the bad news, but you cannot disinfect by spraying and immediately wiping your counter or sink. Having a fear of getting Coronavirus should be a lesson for all of us to take better care of our home and health. Disinfecting your horizontal surfaces in your home should be a big part of your spring cleaning. Keep calm and safe! Ranka Ranka Burzan owns a professional organizing company based in Powell River and has written several books on reducing clutter and becoming more organized. For information, go to solutionsorganizing.com.

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SPRING HOME AND GARDEN 2020

B6 Friday.March 27.2020 | Powell River Peak » prpeak.com

Enthusiastic gardener creates greenspace Georgia Glassford transforms Townsite property with plants and shrubs DESIRAY FENRICK Peak contributor

Georgia Glassford, winner of the 2019 Most Improved Garden Award, at her Poplar Street home.

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When speaking with Georgia Glassford you can instantly feel her enthusiasm for the greenspace that surrounds her. The gardens at her Poplar Street home earned her the award for Most Improved Garden from the Townsite Heritage Society at the end of 2019. Originally from Gibsons, her family is related to founder George Gibson. Georgia has been in Powell River since 2005 and purchased her heritage home, which was built in 1914, six years ago. Georgia’s love of gardening came from family. “My grandmother was a gardener and my mom has a green thumb,” she said. Her mom is originally from Sweden and was taught Latin in school, so

7345 Duncan Street | 604.485.7555

SPRING HOME AND GARDEN 2020

B7 Friday.March 27.2020 | Powell River Peak » prpeak.com

she taught Georgia the scientific names of the plants. This led to Georgia obtaining a horticultural diploma from Kwantlen University and an 11-year career in the field. “I did it for so many years, and then I kind of lost my love for it because it was just a job and so I stopped doing it,” she said. “Now it’s back.” When she isn’t busy working at her current job in health care or chasing after her energetic sixyear-old son Lyndon, Georgia can be found out in the garden. Originally there was nothing but grass in the front yard, essentially providing her with a blank canvas. It is now home to evergreen deciduous shrubs and striking sevenfoot-tall lilies, which add privacy from the street. Along the side of the house she planted a cedar hedge that provides a backdrop for her flowerbeds leading to the backyard. It’s here where visitors will find pink and white bleeding hearts, hostas, astilbe and a purple columbine from one of her clients she grew from seed. A giant Buddleia or butterfly bush stands tall beside the kitchen window. The majority of Georgia’s plants have been selected to attract butterflies, hummingbirds and birds. “I want everything, I want an ecosystem,” she said. “You can’t have one without the other, so [I have]

safe places for them and trees.” She also chooses plants for their scent, such as lilies, peonies and her five different kinds of deciduous azaleas. Georgia says she has something blooming 12 months out of the year. “It’s a process, this is my art,” she added. “It’s very calming.” In the backyard a variegated climbing hydrangea with mottled leaves wraps around the deck. There are white snowdrops, black mondo grass and a blue star creeper Georgia describes as a tiny carpet of light blue, star-shaped flowers that bloom for months. She jokes that she can’t drive by a nursery without coming home with something new. On one trip to Vancouver Island Georgia returned with her car full of perennials, shrubs and even managed to squeeze in a Magnolia tree. Along with most of the plants people are familiar with, Georgia has acquired some unique greenery. Beside the fence stands a dwarf strawberry tree that is actually a type of Arbutus. It blooms with white flowers in the spring that are followed by small, strawberrylike fruit that is actually edible. She also has a weeping white pine that remains in the pot because she says it would be too hard to leave behind if she were to ever move. While most of the gardens contain perennials she does grow

Six years ago the front yard was nothing but grass, which gave Georgia a blank canvas to design the gardens exactly the way she envisioned them.

peas with her son, strawberries, blueberries, dill, basil, garlic and rosemary. There are future plans to build some raised planter beds for growing more vegetables and hopes for a meditation area that

said she has tried to keep the entire yard as low maintenance as possible with very little pruning, deadheading and watering. “Once the plants are established you don’t have to water much,” she B8

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currently contains some bonsai trees. Georgia has grown an impressive 20-year-old Shishigashira Maple with leaves smaller than a dime. In planning out the gardens, she

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B8 Friday.March 27.2020 | Powell River Peak » prpeak.com

Traditional Swedish Prinsesstårta (Princess) cake made by Georgia’s older sister Karin decorated with hellebore flowers.

B7« GARDENING added. “You come out every three or four days; when it’s hot you might have to do it every other day.” This is smart planning for a woman who barely seems to have enough time in the day and realized last summer she doesn’t have seating areas outside or on the deck “because I never sit down,” she says, laughing. When asked if she has a favourite flower she says it’s too hard to choose, although she has a fond-

ness for her 15 varieties of hellebores that range from dark purple to delicate pale pink. In Swedish culture it’s tradition to get flowers on your birthday, so every March Georgia’s older sister Karin makes her a traditional Prinsesstårta (princess) cake decorated with hellebores. Gardening season has now arrived and anyone who enjoys getting their hands dirty will understand what Georgia is talking about when she says: “You feel it and it develops, it’s literally a living thing.”

A busy mom of a six-year-old boy, Georgia has kept the gardens as low maintenance as possible with very little pruning, deadheading and watering needed.

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Kitchen update on a budget Is your kitchen looking a little dated? Do you long for a new cooking space, but lack the budget? If so, here are some affordable ways to revitalize this room.

Apply some paint A fresh coat of colour on the walls is an easy way to refresh a tired looking space. Or, if your cabinets are in good condition, consider giving them a facelift by painting the doors and frames.

Use open shelving New cabinets are expensive and may not be necessary. Make your space more modern and inviting by removing one or more of the upper cabinets and replacing them with open shelves.

Upgrade the countertops

Natural stone and quartz countertops aren’t exactly budget-friendly, but there are lots of options that mimic the look without the high cost. Think high-end laminate or tile.

Update the hardware New pulls, handles and knobs can make a big impact. This is a simple and inexpensive upgrade that can be done in less than an hour. The kitchen is often the heart of a home, so make yours a place you love to be.

Storage solutions for every room make them easy to find when you need them. Use baskets to hold things like bath towels or toilet paper.

Kitchen

Put a bowl on the coffee table to stylishly corral remote controls, magazi nes and other items. Additionally, a storage ottoman is perfect for holding throws and pillows.

Install hidden trays under your cabinets to hide chargers, coffee pods and other essentials. In addition, placing pull-out shelves in cupboards will make it easier to organize your items.

Bathroom Store your cleaning supplies on a Lazy Susan to

Living room

Garage Install overhead racks near the ceiling. This allows you to incorporate storage in the garage without sacrificing parking space. Use this area to hold stuff you don’t need to access often, like seasonal decorations and sporting gear.

Bedrooms

Workshop, office or craft room

Take advantage of the space under your bed by adding drawers or using under-the-bed storage boxes.

Mount a pegboard above your work area and use it to organize your tools or supplies. By hanging things on

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the wall, they’ll be easier to find and you’ll free up some room.

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Touchstones of the heart LIN MORRISON

There are certain flowers that in some indefinable way have a special hold on my emotions. They are all plants from another era, still found in gardens today, but often superseded by newer varieties, and forgotten in contemporary landscapes. Among them are peonies, lilac, hollyhock, violets, bleeding heart, lady slipper, Jack in the pulpit, forsythia, tulip and iris. I call them “Grandmother Plants.” These plants touch some atavistic memory that defies logic and reason. They are the touchstones of my heart; they make me feel better each time I see them. There are many plants that I love, admire and enjoy, but they don’t inspire the same personal emotional connection as my Grandmother Plants. These particular plants may not have been a part

of my experience in my own Grandmother’s garden. It was only in the summer that we visited—long past the bloom time of many of these special plants—but they all personify that sense of permanence, security and the subtle touch of fantasy that are the trademark of established gardens, and mirror my deep bond with my Grandmother. Throughout my growing up years I would see them in gardens as I walked by, and my eye would immediately gravitate to these select plants. Not for me the roses and lilies of exotic beauty; my heart had long since been lost to these particular blooms which are so often found in the mature gardens of older people. Grandmothers. Scent is a profound memory binder. My Grandmother wore an old-fashioned scent called April Violets. It was distinctive, and her own personal identifier. To this day I find violets and their scent irresistible, and hope to always have some in my garden for their transitory

Whether it be peonies, violets, lilies or dandelions, flowers have an ability to trigger the heart and evoke emotion. DIANA WOOD PHOTO

but singular pleasure. Memory takes me back to my childhood, where those first connections were forged. Living for a couple of years on an orchard in an eastern rural community was utopia for a seven-yearold. The orchard bordered a wooded space where mysterious and dangerous things existed. My sisters and I freely ranged the orchard and neighbouring farm, encountering patches of wild

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or emotion that connect us to significant times or people in our lives. We take these touchstones, these Grandmother Plants, and incorporate them into our gardens, keeping them close to us. Our children and grandchildren may pass by these plants and possibly miss the significance they hold for ourselves while they are each busy discovering their own place in the world around them. Their touchstones will be uniquely their own, containing their personal connection to the earth and the things that come from it. These young people may not even be aware of the invisible bonds they are forming until years later, when they find themselves inexplicably drawn to a section of a garden, or an aisle in the nursery, or down a forest path. And there they will be, feeling a secret sense that all is well with the world without knowing why. Lin Morrison is a member of Powell River Garden Club.

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their colours glowed in the shadows. An old neglected forsythia bloomed early in the overgrown yard, heralding spring’s arrival. Tasting minute sips of nectar from inside each golden blossom was a childhood communion celebrating the advent of spring. We all have some singular plant, or several, that resonates with us. Bound with them are our ties to memory

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strawberries and violets, but we were forbidden to explore the nearby forest due to poisonous snakes, poison ivy, and the dark secluded nature of the woods. Occasionally, we were taken there on memorable excursions by our Mother to see the trillium, Jack in the pulpits and lady slippers that seemed exotic in that shaded grove. Their secret inner vessels made them even more fascinating and

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Farm uses communal aspect to tackle challenges

JACK COX Peak contributor

Farming is not the easiest of endeavours to undertake. The crops and livestock are under pressure from the elements and predators, not to mention the constant need for basic upkeep of the land itself. Blueberry Commons Farm Cooperative, a local endeavour situated at the northern edge of Wildwood, is tackling the challenges of farming with a more communal aspect than most. Not only do they want to provide food for the community of Powell River, they are utilizing the community to bring that dream to life. Blueberry Commons recently held its first work bee of the year. It was a chance for locals to see the farm and learn how to prune a blueberry bush. Coffee and snacks were provided for the volunteers as they set about their work while enjoying, what was at that time, a rare winter glimpse of the sun. Ron Berezan, who helped organize the event, explained how Blueberry Commons was started.

“We began with a group of families who started meeting four years ago; we were looking for land to start a cohousing project, along with an agricultural initiative,” said Berezan. “A year and a half ago we found the property in Wildwood. Our aim is to have a group of families work together to create a community living situation, as well as grow food and raise livestock.” Berezan and fellow co-op members have a vision of a farm where the community can be more involved in the creation of locally sourced food and farming education. “Our vision is to really have lots of interaction with the community, to be very connected with the Wildwood community, and the wider Powell River region,” he added. “To do that we welcome people to come out to the farm and share in activities. Sometimes those are work bees, social events or learning opportunities.” With 16 acres of land to develop into a functioning farm and living area, Blueberry Commons has the potential to grow a great deal of food for local distribution. “It'll be a very intensive growing operation,” said Berezan. “It will include vegetables, fruit, nuts, animals, eggs and bees this summer for honey.” In keeping with its goal to create a lasting and productive relationship with the greater Powell River community, Blueberry Commons

Volunteers and members of the Blueberry Commons Farm Cooperative joined together recently to prune blueberry bushes in preparation for the summer harvest. JACK COX PHOTO

has also included donating to local schools as part of its mandate. “This past December we had a surplus of young fir trees on the property and we made those available to the community for donation,” said Berezan. “And those donations were given to James Thomson Elementary School for their hot meal program.” Whether working the land, holding community events or just getting those 800 blueberry bushes pruned, Berezan said Blueberry Commons’ goal remains resolute. “We want to help provide food security for Powell River,” he said. “We see that as a critically important part of our community life in the coming years. All we want

Constance Roy and Ron Berezan, both members of Blueberry Commons Farm Cooperative, ready to greet work bee volunteers. JACK COX PHOTO

is to establish an ecologically thriving farm that can provide.” During the COVID-19 emergency, some alterations

are being made to public access to the land. Stay updated about how COVID-19 is affecting work bees by finding Blueberry Commons on

Facebook. For more general information on Blueberry Commons, visit blueberrycommonsfarmcooperative. com.

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Building soil and healthy gardens Adding ingredients and words of support can help LIN MORRISON

A plant needs certain things to grow successfully: sun, air, water, nutrients, and some say, kind words. Sunlight is already provided. We can add grow lights, but for the most part plants get what they need from the sun. Air is provided also, free of charge. Plants exchange oxygen for carbon dioxide, which is a bonus for us oxygen-dependent creatures. Water and nutrients are present in most soils, but not necessarily enough or in the right proportions, or in an easily assimilated form. That is where we come in. Soil nutrients need to be soluble in order to be taken up by the roots, and the most voracious feeders are the very fine, hair-like roots. Roots can’t handle chunky food. Their food processors are the enzymes and microorganisms in the soil which break down molecules into a form the roots can absorb. Water is the vehicle that transports the nutrients into the plant. Oxygen is a necessary component for photosynthesis and the assimilation of soil nutrients. It is taken from the soil as well as the air. How do we give our plants what they need? We do that by creating a soil environ-

ment that maximizes the plant’s ability to access what it needs. We use amendments to improve the physical characteristics of our soil. We don’t want hard, compact soil. Opening up the soil improves drainage, moisture retention and aeration. Loose soil can stay moist, providing water to roots, while being open enough to hold air. Soil that is loose and open also allows excess water to percolate through so that the roots are not waterlogged and starved of oxygen. Opening up the soil also allows roots to grow and travel freely through the soil. A better root structure means a larger healthier plant. At the same time, this open porous soil prevents erosion by minimizing runoff. What you have is a giant sponge that drains into the deeper groundwater levels. You can change the physical nature of your soil by adding soil amendments. -These are essentially sand and humus, and the physical act of digging and cultivating. Coarse sand can help open up heavy clay or bog soil by incorporating larger particles with the finer clay or peat soil. It is like bran in your cereal: little nutrient value, but so beneficial. Digging is a very physical soil treatment. Even the nicest garden soil can suffer from compaction and get root crowded. Digging manually loosens the soil and enables you to remove stones, roots and obstructions. That

is part of the benefit you get whenever you dig up, divide and replant in the ordinary course of gardening. That being said, excess digging disturbs the normal environment of soil microorganisms that work happiest in specific environments. Some operate in the upper, oxygen-rich level, others do better deeper down, and when you dig intensively the natural order is disturbed and takes a while to adjust. A humus rich soil should require little digging. Humus is the organic component to your soil. Frankly, you can’t have too much. This comes from compost, manure, leaves, pine needles, grass, seaweed, bark, peat; in other words, plant (organic) matter. Organic additions have a lower nutrient value than prepared fertilizers. Compare the number rating on bagged compost or manures to a commercially prepared fertilizer. You would see probably 1-1-1, as opposed to 6-8-6, or other rated fertilizers. However, that’s not why we add humus. What is important about these organic additions is how they affect the consistency of the soil. Humus gives you moisture retention and an open soil texture. Soil with a good humus content is spongy, loose and moist, demonstrated by squeezing a handful in your fist. It should ball up loosely, breaking up as it is released. Heavy soil binds into a tight ball and does not crumble freely. Sandy, dry soil does

Lin Morrison knows all about soil additions to help feed the plants in her garden. Leaves, bark, seaweed all add nutrients to the earth and open up the soil for air and water to come through.

not bind together, but crumbles too freely. Neither condition makes for a desirable growing medium. Humus does more than work on the physical nature of soil. Even more important is how it feeds the microorganisms in the soil and provides enzymes. It is through the action of these tiny organisms and enzymes that the soil nutrients are broken down into a form that can be taken up by plants. You are in effect feeding your soil and keeping it fit and healthy. When talking about soil it is important to mention pH.

This refers to the acidity or alkalinity of a soil and influences how the roots are able to process nutrients. Most plants do best in a mildly acid soil, and some prefer it more so, such as tomatoes, roses, rhododendrons and most berries. The soil here in coastal BC tends to be acid, so liming is a matter of course, but don’t over do it. The easiest way to adjust a too-acid soil is to add lime. A slow acting or pelleted form is best, and applying it early in the season gives it a chance to percolate through the soil before planting. Fertilizers can give your

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soil a boost, but the fertilizer you use is only as effective as your soil’s ability to process it so that the plants’ roots can assimilate it. Otherwise, that investment in fertilizer is not going to give you the yields you expect. Instead, be generous with your soil amendments, be extravagant with your mulch, overindulge with humus and reap the rewards of a healthy rich garden soil. Now, going back to that statement about the needs of soil—the kind word—it can’t hurt! Lin Morrison is a member of Powell River Garden Club.

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Privacy options for your yard If you want your yard to be a private oasis where you can relax unobserved, you’ll need to install a privacy screen. Here are six options to consider.

Louvres The angle of the slats on most louvred privacy screens can be adjusted to allow plenty of natural light in while still shielding your yard from view. They’re usually made of wood or steel.

Trellises Available in many different styles and sizes, trellises look great on their own or as a support for climbing plants. If you want a privacy screen that does double duty, grow fruit-bearing vines along it like cucumber or grape.

Curtains One easy way to create privacy is to hang large swaths of fabric from a pergola or similar structure. Best of all, they can simply be moved aside when they’re not needed.

Hedges A sturdy hedge creates a natural screen, barrier and home for local wildlife. Cedar is a good choice, but there are many other types of shrubs that make nice hedges.

Fences Metal and wood fences are a pricier option, but they last a long time and add value to your property. For a modern look, combine materials.

Shades Typically made of canvas, outdoor shades are great for spaces that don’t require constant privacy. Simply pull the shades down when you want them and retract them when you don’t. In addition to shielding you from view, privacy features add visual interest to your yard and make it a more beautiful place to spend your time.

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Zero waste your veggie garden

With a little ingenuity, a homemade greenhouse can be created out of recycled materials.

Ready or not, and we’ll assume you’re the former, spring has practically sprung! All the green thumbs out there have been twitching for some time, and new ones are tentatively joining the ranks as we are all more prone to contemplating local resilience these days. As LET’S TALK TRASH tempting as it may be to run out to the local store with a squeal of your tires and come home with an instant garden, nature’s way is more plodding, and to be respected. There are plenty of ways to get a healthy vegetable patch prepared and planted without disregarding the broader picture of the planet’s health. As with most things, reducing and reusing get us a long way down the Zero Waste path. Why not start with seed sharing? Plants produce far more seed than we can ever use, and if we stash them for another year, they are more than likely to lose germination rate. Plants that have thrived in our local climate in previous years are much more likely to be happy than ones from elsewhere – just ensure that the type of seed you are planting is “true” to its parent rather than a random mishmash because of cross-pollination,

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though that can be a fun gamble, too. Once you get sprouting, you may also find that you have a greater abundance than you could ever use personally. That is a great way to make friends with folks in the neighbourhood by leaving seedlings at your curb – possibly with a donation box to fund your efforts. You might be able to skip the plastic when propagating, too, by diving into your recycling bin – toilet paper rolls (apparently we go through a lot of these), folded newspaper (look up folding techniques), single-serve yogurt containers, and egg cartons are easy to come by. Any pots that do come into your garden can be gifted to others, or rinsed and then recycled both at curbside and local depots – hanging planters are the exception as they usually have components that get stuck in recycling facility machinery. To get a jump on the season, greenhouses and window ledges are prime real estate in early spring. Windows are a great spot for a mini greenhouse made from large plastic salad containers which can be a paradise for hot-house loving peppers, tomatoes, and eggplants. If you are keen to finally have your own greenhouse, maybe skip the ones that come new in a box and make your own from materials easily found. Old window panes,

bricks, and lumber can usually be pieced together by the average tinkerer and in a few afternoons, voila – an upcycled greenhouse! A coat of colourful paint can bring it all together, and this might even be sourced for free from your basement, garage, or paint recyclers around town who set aside halffilled cans for pickup. Plastic and gardening are unfortunate bedfellows, but making your own compost at home rather than bringing some home in a plastic bag – one potentially polluted with microplastics from composting facilities – is more close-looped (which is a good thing). Backyard composting can be as simple as setting up a wire bin from one-byfour-inch wire gauge curled into a circle. For more of a project, head online to LetsTalkTrash.ca for opensourced plans to convert a freezer into a composter that will accelerate the composting process by keeping in the heat generated as organics break down. Other possibilities to look into are the Bokashi fermentation method and vermiculture, also known as worm composting. Homemade liquid fertilizers, often referred to as compost teas, will make any garden more nutrient-dense and happy. These can easily be created with water, so-called “weeds” like comfrey

Kitchen scraps make ideal nutrients as compost to add to the soil.

and dandelions, seaweed, local manure, worm castings, and, yes, even urine. To keep them from getting too fresh smelling, stirring helps as does hooking up a pump and bubbling it with oxygen. Watered down, this potent stuff can act as a natural pesticide and herbicide. You can either spray a diluted tea onto affected plants in

the ground, or dip unplanted ones straight into a bucket of diluted tea for a good dose. There are other natural methods to deter garden pests, both big and small, that are not wasteful. Planting fragrant herbs and flowers can be a great start, as can certain beneficial plant pairings, a solar-powered predator light for

night time, and fencing. Thinking outside the box-store invites the imagination and reduces waste. May more of us get our green thumbs into the black gold of the earth this year than ever before. Let’s Talk Trash is qathet Regional District’s waste-reduction education program.

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