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Letters Trains This is in reply to “Rail service” in the TAKE 5/Oct 2013 Yes, I have taken the local train with my wife and granddaughter for a round trip to Qualicum Beach for a brief family visit. It was a very relaxing trip, without worries about speedy cars or traffic jams along the double-lane one-way road north. On the other hand I would like to make a round trip by train to Victoria in a single day. Sections of the Malahat provide a single lane one-way. Any kind of traffic jam blocks traffic on the Malahat. This could be cars, trucks or the normally forgotten rock slide. With earthquakes shaking Haida Gwaii or the northern part of this island regularly, what assurance do we have that rock slides won’t block the Malahat - even small rocks without considering big boulders. We also mustn’t forget the annual ice or snow storms on the Malahat. While the train would not be immune to quake interruptions, it provides an alternative way of travel; a comfortable way of moving people. Furthermore it would provide passengers the opportunity to do some work while travelling by train, or even rest on their way home. Using the GO commuter train around Toronto for 16 years saved me from getting ulcers and instead allowed me to snooze on the way home. All that is needed here is to provide a reverse schedule for day time round trips to Victoria and the people will come. The average cost of three round trips to Victoria with my Prius during July to September was $11.73 at 4.5 l/100 km for an average of 195 km per trip. I normally drive at the posted speed limit ± 5. This sounds great but one cannot relax on the Malahat. Train travel is more relaxing, good for ones health. Let’s support the Rail project and live better. -George R. Weiss
Cenotaph repairs The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 171 wishes to thank the Town of Ladysmith for providing immediate repairs to the cenotaph, after recent vandalism. Our Remembrance Day services were able to proceed in an immaculate park, with new flags, no rain, and a well attended crowd of participants. Ladysmith’s strong sense of community makes it a pleasure to live here. Thank you - Gary Phillips, president
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Archives closure
Operation Legacy
The archives office will close from 2 pm Dec. 20 and reopen at 9am Jan. 6, 2014. The president and board of directors wish to thank the volunteers for their efforts throughout 2013 and wish everyone and their families a very merry Christmas and a happy and healthy new year – Garry Martin
I belong to Operation Legacy, a group of members of The War Amps Child Amputee (CHAMP) Program dedicated to preserving Canada’s military heritage and teaching other young people how to carry on the remembrance message. This year, The War Amps is celebrating a major anniversary. Ninety-five years ago, First World War amputee veterans formed The Amputations Association of the Great War. The name was changed to The War Amputations of Canada when Second World War amputees joined their ranks. These men later started the CHAMP Program to assist young amputees like me. In addition to having had the privilege of learning about Canada’s military heritage from a young age, I also know what it is like to live without a limb – a strong bond that I share with war amputee veterans. Because of this, I feel it is my duty to ensure that the stories of war are preserved and its lessons never forgotten. I have been fortunate to be involved with Operation Legacy by participating in local Remembrance Day ceremonies and laying wreaths on behalf of The War Amps I encourage everyone – particularly young people – to learn more through The War Amps Military Heritage Series documentaries, which are available at a cost-recovery price at waramps.ca. -Nicole Byford
Redevelopment of trailer park I am questioning a number of statements in the Director’s Notes (Nov/Take 5) regarding the redevelopment of Seaside Trailer Park that misled the readers. First, it states that local residents circulated a petition to have “stick built homes” built on the manufactured home park zoned property in area G. This is incorrect. The owner of the property took a pre worded petition around to neighbours north of Davis Lagoon. Of a possible 42 homes, he was able to get 16 signatures. At least one signatory was uncertain of what he had signed but stated that the owner had been very persuasive. Secondly, the director makes the statement that changing the CVRD bylaws to allow stick built homes would provide $4 million in local jobs. Please note that the production of modular homes can also provide local jobs. However, the owner has specified that he will not buy locally produced modular homes. As an aside, I could provide $4 million of jobs by building a hotel on my property but I don’t think that the temporary jobs produced would offset the major impact on this semi rural community. The developer was successful in subdividing the property into very small lots based on them being manufactured homes. Now he is trying to convert those small lots to regular residential homes while keeping the manufactured home sized lots despite the bylaw specifying that only one residential home is allowed. This circumventing of the bylaw wording could have a serious impact on other manufactured home parks if owners can suddenly get far greater density than the surrounding area by evicting manufactured home owners and subdividing the property. It could turn a viable business of running manufactured home parks into a speculative windfall profit for the owner causing unspeakable anguish for the homeowners who suddenly lose their homes. The CVRD Directors are considering the consequences of their decisions which is very important not just to this property but to all manufactured home zoned properties in the CVRD and even B.C. Lastly, and most importantly a manufactured home park zoning allows manufactured homes and/or a single family home. It does not allow for 17 SINGLE FAMILY HOMES. If this were allowed without a rezoning process, not only would it provide encouragement for every manufactured home park owner to evict all the residents, then get much greater density than would otherwise be allowed, it would make a mockery of our planning, bylaw, and official community plan processes. Even with a rezoning application, the approval of this change will likely lead to shut down of more CVRD manufactured home parks. As Director of Area G, Mr. Dorey needs to look at the thoroughly thought out Official Community Plan and Area G bylaws, not just what one owner wants. -Sherry Durnford, neighbour next to the development
Letters to the Editor are welcome but subject to space and editing. Letters do not necessarily reflect the opinion of TAKE 5. email editor@take5.ca, or post at www.take5.ca, fax: 250245-7099 or write TAKE 5 PO Box 59 Ladysmith, BC V9G 1A1 or visit us on facebook.com/take5publications
Rate increases, service cuts hit seniors “This must be sock it to poor seniors month,” said Art Kube, President of the 100,000 member B.C. Council of Senior Citizens’ Organizations. “First the government slashed the seniors discount on B.C. Ferries by 50 percent. Now it is imposing a cumulative increase of 28.1 percent on BC Hydro rates,” said Kube. “And all of this comes in the same month when seniors are preparing for a 4.1 percent increase in MSP premiums, and health authorities are sending out notices of increases in the cost of residential care,” he said. “The rate of poverty among seniors, and particularly among women, is increasing at an alarming rate. The super-rich will barely notice these fee and rate increases, but while the government proclaims a budget surplus, poor seniors will have to decide which meals they can no longer afford. “The government should be raising revenues through fair taxes, based on ability to pay, not through fee and rate increases that hit hardest at those who already have the least,” he said. Noting the government is planning to put slot machines on the B.C. Ferries, Kube advised seniors to stay away from them. “The way the government is running things, you can’t win,” he said. The Council of Senior Citizens’ Organizations (COSCO) is a federation that represents more than 80 seniors groups with a total of more than 100,000 members in B.C.
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Childhood Memoires of a Christmas Past As the holiday season approaches I recall at this time of year, as a classroom teacher, my delight in the annual sharing in the classroom of the rich variety of family traditions we have in our community. I consider myself fortunate to have grown up in a large family of nine children during the 1960’s. It was only later that I came to the realization that mom and dad created some of our favourite traditions for their own sanity. Christmas stockings were never hung from the mantel with care. In fact our Christmas stockings (usually women’s nylons) were placed at the end of our beds. We were allowed to open our wrapped stocking gifts when we awoke which may have been as early as three or four in the morning, but we were not allowed to leave our rooms and wake up the rest of the family. As each bedroom often had three or even four children we had plenty of siblings to share with. After breakfast, we were allowed to open only a single gift from under the tree. Each year my grandparents in England would send each of us an English storybook consisting of short stories,
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picture stories, puzzles and games. We loved those annuals and the younger children in the family were content to read them all morning while our parents, with help from our older siblings, worked on the preparations for the main meal, our Christmas lunch. Only after all the lunch dishes were done and the left-overs put away were we able gather in the living room and open all the gifts under the tree. But Christmas, for us, was never just about the gift exchange - the afternoon and evening were always filled with playing games such as cha-
rades, password, board games and cards. However, it was not until I sat down to chat with Bob and Phyllis Timothy, who grew up in Ladysmith during the 1930’s, that I realized just how recent some of our traditions are – and which traditions have lasted for decades. Childhood Christmases were very, very different for Bob Timothy, now 87, and one of our oldest residents born in
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Ladysmith and his wife Phyllis, now 91, who moved to our community in 1937 at the age of 15. Bob and Phyllis grew up during the Great Depression and money was scarce. In fact Bob repeatedly stated, “There was no money.” At that time many homes in our community did not have electricity (coal lamps were still common), there was no central heating (irons were placed on the wood stove to warm the beds at night), nor did they have indoor plumbing (and the Eaton’s catalogue was the only tissue in the outhouse). Bob recalls for years having no shoes and having to walk to school barefoot even in the middle of winter. So what was Christmas like for Bob and Phyllis in the 1930’s? It was a time for family gatherings and feasting. Gift giving, as we know it today, was not part of the culture at that time. There were no Christmas stockings to be hung or to be filled with Santa’s gifts. There was a fresh cut Christmas tree adorned with popcorn strings and cranberries. Under that tree were gifts, but only practical gifts and no toys. Bob recalls never receiving a toy as a child, but Phyllis recalls once receiving a homemade doll. The few gifts under the tree, opened on Christmas morning, were largely clothing - socks, shirts and sweaters-which they would immediately put on. Bob chuckled when he recalled what a charge they got from spending part of Christmas morning proudly walking not just the length of First Avenue, but around the town showing off their new clothes. “Everyone did that,” he said. Later that day, when aunts, uncles and cousins arrived for the family dinner the gifts they brought were not packages tied with bows, but their conversation, laughter, talent, and love. Christmas afternoon and evening were filled with feasting on the best foods they could afford (turkey was popular back then, too), enjoying the best preserves set aside from the canning season, singing carols around the piano, and playing such games as cribbage. Christmas was a good day even without money. Wishing you and your family all the very best of the holiday season. May the New Year bring you much happiness. Phyllis and Bob Timothy
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Ladysmith Approves Community Sustainability Action Plan The Town of Ladysmith has completed its Community Sustainability Action Plan. The Plan aims to build on and implement the municipality’s award-winning Sustainability Visioning Report, putting in place many of the key ideas, concepts and images that emerged from the community as part of the visioning process. “Ladysmith has provided leadership in sustainability - this is a path we have chosen as a community, and our achievements have earned provincial and national recognition,” said Mayor Rob Hutchins. The Plan is intended to be a living document in the sense that it will be revisited and adapted over time during the Town’s yearly financial planning process. The Plan also calls for the community to take an active role in implementation, stating: “Together, we are facing significant challenges in the years ahead, which will require us to think, act and work more collaboratively than ever before. Everyone has a role to play and an important contribution to make – what we achieve today will determine the quality of our tomorrow.” To encourage the community’s involvement, organizations and individuals that took part in the planning process will receive an electronic copy of the Action Plan, along with an invitation to participate in Council’s upcoming financial planning process. The document will also be posted on the Town’s web site and promoted throughout the community in order to encourage even broader involvement in the years ahead. The Town of Ladysmith is grateful for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ funding contribution to the Community Sustainability Action Plan through the Green Municipal Fund (www.gmf. fcm.ca).
Kinsmen Ron Legault and Kin project chair Jim Delcourt. Also helping serve hot dogs is Jessica Knelson representing the 49th Parallel Grocery, Melissa Mrus representing the Kinsmen Club and Samantha DeSouza representing the Rotary Club. Photo: Duck Paterson
Record-breaking Food Bank Fundraiser “We shattered the record of money and food”, said Jim Delcourt, vice president of the Ladysmith Kinsmen, of their fundraiser for the Ladysmith Food Bank, held Nov 16 and 17 in the 49th Parallel Grocery parking lot. Almost a ton of food and $2,000 in cash were donated.
Delcourt thanks all who donated and participated. “A huge help this year were the Ladysmith Ambassador contestants.who were there all weekend as well as members of the Kinsmen Club. Thanks also to every-
one who donated food or bought a hot dog, the 49th Parallel Grocery, and all those that supported the drive.”
Ladysmith Museum Update After a very successful season, which saw visitors coming from as far away as Australia, South Africa, China, India, Saudi Arabia, Brazil and the Philippines, the museum is now closed until Easter 2014. The Museum volunteers welcomed tourists and many local residents to their building with its many interesting displays and the history of the town. While they are closed to the public this winter, they will not be sitting still. The museum will be undergoing some minor upgrades and re-organization to accommodate a few new displays. Although
limited in floor space, they are adding a Temporary Exhibit area, to be used by community groups who have a special event or anniversary which would be of interest to the community. Please contact the curator for more information and help. The Museum has recently received a wonderful donation of a beautifully made miniature Victorian-style House. They are currently building a display case for it in the main foyer. This threestory miniature building was built and furnished, mostly by hand by Mary Graham of Nanaimo. This now 91 year old built the house while in her mid seventies. It will become the highlight in thefront exhibit room once the museum reopens in the Spring. Ladysmith Museum is completely run by volunteers and is admittance by donation. Although closed they will try to accommodate any groups during the winter. They are also looking for more hosts for the coming year. For more information, to volunteer, or ideas please contact curator Bernardien Knol at ladysmithmuseum@shaw.ca.
New Coast & Island Society Formed Representatives from Island agriculture and non-profit societies met on the weekend to discuss plans that would see greater cooperation and partnership for Island and conserva-
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tion efforts ...leading to registration of a new non-profit organization - the Vancouver Island and Coast Conservation Society. “It’s time to plan as if we’re an Island,” says Laurie Gourlay, new President of VICCS. “We talk a lot about the need for sustainable development, for sustainability and stewardship to be integrated within growth and development approvals,” said Gourlay. “But we haven’t seen the cooperation across sectors and regions that will guarantee a balance between economic and ecological goals.” With a limited amount of land and resources, and water shortages every summer, Islanders are looking for successful models that might offer solutions. Seasonal as well as ongoing problems were seen to result from a lack of coordination in growth and development planning across Island regions. “We all thought the essentials for maintaining a good quality of life, and ecosystem health, were being integrated within government, business and bottom-line economic growth projections.”
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In order to facilitate discussion on these important issues VICCS has agreed to host two new initiatives - an Island Roundtable on the Environment and Economy (IRTEE), and an Island governance Committee.
VICCS will also host a Committee that examines new options appropriate to governing Island needs and sustainable coastal development. The new society, has its work cut out for it” says Gourlay, “and we look forward to working in cooperation and partnership with all Islanders.” For more information contact Laurie Gourlay, President, VICCS 250 722-3444
A Living Tree this Christmas! Celebrate the holidays with a Live Christmas Tree from the Natural Abundance Nursery. Your potted tree can be left on the deck or in the yard over the year or you can rent a tree and return it to the Nursery. On Dec 7 from 10am to 4pm at the Natural Abundance Nursery, there will be workshops on how to make your own wreath or swag along with warming re-
One of the volunteers at the Natural Abundance Nursery with a live Christmas tree.
freshments and cheers. To get there just follow the signs off Spruston Road in Cassidy. There are other options for getting a Living Tree: any Wednesday 10am to 4pm or Saturday 11am to 3pm at the NALT Natural Abundance Nursery. Delivery available. All proceeds go to further the proliferation of natural landscapes.
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2014 Garden Speaker Series The Ladysmith Community Gardens Society is hosting its popular Seven Speakers Series. begining in January with Tapping Wild Maples and conclude in May with Edible Mushrooms in the Garden. Tickets are available at Salamander Books. Garden Speaker Series Jan. 8, 9:30 – 11:30 am, Tapping the Wild Maples, Rose McCulley, Aggie Hall Feb. 20, 7:30 – 8:30 pm, Fruits and Berries in the Garden, Bernie Dinter, United Church Hall Mar. 4, 6 – 7:30 pm, Habitats of Home, Brenda Beckwith of UVic, Ladysmith Library Mar. 20, 7:30 – 8:30 pm, Abundance through Permaculture, United Church Hall April 5, 1 – 4 pm, Holland Creek Wild Edible Walk, Jay Rastogi, Holland Creek Trail April 17, 7:30 – 8:30 pm – Edible Landscaping, Nora Arajis, United Church Hall May 3, 1 – 4 pm, Edible Mushrooms in the Garden, Kevin Mitchell, Community Garden
Dogs need homes BY CAROL SHEPHERD There are few people who haven’t heard of the Whistler sled dog tragedy that occurred after the 2010 Olympics. Not many people know that the surviving dogs are now looking for homes. We became aware of this about a year ago when a friend adopted two of the survivors from Whistler Animals Galore shelter. We fell in love with them and have since then followed the prog- Wiggles in a new home ress of re-homing these beautiful animals. Since those 56 sled dogs were killed, the remaining have been cared for by the Whistler Sled Dog Company and more recently by Whistler Animals Galore shelter and the SPCA. 75+ dogs have already been adopted and only 19 remain waiting for their forever homes. The dogs are distributed at SPCAs throughout BC: Burnaby; West Vancouver; Sechelt and Victoria. There is one still at WAG in Whistler too. In August of this year, one of our two dogs died, leaving our 11 year old dog alone for the first time in her life. Once our grief passed, we decided there to bring one of the Whistler sled dogs into our home. We filled out the adoption papers and, after a vetting process, he became a part of our family. It was a learning experience for all of us as he’d never lived in a house before and we were unsure how to communicate. However in less than a week, we’d found a system that works. Each day he opens up a little more to us. The best testimonial we can offer is that if we had room, we would adopt more. You can find more information about the Whistler sled dogs using the Advanced Search at the BC SPCA http://bcspcapets.shelterbuddy.com/search/?advanced=1&t&s=adoption.
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Is this bud for you? Are you aware that the Town of Ladysmith is taking steps that may allow the construction of large indoor marijuana farms here in Ladysmith ? Council is looking at passing an amendment to the Town’s bylaws to include in its list of permitted uses “medical marijuana growing and production” in the industrial park site in South Ladysmith. Normally any amending of a bylaw such as this is open to public hearings where all members of the community
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can express their thoughts and concerns about any proposed amendments to a bylaw, but not in this case. The public’s ability to have their concerns heard on allowing medical marijuana production to be allowed in that area of town is being restricted because Council is waiving public hearings on this matter. Waiving public hearings is very unusual action. In all the years that I was a member of Council or as an observer of Council meetings I can’t ever recall Council ever waiving a public hearing. When Mayor Hutchins was asked about the waiving of this notice he admitted that he has only seen a few times in his 20 years, and that was mainly at the CVRD. Let’s get this straight, Council has right to waive notice
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of motion under the Community Charter, why is it being done now? Why on this issue? Is it because Council doesn’t want input on the concerns of residents in the area or they don’t want to be involved in the various issues revolving around the subject of marijuana use? This is a concern, because once the growing and production of medical marijuana is added to the permitted uses of the zoning, there will be no need for any public hearings if a property owner wanted to start up a medical marijuana farm. When asked if the decision to waive public hearing on this amendment was a decision of Council or staff, I was informed it was “ a recommendation of staff” , and “a decision of Council ....” If a public hearing was held questions such as: What security provisions will be required to address any concern raised by the residents in the area, such as all the homes in the adjacent mobile home park? Will this result in increased traffic flow along Westdowne Road.? If the site is a greenhouse, requiring 24 hour grow lights what can be done to protect residents from light pollution? Could the site be classified as a farm rather than Industrial resulting in less tax revenue from the site as Heavy Industrial is taxed at $100 per $1,000 assessment and Farm only generates around $32 per thousand is usually assessed at a much smaller value per site? As you can see there are lots of questions on this matter. There appears to be strong interest in establishing these grow farms on the Island. Do you feel that it would be in the best interests of the community to have one here in Ladysmith with unknown economic benefits and unknown societal costs? The issue that is at hand is not the Federal Government’s commitment to phase out an older system of small home grown medical marijuana in favour of these large commercial marijuana farms, and all the reliant issues such as cost , crime, availability for those who need and require the product, that is for another discussion. The issue right now is, is the Town doing the right thing by restricting your ability to express your thoughts about changing the permitted uses on this site to allow for the growing and production of medical marijuana concerns, in an open public hearing. At least that’s as I see it.
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Log Exports from BC BY RICK KOSLOLOFSKI Over many years there has been much controversy over log exports. Often when asked what I do for a living and I mention that I am involved in this part of the forest industry I am met with a negative response at which point I find myself having to defend and explain to people how it all works and why we export logs. It is surprising how little knowledge the residents of our province have about the biggest industry in BC even amongst people who work in the industry. I have worked in BC’s forest industry for close to 30 years in various occupations although mostly as a company owner in the field of timber measurement also known as log scaling. Over the years I have seen many changes, many of which left me thinking that the industry was coming to an end but there has always been an instinct of survival that has kept it alive through innovation and change for the better. Some of my opinions may not be well received by all, but the facts are the facts and it is important to separate the two. For as long as cargo ships have existed there have been lumber exports from Canada to many parts of the world and years following there have been raw log exports simply because foreign countries wish to process the logs themselves and in many cases our domestic mills are not geared to make the product that the customer demands. Some of the facts that seem to be little known are that high grade timber of all species with the exception of Balsam is not exportable. Western Red Cedar and Yellow Cedar of all grades are not allowed to be exported at all and the only exception to this is from federal land which is very rare. If a forest company or land owner wishes to export timber from provincial land of any kind be it private land or a provincial forest tenure,
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the timber must be harvested and contained in a parcel, then the information on the parcel of logs must be submitted to an electronic system managed by the Ministry of Forests where the parcel is advertised as surplus for domestic production. If a domestic sawmill wishes to purchase this timber, they have first rights to do so at fair market value based on the past three months average domestic selling prices (not the higher export selling price). If after a two week advertising period there are no domestic mills offering to purchase the timber then the owner can sell the logs to an exporter and must pay to the province a fee in lieu of domestic manufacture of approximately seven dollars per cubic meter which would be approximately $210,000.00 for one full freighter of logs. The only geographic areas in the province that are exempt from the advertising requirements are some very remote locations in the mid coast and Haida Gwaii where it has been deemed uneconomical to transport timber to the nearest processing facility. The question prevails why so many mills in BC have shut down or moved to other countries and the reasons vary. Some companies have deemed their antiquated mills to not be financially viable to operate and not worth the capital investment to upgrade and some have found that due to governmental change the business environment prevents profitability. Some have found that the high cost of labour coupled with the added cost of labour unions prevents profitability. Timber profiles have changed across the province due to many factors including park reserves, impact from harvest, pine beetle infestation to mention a few and all of these issues impact the viability of a sawmill that has been built for a specific purpose. In years past the BC Government legislated that in order to have rights to a tree farm license, a company was obligated to own and operate a wood processing facility. During the leadership of Gordon Campbell this legislation was changed and the obligation to own and operate a wood processing facility was eliminated. This gave existing tree farm license holders a large advantage in how they could manage an already granted timber supply. Due to the changes in the forest industry over the years, diversification has
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been necessary to maintain survival and without the ability to export logs it may not be viable due to the limited demands of domestic processing facilities. The infrastructure requirements to harvest timber have a large financial impact along with the cost of harvest. Just to build a logging road can cost well over $100 per lineal meter and harvest cost can range from $20 to $60, depending on the terrain and logging methods necessary to harvest the timber. The good news in all of this is that trees are renewable and sustainable resource. I have been employed by trees younger than myself before I was 40 and I have worked with some people who have harvested the same stand of timber twice in their careers. Commodities and natural resources from most countries are sold and traded all over the world and this is what keeps the world economy alive. Hopefully knowing some facts and history will enlighten the people who would normally take a dim view of log exports.
Rick has been a licensed BC coastal log scaler for 27 years and owner of Pioneer Scaling & Inventory Management Ltd for 19 years. Having been involved in many aspects of the forest industry over those years, my focus has recently turned to contracting my services in log procurement and logistics to China based log importers.
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The guest performer is Dr. Graham Brockley. Performances will be followed by an informal reception with light refreshments. Tickets are $10 each or $20 for a family, and are available from choir members and at the door.
Cirque de la Symphonie World class aerialists, acrobats, jugglers, dancers and contortionists will perform breath-taking choreography and acrobatic feats above and on stage while the VI Symphony plays all-time Christmas favourites.The amazing globe-trotting Cirque de la Symphonie joins Nanaimo’s Vancouver Island Symphony, conducted by Pierre Simard, for a Christmas Cirque Spectacular. Shows are Dec 6, 7:30 pm and Dec. 7, 3 pm and 7:30 pm at the Port Theatre in Nanaimo. Call 250-754-8550 for tickets. ww.vancouverislandsymphony.com
It’s a Merry Molly Christmas!
Allison Crowe’s Music Home
The Moonshine Mollys are at it again, this time with a new Christmas CD that features old Christmas classics such as Winter Wonderland and Silent Night all done in good ol’ Molly style. The girls will debut the album, recorded at Moko Productions in Errington, at a Christmas Concert and CD release party at St. Philip Church in Cedar on December 7 at 7pm. Tickets are $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for children. Proceeds from the tickets sales will go directly into funding children’s programs at St. Philip Cedar. To hear the Moonshine Mollys in their new music video log onto their website at www.moonshinemollys.com
Folks in Allison Crowe’s hometown can join in “Tidings”, a celebration of music for the season and all-time, as she returns for several concerts including Dec 12 at Real Food in Old City Quarter, Nanaimo, a Community Sing-along to aid Haven Society. On Dec 14 at St. Andrew’s United Church in Nanaimo Allison will perform along with guests Chelsea Peckett, Daniel Knapp, Melissa Kahan,Taylor Johnstone, Raymond Salgado and Josh Holloway to aid Woodlands Secondary School band and basketball programs. Tickets are $25 and $20 students /seniors. For info www. allisoncrowe.com/shoptickets.html
Yellow Point Singers presents songs of winter and holidays
Tommy Douglas comes to Ladysmith
This year the Yellow Point Singers will be performing two separate concerts at 2:30pm: Dec. 8 at Brechin United Church in Nanaimo and Dec. 15 at Oceanview Community Church in Ladysmith. Musical director Doug Roszmann will share the podium with Ainslee Young and will be accompanied by Sharyn Andruski-Collins. The repertoire includes music to suit all tastes: some traditional, some in a jazzy style, a calypso and a song from Brazil, accompanied, as always, by some audience participation with the Christmas Carol Sing-Along.
Historical fact, humour, thoughts and experiences of the mercurial man who gave Canada public health care, TOMMY DOUGLAS: The Arrows of Desire was world premiered in Douglas’s Canadian hometown of Weyburn, Saskatchewan on what would have been his 100th birthday, October 20, 2004. Five weeks later...he was elected The Greatest Canadian following a year-long CBC contest. The one-man play was written and is performed by John Nolan, Artistic Director of Phantom Poets Touring Theatre Company of Canada which exclusively produces the play.
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The newly remounted professional production of “TOMMY DOUGLAS: The Arrows of Desire” will be presented in nine performances at the Ladysmith Little Theatre, Jan. 24, 25, 26, 31 and Feb. 1, 2, 7, 8, 9. Tickets are $20, available by calling the box office 250-924-0658, or online at www.ladysmiththeatre.com. 4985 Christie Road, Ladysmith.
Seasonal favorite plays in Chemainus It’s a Wonderful Life a holiday musical plays until Dec 31 at Chemainus Theatre. Everyone loves George Bailey, but as he finds himself in crisis, alone and desperate one Christmas Eve, he wonders if things wouldn’t be better if he hadn’t been born at all. It truly is a wonderful life, as faith, hope and family come together in this delightful story. Box office 1-800-565-7738 chemainustheatrefestival.ca
Waterfront Gallery The Waterfront Gallery is a gift shop for the month of December.Famous Images Revised is the theme for January’s art show. Artists are challenged to take a famous image and revise it, modernize it, make it their own. Van Gogh, Picasso, Monet, daVinci, Matisse, Rembrandt Opening night is January 4 at 7pm Waterfront Gallery, 610 Oyster Bay Drive, www.ladysmithwaterfrontgallery.com
YP Christmas Spectacular The Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular is a celebration of Christmas as well as an extravaganza of music, dance, lights, decorations, laghter and tears all washed down with minced pies and butter tarts. The tradition of Christmas is already well established in Southern Vancouver Island with the Ladysmith Festival of Lights that brings 100’s of people to the area every year. We see the Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular as a perfect addition to the region’s bustling festive season. Two weeks before the show opens the Cedar Community Hall transforms into a Christmas wonderland with 1000’s of lights and decorations. 21 performances marked on this years calendar. A cast of 14 professional singers, dancers and musicians will have completed an intensive 2 week rehearsal period and will be ready to perform for
up to 6000 people. This year’s singing and dancing extravaganza includes a Queen tribute, a James Bond medley and a Sound of Music medley, Michael Buble songs, a nostalgia tribute as well as many more classical hits and Christmas favorites. There are six performances at the Cedar Community Hall, 2388 Cedar Rd. 3pm and 7pm Dec 6-7-8-13-14-15 for tickets call 250-754-8550. Above: Yellow Point Christmas Spectacular
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Holiday Highlights Festival of Lights The 26th Annual Ladysmith Festival of Lights was a huge success and was one of the best attended in recent years. “As I walked from one sound stage to the other I knew that this was one of the biggest crowds over 20,000,: says Duck Paterson. “It was one of the largest parades we have had. The floats just keep getting better each year.” The Ladysmith and District Credit Union sponsored the fireworks that wowed the crowd. “The lights will remain on until January 19, 2014,” says Duck “so there is lots of time to enjoy them.”
Old Tyme Christmas Sponsored by the Ladysmith Downtown Business Association is Ladysmith’s 2nd annual Old Tyme Christmas and Candlelight Walk, Dec. 6. “This year it’ll be even bigger and better” says Cathleen McMahon, one of the organizers. Old Tyme Christmas offers a night of carollers, chestnuts and a candlelit walk. If you collect six “Old Tyme Tickets” from local shops, you can get a free horse and carriage ride. Tickets are free at participating locations. Join the staff at In The Beantime and at Antique Addict for candle lantern workshops from 4pm – 6pm and then head to the parking lot at the LDCU to join up with the candlelight walk. Call the Beantime 250-245-2305 or Antique Addict 250-668-6353 to book your spot… or just head down to make your candle lantern before the walk at 6 o’clock!
Head to the Santa House and bring your camera to get your photo taken with Ol’ Saint Nick at one end of town at the 49th Parallel Grocery Store or… head all the way up to Coast Realty for a professional family Christmas photo courtesy of Coast Realty and Edward McCrea Photography. The child craft centre and child minding by The Printingdun Beanery and the Oceanview Community Church. Everything starts at 5pm
Breakfast with Santa Chemainus Elementary Community School hosts Breakfast with Santa Fundraiser, Dec 7, 9am to 12pm. You’ll find waffles and sausages, eggs, yogurt, fruit and granola, three berries and whip cream and beverages plus a visit from the jolly old soul himself! Everyone welcome at 3172 Garner Street, Chemainus.
LMS Family and Friends Join the Ladysmith Maritime Society at their new Harbour Heritage Centre, on Oyster Bay Road in the Expo Legacy building. They are hosting a Family and Friends event Dec 8 from 1 to 4pm by donation. The Harbour Heritage Centre will be available for touring as well as fun family activities. Make old fashioned Christmas tree ornaments and enjoy hot apple cider or hot chocolate and home style cookies.
Annual Christmas Light Cruise On Dec. 14, the Mount Brenton Power & Sail Squadron invite you to celebrate the 30th Annual Christmas Light Cruise. The cruise begins at 6pm from Ladysmith Marina weather permitting, and
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follows in behind the lead boat Sun Mariner. The flotilla cruises past Transfer Beach then on to Boulder Point and meets up with the MV Kuper - “The Carol Ship” then turns back and returns to Ladysmith. Watch from Transfer Beach and enjoy the bonfire courtesy of Ladysmith Kinsmen.
LAFF’s Breakfast with Santa Ladysmith & Area Family and Friends is holding Breakfast with Santa on Dec 14 at Aggie Hall. First seating from 8 to 10 am, and from 10:30 am to12:30pm. Tickets from Dec13 at $8, children under 2 are free but still require a ticket available at the Frank Jameson Community Centre or email laffexecutivedirector@shaw.ca 250-210-08770
Celebration of Light Over the past six years ‘Skellig’, a local Celtic rock band, has hosted the ‘Celebration of Light’ with help from The Rock Christian Fellowship, Starbucks, local volunteers, musicians and the Ladysmith Eagles. Every year the show sells out. This year will be the 5th Celebration of Light Event and organizers hope to beat last year’s $6,673.89 raised in addition to 200 lbs of food for the Food Bank. “Tickets are still just $7.50 this year for all the entertainment, a Starbucks drink with all the trimmings and treats on each table,” said Chris Burness, front man with Skellig. “We keep the price down as low as possible so no one is excluded from coming and those who can, donate more cash, bring a food donation or come prepared to write a cheque on the night.” There are only 160 tickets available at $7.50/ plus a donation of food . This family event returns to Ladysmith Eagles Hall, Dec. 20, doors opening at 6:30pm and the festivities start at 7pm until 10pm. The program includes Murray Atkinson, Ryan McMahon, Dead Byrds, Elf Song, Skellig, Kendall Patrick and The Headless Bettys, Rev Up and the Deadbeat Deacons, a fantastic blues band from Victoria, as well as Ladysmith Celebration Brass playing carols at the door. Santa will be making an appearance this year and there is going to be a Table Christmas Tree Decorating Competition. Tickets are available from Ladysmith Health Care Centre Reception or X-ray Dept. Phone/ email to reserve tickets: 250-734-1766 lisa.burness@hotmail.com. Further information available on Facebook ‘Ladysmith Celebration of Light 2013 or www. skellig.ca.
Santa Claus Parade Ladysmith Fire Rescue will be doing their annual Santa Claus Parade Dec 22 with the following stops and times: Stop 1 - 4pm, Brown Drive Park, Stop 2 - 5pm, 4th Ave & French St., Stop 3 - 6pm, 4th Ave. & Methuen St. Stop 4 - 7pm, Diamond Hall, Stop 4 - 8pm, Wigwam Restaurant ( Downtown), Final Stop –9pm, Ecole Davis Road
Christmas Pantomime “The Old Woman Who Lived In a Shoe” Dame Dallymore’s orphanage is in peril. She has been unable to pay the rent for 10 years, so the cruel Squire wants to make her and all the orphans homeless. Just when the situa-
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tion seems dire, it gets worse, for a Giant treads on the orphanage and smashes it to smithereens! Mother Goose makes the shoe into a home for the orphans and all looks fine – but the Giant comes back for his shoe and accidentally carries off Princess Marigold, girlfriend to the Dame’s son Corydon. Everything works out in the end, but not before all sorts of amusing adventures have beset the loveable and hilarious characters who sing and dance their way through this lively pantomime. Presented by Ladysmith Little Theatre, 4985 Christie Road. Dec. 20-31, Tickets $15. New Year’s Celebration: 8:30 pm Tuesday Dec 31. Show followed by appies and dessert $40/ person.
Masquerade Ball This New Year’s dust off that tux! Pile that hair mile high! Gowns? The pouffier the better and don’t forget your mask! What started out as friends trying to decide how they’d like to spend their New Year’s Eve a couple of years ago has turned into the second annual bash thrown by the Wanderlust Queens consisting of: Amber Foster, Courtney Henn, Renee Hutchinson and Tamara Przada. Last year’s event themed ‘was an incredible success with over 250 attendees. This year’s Masquerade Ball promises to be a great event with the proceeds going to the Ladysmith Food Bank. There will be cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, great tunes, free cab rides, a photo booth, beverages. Tickets are $25 each purchased in advance only at the 49th Parallel and the Vintage Rose Boutique or by calling 778-2693227. Doors open at 8pm at the Aggie Hall. Donations of nonperishable itemsgo to the Ladysmith Food Bank.
Ladysmith 25th Annual Polar Bear Swim The Town of Ladysmith rings in the New Year at the fastest special event of the year! This is a great way to start the new year, a plunge in the warmest waters north of San Francisco -Ladysmith Harbour! Registration begins at 11am and the Polar Bear Swim begins at 12 noon. See you at Transfer Beach!
Christmas Tree Chipping The Ladysmith Fire/Rescue Historical Society hosts their 6th Annual Christmas Tree Chipping January 4 and 5, 2014. at the Ladysmith Fire Hall on 6th Avenue. For tree pickup call 250245-6436 and leave a message. They also will be checking children’s car seat installations January 5, 2014.
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The Trumpeter The town nearest to where I grew up in Ontario has a lake at its center. Every spring the residents line the street as a piper leads a parade of mute swans down to the lake. The arrival of swans on the lake there heralded the beginning of spring, but here arrival of swans signals the slow settling in of fall and winter. The swans we see and hear; in the fields, swamps, lakes, rivers and occasionally the ocean are usually trumpeter swans. The other swan native to North America is the tundra swan. (I have not seen one on Vancouver Island.) The mute swans of my youth on Lake Victoria were introduced from Europe and may occasionally survive in the wild. The trumpeter was once a prolific species. Accounts from the 1700’s indicate that a great many were taken for food as well as for feathers by both natives and European settlers. Swan skins were sent to Europe until 1903 after which they became too scarce to exploit. Egg collecting too must have taken a large toll – a trumpeter egg in 1892 sold for $4.00. The population of trumpeters hit its lowest point in the 1930’s. The known population was around 100 individuals in North America (a small population in Alaska was discovered later). A third over-wintered
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in what is now Tweedsmuir Park and the remainder, a largely non-migratory population of 69 in the Yellowstone park area around Montana, Wyoming and Idaho. The hot springs help keep some water ice-free, but natural food sources were scarce. In both Canada and the US a decision to artificially feed the swans was taken to reduce winter mortality. The US government purchased 13,000 acres of suitable swan habitat in that area which became the Red Rocks Lakes Migratory Wildlife Refuge. The Canadian Wildlife Service was willing to provide the grain but the Canadian population was in a remote area not easily accessible by government workers. Therefore, the work fell to the local champion of swans and the only local homesteaders – the Edwards family. Ralph Edwards and his daughter Trudy used horses to pack in grain over difficult terrain. This trip took two days each way and was usually undertaken four times a winter. There were setbacks in cold years, but the population did eventually grow and spread out to its traditional territories in the Peace River area, the northern United States, as well as to various parts of Vancouver Island. Cessation of hunting pressure and banning of lead in shotgun pellets (which causes poisoning) were important to the recovery. As well, the supplemental feeding programs, along
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with contracts which paid farmers to plant crops for wintering populations of swans contributed to the over-wintering success and swan populations have grown. But with success, comes challenge. The population numbers are now sufficiently high that conflict between swans and land owners is almost inevitable, especially in the winter when they return to their traditional swamps, wetland and low lying areas - many of which have been drained and converted to agricultural uses. Nesting pairs require 100 to 150 acres of habitat. Nesting success is between 35 percent and 50 percent. Success depends on lack of disturbance, predation of eggs and cygnets as well as timing of freezeup. The cygnets do not fly until they are four months old, a timely egg hatch is important. When congregated at night the vocalizations of a gaggle of trumpeters is overpowering. The flock a kilometer away from my home is just about the correct volume. They are beautiful to observe in the wetlands as well as the hay fields around here, but my favourite sightings are on cold crisp mornings when a wedge in flight, with its trumpeting calls flies overhead and catches the first golden rays of the sun.
Swans. Photo: H. Masata.
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“The true reality is the one you perceive around you, or that which you are fortunate enough to imagine for yourself.” Christopher Priest, The Islanders
There Be Islanders Somebody smiled at me the other day, nodded, and walked on by. Naturally I grinned, mumbled something about it being another beautiful day, and off we went on our merry ways. Neither of us knew the other, just politely acknowledging another’s presence, and shared luck at living in such a wonderful place. It gave me the warm fuzzies, and I hummed along the rest of the afternoon, picking up groceries, chatting with the woman who always says hello to me at the checkout but whose name I don’t have the foggiest about (and feel kind of guilty for not knowing), and pleasantly wandering around whilst getting those little chores done on my list. And then a really profound thought struck me. I liked it here. I liked the people, and the places, and the pace of life. It’s a good fit, and damned if I wasn’t a lucky guy. Well, not really damned, but y’know, darn glad that I’d landed here. So, awash in thought, kind of wondering what I had to be so happy about? Feet just kept walking me around. Bank owns my house, car needs new tires, and a tune-up, and I don’t get paid nearly what I’m worth. Well, maybe. But here I am, thoughts tumbling around in my head, wandering the streets, without a worry, taking my time to get half the chores done on my list. What’s wrong with this picture I had to ask myself? For something must be wrong if I was this contented with life. I mean why was I here, what was I doing with my life, isn’t there something that I should be doing, a universal quest that I should be on, someone’s shoes I should be filling, shouldn’t I be buying something? Argghh.
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All the big questions of life were eluding me, and so, what? I was feeling good, really truly good ...and I couldn’t quite put my finger on the why of it. And I wasn’t quite ready to accept it either. Maybe I’d forgotten something that I should be worrying about? Climate change was coming, coastal waters rising, the garlic still needing planting. All these good feelings kept getting in the way of my penchant for over-thinking everything. It was hard to priorize, and I couldn’t find my list. I stopped in my tracks and looked around. No one seemed to mind, just walked on by, gave me a little curious smile here and there. Did I need help? Directions? Everything okay?
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Yeah, I guess it was, is. I smiled back and went on my way. Life on this Island is a curious thing. I like it. Laurie Gourlay has worked with environmental groups for thirty-odd years, farms 20-odd acres organically on Vancouver Island with odd life-partner Jackie Moad, and likes to imagine he’ll write a song some day. Or, whilst humming and hawing, just keeps running Thistle Consulting Services – seeking local solutions to global challenges. Chilling at the Cottonwood Golf Course patio and enjoying Island life. Photo: Loyola Van Rooyem Buck
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RDN - Area A Cedar- Garbage capital BY ALEC MCPHERSON Waste Disposal, Incineration and the Democratic Process Metro Vancouver recently announced that two sites at Duke Point have been shortlisted for siting of an incinerator facility to burn several hundred thousand metric tonnes of garbage annually. At one of the first orientation meetings after being elected as Director, Area ‘A’ (Cedar, Cassidy, South Wellington, Yellowpoint) it was stressed that the Regional District structure is that of a group of communities working to achieve a common vision in a collaborative manner. This requires some belief on everyone’s part that the communities are working together for the common good. For myself, I also need to have some considerable faith in the process which is difficult given the fact that I only wield three (3) votes out of the sixty-five (65) votes that could be cast between the seventeen (17) Directors and that the seven Directors from the City of Nanaimo hold a clear majority with thirty-four (34) of the sixty-five (65) vote total. It has always been my philosophy that in our democracy, when the majority votes on a motion either FOR or AGAINST, myself and the others within the group must accept the will of the majority and not work ultra vires, that is, beyond the authority of the group to achieve contrary goals. I believe it was Winston Churchill who is quoted as saying that: “Many forms of Government have been tried and will be tried in this world of sin and woe. No one pretends that democracy is perfect or all-wise. Indeed, it has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.” The minutes of the June 25th 2013
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meeting of the RDN Board of Directors contains the following motion: MOVED Director McPherson, SECONDED Director Young, that the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) opposes in principle any waste disposal method involving waste from outside the region that has the potential to significantly reduce the lifespan of the Cedar Landfill and/or necessitate the establishment of another landfill within the Regional District of Nanaimo. CARRIED While the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) does not record those who are FOR and AGAINST unless a recorded vote is called for prior to the vote, I can clearly recall that there were NIL opposed votes on the motion. If one remembers that Waste Stream Management Licencing – including all forms of waste disposal whether by landfill, incineration or other method - is within the purview of the Regional District of Nanaimo and not a sole member community, it seems clear that this vote should have decided the matter. How about the concept of a “second sober thought” so espoused as the reason for having the Senate within the federal political process. On July 9th 2013, the Minutes of the Committee of the Whole recorded the following motion: MOVED Director Brennan, SECONDED Director Houle, that the Board direct staff to advise Metro Vancouver that the RDN does not support a wasteto-energy facility within the boundaries of the RDN. CARRIED Again, this seems fairly clear to myself; however, let’s introduce the concept of a second “sober second thought. Oh, did I neglect to say that the latter motion carried without any one opposed? The July 23rd 2013 Minutes of the RDN Board of Directors Meeting records the following: MOVED Director Lefebvre, SECONDED Director Veenhof, that the Board direct staff to advise Metro Vancouver
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that the RDN does not support a wasteto-energy facility within the boundaries of the RDN. CARRIED Again, the motion passed without opposition. This motion should have ended any further debate and removed the Regional District of Nanaimo which, incidentally, includes the City of Nanaimo, from any further consideration as a location to place an incinerator. After all, the Request for Proposals (RFP) issued by Metro Vancouver specified that they would not locate the facility where a community advised that it was not wanted. In August 2013, the proponents got busy and held private meetings with staff and elected officials from the City of Nanaimo. Subsequently, a motion was passed at the City of Nanaimo Council meeting to have staff provide a report on the alternatives available to the City to ensure that the incinerator would not be located within its boundaries. The staff report was presented to the City’s Committee of the Whole meeting on November 4th 2013. I attended this meeting and was more than surprised that, with the Metro Vancouver decision to announce their shortlist of locations pending on November 21st 2013, the Mayor and Council decided to RECEIVE the report and not act upon it. I listened to a representative of the business community state that it would be best to wait and let this play out, that is, hope that Nanaimo is not selected as the location, so that future potential investors would not see Nanaimo as a city that just says, “NO”. With Metro Vancouver having cited two potential sites at Duke Point for their garbage incinerator, the time for action has passed. By not confronting the issue, the City of Nanaimo has, in my opinion, passed any authority they might possess to the province’s Ministry of the Environment. Think of the recent approval to allow the dumping of hun-
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dreds of thousands of tonnes of toxic waste at a site near Shawnigan Lake. Besides the environmental and health risks that may be associated with such facilities, if the Metro Vancouver incinerator finds a home within the RDN then for each year of operation, the life of the Cedar Landfill would be reduced by five (5) years and it would be a short four years before another landfill would have to be found. Like the City of Vancouver, the RDN has adopted a Zero Waste policy wherein the goal is to divert recyclables from the landfill. Almost two-thirds of what the incinerator proponents refer to as “post diversion waste” and that Metro Vancouver would like to burn is comprised of recyclables. Interestingly, within hours of Metro Vancouver’s announcement, the Mayor of Vancouver rejected any site within the City of Vancouver as not meeting their Zero Waste objectives. Similarly, the Fraser Valley Regional District, the City of Powell River and North Vancouver all rejected the idea of placing a facility within their boundaries. I think that it is time for local residents to hold the feet of their elected representative to the fire and have them make it clear to Metro Vancouver that such a facility is not appropriate for this area. Imagine trying to foster tourism and high-tech industries whilst holding the title of “Garbage Capital of B.C.”. alecmcpherson@shaw.ca
CVRD - Area H Rezoning, NOFD, noise bylaw BY MARY MARCOTTE Rezoning Application A rezoning application has been submitted to the Regional District to amend CVRD Electoral Area H (North Oyster/ Diamond) Official Community Plan by redesignating a parcel from Suburban Residential to Industrial, and amending Electoral Area H Zoning Bylaw by rezoning a portion of the parcel from R-2 (Suburban Residential) to I-1 (Light Industrial). The owners intend to establish a dry good (food) storage facility on the subject property. The owners of the property also own and operate the Cold Star cold storage facility (formerly Island Farms), and approval of this application would allow the applicant to expand the business. It is estimated that, should this application
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be approved, the facility would provide approximately 45 new permanent jobs in the local community. This property lies on the Cassidy Aquifer, which is rated high for vulnerability and moderate for degree of development demand, and is within the Cassidy/Bush Creek Development Permit Area. For development activity to occur in a development permit area a permit must issued by the Regional District. To obtain a permit in the Cassidy/ Bush Creek Development Permit Area, it must be demonstrated that the proposal is compatible with the environment; only those land uses activities that can minimize the risk of contamination and safeguard the water resource should be considered for approval. Other criteria for consideration include provision of safe highway access, buffering, potable water supply, approved sewage disposal system, off street parking and loading. The potential negative impacts of ongoing activities (such as those that would attract birds, emit smoke or dust) upon the operation of Cassidy Airport will also be assessed. The process of rezoning has just begun and will include a public meeting as well as the required public hearing. This application has been considered by the Area H Advisory Planning Commission at their November 14th/16th meetings. After hearing from the applicant, the Commission had a thorough discussion with the applicant regarding the community’s concerns for protecting the safe drinking water supply. The Commission followed up with a site visit prior to drafting a recommendation that both the subject property and the adjoining parcel be considered for rezoning to a new “ultra light” industrial zone that would only include specific uses appropriate for the site. The next step in the rezoning process is preparation of a staff report to be considered at a future Electoral Area Services Committee meeting, which will in turn make a recommendation to the CVRD Board. If you wish to track the progress of this application as it makes it way through the system, the minutes from the committees and Board are posted on the CVRD website (www.cvrd.bc.ca), and many of the meetings held in the CVRD Boardroom are also live streamed on the internet.
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Update on North Oyster Fire Department Agricultural Land Reserve Application for a Non Farm Use Since the news was reported on the preliminary result of the Provincial core review of the Agricultural Land Reserve and how it is governed by the Agricultural Land Commission, considerable concerns have been expressed by the citizens of British Columbia. There has been overwhelming support for retaining both the Reserve and its governance structure as it exists today. Questions are being asked about the future protection for farms and farmlands in the Province if the recommendations are implemented. Because the Commission makes adjudicative or quasijudicial decisions, it must act in a way that is procedurally fair, impartial and independent of political interference. It must make its decisions based solely on the governing law, policy and the evidence submitted as part of the application. As your Director, I must respect and adhere to the process. While I am not able to make inquiries regarding the specifics of the NOFD application, I have been assured by the Commission that processing of ALR applications will not stop because of the core review. The Commission will continue doing business as usual under the current legislation and under its current mandate until such time as the legislation changes. I am confident that our application will be considered in a time efficient manner and that this community will be treated fairly. Update on Noise Bylaw #3723 and Smoke Control Regulation Bylaw No 3716: My last submission to this magazine provided information on two proposed regulatory bylaws. The first bylaw (#3723) addresses concerns about the ability to enforce an existing bylaw that has been in place since I was first elected. The purpose of the new bylaw is to allow the Regional District to better enforce your noise complaints. A large majority of input that I received from you regarding this bylaw was supportive with some amendments. Therefore, when the matter was considered by the Regional District Board, I supported an amended version of the bylaw. The amended version was also supported and
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passed by the Board. The amended version will be posted on the website (www.cvrd.bc.ca). The Smoke Control Bylaw (#3716) on the other hand, was not supported by the public. Therefore, this bylaw has not progressed. After a meeting with staff from the Ministry of the Environment, I was disturbed by lack of Provincial control of open burning – a responsibility formerly enforced by the Province. It appears to me that they are simply downloading the responsibility and cost to Local Governments. I require a lot more information before I could support what is currently being proposed. I wish all of you a very safe and happy Holiday Season.
CVRD Area G Sunny Saltair parks BY MEL DOREY Saltair has three very special parks that provide residents with natural amenities that are hard to equal anywhere. Stocking Creek Park the biggest is a long linear park with old growth features of a virgin forest and was established in 1988. As the years go by the park is expanding partly because riparian area regulations prohibit development in this gully that contains the creek. Landowners on both sides of the creek have been adding parcels of land to the park. Going the full length of the park is Stocking Creek that starts meandering peacefully in the upper reaches and tumbles down a gully, over a falls and then terminates in Davis Lagoon where birdlife is abundant. There are two accesses to the park. The main access is Thicke Road off Chemainus Road at the south end and the northern access is at Finch Place off Gait Road. There are flora and fauna signs throughout the park pointing out natural features of interest along the many kilometres of trails. Many use these trails for fitness or walking their dog. The community has built a bridge over the creek with mainly donated materials and labour as well as a viewing staircase at the falls for better accessibility for all. There are picnic tables and a washroom at the Thicke Road end of the park. Princess Diana Park is our second nature park and the entrance is located on Olsen Road. Patricia Dornbosh and her sister donated the land for this park. Don Naslund and Vern Kornet built several trials throughout the park so that it is much more interesting to walk. Most of Saltair’s trails have a trademark wood chip covering to make the walk quiet, comfortable and easy on the feet. In the spring the Saltair Parks Commission will be erecting signage to commemorate Mrs. Dornbosh’s gift to the community. Park benches will be situated near the signs for people to rest. Centennial Park is our community recreational park where softball, tennis and ball hockey give people excellent service. The summer student program of CVRD painted the dugouts, the shelter, concession and washrooms this past summer. Next summer we will be renovating the inside of the washrooms and putting a new roof on. The south end parking lot at Mountainview Road was resurfaced and landscaping redone at the entrance this fall. The whole park is looking pretty good. With these beautiful parks the real estate values in Saltair stay up and the residents benefit recreationally from activities and trails. Sunny Saltair is a very enjoyable and healthy place to live.
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If you’re looking up here for a title, read on Some people have said to me, ”Delbert. What kind of wine column are you running over there? You hardly ever mention wine. You should change the name of your column to, Not Very Often Corked.” They might be on to something. Okay, let’s write about wine, not the usual drivel. Let’s see, I’ll need a snappy title. Ah, there’s one.
About wine, not the usual drivel That price is no guarantee of quality was proven at a recent Viognier tasting (White wine grape pronounced VEEOWN-YAY, but maybe not in Newfoundland.) where a lowly $14 Chilean took down two $85 French giants of the Viognier world along with a $63 Australian. European wines often don’t fare well in blind tasting with new world wines, primarily because of what’s known as a new world palate, where you go “petouie!” every time you try a European wine which are always too dry for you, Even those with high brow European palates had trouble defending the two $85 French wines, which despite coming from an area called Condrieu, aka Viognier World Headquarters, tasted like a bad kit wine laced with oak extract. If you paid nine bucks, you’d ask for change. It’s been a long time since France declared war on Canada, but this should about do it. Oh, oh. Incoming French knives. Duck everyone. For a similar tasting experience, I have to go back 30 years to the Vancouver Wine Festival where a brilliantly coloured Spanish white tasted like liquid oak. Gently, very gently- no need to have a bottle of Rioja bounced off the noggin- I brought up the problem of excessive oakiness with the winemaker. He just shrugged it off with, “Our white grapes don’t have much flavour, so we add oak to give it some oomph.” Thanks to the modernization of Span-
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“It’s been a long time since France declared war on Canada, but this should about do it.” ish winemaking, such wines are harder to come by, but over at Condrieu? Sacre bleu. Defenders of Condrieu say it’s difficult to understand. That’s why, if you’re dumb enough to pay $200 for one at a restaurant, make sure grief counselors are standing by. Even harder to understand, and from the same area, is Hermitage Blanc, which, despite a $300 price tag, is made from Marsanne and Rousillon, underperforming grapes which should only be played late in the third period if you’re up eight to zip. How do they get away with those prices? Scarcity, that’s how. Condrieu is a small area where only so much wine is made. (To which some of us are thankful.) Scarcity also explains why a 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB will fetch 37 million bucks while a mid-eighties Ford Taurus will fetch, I dunno, your slippers. No one understands scarcity better than a used car salesman, guys not afraid to ask more for a used car than a new version of the same vehicle. Let’s shuffle on over to Honest Bob’s Auto, (Serving you honestly since, let’s see, how long has it been now, okay, last Tuesday.) where Bob is explaining economics to the couple with the matching sun visors and fanny packs. (If you ever see me in similar outfit, just shoot me. Aim low.) “That’s a damn good question,” says Bob, an agreeable smile on his clean shaven face. “Why is this 1984 Ford Ranger worth $19,950 when you can get a new one for seven grand less. Well I’ll tell you. Exclusivity. Where else are you going to get an 84 Ranger, in this condition, with exactly 384,567 miles on it?
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Can’t be done. “Not only that, but look at this dent in the front bumper. That’s not an ordinary dent. Ya gotta hit the liquor store just right to get a dent like that. Hit her too slow, ya bounce off. Too fast and ya set the store alarm off like last time.” While his wife kicks the tires, the potential customer- or as Bob puts it, “latent victim”- starts nodding his visored head, a motion not dissimilar to a dippy bird pecking the ground in search of a good laxative. “Look at this rust patch where the rocker panel used to be,” Bob says. “Now that’s exclusive; none of these Ford Rangers rust the same. You could look at one thousand Rangers, and you won’t find this exact rust patch.” “The paint’s faded? You’re telling me the paint’s faded? Hell no, that ain’t faded, that’s distressed. Big difference. You can get faded at any car lot, but you only get distressed at Honest Bob’s.” Feeling it’s time to close, or as Bob calls it, execute, he lowers his voice, leans in, and with all the fake sincerity three years in reform school, and a brief stint as a Condrieu sales manager, taught him, says, “Folks, this is your lucky day. We’re going to throw in an extended, unlimited mileage warranty, which covers everything right down to the air in the tires, free of charge. (Okay, so driving off the lot renders the warranty null and void, what do you expect for nothing.) “Not only that, I’m throwing in two lime green I SHOP AT HONEST BOB’S ball caps, a $19.95 value, which will keep a lot more bird shit off your heads than those STUPID, @#$%&, VISORS!” That’s the problem with shopping at Honest Bob’s, sometime you get more truth than you can handle. For those who want to learn more about wine and less about used truck pricing, contact Gord Johnson at 250751-4171, a professional wine educator who conducts informative tastings for veteran and rookie alike. As a tune up, here’s a couple of affordable Viogniers to practice on. From France, the Paul Mas, $13.99. From Chile, the Cono Sur at $10.99. - Delbert is the co-proprietor at Mahle House. Read more at Slightlycorkedandmore.wordpress.com
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From field to table - a locally sourced Christmas Dinner BY MARINA SACHT This is the season of feasting and none is more special then the Christmas dinner. We approached Penny Ryan who has recently started a culinary business from her commercial kitchen in Ladysmith with a challenge. Cook up a traditional dinner using locally sourced ingredients.
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Penny has a lot of energy. She works at her day job, volunteers, takes violin lessons, attends Vancouver Island University to comple her Red Seal Certification and recently opened ‘Two Roads Culinary Innovations’ where she manufactures gourmet jams, jellies and sauces. Two Roads began as a concept over a cup of coffee; combining the flavours of readily available ingredients to produce gourmet jams, jellies and sauces. “As with most coffee musings, it morphed, and grew, and developed over time.” The research and development phase took over a year, which also included the building of a commercial kitchen. All laboratory testing and government regulations have been completed and the product is now ready for the retail market. Without hesitation Penny took on the challenge to cook dinner. Now It was up to me to see what I could find and quickly. On a Sunday afternoon I took a short drive and found a bounty of food. With the Cedar Farmers Market closed for the season many of us are under the impression that we can no longer buy from local farms. I quickly found out that wasn’t true. From Dudick’s Farm in South Wellington I picked up potatoes, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, carrots and onions. I swung by Yellowpoint Cranberries for some fresh cranberries and cranberry sauce. From Steld Farm I picked up two types of homemade sausages and a bag of blueberries. A stop at Island Hazelnuts Farm yielded a hefty bag of nuts as well as a pleasant visit with the owner. Right next door is Hazelwood Herb Farm. Mulled spices for hot drinks, and mulberry vinegar went into my shopping cart as well as some goodies that never made it home. Loaded up with eggs from Cedar Valley Poultry, Friedrich’s honey and ginger kiwi spread from Kiwi Cove, this meal was starting to look very promising. My last stop in Yellow Point was Living Soils Farm. Onions, leeks, and happily bags of mixed greens that are so yummy they named a salad at the Mahle House in honour of Ian Jones the grower. Heading into Ladysmith I picked up Limberis local oysters from the 49th
TAKE 5
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Above: Penny Ryan surveys the locally grown and produced ingredients that would go into making the dinner Below: The sumptious Christmas Dinner Opposite page: Lavonne Dudink standing in the field where they produce berries and vegetables since 2006. Photos: Marina Sacht
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Grocery Store, a fresh local turkey from Bouma Meats, buns at Old Town Bakery and a gluten free loaf of French bread at the Wild Poppy Bistro. Two bags of kettle corn from Mr. Poppers…one never made it to the dinner, and a visit to the Worldly Gourmet where I succeeded in finding Cowichan Tea to go with the locally roasted coffee I picked up at In the Beantime. My last stop took me south to 8 and a Half Acres for some beets they had harvested that morning. As I unloaded the car at Penny’s and brought in boxes of food I realized just how easy it had been to pick up fresh locally grown and produced products. And it was fun! The question now was what will the Chef do with all this? A few hours later we returned to Penny’s house to an amazing dinner that kept all the traditional elements of Christmas – with ingredients all found right here in our backyard. The menu served: Roast Turkey, Stuffing, Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, and Shredded Brussels Sprouts with crumbled sausage & toasted hazelnuts, Roasted veg medley (carrots, onions, cabbage) with a Mulberry glaze. Buttered Beets, Fresh Greens, local goat cheese, apple cider vinaigrette, toasted
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hazelnuts, Cranberry Sauce, Whole Cranberry sauce, Rhubarb Rosemary jelly and Kiwi Ginger a popular condiment for turkey. Oyster stew. Breads, dinner rolls. And dessert: Lemon Tart with Cranberry Coulis, Blueberries -- lavender honey, and Sweet Souppe (Norwegian Christmas Pudding) with whipped cream. All this was enjoyed with bottles of traditional and berry Merridale Cider from Cobble Hill and an assortment of white, red and champagne vinted at Art of Brewing. Penny says she was not surprised by how much local produce we found, and we’d barely scratched the surface. “We are surrounded by amazing producers and amazing local product. But I honestly had no idea we had local tea.” The most challenging part for her? “As a chef, you always breathe a sigh when the last course has been served, the last mouthful has been swallowed and your guests are smiling.” Please visit our website for recipes, and farm profiles www.take5.ca/farms Rachel and Ian Jones at Living Soils Farm Photo: Marina Sacht
TAKE 5
Samantha Elkiw, Kanisha Philip, owner Frank Longo, and cook Ian Calder at D’Franco’s Italian Restuarant
Just like mama makes D’Franco’s Italian Pasta and Pizza is getting known for their hand made pizzas, flame broiled hamburgers on a homemade focaccia, and wraps. “We use the freshest and tastiest ingredients,” says Longo, it’s big city flavor at Island prices. Owners Frank Longo and Tracey MacDonald are offering real Italian cooking and modern dishes.
Operation Rednose Stephen Wilson of the Mahle House reminds you that you can party and still get home safe. Operation Red Nose allows you to celebrate this festive time by driving you and your car home says Stephen. Operation Red Nose operates from 9PM - 3AM call 250 755 6969.
Mahle House Stephen Wilson. Photo: Nick Longo
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December 1-7
Willow St., Chemainus. 250-246-2434 7, 7pm, Youth Group Activities, St. Mary’s Church Parish Hall 1135 4th Ave.
1-7, Ladysmith Festival of Lights, downtown Ladysmith
7, 7pm, Karaoke, The Shoe Pub, 9576 Chemainus Rd. 250-416-0413
1- 7, It’s a Wonderful Life, Chemainus Theatre Festival, 9737 Chemainus Rd., 250-246-9820
7, 7pm, Moonshine Mollys CD Release Party, St. Phillips Cedar, 1797 Cedar Rd.
1, 4pm, Jazz, The Shoe Pub, 9576 Chemainus Rd., 250-416-0413
7, 9pm, Karaoke, Green Lantern Pub, 9644 Chemainus Rd., Chemainus. 250-246-3131
2, 9am, Men’s Choir, Chemainus Seniors Drop In Centre, 9824 Willow St., 250-246- 2111
December 8-14
2, 11am, Ladies Choir, Chemainus Seniors Drop In Centre, 9824 Willow St., 250-246- 2111
8 -14, Ladysmith Festival of Lights, downtown Ladysmith
2, 1pm, Chemainus Garden Club meeting, Calvary Baptist Church, 3318 River Rd., 250-246-1207
8-14, 10am, Chemainus Garden Festival of Trees, 3042 River Rd. 250-324-2424
2, 4:45pm, Bingo, Chemainus Seniors Drop In Centre, 9824 Willow St., 250-246- 2111
8 - 14, It’s a Wonderful Life, Chemainus Theatre Festival, 9737 Chemainus Rd. 250-246-9820
2, 6:15pm, Children’s Religious Education, St. Mary’s Parish Hall, 1135 4th Ave.,
8, 2:30pm, A Boston Pops Tribute, Cowichan Theatre, 2687 James St., Duncan. 250-748-7529
250-245-3079 2, 7pm, Crib, Royal Canadian Legion 171, 621 1 St Ave., Ladysmith. 250-245-2273 2, 7pm, Town of Ladysmith Council meeting, 410 Esplanade, 250 -245-6400 3, 11:30am, Nanaimo/Ladysmith Retired Teachers’ Association Christmas luncheon, Cavallotti Hall, 2060 E. Wellington Rd. 250-753-5971 3, 1pm, Chemainus Garden Club meeting, Calvary Baptist Church, 3319 River Rd., Chemainus 3, 7pm, Poker, Royal Canadian Legion 171, 621 1 St Ave., Ladysmith. 250-245-2273 4, 6pm, 23rd Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, Cowichan District Hospital 250-701-4242 4, 7pm, Darts, Royal Canadian Legion 171, 621 1 St Ave., Ladysmith. 250-245-2273 4, 9pm, Karaoke, Green Lantern Pub, 9644 Chemainus Rd. 250-246-3131 5, 11:15am, T.O.P.S. Meeting, Bethel Tabernacle, 1149 4th Ave. 250-245-8234 5, 11:30am, Soup & Sandwich by donation, Royal Canadian Legion 171, 621 1 St Ave., Ladysmith. 250-245-2273 5, 7:30pm, Old Time Music, Twisted Sisters Tea Room, 9885 Maple St., Chemainus. 250-246-1541 6-7, 3 & 7pm, Yellow Point Christmas Spectacular, Cedar Community Hall, 2388 Cedar Rd. 250-7548550 6, 4pm, Shopping by Candlelight, Hazelwood Herb Farm, 13576 Adshead Rd. 250-245-8007
8, 3pm & 7pm, Yellow Point Christmas Spectacular, Cedar Community Hall, 2388 Cedar Rd. 250-754-8550 6, LDBA Old Tyme Christmas & Candlelight Walk, downtown Ladysmith.
8, 4pm, Jazz, The Shoe Pub, 9576 Chemainus Rd. 250-416-0413
6, 10am, Mixed Choir, Chemainus Seniors Drop In Centre, 9824 Willow St., 250-246- 2111
8, 6:30pm, Ladysmith Festival of Choirs, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 1135 4th Ave.
6, 7pm, A Celtic Christmas (Celtic Rhythm Dancers), Cowichan Theatre, 2687 James St. 250-748-7529
9, 9am, Men’s Choir, Chemainus Seniors Drop In Centre, 9824 Willow St. 250-246- 2111
6, 7pm, Music Trivia, The Shoe Pub, 9576 Chemainus Rd. 250-416-0413 6, 7pm, Pool, Royal Canadian Legion 171, 621 1 St Ave., Ladysmith. 250-245-2273 6-7, 7:30pm, VI Symphony – Christmas Cirque Spectacular, Port Theatre, 125 Front St., Nanaimo. 250-754-8550 6, 9pm, Skellig , Sportsman Pub, 640 1st Ave., Ladysmith 250-245-8033 7, A&W Breath of Life Day for Cystic Fibrosis, 12615 Trans-Canada Hwy. 7, 10am, Living Tree Sale, Natural Abundance Nursery, 140 Wallace St., Nanaimo 7, 9am, Breakfast with Santa, Chemainus Elementary School, 3172 Garner St. 7, 10am, Chemainus Garden Festival of Trees, 3042 River Rd. 250-324-2424 7, 10am, Christmas Bazaar, St. Joseph’s School, 9735 Elm St., Chemainus 250-246-3191 7, 6pm, Tropical Vibe, Willow St. Café, 9749
9, 11am, Ladies Choir, Chemainus Seniors Drop In Centre, 9824 Willow St. 250-246- 2111 9, 6:15pm, Children’s Religious Education, St. Mary’s Parish Hall, 1135 4th Ave. 250-245-3079 9, 4:45pm, Bingo, Chemainus Seniors Drop In Centre, 9824 Willow St. 250-246- 2111 9, 7pm, Crib, Royal Canadian Legion 171, 621 1 St Ave., Ladysmith. 250-245-2273 10, 11am, Circulation Booster Demo, Pharmasave, 441 1st Ave., Ladysmith 250-245-3113 10, 7pm, Poker, Royal Canadian Legion 171, 621 1 St Ave., Ladysmith. 250-245-2273 11, 5pm, BC Coastal Ferries Public Open House, Forbes Hall, Thetis Island. 11, 7pm, Darts, Royal Canadian Legion 171, 621 1 St Ave., Ladysmith. 250-245-2273 11, 9pm, Karaoke, Green Lantern Pub, 9644 Chemainus Rd. 250-246-3131 12-13, Christmas Dinner, Chemainus Seniors
Drop In Centre, 9824 Willow St., 250-246- 2111
December 15-21
12, 10:30am & 6:30pm, Ecole Duncan Elementary School, Cowichan Theatre, 2687 James St. 250-748-7529
15-21, Ladysmith Festival of Lights, downtown Ladysmith
12, 11:15am, T.O.P.S. Meeting, Bethel Tabernacle, 1149 4th Ave. 250-245-8234 12, Allison Crowe Community Sing-along to aid Haven House, Real Food Fast, 321 Wesley St., Nanaimo 13, 10am, Mixed Choir, Chemainus Seniors Drop In Centre, 9824 Willow St. 250-246- 2111 13-14, 3 & 7pm, Yellow Point Christmas Spectacular, Cedar Community Hall, 2388 Cedar Rd. 250-754-8550 13, 4pm, Shopping by Candlelight, Hazelwood Herb Farm, 13576 Adshead Rd. 250-245-8007 13, 7pm, Music Trivia, The Shoe Pub, 9576 Chemainus Rd. 250-416-0413 13, 7pm, Pool, Royal Canadian Legion 171, 621 1st Ave., Ladysmith. 250-245-2273 13, 7:30pm, Acoustic Jam, Twisted Sisters Tea Room, 9885 Maple St., Chemainus 250-2461541 14, 8 & 10:30am, LaFF’s Breakfast with Santa, Aggie Hall, 1110 1st Ave., Ladysmith. 14, 9:55am, Flagstaff (Live @the Met), Cowichan Theatre, 2687 James St. 250-748-7529 14, 2pm, Concenti Comes Caroling, St. Michael’s Anglican Church, Chemainus. 250-748-8383 14, 2:30pm, Chemainus Little Town Christmas, Waterwheel Park. 14, 3:30 & 7:30pm, Winter Harp, Port Theatre, 125 Front St. 250-754-4555 14, 6pm, Mt. Brenton Power & Sail Squadron Ladysmith Christmas Sail Past, Transfer Beach. 14, 6pm, Tropical Vibe, Willow St. Café, 9749 Willow St. 250-246-2434 14, 7pm, Karaoke, The Shoe Pub, 9576 Chemainus Rd. 250-416-0413 14, 7pm, Youth Group Activities, St. Mary’s Church Parish Hall 1135 4th Ave., Ladysmith. 14, Allison Crowe Community Sing-along to aid Woodlands Secondary School Band and Basketball, St. Andrews United Church, Nanaimo.
15 -21, 10am, Chemainus Garden Festival of Trees, 3042 River Rd. 250-324-2424 15- 21, It’s a Wonderful Life, Chemainus Theatre Festival, 9737 Chemainus Rd. 250-246-9820 15, 2:30pm, Yellow Point Singers Annual Christmas Concert, Oceanview Community Church. 15, 3pm & 7pm, Yellow Point Christmas Spectacular, Cedar Community Hall, 2388 Cedar Rd. 250-754-8550 15, 4pm, Jazz, The Shoe Pub, 9576 Chemainus Rd. 250-416-0413 15, 2pm, Winter Harp, Cowichan Theatre, 2687 James St. 250-748-7529 15, 7:30pm, Mother Mother, Cowichan Theatre, 2687 James St. 250-748-7529 16, 9am, Men’s Choir, Chemainus Seniors Drop In Centre, 9824 Willow St. 250-246- 2111 16, 11am, Ladies Choir, Chemainus Seniors Drop In Centre, 9824 Willow St. 250-246- 2111 16, 1:30pm, The Nanaimo Hard of Hearing Group, Christ Community Church, Bowen Rd. 250-616-2962 16, 5:15pm, Chronic Pain Support Group, 11114th Ave., Ladysmith, Rm. 101, 250-667-5587 www.chronicpainsupport.ca 16, 6:15pm, Children’s Religious Education, St. Mary’s Parish Hall, 1135 4th Ave. 250-245-3079 16, 7pm, Crib, Royal Canadian Legion 171, 621 1 St Ave., Ladysmith. 250-245-2273 16, 7pm, Town of Ladysmith Council meeting, 410 Esplanade. 250 -245-6400 16, 7pm, Reel Alternatives – “The Angel’s Share”, Cowichan Theatre, 2687 James St. 250-748-7529 17, 7pm, Poker, Royal Canadian Legion 171, 621 1 St Ave., Ladysmith. 250-245-2273 17, 7pm, We Have a Pope, Cowichan Theatre, 2687 James St. 250-748-7529 18, 7pm, Queen of Angels’ Christmas Show, Cowichan Theatre, 2687 James St. 250-7487529
14, 9pm, Karaoke, Green Lantern Pub, 9644 Chemainus Rd. 250-246-3131
18, 9pm, Karaoke, Green Lantern Pub, 9644 Chemainus Rd. 250-246-3131
14, Chemainus Christmas Carol Ship, Chemainus BC Ferry Terminal.
19, 11:15am, T.O.P.S. Meeting, Bethel Tabernacle, 1149 4th Ave. 250-245-8234
19, 11:30am, Soup & Sandwich by donation, Royal Canadian Legion 171, 621 1 St Ave., Ladysmith. 250-245-2273 19, 11am, Christmas Gift Sale, Pharmasave, 441 1st Ave., Ladysmith. 250-245-3113 20-21, Christmas Pantomime, Ladysmith Little Theatre, 4985 Christie Rd. 250-924-0658 20, 4pm, Shopping by Candlelight, Hazelwood Herb Farm, 13576 Adshead Rd. 250-245-8007 20, 6pm, Celebration of Light, Ladysmith Eagles Hall, 921 1st Ave. 20, 7pm, Ken Lavigne – Home for Christmas Concert, Chemainus United Church. 250-3243463 20, 7pm, Music Trivia, The Shoe Pub, 9576 Chemainus Rd. 250-416-0413 20, 7pm, Nutcracker, Cowichan , 2687 James St. 250-748-7529 20-21, 7:30pm, Aladdin, Nanaimo Theatre Group, 2373 Rosstown Rd. 250-758-7246 21, 1pm, Nutcracker, Cowichan Theatre, 2687 James St., Duncan. 250-748-7529 21, 6pm, Tropical Vibe, Willow St. Café, 9749 Willow St., Chemainus. 250-246-2434 21, 7pm, Karaoke, The Shoe Pub, 9576 Chemainus Rd. 250-416-0413 21, 7pm, Youth Group Activities, St. Mary’s Church Parish Hall, 1135 4th Ave., Ladysmith 21, 9pm, Karaoke, Green Lantern Pub, 9644 Chemainus Rd. 250-246-3131
December 22-28 22-23, Christmas Pantomime, Ladysmith Little Theatre, 4985 Christie Rd. 250-924-0658 22-23, It’s a Wonderful Life, Chemainus Theatre Festival, 9737 Chemainus Rd. 250-246-9820 22, 4pm, Jazz, The Shoe Pub, 9576 Chemainus Rd. 250-416-0413 22, Ladysmith Fire Rescue Santa Parade 22, 7:30pm, Aladdin, Nanaimo Theatre Group, 2373 Rosstown Rd. 250-758-7246 26-28, 7:30pm, Aladdin, Nanaimo Theatre Group, 2373 Rosstown Rd. 250-758-7246 27, 2pm, A KidzPlay Show - The 13 Clocks, Chemainus Festival Theatre. 250-246-9820 27, 7pm, Music Trivia, The Shoe Pub, 9576 Chemainus Rd. 250-416-0413 28, 6pm, Tropical Vibe, Willow St. Café, 9749 Willow St., Chemainus. 250-246-2434
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DEC/JAN 2014
28, 7pm, Karaoke, The Shoe Pub, 9576 Chemainus Rd. 250-416-0413
Chipping, behind Ladysmith Fire Hall on Malone Rd.
15, 9am, Pancake Breakfast, Chemainus Seniors Drop In Centre, 9824 Willow St. 250-246- 2111
28, 9pm, Karaoke, Green Lantern Pub, 9644 Chemainus Rd. 250-246-3131
5, 9am, Children’s Car Seat Checks, Ladysmith Fire Hall.
18, 6pm, Tropical Vibe, Willow St. Café, 9749 Willow St., Chemainus. 250-246-2434
December 29-31
5, 4pm, Jazz, The Shoe Pub, 9576 Chemainus Rd. 250-416-0413
18, 7pm, Karaoke, The Shoe Pub, 9576 Chemainus Rd. 250-416-0413
9, 4:45pm, Bingo, Chemainus Seniors Drop In Centre, 9824 Willow St., 250-246- 2111
18, 7:30pm, Victoria Symphony, Cowichan Theatre, 2687 James St. 250-748-7529
6,13,20,27, 6:15pm, Children’s Religious Education classes, St. Mary’s Church Parish Hall, 1135 4th Ave., Ladysmith.
18, 9pm, Karaoke, Green Lantern Pub, 9644 Chemainus Rd. 250-246-3131
29 - 31, Ladysmith Festival of Lights, downtown Ladysmith 29-31, 7:30pm, Aladdin, Nanaimo Theatre Group, 2373 Rosstown Rd. 250-758-7246 29, 4pm, Jazz, The Shoe Pub, 9576 Chemainus Rd. 250-416-0413 31, 8pm, Dance – “Happy Hans” Chemainus Seniors Drop In Centre, 9824 Willow St. 250-2462111 31, 6pm, New Years Eve at the Wheaty, 1866 Cedar Rd. Cedar. 250-722-2240 31, 6:30pm, New Years Eve Dinner, Page Point Bistro, 4760 Brenton Page Rd., Ladysmith. 250924-1110 31, 8pm, Masquerade New Years Dance, Aggie Hall, 1110 1st Ave., Ladysmith. Fundraiser for Food Bank 778-269-3227
2014 - January 1-4 1, 11am, Polar Bear Swim, Transfer Beach. 1, 9pm, Karaoke, Green Lantern Pub, 9644 Chemainus Rd. 250-246-3131 3, 7pm, Music Trivia, The Shoe Pub, 9576 Chemainus Rd. 250-416-0413 4, Ladysmith Fire Rescue Historical Society Tree Chipping behind Ladysmith Fire Hall on Malone Rd. 4, 6pm, Tropical Vibe, Willow St. Café, 9749 Willow St., Chemainus. 250-246-2434 4, 7pm, Karaoke, The Shoe Pub, 9576 Chemainus Rd. 250-416-0413 4, 9pm, Karaoke, Green Lantern Pub, 9644 Chemainus Rd. 250-246-3131
January 5-11 5, Ladysmith Fire Rescue Historical Society Tree
8, 9pm, Karaoke, Green Lantern Pub, 9644 Chemainus Rd. 250-246-3131 10, 7pm, Music Trivia, The Shoe Pub, 9576 Chemainus Rd. 250-416-0413 11, 6pm, Tropical Vibe, Willow St. Café, 9749 Willow St., Chemainus. 250-246-2434 11, 7pm, Karaoke, The Shoe Pub, 9576 Chemainus Rd. 250-416-0413
January 19-25 19, 1pm, Free Dyslexia Seminar, 11874 Elliot Way, Ladysmith. 250-245-8412 19, 4pm, Jazz, The Shoe Pub, 9576 Chemainus Rd. 250-416-0413 20, Maritime Radio Course, Ladysmith Secondary School. 250-245-6424
11, 9pm, Karaoke, Green Lantern Pub 9644 Chemainus Rd. 250-246-3131
20, 6:15pm, Children’s Religious Education lasses, St. Mary’s Church Parish Hall, 1135 4th Ave., Ladysmith.
January 12-18
20, 7pm, Reel Alternatives – “Unfinished Song”, Cowichan Theatre 2687 James St. 250-748-7529
12, 4pm, Jazz, The Shoe Pub, 9576 Chemainus Rd. 250-416-0413
22, 9pm, Karaoke, Green Lantern Pub, 9644 Chemainus Rd. 250-246-3131
13, 10:30am, Morning Musicale: Sarah Hagen, Cowichan Theatre, 2687 James St. 250-7487529
23, Maritime Radio Course, Ladysmith Secondary School 250-245-6424
13, 6:15pm, Children’s Religious Education classes, St. Mary’s Church Parish Hall, 1135 4th Ave., Ladysmith. 15, 9:30am, Blood Pressure Clinic, Chemainus Seniors Drop In Centre, 9824 Willow St., 250246- 2111 15, 11:30am, Soup & Sandwich, Chemainus Seniors Drop In Centre, 9824 Willow St., 250246- 2111 15, 9pm, Karaoke, Green Lantern Pub, 9644 Chemainus Rd. 250-246-3131 17, 7pm, Music Trivia, The Shoe Pub, 9576 Chemainus Rd. 250-416-0413
23, 1:30pm, Understanding Dementia, Eagles Hall, 921 1st Ave. 250-245-3079 24-25, 7pm, Tommy Douglas: The Arrows of Desire, Ladysmith Little Theatre 250-924-0658 24, 7pm, Music Trivia, The Shoe Pub, 9576 Chemainus Rd. 250-416-0413 25, 6pm, Tropical Vibe, Willow St. Café, 9749 Willow St 250-246-2434 25, 7pm, Karaoke, The Shoe Pub, 9576 Chemainus Rd. 250-416-0413 25, 7pm, High Street Coffeehouse/Open Mic Night, 232 High St. Ladysmith 25, 7:30pm, Romeo and Juliet, Cowichan
TAKE 5
Theatre 2687 James St. 250-748-7529 25, 9pm, Karaoke, Green Lantern Pub 9644 Chemainus Rd. 250-246-3131
January 26-31 26, 4pm, Jazz, The Shoe Pub 9576 Chemainus Rd. 250-416-0413 26, 7pm, Tommy Douglas: The Arrows of Desire, Ladysmith Little Theatre 250-924-0658 27, 6:15pm, Children’s Religious Education classes, St. Mary’s Church Parish Hall, 1135 4th Ave.,Ladysmith. 27, Maritime Radio Course, Ladysmith Secondary School. 250-245-6424 30, Maritime Radio Course, Ladysmith Secondary School. 250-245-6424 29, 9pm, Karaoke, Green Lantern Pub, 9644 Chemainus Rd. 250-246-3131 30, Maritime Radio Course, Ladysmith Secondary School. 250-245-6424 31 New Year’s Dinner at the Mahle House.250-722-3621. New Year’s Dinner Page Point Inn 250-924-1110. 31, 7pm, Tommy Douglas: The Arrows of Desire, Ladysmith Little Theatre. 250-924-0658 31, 7pm, Music Trivia, The Shoe Pub, 9576 Chemainus Rd. 250-416-0413 31, 9pm, Karaoke, Green Lantern Pub. 9644 Chemainus Rd. 250-246-3131
February 1 1, 6pm, Tropical Vibe, Willow St. Café, 9749 Willow St., Chemainus. 250-246-2434 1, 7pm, Karaoke, The Shoe Pub, 9576 Chemainus Rd. 250-416-0413 1, 7pm, Tommy Douglas: The Arrows of Desire, Ladysmith Little Theatre. 250-924-0658
February 2-8 2, 4pm, Jazz, The Shoe Pub, 9576 Chemainus Rd. 250-416-0413 2, 7pm, Tommy Douglas: The Arrows of Desire, Ladysmith Little Theatre. 250-924-0658 7 - 8, 7pm, Tommy Douglas: The Arrows of Desire, Ladysmith Little Theatre. 250-924-0658 7, 7pm, Music Trivia, The Shoe Pub, 9576 Chemainus Rd. 250-416-0413
February 9-15 9, 7pm, Tommy Douglas: The Arrows of Desire, Ladysmith Little Theatre. 250-924-0658 Looking for the up to date events? Want to lst your event for free? Visit us at www.take5.ca/calendar
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Celebrate Christmas at these local church services 1, 10:30am, 1st Advent – Communion, Ladysmith First United Church, 232 High St., Ladysmith 250-245-2183 1, 3pm, Family Advent Celebration, St. John’s Anglican Church, 314 Buller St., Ladysmith 250-245-5512 1, Gospel According to Scrooge – Advent Series, Bethel Tabernacle, 1149 4th Ave., Ladysmith 250-245-8221 8, 10:30am - White Gift and Poinsettia Sunday, Ladysmith First United Church, 232 High St. Ladysmith 250-245-2183 8, 6:30pm, 37th Annual Ladysmith Festival of Choirs, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 1135 4th Ave. 250-245-3414 8, Gospel According to Scrooge – Advent Series, Bethel Tabernacle, 1149 4th Ave., Ladysmith 250-245-8221 15, 10:30am, Youth Pageant, Ladysmith First United Church, 232 High St., Ladysmith 250-245-2183
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15, Gospel According to Scrooge – Advent Series, Bethel Tabernacle, 1149 4th Ave., Ladysmith 250-245-8221 22, 7pm, Celtic Christmas Concert, Cedar United Church, 1644 Cedar Rd., Cedar 250-650-6413 22, Gospel According to Scrooge – Advent Series, Bethel Tabernacle, 1149 4th Ave., Ladysmith 250-245-8221
DEC/JAN 2014
Rd., Cedar 250-722-3455 24, 9pm, Christmas Eve Mass, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 1135 4th Ave., Ladysmith 250-245-3414 24, 9:30pm, Family Lessons & Carols service, Cedar United Church, 1644 Cedar Rd Cedar 250-650-6413
24, 9pm, Christmas Eve Mass, St Mary’s Catholic Church, 1135 4th Ave., Ladysmith 250-245-3414
24, 11pm, Midnight Mass Christmas Eve, St. Philip Cedar, 1797 Cedar Rd., Cedar 250-722-3455
24, 4pm, Christmas Eve Service, Family Oriented, Oceanview Community Church, 381 Davis Rd., Ladysmith 250245-5113
25, 9am, Christmas Day Mass, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 1135 4th Ave., Ladysmith 250-245-3414
24, 4:30pm & 10:30pm, Christmas Eve Services, St. John’s Anglican Church, 314 Buller St., Ladysmith 250-245-5512
25, 10am, Christmas Day Service, St. John’s Anglican Church, 314 Buller St., Ladysmith 250-245-5512
24, 5pm, Christmas Eve Candlelight, Bethel Tabernacle, 1149 4th Ave. Ladysmith 250-245-8221
25, 10am, Holy Eucharist Christmas Day, St. Philip Cedar, 1797 Cedar Rd., Cedar 250-722-3455
24, 7pm, Christmas Eve Service Adult Oriented, Oceanview Community Church, 381 Davis Rd., Ladysmith 250245-5113
31, 7:00 pm, New Years Eve Mass, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 1135 4th Ave., Ladysmith 250-245-3414
24, 7pm Christmas Eve – Candlelight Service, Ladysmith First United Church, 232 High St., Ladysmith 250-245-2183
Jan.1/14, 9am, New Years Day Mass, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 1135 4th Ave., Ladysmith 250-245-3414
24, 7pm, Family Eucharist Cristingle Service, St. Philip Cedar, 1797 Cedar
Merry Christmas, everyone and a Happy New Year!
TAKE 5
Hospice Can Help at a Difficult Time The Holiday Season can be a joyous time for family and friends, but when your family circle is broken by death, the holidays take on a whole new meaning. Grief doesn’t have to be fresh to be painful at this time of the year. The holiday season often magnifies feelings of loss. Be gentle with yourself and don’t expect too much. Give yourself permission to grieve – to cry, to contemplate in solitude or to talk. Be
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aware of your needs, express them and take care of your physical being. Unexpressed grief can exhaust you and wear on your body. Some people prefer to follow cherished family traditions, while others decide to change them. You might, for example, light a candle or hang a special Christmas ornament. And remember…there is no right way or wrong way for you to do things during the holidays. There is only your way. At Cowichan Valley Hospice, we’re here to help. Cowichan Valley Hospice provides an open access grief resource
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library, emotional one-to-one or group support, and caring services to anyone experiencing the loss of a loved one. Hospice services are provided by skilled and trained volunteers in Ladysmith and Chemainus. With the generous support our community, the United Way and sponsors, Cowichan Valley Hospice offers services free of charge wherever they are needed in our community. For more information cvhospice@ shaw.ca or call 250-701-4242 (1-888701-4242 in Ladysmith). www.cowichanvalleyhospice.org.
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CLASSIFIEDS BUSINESS THINKING OF SELLING YOUR HOME? Perhaps ready for a fresher look in your existing home? The affordable design services provided by Rooms n Blooms can help. Call Shar at 250-245-0548 or email shar@roomsnblooms.ca HANDCRAFTED GEMSTONE NECKLACES. Jade, garnet, lapis, aventurine and more! $20 each. See jewellery table at Campers Corner Saturday flea market, 8am-3pm. 250-245-3829 KAREN’S INDUSTRIAL SEWING & ALTERATIONS Centrally located between Ladysmith & Nanaimo. Home based business with over 30 years experience. For all your special sewing needs. Call for appointment today. 250734-3001 SPECIAL EVENTS PHOTOGRAPHY Don’t trust just anyone! We have years of experience from weddings, family portraits to glamour and corporate clients. Free photo book included of your images. Email for quote and portfolio. marinasacht@yahoo.ca or call 250-245-9165 FAMILY MEMOIR EDITOR/WRITER: With 20 years’ editing/writing experience, and respect for family stories, I’ll help you create a memoir to pass on to future generations. Free consultation: Kari, 250-245-2751, karimagnuson@shaw.ca NEW BEFORE AND AFTER CHILDCARE IN LADYSMITH! Sense of PlaceYouth Project Ltd. Lower floor - Bethel Church. Nature programming. NO TV or video games. Transport to/from schools www.senseofplaceyp.com pattitollefson@live. com 250-797-2316 Lic#CDEN-97-JQWB EXPERIENCED NANNY AVAILABLE Yellow Point/Ladysmith. Your home and mine. ECE nature based learning. Meals, housekeeping, transportation, messy art, sensory play, LaFF and Strong Start. Niki nicst09@telus.net 250-2450698. EDUCATION DOING FAMILY RESEARCH? The Ladysmith Archives, located under Tim Horton’s, has Ladysmith newspapers dating from 1902, some on microfilm, also B.D. & M. going back many years, 250-245-0100 for an appt. LEARN A LANGUAGE FOR FUN AND TRAVEL Small groups, conversational approach, excellent teachers, daytime and evening classes. French, Spanish, Italian, German, Japanese, Mandarin and more. Register now for ongoing sessions at WENTWORTH COURT LANGUAGE CENTRE, 517 Wentworth St., Nanaimo. 250-716-1603
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ZUMBA CLASSES Wednesdays 7-8pm North Oyster Community Centre 13467 Cedar Rd. $ 10 drop in fee advance purchase 10 tkts $85. Christmas Special 10 tkts $65 to book Lindsey 1-250-709-4011 or Suzanne 250-245-8407 No class Dec 25/13 & Jan 1/14. HEALTH & BEAUTY ISAGENIX DISTRIBUTOR - Get Lean & Healthy Fast - Less than $5/ meal. Our protein shakes are amazing! - No Gluten, Wheat, Barley or Trans Fat. www.taketimetoday.com Suzanne Deveau 250245-8407 BOWEN TECHNIQUE is a gentle soft tissue remedial therapy that resets the body to heal itself. Useful for joint, back and neck pain, frozen shoulder, asthma, chronic fatigue and many other problems. For information and appointments call 250-245-7738. Lilja Hardy FMBAC in practice since 1994. www.bowtech.com TAI CHI - For mental and physical health. Beginner class starts September and January, Mondays; on-going class Wednesdays. Both classes 10 am- noon, Cedar Heritage Centre, 1644 McMillan Road. $20/mo. Sara 250-245-1466 or www.nanaimotaichi.org HOME & YARD PAINT & SAVE OPTION: Do it yourself, with a little help from a pro together we can make your job more affordable and accomplish a great look. Making the world a brighter place for over 25 years. Call Harvey for more information please 250-245-2174 OVERCOAT PAINTING - Professional - Reliable Reasonable. Operating 8 years in Ladysmith. No job to small. Will do minor painting repairs. Special senior rates. Call Nicole for a free estimate. 250667-4355 CINDERELLA’S RESIDENTIAL CLEANING Service, Contact Erin at 250-924-4475 or cell 250741-7916. SASSA’S HOME AND GARDEN CARE. No job too big or small. Affordable honest work. Duo team. Cleaning, Gardening and Painting, outside and inside your home or business. 250-924-4735 or 250-218-4735 YARD WORK, WINDOW WASHING, house cleaning, and odd jobs. Cheerful and conscientious, call David at 250-722-3599 LADYBUG’S MEW for Meticulous Garden Care contact “Farmer Doug” for a free quote 250-7139682 or doug@ladybugsmew.ca “When ‘good enough’ just isn’t good enough!”
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QUALITY RENOVATIONS Big or small. 25 yrs exp/journeyman, affordable. For free estimate call Lars 250-616-1800. AJ”s PLUMBING AND GAS Licensed-BondedInsured. Service-Installations-Renovation -New construction. Quality workmanship. No travel charges. Free estimates. On time every time. 250802-7123 NEAT & TIDY HOUSEKEEPING 30+ years exp. Business cleaning, laundry service. Personalized errand service. Locally owned and operated, bondable. Servicing Ladysmith and surrounding area. Sheila 250-245-4356 cell 250-668-5177. LADYSMITH EAVES DROPPERS Gutter cleaning, leaf blowing, jet washing, snow removal. Honest, reliable duo team. Please call for estimates 250-924-4735.
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PETS KITTY KORNERS CAT HOTEL - Purrsonalized Quality Kitty Care. Daily health checks, experienced with special needs kitties. Reasonable rates. Available 24/7. 2 km north of Nanaimo Airport. Take a virtual tour www. kittykorners.com 250-740-KATS (5287) HOME BUDDIES - PET & HOUSE CARE since 1994. Licensed, Bonded, Insured. Professional, kind-hearted, experienced and reliable care for all pets. Pet First Aid and CPR Certified. Certified Security Professional through Westguard Security. When loving care and security are essential, Peggy Wildsmith- 250-245-0151 PROFESSIONAL PET CARE SERVICE: leash ‘em & walk ‘em with Marlena. Insured and bonded. Animal First Aid and CPR. Service for all pets
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including dog walking, home care visits, overnight with pet in your home and much more. As my love is yours! 250-246-3394 SENIORS ROOM & BOARD SUITABLE FOR SENIORS: North of Ladysmith. Large private room, common areas, fireplace, great food and snacks, Laundry, housekeeping, cable TV available, Call bell system, gardens, ocean view. www.lynnsseniorcare.com 250-245-3391 FOR RENT OFFICE SPACES Downtown Ladysmith, modern, reasonable rent or lease. 250-245-3395 APARTMENT FOR RENT Now available. Seniors 53+ 2 bd. well maintained 1000 sq. ft., newly updated cupboards, new carpet, drapes, repainted W/D-F/S-N/P’s-N/S. Free storage and parking. No elevator. $750/mth + hydro, references. 250-2454062, 250-758-5816 ROOM FOR ONE HORSE on 2.5 acres of pasture with stable for reasonable rent available. For more information call 250-245-5039 FOR SALE 2007 CHEVROLET COBALT 4 door, automatic, low mileage, CD & MP3, excellent working condition, asking $7,500.00 OBO. To view call 250-245-8340. WANTED WANTED STATIONARY BIKE in good working condition please call 250-245-5432. LOOKING FOR A BED or a futon, pullout sofa. Clean and in good, clean condition at a reasonable cost or free. Will pick up. 250-245-9165 WANTED - Enduro bike in good running condition. Prefer Enduro. Reasonable please. 250-245-9165.
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