TAKE 5 April 2023

Letters

Property tax hikes

As per emails from our Area H director, our property taxes will increase by an average 17.63 per cent! This increase will be even higher if your tax assessment happened to be more than the average increase. To add insult to injury, the director’s of the rural areas voted themselves a 33 per cent salary increase!

Just a minute, how can this be possible?

When I ran for the director’s position a few years ago, I was informed of the salary for a director, at that time. I was also informed that any raises for area directors would be tied to the increases for the unionized employees of the CVRD.

Was I being lied to or did the current directors change the rules?

This should be very embarrassing for the current group of directors, considering that some of them only dropped their snouts into the trough less than six months ago.

To be fair, the vote for this increase was not unanimous, with Director Maartman voting against it. I have not heard if he will refuse to take the increase or donate the extra money to charity.

Please, enough is enough! — Murray

McNab

Business after Business event

I want to thank the Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce members that attended for an amazing turnout at the Ladysmith Yacht Clubhouse, where we talked about the many ways that we can help bring more tourists to Ladysmith by boat.

Our message for the most part is the positive economic impact that pleasure boaters bring to Ladysmith as we continue to explore ways of making Ladysmith a destination port for pleasure boaters.

It’s evident that we need clearly marked walking paths into the downtown core and summer transportation from the marinas into town, which is important for the business community.

Pleasure boaters contribute billions to the BC economy each year, and increased boater activity here is good for business and helps create a more diverse tax base.

Ladysmith is the northern entrance to some of the best coastal boating in the world. It’s time to make Ladysmith the best seaside community in Canada.

— Richard Kinar

Letters to the editor on community topics and concerns are welcome. Opinions expressed here do not necessarily represent those of TAKE 5 and its affiliates. Please send letters to editor@ take5.ca or via Messenger on Facebook.

Millie Stirling Executive Director of Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce addresses participants in the Business After Business meeting, hosted by the Ladysmith Yacht Club. Photo submitted.

Troubled waters for Ladysmith Community Marina?

BY MARINA SACHT

There’s storm clouds gathering at the Ladysmith Community Marina (LCM). Known as the friendliest marina on the coast, LCM enjoys this reputation built over 37 years by volunteers’ from when Ladysmith Maritime Society (LMS), which operates the marina, fi rst started as the fledgling Tall Ship Society. Yet it may be the end of the voyage for LMS, due to an eviction order the society received from the Town of Ladysmith.

The LMS, a non-profit charitable society, hosts boaters, residents and visitors at the LCM. Their activities benefit the local economy and residents’ lifestyle, with three annual festivals, live music, dine on the docks, visitor and social docks, a floating museum, heritage boats display and restoration, and the popular harbour boat tours. Members and volunteers have created a community space that offers hospitality and an economic benefit to the community.

“We just had a group come in today from Ontario. And even though it’s not open yet for the season, the LMS made

arrangements to open the museum for them,” says Millie Stirling, executive director of Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce. “I’m so impressed with how gracious they are.”

Ladysmith Community Marina is a big draw. The Visitor Centre staff regularly sends people to the LCM and so does the Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce.

“People love the museum and harbour boat tours. We get people saying, ‘Oh wow, that was awesome,’” says Stirling.

In addition to promoting tourism and operating educational programs and activities, LCM is home to groups such as Purple Martin Recovery Program, Dragon Boat Program, Disabled Sailing Program, Harbour Tours, Row-a-Heritage-Boat program and Mobile Optimist Sailing School.

Ladysmith Yacht Club member Richard Kinar was so impressed by the local waterfront and the LMS that he relocated here.

“The Ladysmith Maritime Society is a key draw for boaters coming to town.

It’s the heart of the community,” he says. “We need to be respectful, understand how important it is and acknowledge the volunteers that built this incredible facility.”

Yet all this is now in jeopardy.

The Town of Ladysmith has given the Society until the end of 2023 to vacate the marina after LMS and the Coast Salish Development Corp (CSDC), the economic arm of Stz’uminus First Nations, were unable to come to an agreement on a new Operational Agreement. LMS owns and operates the Ladysmith Community Marina under a lease agreement with the Town.

The Town of Ladysmith is supporting the reconciliation commitments made between Stz’uminus First Nation and the Province and has applied to the Province to transfer the marina water lot (District Lot 2016) lease to CSDC before the agreement’s end date in 2029 — six years earlier than its expiry.

The transfer is part of the reconciliation agreement signed on March 31,

Troubled waters ahead for Ladysmith Maritime Society. The LMS operates the Ladysmith Community Marina. Photo: Marina Sacht

2022, with Stz’uminus and the BC government, which commits to land transfers valued at up to $28.5 million.

The agreement also provides 10 million in funding for the environmental cleanup of provincial Crown lands in the Ladysmith Harbour.

“Stz’uminus’s acquisition of the water lots has been a longstanding reconciliation objective of both the Town and Stz’uminus; this priority is reflected in the Waterfront Area Plan and Naut’sa mawt Accord, signed in 2012. Furthermore, there are provincial requirements of the water lot lease that must be achieved before it expires in 2029, and the transfer is an effective way to ensure a smooth transition,” said Ladysmith Mayor Aaron Stone in a written statement. “The Waterfront Area Plan is unchanged and the lease transfer will accelerate the cleanup and redevelopment of the waterfront, benefitting both communities and future generations.”

Tim Richards, an LMS member, questions the decision to accelerate the transition. “It takes time and respectful dialogue to develop a cooperative plan. What in the way of planning has been done to prepare for the continued health and operation of the Maritime Society under new lease owners? I would think that a strategic plan about how that will roll out would’ve been high on the list of things,” says Richards.

Yet LMS was not brought into discussions between the Town of Ladysmith and CSDC until after the decision to transfer the lease early was already made.

In response to the question of what the Town is doing to safeguard the future of LMS, Ladysmith Mayor Aaron Stone replied in a statement: “These details are part of the lease transfer, and it would be premature to comment further at this point in time.”

Repercussions have already started. The grant that LMS received from the province to expand the floating museum and commission a local Indigenous artist has had to be returned, as LMS faces an uncertain future. That was over $320,000 that would have gone to community assets and the expansion of local tourism.

“They only give grants to organizations that they are going to be around at least three to five years,” explains LMS Executive Director Richard Wiefelspuett.

With the crown water lot transfers, the CSDC is poised to play a signi ficant role in Ladysmith harbour.

“This is really about reconciliation fi rst and foremost,” says CSDC CEO Ray Gauthier. The four Crown water lot transfers will allow development from Slagg Point to the Ladysmith Fisherman’s Wharf. He envisions a waterfront development similar to a mini-Granville Island, with a combination of commercial, restaurants, marine-related businesses, boat houses and slips and more. “We’ve already spent $250,000 putting together information to assess the condition of the remediation work needed.” A certi ficate of compliance from the Ministry of Environment is required to provide insurance for any development that happens.

And that may take years.

“We very much want to have a working relationship with Stz’uminus First Nation on the waterfront and in the marina,” says LMS President Kelly Daniels, who is hopeful talks with CSDC and the Town will resume and an operating agreement drafted to address the needs of all parties.

If business and community interests can meet, the results would enhance the waterfront.

The alternative is grim.

“A future without LMS would be a terrible loss for the community,” says Stirling.

Colonia/Delcourt Active Transportation Project supports sustainability

The Town of Ladysmith has broken ground on an active transportation project in the Colonia Drive/Delcourt Avenue area that will improve walkability and expand our existing active transportation network.

The Town retained contractor Stone Paci fic Contracting Ltd. to install 925 metres of concrete sidewalk, crosswalks and curbs as well as bike sharrows and traffic calming measures.

The Town received a $296,343 BC Active Transportation Infrastructure Grant to help partially fund the completion of this project, which will provide pedestrian connections to other nearby amenities, including schools, trails and the Frank Jameson Community Centre.

More speci fically, the project is connecting the existing sidewalks along Colonia Drive from Malone Road to Davidson Road, and along Delcourt Avenue from Colonia Drive to Dunsmuir Crescent.

A new solar-powered flashing crosswalk will be installed in front of Kinsmen Park — encouraging both safety and sustainable modes of transportation for reaching this popular neighbourhood greenspace.

Parking in front of the park will be recon figured to allow for on-street parallel parking and include a dedicated accessible parking stall.

Ladysmith’s draft Official Community Plan highlights a goal of prioritizing green, safe and convenient choices for getting around, including walking, cycling and transit.

The Colonia Drive/Delcourt Avenue active transportation project is anticipated to be completed in summer 2023. Parking will be restricted in the construction zone between the hours of 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays.

Bill McKinney assumes dual role at Chemainus Chamber

With more than five decades of business involvement on his resume, Bill McKinney believes it’s time to put that experience to good use in Chemainus.

Effective immediately, McKinney has taken on the role of Chemainus and District Chamber of Commerce president and chief executive officer of the business organization.

“The Chamber has a proud history of almost 74 years of serving the business community and the residents of Chemainus,” McKinney noted. “It is one of our major goals to continue to build on that history.”

McKinney stepped up following the resignation of Stephanie Ballantyne in February.

“We are all in Stephanie’s debt for the time and effort she put into the Chamber over the last three years,” McKinney said. “Those three years have been incredibly challenging for businesses in Chemainus and area, and Stephanie’s leadership was critical in making the best of an unprecedented and difficult period.”

McKinney is adding to a workload that already has him assuming executive

roles with the Chemainus Rotary Club and the Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 191. But he says he’s anxious to contribute even more to the community.

“Building the membership list, operating the Visitor Centre and ensuring the Chamber events are successful top the list of priorities,” McKinney added.

Ladysmith’s Spring Clean Up for bulk items

The Town of Ladysmith’s popular annual bulk item door-todoor pickup is scheduled for Tuesday, April 11 to 17, 2023. This is the time to purge and take advantage of checking out what your neighbours are discarding, as one person’s trash is another’s treasure. Items that will be picked up include household items such as furniture, mattresses (fully sealed in plastic), children’s toys and barbecues.

As a sustainability leader, the Town is pleased to be able to collaborate with residents on reducing the impact solid waste has on our environment.

RDN expanding Curbside Organics Program

The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) Curbside Organics Program are now accepting yard and garden material.

Through their newly expanded curbside collection program, residents in RDN Area A can top up their organics cart with leaves, grass trimmings and light yard trimmings such as twigs and small branches. This service expansion provides residents with a convenient, cost-effective way to dispose of their yard and garden material while helping the RDN to increase organic material diversion and improve air quality through reduced greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs).

“The collection and conversion of leaves, grass and light yard trimmings into compost throughout the region supports both a circular economy and helps the RDN get closer to its 90 per cent waste diversion goal,” says Vanessa Craig, RDN chair.

The expanded Curbside Organics Program is funded in part by a grant through the Clean BC — Organics Infrastructure and Collection Program by the Province of B.C. and RDN Curbside reserve funds. For more information on the expanded Curbside Organics Program, visit getinvolved.rdn.ca/expanded-organics.

Residents should note that although organic waste from yards is now accepted, certain invasive plants cannot be placed in the organics cart and must be disposed of at the land fill due to their toxicity. To learn more about invasive plants in our region, visit getinvolved.rdn.ca/invasivespecies and to learn how to dispose of them, visit www.rdn.bc.ca/what-goes-where.

Water to Earth month continues

The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) is celebrating Water to Earth month with the community and their partners through in-person and virtual events and activities. These continue until Earth Day on April 22.

This year’s themes — “Accelerating Change,” with a focus on partnerships and cooperation, and “Invest in our Planet” — will be reflected in the many activities the public can participate in during Water to Earth month.

“Collaborative relationships and community initiatives that protect our watersheds are highlighted in this year’s Water to Earth month,” says Vanessa Craig, RDN chair. “We invite residents to get involved and learn how we can work together to protect our shared water resources.”

Residents can participate by registering for one of the scheduled events, visiting the RDN Team WaterSmart Get Involved page at getinvolved.rdn.ca/team-watersmart for online activities and following the RDN on social media for fun contests.

Mitton returns to Big O Tire

Tim Mitton has returned to Ladysmith as owner-operator of Big O Tires. Mitton started the auto service business when he was 21 with encouragement from his father, who operated the Nanaimo outlet.

Since then Big O has been a fi xture here for over 40 years. Before that, the site was used by several auto service stations. He takes over from Roy Logan, who has moved on to another business venture. “I’ve come full circle,” laughs Mitton.

Community Wood Smoke Reduction Program offers more rebate options in 2023

The Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) is providing more funding for a series of rebates to help residents invest in healthier and more efficient home heating options. Residents looking to upgrade their home heating systems are eligible for rebates up to $2,350, depending on the appliance type.

The Community Wood Smoke Reduction Program is funded

by the BC Lung Association (BC Lung) and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy (ENV), providing fi nancial assistance to help residents purchase healthier homeheating options to improve air quality in the Cowichan Valley. For 2023, the program includes 17.5 per cent more funding for heat pumps, 31.5 per cent more for pellet stoves and 57 per cent more for woodstove-to-woodstove exchanges.

“With the cost of living increasing, it is important that we make healthier home heating options more accessible to ensure that this program benefits a wide range of residents,” says Aaron Stone, chair of the Cowichan Valley Regional District. “Improving air quality in the region remains a key priority for our organization, and we hope to see this funding program fully-subscribed in 2023.”

The 2023 program also offers a new incentive for removing old wood-burning appliances. “Given the frequency and intensity of winter storms, residents in rural areas across our region have expressed concern if a heat pump were to be their only heat source,” says Leah Berscheid, environmental technologist at the CVRD. For more information about the CVRD Community Wood Smoke Reduction Program and how to apply, visit www.cvrd.ca/Woodstove.

Province announces addition of a new High Acuity Unit at NRGH

The Nanaimo Regional Hospital District (NRHD) is pleased with the Province of British Columbia’s announcement that the new 12-bed intensive care unit (ICU) currently under construction at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital (NRGH) has been expanded to include a new 12-bed high acuity unit (HAU). The cost of the HAU will be $18.5 million, with the NRHD contributing $7.4 million of the total project cost.

Island Health will pool all sources of funding to build and maintain the new HAU. The ICU is expected to be open for patients in June 2023, and the HAU has a targeted opening date of September 2024.

HAUs provide an intermediate level of care for patients with requirements between that of the general ward and the ICUs.

The NRHD continues to advocate for four other major capital healthcare projects that are urgently needed in our region: the patient tower replacement, new cancer centre and cardiac catheterization lab, all to be located at NRGH, and a long-term care facility in the region.

Tim Mitton returns to Ladysmith’s Big O Tire. Photo: Elly Smith

Emergency Management Cowichan provides enhanced service to residents

Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) and its member municipalities have established Emergency Management Cowichan (EMC), an enhanced regional service to modernize the oversight and delivery of emergency preparedness planning, incident response and recovery support services within the Cowichan region.

In partnership with the City of Duncan, Municipality of North Cowichan and the Towns of Lake Cowichan and Ladysmith, the CVRD is introducing a new name for their existing shared regional emergency management service.

With the realities of climate change emerging, Cowichan

residents are now facing the potentially annual impacts of atmospheric rivers, heat domes, wild fi res, extreme cold and drought. Building on an existing agreement between the CVRD and its member municipalities, EMC is poised to grow into an inclusive disaster resilience and climate adaptation organization supporting all Cowichan residents.

“With the creation of Emergency Management Cowichan, our goal is to strengthen and extend existing emergency management relationships,” says Aaron Stone, chair of the Board for the CVRD. “As EMC evolves, we hope that it will result in new emergency management collaboration with Indigenous communities in support of reconciliation and increased resiliency for all Cowichan residents.”

Bad Year for Tomatoes

Ladysmith Little Theatre’s latest production is John Patrick’s comedy A Bad Year for Tomatoes, directed by Mort Paul.

A Bad Year for Tomatoes is about a TV actress, who, after a very long, highly successful career, has “escaped” the looniness and fame of Hollywood by moving to a small New England town to write her juicy autobiography, to raise tomatoes and live quietly and anonymously. It doesn’t take her long to realize she may have “escaped” right into a whole other pack of loonies. The upstanding local citizens react in unexpected ways, and before you know it, Myra fi nds herself accused of murder. This play is a clever story with sharply comedic characters and is a delight for actors and audiences alike! The show opens April 27 and runs until May 13. For tickets, visit www.ladysmiththeatre. com/tickets/.

Classical Delights

The concert “Classical Delights” will be featured at the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church (corner of Shepherd /Fourth Ave, Nanaimo), at 2 p.m., on April 23, 2023. The music is classical and of mixed genre, including sacred music, performed by professional musicians

using a variety of instruments.

The concert serves as an aid to fundraise for the costs of publishing a book consisting of a series of sermons, written by the incumbent pastor, the Reverend Fraser Coltman, in 2021 when the world came to life again after the COVID-19 isolation.

Performers include Jean Parkin on vocals; Keith Schriever, baritone singer; Freeman Dryden, pipe organist; Elena Ilina, violinist; Charles Harman, French horn; and Kirby Reitze on vocals.

All are welcome; there is no booking of seats, as the venue is large with excellent acoustics. Inquiries can be made per email at jp250468@gmail.com; tickets at the door for $20.

New Art Gallery Coordinator

Ladysmith Waterfront Gallery recently introduced their new art gallery coordinator for Ladysmith. Farrell Elliott is an active member of the Ladysmith community. The new Ladysmith Gallery will be located in downtown Ladysmith in the Temperance Hotel building, on the corner of First and High Street.

Watch for the self-guided Spring Art Tour happening April 14 to 16, from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Museum reopens

The Ladysmith Museum & Gift Shop reopen on April 15. Featured artists are Kathleen Oliver (Stroman) and Bob Burgess along with carver Jack Fisher and metal artist Anthony Cateaux. Drop in for the opening reception at 1pm. Join is for light refreshments and check out what’s new at the local artists and artisans shop.

Watch for news on the Treemendous feature exhibit opening soon.

The Museum and Gift Shop is open Saturdays and Sundays 11 to 3pm. Free admission. 250-245-0423, museum@ladysmithhistoricalsociety.ca

Keith Schriever, Jean Parkin, Freeman Dryden, Photo: Elly Smith

Above: Kathleen Oliver (Stroman) and Bob Burgess. Photos submitted.

Four Ideas for a Greener Future

BY GUY DAUNCEY

Some people live in oblivious comfort; others in atrocious discomfort. Some people take the world for granted; others restlessly seek change, searching for ways to make life better. Here are four ideas to stretch your imaginations and get your political juices flowing.

An Island Bikeway

With hopes for a railway rapidly fading, due both to the cost and to the desire of several First Nations not to see it restored, attentions are turning to other uses for the corridor. The most obvious is a long-distance cycling trail from Victoria to Courtenay. The benefits for

health and the enjoyment of nature are obvious, but there are other benefits too. For the Halalt First Nation, the railway not only took away their lands, it also created a raised embankment which traps water, contributing to the regular flooding of their homes. If the corridor was used for a trail, the embankment could be removed, and the trail could wind around their land instead of cutting through it. Also, unlike train passengers, cyclists can stop wherever they like, pausing to visit restaurants and art galleries, offering new economic op-

portunities. When complete, the Island Bikeway would soon become the pride of the region.

Friends of Parks

If you have visited Stocking Creek Park, with its gorgeous paths and its torrential waterfall after heavy rain, you may have noticed that the upper path has been invaded by ivy and holly. With each passing year, the invasion spreads. It’s far too much for one person to tackle. It would require a team of volunteers willing to work together, with support

Cycling is good for your health and the environment. Photo: Nick Longo

from CVRD Parks staff to remove the massive piles of ivy that would accumulate. Every park has similar problems. What if the CVRD was to try something new? Could the parks staff create an organizational framework that encouraged local people to form a “Friends of Stocking Creek Park,” and the same for other parks? It is, after all, local park users who know their parks the best. New friendships would arise, bringing new possibilities.

Neighbourhood Emergency PODs

We live in an earthquake zone, which also has frequent windstorms that down trees, and the annual risk of forest fi re. In a region-wide crisis, fi refighters and paramedics might not be able to help in rural areas. On Salt Spring, they have set up a system of Emergency Pods where neighbours help each other using walkie-talkie radios and agreed assembly points. The program started in 2005 with 25 volunteers. By 2019, they had 370 people in 60 pods, covering the whole island. Could we learn from their experience and do the same here?

Green Villages on Forest Lands

We have an urgent need for new housing, both for new arrivals and for people who struggle to get by on a low income. Meanwhile MOSAIC, acting for Timberwest and Island Timberlands, owns a vast amount of forested and clearcut land. It all goes back to the 1887 E&N Rail Grant, when the federal government gave two million acres to the coal

baron Robert Dunsmuir for completion of the railway, plus $750,000 and all the mineral and timber rights, privatizing the land and shutting out the First Nations whose traditional lands they were.

Why don’t we work with MOSAIC and First Nations to allow the development of ecologically designed villages on clearcut land? If the houses were clustered in a walkable community around a village green; if each village had a community store, café, sports field and community hall; if a third of the houses were built by a non-profit for low-income people; if small businesses were allowed and encouraged; if there was a community bus for trips into town; and if some adjacent lands were set aside for growing food, forest restoration, parks and trails, I think thousands of people would want to live there.

Let’s be adventurous in our thinking, and our planning for a greener, more sustainable future. Our children deserve nothing less.

Guy Dauncey is an author, futurist and practical utopian. He lives in Yellow Point.

Lend a hand at a local cleanup near you

This year you can help our community look better and do your part for our planet. There are several local groups hosting community cleanups.

The Ladysmith Sportsmen’s Club is holding its annual Watershead and Area Debris Cleanup on Earth Day, Saturday, April 22. Meet at the Bush Creek Hatch-

ery at 9 a.m. for a coffee and directions to cleanup areas. For more information, contact Dave Judson at 250-245-3690 or 250-713-7737 or email judsonboys@ shaw.ca.

Then the following day, it’s the Cedar Community Cleanup on Sunday, April 23, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. This year they will be meeting at the Wheatsheaf Sportsplex parking lot.

“This is the second annual community cleanup. We are expanding and we are hoping to get more local groups out, all working together as a community. We really want to encourage individuals to join us and make some new friends while beautifying our streets and neighbourhoods after a long snowy winter,” states one of the organizers Kate Poirer. They are looking for volunteers and/or donations of prizes and cleanup supplies such as gloves and high-viz vests.

“This is more than just picking up garbage, it’s also community outreach and an intentional effort toward collaboration,” says Poirier. The event is hosted by Cedar community groups. For more information, email kate@cedarfarmersmarket.org or call 250-618-3565.

RDN Area A Cedar, South Wellington, Cassidy & Yellow Point

Ten years ago, I read the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports, and it dramatically changed my life. Before this, I was concerned about the environment but had no idea of the magnitude of changes that the science was observing and predicting. These reports warned of the wide variety of impacts of climate change, including rising food prices and food insecurity, more frequent vector-borne illnesses, and more extreme weather events. Ten years, many grocery shopping trips, a pandemic, and an atmosphere river and heat dome later convinced me that climate change requires action. One of those actions is to start questioning from where our food comes.

Personally, buying our farm was a

choice to work towards food security for my family and for my community. It has been a steep learning curve with lots of humility-ensuring failure and eye-opening realizations of the hard work and challenges of farming. The reward of providing my family with home-grown healthy produce and avoiding the dramatic price fluctuations that we now see at the grocery store make it worthwhile. I have also come to realize that supporting and enhancing local food production is important climate action through the reduction of transportation GHG emissions and ensures food availability in an increasingly volatile world.

In the past 70 years, Vancouver Island produced food has gone from supplying approximately 85 per cent of our food needs to less than 10 per cent of our food needs today. Although there have been efforts to protect farmland, Vancouver Island farmland is underuti-

lized and fewer people are getting into farming. Aging farmers, increasing operational and land costs, urbanization, and tight profit margins are just some of the pressures farmers face. The Capital Regional District (CRD) expects 50 per cent of the region’s farmers will retire in the next 10 years and notes the challenges, particularly economic viability, that may discourage new farmers. According to Stats Can, for every dollar in revenue, farms have 83 cents of expenses. Nearly half of farmers have off-farm jobs, with 66 per cent of those having full-time work elsewhere. We are also seeing a decreasing number of small farms in Canada and a consolidation of farms into larger farms.

We know food is important. We know the benefits of local and stable food sources. We know farmers are struggling. So, what are we doing to support local farmers and food producers?

Throughout the island, there seems to be a growing awareness of the importance of local food production. The City of Nanaimo partnered with urban farming groups to provide local food and agricultural education and employment. In the Cowichan Valley Regional District and in Bowser, food hubs are being developed to support food processing and to provide educational opportunities. Comox is also exploring a food hub, and the CRD is exploring an agricultural land trust.

As part of the RDN’s Agricultural Advisory Committee, I will be looking at our Agricultural Area Plan to determine if updates are needed and to suggest areas for implementation subject to the Board’s approval. Although the previous RDN Board did not prioritize implementation of the Agricultural Area Plan, I believe that supporting local farmers and food producers brings economic benefits, ensures food security, and reduces transportation related GHG emissions. To determine the most effective ways to support farmers and food producers, I need to hear their opinions of the RDN’s Agricultural Area Plan and what supports should be prioritized. If you know a RDN farmer, please pass on my contact information (250-2687359 or jessica.stanley@rdn.bc.ca).

CVRD Area H North Oyster/Diamond

Town Hall

I am hosting a director’s townhall at the North Oyster Community Center at 6 p.m. on Thursday April 20, 2023. The agenda is a director’s update and then questions and discussion.

Schnitzer

There is great interest in the community about the zoning amendment application for the Simpson Road property that Schnitzer uses for its metal recycling operations. The application was initiated in 2016. The last time it came to the CVRD Board was in 2021 and direction was given to have the CVRD and applicant draw up a covenant to detail what would be required if the zoning amendment were to be further considered.

A covenant is a written agreement or promise usually under seal between two or more parties, especially for the performance of some action. In the case of a land use covenant, it is registered on the title of the property and stays with the property even when it is sold. As mentioned, the next step was for CVRD staff to report back to the Electoral Areas Service Committee (EASC) once the covenant has been drafted. I believe

RDN Area A Director Jessica Stanley. Photo submitted.

this will occur in April. There will be a number of options for the committee to consider at this stage in the process. I encourage you to get involved.

How can you get involved?

The agenda and material for EASC meetings are published on the CVRD website the Friday before the Wednesday EASC meeting. The dates of the EASC meetings in April are the 5th and 19th. The CVRD follows an established process for all meetings, which has a public input period at the beginning of every meeting and a citizen is given three minutes to speak on a topic that is on the agenda. The total time for public input can be limited, so it is important to register through legislative services by emailing legislativeservices@cvrd.bc.ca.

As well, at the end of every meeting, there is a question period in which there is three minutes for a citizen to ask questions to the chair. I mention this, as it is your chance to read the reports coming to committee, look at the recommendations, have a chance to speak to the topic, and after listening to discussion on the topic, ask questions to the chair. If speaking in public is not your thing, then the alternative is to email your comments to legislative services. Do this as soon as possible after the agenda comes out to ensure Legislative Services has time to distribute your comments to all directors before the meeting. And yes, you can always call or email me.

Free Stores?

Every month, I take a trip to Peerless for garbage and recycling. A very long time ago, I remember going to the land fill near Qualicum Beach. People would throw the garbage over the bank and leave useable items at the top. I got my son his

fi rst bicycle from the top of that bank. Today, I glance over fondly to where the free store used to be. Will it ever return? This is a question that came up last month at committee. CVRD staff reported on the difficulties of running a free store: limited staff; limited space; safety concerns with loitering, con flicts, and confrontations; biohazard and hazardous waste; and after hour break-ins. Bottom line, it will require funding to have a free store. Not so free anymore. The direction from committee is to explore collaboration with existing reuse organizations. I could be wrong, but I think the days of free stores are over. But people are resourceful, and if other places are like my neighbourhood, the free stu ff will end up on the curb.

Fire Truck

A while back the North Oyster Fire Department (NOFD) chief approached me on acquiring an aerial ladder fi re truck. Of course, the standard questions were asked: Why is it being sold? What would we need it for? What are the upfront costs and the ongoing costs, and how about training? And, how much will taxes go up? So … the Town of Ladysmith was required to replace theirs as it had “timed out.”

The requirements for NOFD are different, and our fi re department can make use of the aerial truck. The chief explained there are a number of buildings in our fi re service area, for example, MicroTel Hotel and ColdStar Storage, and also hog fuel and woodchips fi res that having an aerial truck would have an impact. The cost was $30,000, and all funds came from the fi re department reserves. And, training from the Ladysmith fi re department is included in the purchase price. So, no impact to our taxes for the purchase. In comparison, the Town of Ladysmith paid 1.5 million for their replacement.

Thank you for reading this far. And, just a reminder to mark the Townhall on your calendar. I hope to see you there.

250-510-5930; ben.maartman@cvrd.bc.ca

CVRD Area G Saltair/Gulf islands

The 2023 CVRD budget is rati fied. What does this mean for Area G? Tax requisites for an average home ($805,437), not including parcel tax, increased approximately $135 from $774 to $909. While this is more than I wanted, anything less would have meant cutting into core services or missing out on grants that require some funding to qualify. There are certainly some things I would have liked to have seen happen to mitigate the cost of regional recreation better. However, despite the increase, it should be noted that Area G is now the lowest tax jurisdiction in the CVRD because assessed property values, on average, increased at a slower rate in Area G than in other areas in the CVRD, which reduced our contributions for regional and subregional services.

Having now gone through my fi rst budget, I have gained immense respect for the hard work the staff at the CVRD does. They listened to and work with all the directors to craft a com-

promised and thoughtful budget that reflects the values of our diverse region and population that stretches from the top of the Malahat to Cedar and out to Lake Cowichan. In general, there is a sentiment that CVRD is a bloated organization, but from what I’ve witnessed, that could be farther from the truth. The CVRD staff live with us in our communities as friends and neighbours and care deeply about their work and our neighbourhoods. Our new chief administration office, Danielle Willson, is doing a fantastic job reinvigorating a mindset and culture of service fi rst.

Updates

Status of the dam and our water filtration: While I don’t have any announcements at the moment, there is a lot of work being done by staff behind the scenes with other levels of government, and I’m very encouraged by the direction.

Provincial infrastructure money: The CVRD is getting a lump sum payment of nearly six million from the provincial government for regional infrastructure upgrades. The directors will be working with the staff to ensure it gets put to good use.

Three stream garbage collection: Details have been fi nalized, and you can expect to see organic waste green bins roll out throughout the region sometime in 2023.

Announcements

The Saltair District Residents Association (SDRA) is having its AGM on April 27 at the Saltair Community Centre. I would like you to attend if you want to get more involved in your community. Go to www.sunnysaltair.ca for more info.

The Saltair Community Centre is doing its annual membership drive. We are fortunate to have a dedicated group of volunteers who run and maintain our community centre, and for only $10, you can support all the work they do on our behalf. Go to www.saltaircommunitycentre.ca/ for more information.

Spring is here, which means baseball is around the corner. If you want to make new friends while enjoying Saltair Centennial Park, several teams are looking for players. You can fi nd more information on the Facebook group “Saltair Slo-Pitch League.”

Jesse.McClinton@cvrd.bc.ca

250-252-6525

A walk on the wild side

BY KERITH WADDINGTON

Spring is a spectacular time to enjoy the wildlife of Vancouver Island. Whether you’re hiking the woods, cruising the ocean or simply gazing at blue skies, we live in a temperate rainforest that boasts black bear, cougar, wolves and elk, alongside killer whales, seals, otters, eagles and much more. To encounter wildlife, you really just have to step outside your door.

Which makes the warming weather a good time to review some basic rules of safety, says BC Conservation Officer Chris Miller.

“At this time of year, black bears are emerging from their dens with new cubs of the year. It is always important to keep your distance from all wildlife, especially bears. You may or may not see the cubs, and if you get too close, a mother bear may become defensive,” she says.

Miller offers other bits of advice.

“We want wildlife to remain wild,” she says. “Never get too close or allow wildlife to become comfortable around your home. And please don’t feed them — there is plenty of food for the animals. Finally, keep attractants around your home secured. Vancouver Island is bear country. Don’t be the reason a bear becomes food-conditioned and loses its fear of people”.

The chances of spotting wildlife on Vancouver Island depends, of course, on where you are and what season it is. Islanders and visitors are treated each year to the Brant geese migration, the grey whale migration, the Paci fic salmon spawn, the Paci fic herring spawn and the turkey vulture migration.

Of less fanfare, perhaps, but a lot more importance to Howie Davis is the annual migration of Roosevelt elk off his farm fields by Ladysmith back into the mountains each spring.

Roosevelt Elk on road. Photo: Bob Burgess Katelyn Dyck with a confined deer.

Photo: Andrew Riddell Farmer Howie Davis. Photo: Marina Sacht

For the fourth time in as many years, a large herd of Vancouver Island’s largest ungulate set up camp at Davis’s Misty Valley Farms in a field where his 125 head of cattle are meant to graze. The unusual sight provided much delight to locals and passersby alike these past three months until the herd crossed back over the highway and headed up the mountain on March 18.

Davis himself loves wildlife, but after another winter of broken fences, crop loss in the thousands of dollars and field damage, he admits he’d like to shoot the elk — and not with a camera the way local photographer Bob Burgess does.

Roosevelt elk are a protected species on Vancouver Island as their numbers were dangerously low not long ago. They have, however, bounced back well with protection and are believed to now number about 3,000 on the Island. Indigenous to the Island and Coastal BC, Roosevelt elk are found locally in the Ladysmith, Duncan and Youbou areas — and further north by Campbell River.

While admittedly impressive, the elk are growing in number every year, and Davis believes it’s only a matter of time before someone gets seriously injured, or worse, by migrating herds.

Five Roosevelt elk were hit crossing the highway to his farm this year and had to be put down. “That’s not something anyone wants to see,” he says. “I hope the government does something soon because I am hearing about problems with these animals up and down the island.”

Dave Judson, president of the Ladysmith Sportsman Club (LSC), believes carefully managed hunts can be part of a larger strategy to control species population and movement.

“I feel for Howie,” he says. “He’s doing everything right. But the truth is the elk are doing a tremendous amount of damage each year to his field. Living in harmony with wildlife is not always easily achieved.”

Judson teaches hunter-training education and fi rearms safety at the Club, an organization started by his grandfather and his grandfather’s friends in the mid-1940s.

Now, Judson’s brothers, nephews and sons are members, benefitting from the presence of respectful elders and mentors while exploring alternative food sources, healthy eating and learning how to care for the land and the wildlife it supports. “The Ladysmith Sportsman Club does restoration projects and clean-ups every year,” he says. “No one respects the land, or the animals on it, more than hunters and fishers.”

Judson’s favourite Vancouver Island mammal is the cougar, a majestic, stealthy cat he says he has had the good fortune to track and photograph about 200 times thanks to his cougar dogs.

“I have seen cougars only three times without having my dogs along, despite Vancouver Island having the largest population of this wild cat in the world,” he says. “They are incredibly elusive and use our thick vegetation to hide. It’s a real honour to spot one. Considering Cougar Clem was a relative of mine down the line, I guess I come by this passion naturally,” laughs Judson.

“We are blessed to have the mountains in our backyard and the ocean in our front,” says the president of the LSC. “Whether you’re on horseback, dog walking or simply sightseeing, everyday is earth day on Vancouver Island!”

Historic boat’s progress

BY MARINA SACHT

Nestled between the Ladysmith Community Marina and the Island Highway, when you see the Ladysmith Maritime Society’s (LMS) building it is not very distinguished-looking. But history is being made inside the former Comox Logging & Rail Co. car shop.

Here, LMS volunteers are working on Dorothy, a 30-foot racing sloop, one of the oldest sailboats in the Paci fic Northwest. The vessel is part of the Maritime Museum of BC’s (MMBC) collection. Thanks to the dedication of Ladysmith Maritime Society volunteers, the sloop is nearing completion of restoration

work begun years earlier by Gabriola Island shipwright Tony Grove.

Under the care of a team of LMS volunteers led by boatwright and maritime

historian Robert Lawson, the Dorothy is undergoing topside restoration and repair work. In the process, Lawson has unearthed new information and photos of Dorothy, which he will share in a free Zoom presentation hosted by the Ladysmith & District Historical Society on Tuesday April 17, 2023.

When you see Dorothy, even as a work in progress, the beauty is evident in the curve of its fantail and timeless lines. Made from old growth Cedar, Garry Oak, and Douglas Fir from the Island’s ancient forests, the boat is still strong today.

Launched in 1897, the boat was built at the James Bay boatyard of John J. Robinson in Victoria, where the Laurel Point Inn now sits. Dorothy was commissioned by W. H. Langley, a Victoria barrister and clerk of the BC Legislature who sailed her for almost 50 years and kept detailed logs, photos and accounts of her adventures. Langley won many fi rst places with the boat — she is as fast as she is beautiful.

Plans are for Dorothy to be back in the water on May 27 for the annual Ladysmith Maritime Society’s Heritage Boat Festival and Parade, held the following day, May 28, 2023.

In the meantime, it’s full steam ahead at the car shop with no time to waste. Lawson estimates that the team had put

(l-r) Ladysmith Maritime Society volunteers working on the Dorothy. Ernie Voegeli, Dave Alexander, Terry Baskier, Wayne Watt, Robert Lawson, Jack Bennett, Owen Pallot, and Michael Clark. Brian McLaurin and other volunteers not present. Photo: Marina Sacht

in about 1100 volunteer hours, not including his 700 hours of work. And there’s more to be done.

“It’s really hard for me to say for sure what we’re going get done, but I can pretty well say that the boat will be in the water on May 27. It may still need its rigging, but that can be done over the summer.”

The boat is getting painted and varnished, and with a new cockpit, cabin doors and tiller, and interior work, it will be “looking very smart.”

Work done to date includes redoing the external woodwork, which is mahogany, refurbishing the original portholes from 1897 and the addition of a porthole in the bow, which Lawson discovered from a 1913 photo. Fortunately, they were able to fi nd a similar one from England.

A new bronze tiller and steel rudder stock head have been made to closely match the original. The cockpit floor has been redone. “It was sagging badly, and there was a beam that had been cut to remove an engine many years ago and never replaced properly. It had no strength. So, that’s all been put back together so it’s strong again. The cockpit has a new floor, and new tongue-and-groove panelling has been fitted around the cockpit sides. The bulkhead had two windows in it. They’ve been removed and filled in, and they have been covered with tongue-and-groove panelling, to be painted white like the original,” explains Lawson.

One of the volunteers has made a beautiful pair of cabin doors, which match the originals from the photographs from 1900. Finding hardware to match the era can be a challenge. And often, when it is found, it needs to be modi fied to fit. Lawson adds, “I had to buy a set of cast hinges and then shape them myself to match the period of the boat.”

A new set of steps for the companionway is also being built. And a new bulkhead has been put back at the forward end of the cabin, along with a pair of cast bronze hanging knees by the forward chain plates. It was discovered that a previous owner, in order to get more room inside, cut out a main support beam, which went right across the hull at the forward end of the cabin. This is being replaced as part of the restoration of the interior. A new forward hatch designed by Lawson has also been installed.

“There’s been a lot of work, and the focus has been on the boat itself.”

The rigging may take longer to complete. Dorothy still has

its original mast, the gaff and the boom. “The mast and boom have been stripped down to bare wood and treated with oxalic acid to remove as much of the black staining as we can. And then, we are just awaiting better weather to start putting the fi nish on.” All the fittings on the mast have been restored and made workable again, including the Turner’s Patent Reefi ng Gear (installed 1902), which allowed the sail to be rolled up on the main boom.

“Sadly, at some point in the many years Dorothy was in storage, about 20 blocks for the running rigging disappeared. And while they were a mixed bag of blocks, none of them were original, but they were good functional blocks. So, we have to replace those.”

If all goes well, it is likely they will have the Dorothy not only in the water, but sailing by the end of summer. And wouldn’t that be a sight to see in Ladysmith harbour?

If one was to put a monetary value on the work that LMS volunteers have done to date, it would be around $135,000. But the value of saving this crucial maritime artifact that embodies such beauty and grace is priceless.

Dorothy is intended to be a living display for the Maritime Museum of BC. And while she will never be wholly original again, she will have the look and feel of a yacht from before the First War.

You can donate to Dorothy’s restoration and help ensure her future at (https://mmbc.bc.ca/dorothy/). “It’s a wonderful project. I have been extremely fortunate to have these volunteers in the LMS car shop, who are doing great work. Without them, we wouldn’t be where we are today,” says Lawson.

Dorothy on a trip to Nannose, 1902. Photo submitted.

Vegetable gardening in a changing climate

BY FERN HIETKCAMP, MASTER GARDENER

It is time to strategize how we grow our vegetable gardens in a changing climate. We are experiencing drier summers and wetter falls and winters, and we are seeing the impacts on the landscape through droughts, fi res and floods. There are even new weather words, such as atmospheric rivers, heat domes and polar vortexes.

There is plenty of information available and shared about gardening for resiliency by widely recognized experts from Vancouver Island and area. In this article, I offer my experience and point of view from my family’s garden and farmstand about what you can consider for your gardening situation.

Raised Beds: Raised beds help to manage irrigation efficiently. We have irrigation piping laid in concentric loops on the soil that can be rearranged each spring depending on the type of vegetable. Raised beds are perfect for adding steel hoops tunnels for plastic covers if it’s cold and for row cover if there’s a spell of blazing hot sun. A raised bed also makes it easy to add in-season mulch, which is very effective in retain-

ing soil moisture, such as dried grass clippings.

Water: To support a summer of watering the garden, we invested in rain tanks. We have approximately 40,000 litres of storage capacity for rain in above-ground tanks, which keep the raised beds, our young trees and some of the flower garden, watered for most of the summer. The water does run low at the end of the summer, and sometimes, we have to prioritize which vegetables to keep; the vegetables that don’t make the cut go to the compost.

Seed Choice: Another key factor for success in the vegetable garden is seed choice. Features that I look for include: early ripening varieties; compact form; heat tolerance; and resistance to mildew, blight, and wilts. For example, I use a broccoli variety that matures in 62 days; cauli flower in 47 days; cherry tomatoes in 50 days; beefsteak tomatoes in 68 days; squash in 50 days; pumpkins in 95 days. I tend not to plant anything that matures later in the season, as it takes too much water and heat management to make it viable for our location.

Starting Plants: I get the best results for germination and avoid spring weather extremes by starting most of my plants indoors. I have a timetable for starting seeds based on the area where we live and note factors such as when the temperature tends to steadily remain above freezing, when the soil is warm enough to support a particular plant and the optimal amount of daylight hours for the plant. There will be exceptions, such as the spring of 2022, when I replanted my peas three times.

Vegetable starts. Photo: Fern Hietkcamp

Greenhouse: A greenhouse is helpful for managing plants throughout the year, especially with the more frequent extremes in weather. We have a small greenhouse where my starts can harden off and they can keep growing until ready to transplant. We grow lettuce in the greenhouse all winter, with a few grow lights for warmth on the coldest days.

Farmstand: I like to use up the seeds in a package in the year they are optimal for germination. This contributes to high germination success and gives me extra plant starts, which go on our farmstand. I test the seeds that go on the farmstand the previous year to make sure they will do well in our area. Popular plant starts are broccoli, cherry tomatoes, beefsteak tomatoes, peppers, squash, pumpkins, sun flowers … all good picks for most garden situations.

Overall, adapting our approach to vegetable gardening in a changing climate has been a challenging, rewarding and continual learning experience for me. Changing some of our gardening practices will ensure we have a continual supply of healthy food at our tables.

A greenhouse helps manage plants. Photo: Fern Hietkcamp

The silence of a cougar

BY ALEXANDER SMITH, ECOFORESTY INSTITUTE NATURALIST

As the last few patches of this year’s snowfall melt away, the coastal Douglas-fi r forests across our region are suddenly alive with eruptions of colour and noise. Bird songs ring through the canopy, and the smell of fresh shoots of maple blossom fill the air. Here too at Wildwood spring is arriving. As I walk our familiar trail down to the lakeside, I’m often met with the humming of busy hummingbirds and scuttling of woodland creatures. However, on a recent morning, I was met with something entirely di fferent, instead of noise, an un-

familiar blanket of quiet had fallen on Wildwood.

During winter periods, it’s common for the forest to fall quiet, after all most creatures are asleep or out of the cold keeping warm. But in April, a sudden cease in our usual cornucopia of spring noises can mean something entirely different, and for me, something far more exciting. Following an excitable and slightly frantic poke around in some neighbouring salal bushes, my joy was con fi rmed. Half-eaten remains and a distinct pile of scat were the sure signs that an elusive animal, rarely captured on film, had entered our forest here at Wildwood. Our apex predator of choice for the month of April and the master of disguise: the cougar (Puma concolor vancouverensis).

As noted in the Hul’q’umi’num’ Treaty Group’s Ecosystem Guide, the Hul’q’umi’num’ word for cougar is “Hwtl’uqnuts,” meaning long tail. Thick, brush-like and used primarily for balance, this is also ironically for most people the only glimpse of this wonderful animal they may be lucky enough to see. Even with Vancouver Island having the highest

density of cougars in the world (around 900 individuals), sightings are very unlikely. Now, I know what you’re thinking, if there’s a cougar about, how come I’m hanging around eating a sandwich looking at the remains of its breakfast? Well, the truth is, cougar attacks on humans are incredibly rare. In fact, according to the Mountain Lion Foundation, the chance of being attacked by a cougar is one in a billion and you’re three times more likely to win the lottery!

For a naturalist, such as myself, the most impressive thing about cougars is their versatility when it comes to both habitat and diet. Here at Wildwood, we expect to fi nd many of our woodland animals in quite speci fic habitats: a salamander on our rich mossy floors or a black-tailed deer in one of our sunny canopy gaps. The cougar, however, can be found anywhere from the northern tundra of Canada’s Yukon to the deserts of Patagonia in South America and is the most widespread of any large, wild terrestrial mammal in the Western Hemisphere. Ecologically speaking, cougars play a vital role in population control, eating anything from small ground nest-

ing birds and rodents to giant juvenile Roosevelt elk. Perhaps that’s why when such a silence falls over the forest, my mind immediately thinks of a cougar because truly most animals we have here at Wildwood would not look out of place on its menu! So next time you’re out in the woods, keep an eye for signs of this mythical cat, master of the shadows, the cougar.

Cougar in the snow. Photo courtesy of Pixabay.com

Look at that! It’s time for BIO BLITZ

BY NIKKI TOXOPEUS

When my friend’s sister was little, she would constantly go out into the garden to fi nd creatures that crawled. She would bring them into the house for her mother to examine. If she were successful and the bug was still safe in her little cupped hands, she would cry, “Mommy, Mommy, look at the bug!” The poor mother, who had a severe case of entomophobia, or fear of creepy crawlies, would have to take a deep breath and pretend to be terribly interested in the hairy, dark, wiggly thing.

Her efforts paid off. The little girl went on to become a geneticist who has been looking at bugs ever since.

Do you have such an enthusiast in your home? Are you yourself the bug wonderer? Or a birder? Perhaps plants, pollinators, flowers, mushrooms, shells or sea life are what jazzes you. We are looking for people who want to share their enthusiasm by helping us document what is out there in our communal backyards.

Yes, YES BioBlitz 2023 is just around the corner. From April 28 until May 1, we are asking you to snap some pics of whatever plants, bugs, and wildlife you wish and upload them via the I-Naturalist app. By doing so, you’ll be joining other citizen scientists who are helping to get a big picture of our natural world.

All you need is three things:

1.A smart phone or camera to capture the images — dead or alive

2. An I-Naturalist account, which is free (Sign up on I-Naturalist.ca to YESBioBlitz2023)

3. A smart phone or computer to upload the images to the I-Naturalist app

The I-Naturalist app — its platform and storage — helps you identify and keep records of the wildlife and plants you’ve seen. It can track the biodiversity of the area and also pinpoint invasive species and species at risk. It can be used to study the impact of climate change, landscape fragmentation, pollution, and to identify natural areas that require support. Or, if you’ve been doing this since you were small, like that little girl, you can help con fi rm the identity of other people’s photos.

The I-Naturalist app is used to collect data for many other local initiatives as well.

For example, the Nanaimo Area Land Trust (NALT) will use our results in its Pollinator Project to map pollinator connectivity. Connectivity is vital for pollinators — think bees, wasps, and butter flies and where they fly. Many have a range of 500 metres or less and need to be able to get from water to food without obstructions. The idea is to map the pathways of bug-friendly yards with lots of habitat. Are there gaps? Can the gaps be turned into pollinator-paradises with a little bit of habitat enhancement?

I-Naturalist helped BC Parks track biodiversity and identi fied over 700 species in Yellow Point’s own Woodley Range Ecological Reserve, including 24 at-risk species. These included the sharp-tailed snake, purple martin, bog bird’s foot trefoil and Steindachner’s shieldback katydid. Will you spot a rare

King Bolete on Vancouver Island.

Photo: Nikki Toxopeus

species during this year’s Bioblitz?

I-Naturalist also helps the Invasive Species of British Columbia Umbrella Project by curating the records and identifi ng the introduction and spread of invasives. It also helps us see what invasives are moving towards BC. Recognizing invasive species is the fi rst step to controlling them.

How to control bugs invading your house from overly inquisitive children is another matter altogether. But have them join the BioBlitz at the end of the month. It just may help!

For more information or to join, visit our site: https://inaturalist.ca/projects/yesbioblitz2023. You can also contact us at yesbioblitz@gmail.com.

Useful weblinks:

https://inaturalist.ca/projects/mid-vancouver-island-pollinator-project (Pollinator Project)

https://inaturalist.ca/projects/bc-parks (BC Parks project)

https://inaturalist.ca/projects/invasive-species-council-ofbc-umbrella-2022 (Invasive species project)

https://www.bcinat.com/resources (how to take pictures for I-Naturalist that can be identified)

Bio Blitz helps identify plants, fungus and wildlife.

Photo: Nikki Toxopeus

Dishwasher trauma

Some things a man just doesn’t want to hear. “Honey, the dishwasher isn’t working” is one of them. When this happens, you have three options: 1. Shop for a new dishwasher; 2. Shop for a new wife, preferably one attracted to hot soapy water; 3. Put the house immediately up for sale.

Even top home repair specialists - like the unemployed guys at the hardware store - agree that number three is the smart option. That’s because dishwashers suffer from creeping obesity like the rest of us. Your house on the other hand, like your brain, keeps shrinking. Predictably, your new dishwasher will

not fit into the opening left by the old one. This necessitates new kitchen cabinets, something women want more than oxygen, and, while you’re at it, you might as well do the bathroom. And since you’ve gone that far, why not a new roof? Pretty soon the only thing left of the old house is the 9-by-12 concrete block the toilet used to rest on. The only thing left in your wallet is the losing number for last month’s lottery.

If, in a moment of insanity, you chose option one, be prepared that the installation charge from the manufacturer will approximate the price of the extensive renovations. This leaves you with no option but to install it yourself.

Your first step it to read the instruction manual, carefully. It comes in 312 official languages and weighs half-a-ton, requiring a second truck.

Using the UN interpreter accompanying the dishwasher, choose a language that looks familiar, not that, being male, you have any intention of reading the instructions anyway.

Day Two: An early morning start is recommended, preferably before noon. Today’s task is to remove the machine

from its box, a task the manufacturer has made easier by providing a dotted line on which to cut. If you have a dull box cutter, be advised that using a chainsaw voids the warranty.

Your dishwasher will come with all the latest Apollo Seven computer technology allowing you to select OneHour Wash, Heavy Duty Wash, Light Duty Wash (where the dishwasher works with one hand tied behind its back), Normal Wash, Abnormal Wash and, our favourite, Pro Wash, which leaves the glasses sparkling, unlike Amateur Night Wash where everything smells like beer.

This technology allows you to put your dishwasher on rinse cycle by phone from the red planet should you be vacationing there. Unfortunately, about two weeks after the warranty is up, the very weekend you invited both extended families over for dinner, you learn that the two things a dishwasher’s computerized control panel hates most are heat and moisture. Which explains why today’s dishwashers have the life span of a helium balloon at an archery range, and also explains why you’re replacing the old one even though it’s only FIVE YEARS OLD!!!!

You’d think hooking up one pipe, one hose, and one cord would be easy, and it would be were it not for one design flaw. Everything you need to attach is under the dishwasher making it next to impossible to see, never mind reach!

To install it, you must first assume the pancake position where you discover the only thing progressive about your lenses is the rate at which they slide down your sweaty nose. But patience pays off. Just before you fall asleep for the second time, you spot what you’re looking for. There, lurking behind the motor and looking like a copperhead snake is your adversary, the water supply line.

Festooned with turquoise copper scales, a giveaway that it’s been there since the invention of running water, the 1/4-inch supply pipe must be bent around the dishwasher motor. Think of taking a 98-year-old to advanced yoga. Keep in mind, this must be accomplished in a space with so little headroom even the mice are wearing hardhats.

Breaking this tubing leads to economic consequences not dissimilar to the Wall Street meltdown. That’s because Bob the plumber must be called, and when he sees the stalactites and stalagmites of corroding copper under your sink he’ll immediately call the Plumber General to have the house condemned.

Surviving that, your next challenge is connecting the drain hose to the pump housing with a spring clip, a task as much fun as playing Steal the Cheese off the rat trap. Should you manage to attach it with all your fingers intact, you will notice the hose is exactly 1/4 inch too short. You can overcome this shortfall with a simple stretching process using three 100-foot lengths of ¾-inch braided titanium cable, two come-a-longs, and a wellanchored backhoe. It is highly recommended to prepare your wife for lawn damage if proceeding along this route.

But the smart modern parent turns these difficulties into a learning experience for male offspring. That’s where number one son is enrolled in the Academy of Advanced Profanity, whose chief instructor, his sweating father, has his arm caught under the dishwasher for the third time.

Until then, Junior was pretty much left on his own as far as swearing went. He’d pick up a word here, a usage there, but if you carefully listen to an adolescent cursing, something you’ll want to do if you value your self-esteem, you’ll notice the hollow delivery and lack of conviction.

All this will change when, after forgetting to turn off the water, Dad unfastens the supply line to the old dishwasher. A flood of water forceful enough to dislodge him from under the new dishwasher, where he had been imprisoned since breakfast, deposits Dad 30 feet down the hall.

At this propitious moment, Junior will be exposed to all the words in an adult male’s quiver of profanity, where every word is used as noun, verb, adjective, adverb, and grossly-misplaced modifier. At this terribly important rite of passage, number one son will proudly seek out Mom and ask, “Hey Mom, guess what Dad taught me.” But before Mom can guess, Dad pipes up, his voice firm as Gibraltar, “Hon, what was that realtor’s name?”

Wine of the Month

BY GORD JOHNSON

This author has had connections with South Okanagan’s Black Hills Estate Winery since the fi rst vintage release of the 1999 Nota Bene. It is an iconic Bordeaux-style red blend, usually Cabernet Sauvignon dominant, which is somewhat unique in BC, as most wineries use the earlier ripening (safer) Merlot

as the base variety for their blends.

Black Hills has over 24 years of wine production -- expanded from two wines only to 14.

Note: Many of our wines are sold out for the season.

At last summer’s National Wine Awards (aka Wine Align) competition, a newer red blend for us called Ipso Facto took one of only two Platinum medals, with the highest blind score of all wines in the Red Blend category. It is a 50/50 Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah blend, made in a very big and ripe style. I had a bottle last week, and it’s already showing very well, but it will easily cellar well for 10+ years.

There is still some of this 2020 Ipso Facto remaining for online ordering at blackhillswinery.com/Current-Vintages

Returning to our flagship red wine, Nota Bene (Latin for “note well”), the current edition at the winery is the excellent 2020 vintage. It is unfortunately sold out in the “online” channel, but if you happen to be in the Oliver-Osoyoos area, do stop in and pick some up! Tell Khazan that Gord sent you.

This coming June, the new 2021 Nota Bene will be released. If you sign up for the Black Hills e-newsletter, you’ll be the fi rst to know of its availability. As with past vintages, this wine will sell out (online) within 4-8 weeks. 2021 was a very hot growing season, and in assessing the barrel samples prior to blending, they indicate a very big deep red indeed, leaning almost down under. Cheers!

Pick up a copy of Delbert’s Slightly Corked for some great reading. $20 at the Mahle House, and the TAKE 5 office. What a deal! Slightlycorkedandmore.wordpress.com

FOR SALE

FISH FISH FISH. Buy direct from the guy who caught it! High-quality salmon, lingcod, rock fish. All fish blast frozen at sea. Satisfaction guaranteed! Contact Jim at oceandancer. wallace@gmail.com or 250-245-5957/250-7391123.

FOR RENT

SALTAIR GROUND LEVEL SUITE. Large rooms, spacious, sea views, 3-piece bathroom and shower, and includes frig and stove, washer/dryer. Outdoor parking, sorry no pets. $1,950 per month includes utilities. Available May 15. Call 250-668-2222.¬

FARM FRESH

EMPRESS ACRES LITTLE FARM STORE. Pasture-raised: roasting chickens endMay; pork sides sale at $4.90/lb; comfort food boxes, specialty sausages, bacon, ind. cuts, eggs, vegetables, flowers & more; open 7 days/wk; 2974 Haslam Rd. www.empressacres.ca. Email marlene@ empressacres.ca; for pork sides & boxes, call or text Simon at 604-578-0646.

ACTIVITIES

CRAFT FAIR. Every Sunday Carol’s Artisans: wood turned pens, quilting, woodworking, amazing sewing and knitting, interchangeable jewellery, hats, pottery, preserves, jams and MORE. 13467 Cedar Rd. 10am–3pm. New vendors welcome. Contact petespenandmore@shaw.ca..

HEALTH & WELLNESS

TAI CHI for mental & physical health. Beginner class Monday mornings. Ongoing class every Wednesday morning. For class time and location and more information, visit www.taichinanaimo. org or call Sara 250-245-1466.

BUSINESS

I CAN EDIT. Copy editing, proofreading, structural editing and more. Fiction or non fiction, web content and eBook prep. For more information, email editican@gmail.com.

EVENT PLANNING. It’s all in the details! Expertise to plan, organize and take care of the details for your event. Experience with non-profits, businesses and personal events. Certified event planner. Contact Elly at ellybythesea@gmail.com.

HOME & YARD

KB HANDYMAN AND YARD WORKS. Minor carpentry work, decks, fences, power washing, tree pruning, yard clean up, lawn fertilizing, mowing. Seniors discount. Contact Karl kbhandymanandyardworks@ gmail.com or 250-714-2738.

HEART LAKE ROOFING for all your roofing repairs; 250-668-9195.

ALL ACRES providing all aspects of tree work. Pruning, falling, hedging, dangerous tree removal. Fully insured. Professional work at reasonable rates. Call 250-246-1265.

MAKE IT NICE qualified, experienced, gardening and small fruit tree pruning. Available for private, residential gardens. Please call 250-754-9346.

CONCRETE RESULTS. Foundations, retaining walls, patios, driveways, walks and stairs. Full forming and finishing. 40 years’ experience. Email Gord at concreteresults@ live.com.

DARRELL ESSAR RENOVATIONS. Over 35 years’ experience, certified journeyman carpenter. Renovations For free estimate, call Darrell 250-714-3823.

PLUMBING SERVICES. Journeyman Red Seal Plumber with over 30 years’ experience for repairs, leaks, installations or renovations. Free estimates and reasonable rates. Call Joe (leave a message) or text 250-246-5883.

THE PET NANNY is back. I have cared for animals for the last 7 years. I offer overnight care at your home or daily home visits for pets or home security. Email sburchard@hotmail.ca or phone 250-9248809.

TAKE 5 Ads work. Get them working for you. 250246-7015 or info@take5.ca

WHAT’S HAPPENING

April 5 - The Tourism Cowichan Society, AGM, 2:00 pm Brentwood College School, in the Foote Athletic Centre Field House.

April 5 – Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce AGM, In the Beantime Café 4:30pm

April 5, 12, 19, 26 - Design your own Art Journal, Ladysmith Waterfront Gallery

April 11 Downtown Duncan BIA’s AGM 7:00 pm, Elks Hall.

April 11 – Fraternal Order of Eagles #2101 –Fundraiser – Paint a Garden ornament 7 - 9pm Tickets https://campscui.active.com/orgs/ LostArtsClub

April 14, 15, 16 – Ladysmith Arts CouncilLadysmith to Chemainus Spring Art Tour 10:30 – 4:30pm

April 15 – Ladysmith Museum & Gift Shop reopens Saturdays & Sundays 11am – 3pm

April 16, Chemainus Classical Concert 2pm St. Michael’s Church, Chemainus.$25/$10 Reserved $20

April 23 – Classical Delights – 2pm St Paul’s Lutheran Church, Nanaimo $20

APRIL 23 - Make A Hand-Hooked Mat Workshop 9 am – 4 pm Ladysmith Museum – Learning Centre, 250-245-0423 museum@ ladysmithhistoricalsociety.ca

April 29 – Jonanco Spring Market 10 – 3pm 2745 White Rapids Road, Nanaimo

April 30 – South Wellington Heritage Day 12 – 4pm https://www.facebook.com/SouthWellington/

NDSS Class of 1968 - 55th Class Reunion August 19, 2023 Email - ndss6855@shaw.ca

PETS

PROFESSIONAL PET CARE SERVICE. “Leash ’em & walk ’em” with Marlena. I have Animal First Aid, CPR and criminal record check. My service for all pet includes dog walking, home care visits, overnight in your home and much more. As my love is yours! Call 250-246-9368.

Surprise for ewe

BY KERITH WADDINGTON

There are some days in life that live larger than others in our memories.

For Deb Pawlyshyn, February 25 of this year was such a day. And not just because she saw Magic Mike II at the theatre with her girlfriends. Or because that a terrible snowstorm threatened her safe return home.

No indeed, the most memorable part of that day for Deb was the astounding delivery of not one, not two, not three but four beautiful babies from her beloved registered Romney ewe, Psycho.

Two ewes and two rams were born during that snowstorm. One of the rams, in honour of the day, is named Little Magic Mike.

Humour helps Deb and her husband, who together run Gun Barrel Canyon Farms, out of Nanaimo River Road, deal with the long days and sleepless nights of lambing season. They have raised registered Romneys for years but have recently begun establishing a herd of Swiss Valais Blacknose sheep through natural cover, embryo transfer and frozen semen.

Live sheep cannot be imported into Canada over disease concerns. The alternative is “very costly and timeconsuming” acknowledges Pawlyshyn.

“But we end up with a healthy herd that we can register and build upon.”

Another benefit of such a stringent breeding program? “We are building a herd that has natural immunity to scrapies, which is a terrible illness a bit like Mad Cow disease that afflicts sheep,” says Pawlyshyn.

While Little Magic Mike, Lulu Lemon, Lana and Larry are special in and of themselves, their arrival in February stands out for several reasons.

They are the fi rst “quads” born at Gun Barrel Canyon Farms. They are the amalgam of what are known as “breeds of distinction” in Canada, which means there are very few registered

in this country. And quads from these two breeds are almost unheard of.

Pawlyshyn is justi fiably proud. “To have them survive and the mother still nurse them is an accomplishment in itself,” she enthuses. “Of course, we do help nature out a bit. The babies drink 20 litres of milk a day. We’re always buying organic yoghurt, cream and homogenized milk by the gallon. Add to that daily vitamins and milk supplement, and you get the idea!”

Pawlyshyn is delighted to be bringing the Romney and Valais together and breeding for traits that make them ideal for Vancouver Island.

The Romney is a long-coat sheep from England, prized for its wool and mild-tasting meat. They are also resistant to hoof-rot and worms.

The Valais Blacknose is also known for its exceptional fleece and mild meat. In fact, the fibre from Valais is used to make the worlds most expensive urban sneaker, which known for its water-repellant qualities, says Pawlyshyn.

Best of all, though, “they’re cute as buttons and known for their friendly personalities,” laughs Pawlyshyn.

Gun Barrel Canyon Farms boasts 75 head of registered sheep, all providing some of the world’s most coveted wool fibre. The fleece is processed on-site, and local knitters create a range of gorgeous hats, knee-high socks, hunting vests and ponchos sold at the farm’s retail shop. Last year, the farm sold all its wool fibre to a local First Nations for use in the making of ceremonial clothing.

Pawlyshyn hopes to re-open the seasonal shop on Mother’s Day in May.

In the meantime, Gun Barrel Canyon Farms will continue to be the site of healthy and happy sheep bearing monikers of dubious distinction.

Deb Pawlyshyn with two of the quadruplets. Photo: Kerith Waddington Opposite page: photo submitted.