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Letters How can we make a difference? The recent TAKE 5 article by Guy Dauncey “How can we make a difference?” was delivered in a very practical and informative manner. Although some of the suggestions are not practical for everyone, hopefully the information will be a catalyst for some to realize there are steps that they can take to reduce their carbon footprint. An additional incentive to making a purchase of a pre-owned electric vehicle more affordable is the BC Scrap-it program. A $3000 incentive is available to scrap some older vehicles. An additional $250 is provided by dealerships. Presently there are far more level two charge stations throughout the Island. Providing more quick charge stations throughout the Island would facilitate and encourage more people to convert to electric vehicles. In my opinion, the most important message provided in this article is the last paragraph regarding how our youth feel about their future and it bears repeating. When Guy Dauncey asked, “When you think about the future of our world, do you feel hopeful or worried?” Out of 400 students, only five hands went up for hope. After showing slides representing a potential for a better future, and when asked again about a hopeful future, approximately half the students indicated they were hopeful. These students are counting on us to take steps now. Imagine your child or your grandchild sitting in that classroom listening to these daunting challenges? Further still, perhaps consider how you would feel if you were their age and taking in this information? Any steps taken to lessen the burden that the youth are facing is an acknowledgement of the rapid and faster than expected changes that are taking place with the climate and environment on the planet. — Linda Marble
Thanks I wish to thank the Ladysmith Heritage and Revitalization Commission for purchasing refreshments for the talk “Ladysmith’s Historic Waterfront” during Heritage week. For many long-time residents the photographs brought back many memories, while it gave our newcomers to the area a sense of history and importance of Ladysmith’s waterfront. Like the previous year’s heritage talk and slideshow, “If These Walls Could Talk,” it was a highlight of Ladysmith’s participation in BC week. These presentations couldn’t have
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happened without the help and support of the Ladysmith Archives and TAKE 5 magazine. If you missed the presentation, you will get a chance to see it during the HomeTown Tourist weekend. — Rob Johnson
Re: RDN Area A Director Alec McPherson Director’s Notes TAKE 5/MAY 2016. This letter is written in my capacity as the administrator of the North Cedar Improvement District (the “District”) in response to an article in the Directors’ Notes in the MAY 2016 issue. This article, written by RDN Area A Director Alec McPherson, was regarding costs for connection to the District’s water system for a proposed seniors complex in Cedar. In the article, he indicated that the cost for connection to the water system has increased from about $322,000 to nearly $800,000, making the economics of the project less certain. Before going into detail about the calculation for current Capital Expenditure Charges (CEC) for this development, the District provides the following detailed background surrounding CEC’s: CEC’s are levied on development projects to pay for improvements to augment water system capacity caused by new growth, which can result in a shortage of water at the source as well as excessive reservoir draw down and low pressure during periods of heavy demands. The calculation and justification of CEC’s is based in part on: a) information in the local government’s (in this case the RDN) official plan; b) realistic population projections; c) an engineering report, identifying the capital works required to increase the capacity of the water system to service new developments; and d) the projected costs of the works attributed specifically to new development. Before a CEC bylaw comes into effect, it has to be registered with the inspector of municipalities. The inspector of municipalities may refuse to register the bylaw if the inspector considers that the CEC is not related to capital costs attributable to projects included in a capital expenditure program, or the CEC’s are deemed excessive in relation to the capital cost of prevailing standards of service within the improvement district, or the CEC’s will deter development. Registration of a CEC
bylaw indicated approval of the CEC’s. On February 11, 1999, the NCID board passed Bylaw #293, registered on March 29, 1999, by the inspector of municipalities. The board of trustees did not amend this bylaw until 2010 even though two updated water studies, prepared in 2003 and 2008, supported an increase to the CEC charges. In 2010, the District did not provide the inspector with a current water study to show support for an increase to the CEC charges, but instead used a combination of the Industrial Product Price Index (IPPI) and the general increase in wages. The IPPI increased by 16 per cent and wages increased by 24 per cent over the period 1998 to 2010. Assuming the wages and materials for any construction project are each about 50 per cent of the project, the increase to the then current CEC charges was 20 per cent. On August 12, 2010, the board of trustees passed Bylaw #347 to reflect this increase and the bylaw was registered by the inspector of municipalities on September 8, 2014. The current zoning for the seniors complex, according to the RDN’s Zoning Bylaw #500, limits a personal care unit to a maximum of 75 persons, namely 75 beds. The CEC for the Institutional Residential Classification NCID’s Bylaw #422 is $4,207.86 per bed. Therefore the total CEC for the proposed seniors facility is $315,589.50 (75 beds multiplied by $4207.86). This is the total cost of the CEC that will be required to be paid by the developer. You will notice this figure is less than the $322,000 that Director McPherson claims was increased to nearly $800,000. Therefore, if development of the seniors complex is less certain now, it is not because of the CEC’s contrary to Director McPherson’s article. — Heather Sarchuk, administrator, North Cedar Improvement District Letters to the editor is an open forum for the commuity to exchange comments and ideas. Please note letters may be edited for space, and legality. Articles published in TAKE 5 do not nescessarily reflect the opinions of TAKE 5. editor@take5.ca
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BUDGET 2016 Developing a budget and financial plan — and then setting property tax rates — is quite a complex process. First, we need to decide all the things that we must do (provide services like sewage treatment and clean water), and then the things that should be done (road and sidewalk repairs), while taking into account the things the public wants us to do (or not do) and while being very mindful about property taxes. We also need to factor in the budgets of two other agencies — the Ladysmith RCMP Detachment and our share of the Vancouver Island Regional Library. They set their budgets, which are then added to our own municipal budget for an overall budget for the year. Right at the start of the 2016 budget process last fall, council directed that any municipal budget increase should be no more than two per cent over last year’s budget. In January, staff presented a preliminary budget of just over $6.5 million. This represented an increase of 2.17 per cent or $138,123 over 2015. It was based on maintaining existing ser-
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vice levels and included a number of capital projects, such as completing the Waste Water Treatment Plant, upgrades to Fourth Avenue, improvements to the Ladysmith Fire Hall and updating the Waterfront Sub-Area Plan. The budget also continues contributions of 10 per cent of property-tax revenue for capital projects and 5 per cent for the eventual replacement of assets, such as City Hall and the Fire Hall. These investments are an important part of our long-term asset management strategy. It’s also important to note that inflation and known cost increases on everything from postage and supplies to wages take up a significant part of a two per cent increase. During the process of reviewing the 2016 budget, council also considered items that had not been included in the original preliminary budget. These were not easy decisions to make. With a municipal budget of about $6.5 million, spending $65,000 more means a one per cent increase in the budget. That doesn’t leave a lot of room for accommodating new expenditures. Other requests that council added to the preliminary budget, include hiring two summer students to carry out trails maintenance, video streaming for council meetings and an additional $2,400 for Grants-in-Aid to support community organizations and events, such as the Festival of Lights, Ladysmith Days, Ladysmith Resources Centre Association, the Arts Council, the Historical Society, Museum and Archives, Community Gardens, the Frank Jameson Bursary and many others.
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Council also approved a request to fund a new administrative support position for the Ladysmith RCMP Detachment. Adding this position means that officers spend less time on administrative matters and more time keeping our community safe. This new position was on top of the original increase of four per cent to the 2016 RCMP budget. After all these decisions, the Town’s municipal budget now stands at $6,535,602. When you add in our required contributions to the Ladysmith RCMP Detachment ($1,150,102) and the Vancouver Island Regional Library ($353,236), the total overall budget is $8,038,940. Setting the budget was the first step. Next, we had to determine how to pay for everything. Each year, our revenues come from a combination of property taxes, grants, utility fees for water, sewer and waste collection, parcel taxes, recreation fees, permits and licences and rental of Town property. We also draw from reserves built up from contributions, such as parcel taxes and development cost charges. However, most reserves have restrictions placed on what the funds can be used for, so the reserve funds generally go to specific projects, not into general operations. Council has been very mindful of the effect of property tax increases on our citizens. We are aware that for many of you, property assessments have increased; in Ladysmith, the assessed value of properties in the residential class went up by almost about three per cent.
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We also want to be fair in allocating taxes across classes. We are mindful of the assessment increases, and we also want to continue our policy of reducing our reliance on the industrial class. As of this writing, we have given the first three readings to a Tax Rates Bylaw that will see an increase of 3.11 per cent after non-market change in the residential property class, 1.56 per cent in the business/commercial class (half the residential tax rate) and no increase in the industrial class. These numbers represent the total number of dollars garnered from all properties in the class, and it can be confusing to determine how it relates to your property. Your individual property assessment will play the largest role in determining what your tax bill will be. If your assessment increased (as many do year over year), you are likely going to pay a little more in property taxes. If your assessment has gone down, you will likely pay a little less. As I have already mentioned, RCMP and Library contributions are not controlled by the Town, but delivered to us after those organizations have completed their own budgets. We
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Waste Water Treatment Plant
are also mindful of those changes when working through our own budgets. We would of course prefer not to increase taxes at all. However, reducing our budget while costs continue to increase would mean cutting services we have all come to appreciate or rely on. We are also faced with the need to build a new water filtration system in order to meet standards laid out by Island Health (who issues our water supply licence). We have
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budgeted significant grant revenues this year to help cover the costs, estimated to be a total of $14 million over the next two years. We have also, reluctantly, increased the water parcel tax paid by every property owner in Ladysmith from $160 to $225 for the year, in order to help pay for this major upgrade. We continue to explore our options, and you will be hearing more about the challenges of delivering water in the coming months from all sides of the debate. A balanced budget is a balancing act for council. We have factored in revenues, economic activity, demands from senior governments, core services, the needs and preferences of our citizens, the input many gave us during the budget consultation process and our strategic priorities to arrive at the 2016 budget. I urge you to go online or drop in to City Hall to see the full budget document as well as our strategic plan. It lays out in greater detail what I can only begin to touch on here in 1,000 words. All members of council welcome your feedback. - Mayor Aaron Stone, astone@ladysmith.ca
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Dine on the Docks returns
The Ladysmith Maritime Festivals are here
Heritage boats, tours and more at Maritime festival. Photo: Cindy Damphousse
The annual Maritime Festival begins on Friday, May 27 and runs through to Sunday, May 29 at the Ladysmith Community Marina. On Friday, May 27, we welcome into our Harbour a fascinating variety of over 20 heritage boats. LMS will host a welcome dinner to Festival participants. Saturday, May 28 is a full Festival day from 10 am – 4 pm, that is open to the public, and includes free harbour tours on the Maritimer, an announcement of a new vessel restoration project, and many
new exhibits of maritime art. Speak with captains of the 20 heritage vessels dockside and learn about these beautiful boats. Sunday, May 29 kicks off with a delicious pancake breakfast. Join us for this wonderful morning that celebrates our Harbour afloat! Set these dates on your calendar and watch for updates on our web site of another great events at the marina. Plans are being made now for lots of interesting activities, boats, speakers and food!
Our most popular event of the summer is Dine On The Dock, happening every other Friday, starting in May and runs to the first weekend of September. Bar opens at 5:00 p.m. and dinner is at 6:15 p.m. These are fun times on the dock, and interestingly, we always have a sunny evening! At each event we feature a guest chef from a local restaurant who caters a dinner at the Welcome Centre and on our Social Dock. Menus range from lasagna to BBQ ribs, and always include a vegetarian option. Cost is $20 and there is a cash bar. What could be better than delicious food, music, great company‌ all as you dine watching the sun set over Oyster Harbour! Tickets sell-out quickly, so we recommend that you purchase or order yours at least a week ahead. You can purchase tickets at the Welcome Centre or by calling to reserve at (250) 2451146. Dates for 2016 are: May 20, June 3 and 17, July 1, 15 and 29, August 12 and 26.
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demonstrations, bugs and dirt, the trolley, fire truck, balloons, hotdogs, cake and much more! Thursday, May 19, 2016. 1:00 to 3:30 p.m at the Public Works Yard, 330 6th Avenue.
Action needed to clean up abandoned vessels Ladysmith is one of “Canada’s Greenest Employers” For the fifth year in a row, the Town of Ladysmith has been named one of “Canada’s Greenest Employers”. The award recognizes the Town’s leadership in community stainability and the organization-wide commitment to reducing its environmental footprint. The award is part of the Canada’s Top 100 Employers competition conducted by Mediacorp Canada. The list of Green Employers award-winners is published on Earth Day April 22, in The Globe and Mail and online. Mediacorp cited several reasons for choosing Ladysmith including: The ongoing program of growing vegetables in former Town flower beds, and donating the crops to the Ladysmith Food Bank, two electric car charging stations the Town has installed, the Community Sustainability Vision and Sustainability Action Plan, and the fact that Ladysmith Council formally adopted the “Declaration of the Right to a Healthy Environment” and joined the David Suzuki Foundation Blue Dot Initiative – and is encouraging other communities to do the same. “One of the things we are most proud of this year is that the award now recognizes organizations whose green culture has a proven sustainability impact outside the organization,” said Mayor Aaron Stone. “Even more important than making our own environmental footprint smaller and smaller, is showing leadership that makes a difference throughout our community and beyond.”
Ladysmith Council appoints new City Manager Council of the Town of Ladysmith is pleased to announce that Guillermo Ferrero has been appointed as the new City Manager/Chief Administrative Officer, and will start work on June 15, 2016. Ferrero has extensive experience with the City of Nanaimo, where he has
Guillermo Ferrero has been appointed as the new City Manager/Chief Administrative Officer for the Town of Ladysmith. Photo submitted.
served as Manager of Business Applications and ERP Systems, Manager of Revenue Services and Financial Systems and currently as Director of Legislative Services, Information Technology and Communications. In each role he executed innovation and improvement and he received the 2013 Bronze Innovative Management National Award from the Institute of Public Administration in Canada for eTown Hall implementation. While at the City of Nanaimo, Mr. Ferrero was also closely involved with MISA BC, the not for profit voice of local government technology in British Columbia, most recently as President. He launched the first Open Data portal in Canada for the City of Nanaimo and has successfully implemented over 30 innovative public facing applications. “I am honoured that Ladysmith Council has selected me as the Town’s next City Manager,” said Mr. Ferrero. “I look forward to joining the Town of Ladysmith team, working closely with Council, staff and the community to continue delivering high quality services, and making Ladysmith an even better place to live, work, and visit.”
National Public Works Week Join your Town of Ladysmith Public Works crew to celebrate Public Works. This is fun for the whole family. Hands on experience with equipment, displays,
A survey commissioned by the Coast Guard in August of 2012 concluded that the Viki Lyne 2 will sink and that “disassembly and scrapping of the vessel is the only certain way of removing her current threat to the environment.” It remains in Ladysmith Harbour with around 13,000 litres of oil and solvents onboard. Sheila Malcolmson, the Member of Parliament for Nanaimo-Ladysmith, has called for the federal government to remove and safely dispose of the ship that has threatened Ladysmith’s harbour for over four years, and to take the lead in creating a comprehensive, country-wide abandoned vessels solution. “Abandoned vessels are being allowed to sink and pose risks to the environment and economies of coastal communities on Vancouver Island and throughout the country,” Malcolmson said. Malcolmson is calling on the federal government to take urgent action to remove and dispose of the Viki Lyne 2 in the wake of abandoned vessels sinking into Vancouver Island’s Baynes Sound earlier this month. One of the vessels involved in that incident, the Silver King, was towed to Ladysmith Harbour by Transport Canada this week. “In the absence of a Canada-wide plan to deal with these abandoned vessels, we are left asking for emergency responses to the risks they pose on a ship-by-ship, case-by-case basis,” said Malcolmson, who has proposed a regulatory solution in Parliament that would make the Coast Guard a one-stop shop for dealing with abandoned vessels. “Places such as Washington State and Norway have listened to coastal communities and industries and removed these vessels before they can sink and harm the surrounding environment and local economies.” Ladysmith Council, Stz’uminus First Nation, and again last weekend the Association of Vancouver Island Coastal Communities have asked repeatedly for the Viki Lyne 2 and other abandoned vessels in the area to be dealt with.
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EIS Board from left: Bruce Hepburn, Caretaker; Barry Gates, vice-chair; Peter Jungwirth, Chair; Nancy Turner, Ethnobotanist; Sharon Chow, Treasurer; Kathy Code, Communications Director. Photo: Bruce Hepburn
Back Row: Secretary (Rec), Rosemary Leo; Director of Membership, Deanna Noonan; President Pam Fraser. Front row: Vice-President, Jennifer Forrest; Assistant Treasurer, Lil Kroll; Past President, Irene Telford; Treasurer, Elsie Vernon; Secretary, (Corr), Deb Henderson; Director of Public Relations, Sheila Wilson. Photo submitted.
EIS Invites the World to Wildwood Ecoforest
Ladysmith Health Care Auxiliary 2016 executive
In March 2016, the Ecoforestry Institute Society (EIS) formally acquired Wildwood Ecoforest from The Land Conservancy. Wildwood is now held by a non-profit society on behalf of the public. EIS plans to operate Wildwood as a demonstration ecoforest and a world-class educational centre, building on the legacy of its former renowned owner, Merv Wilkinson, who bought the property in 1938 and carefully stewarded the forest by harvesting in a way that served the ecosystem and enhanced the forest. He was awarded both the Orders of British Columbia and Canada, among others, for his pioneering work and was recognized in international circles for his ideas and innovation. EIS invites the public to the Open House at Wildwood to be held Sunday May 15 from 10 am to 3 pm. Forest tours and tea are available. All donations welcome! For donations, ecoforestry.ca/wildwood-forest/ EIS is a registered charitable society and tax receipts will be issued.
The Ladysmith Healthcare Auxiliary is a not-for-profit organization that supports health care facilities, promotes health and wellness primarily for Ladysmith residents, and maintains the Memorial Gardens, through fundraising by volunteers. In 2015 they donated $267,000 to the community. Donations by the town’s citizens of good used articles and many hours of volunteer work make it all happen. The Auxiliary thanks you for your continued support. New volunteers always welcome.
Ladysmith Museum opens The Ladysmith Museum anticipates a busy summer as tourist season is just around the corner. Museum hours are from noon until 4pm, Tuesday to Saturday, from May 20 until October. A limited schedule, Friday and Saturday opening from May 6 until May 20 will be in place. The museum opened its doors in May 2012 after being a dream for many years for the Ladysmith District Historical Society (LDHS), due in part to the determination and hard work of Maureen Martin then the Society’s president. In 2011 the Ladysmith Credit Union, owner of the building, offered it to the LDHS to create a town museum. Bernardien Knol, a newcomer to Ladysmith with a museum background became curator. She planned, researched, wrote and designed the layout for all the exhibits, while her husband Gary built all necessary displays on a shoestring budget. This year Shanon McKibben is stepping in. LDHS wants to thank Maureen for her many years of service to the society, as a Board member of LDHS, museum hostess, and volunteer cocoordinator and her tireless work to make the museum a reality for Ladysmith. Check out www.ladysmithhistoricalsociety.ca for information on summer programs, tours and volunteering.
l-r: Jim Delcourt ,Kinsmen; Will Vandergrift , 49th Parallel Grocery; Lynette Wark and Nairne Culver, Ladysmith Food Bank. Sponsored by the Ladysmith Kinsmen Club and the 49th Parallel Grocery., $2600 was raised in hotdog sale to support the Food Bank. Photo: Allen McDermid
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Garage Sale to raise funds for Haven Society Looking for some great deals…and want to feel good about it? This Saturday, May 7, is the nationwide Royal LePage Garage Sale for Shelter. For over 10 years this annual garage sale raises funds to help end domestic violence. Since its inception it has raised over $22 million. All the funds raised here in Ladysmith will be donated to Haven Society who operates the Haven House along with other community programs. “I can’t stress enough how important their support has been. They have helped to raise thousands of dollars for the highest needs,” says Christine Gross of Haven Society in Nanaimo whose focus is on women and children. “They have changed lives and indeed saved lives.” Haven Society offers a two fold program: Immediate shelter for women and children fleeing abuse and programs designed to heal. “We are very grateful to Royal LePage for their support.” “All proceeds go to the shelter,” says Barry Clark, manager of Royal LePage Nanaimo Realty/Ladysmith branch. “We wanted to support local women and children,” Over 360,000 children are exposed to domestic violence every year in Canada. If you would like to help, you can donate items for the garage sale, or even stop by and make a donation at the Ladysmith
office. They will even pick up your items. For more information stop by their office or call 250-245-2252. The Garage Sale for Shelter is May 7 and goes from 8:30 a.m.–2p.m. Any items that didn’t sell will be donated back. “We like to give back to the community, “ says Clark who has been a realtor for 51 years. Through the years he has seen many changes. “When I started my Barry Clark, Ladysmith Royal LePage career, a house was manager. Photo Marina Sacht $12,500, today an average home here is worth $350,000-375,000. People bought a house for shelter, now it is an investment.” The biggest change to my job has been technology, says Clark, but it’s still a people business.
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Why is Council planning on Spending $15 million on unnecessary Water Filtration? BY RICHARD TARNOFF, GREG ROBERTS, AND BRYAN HENDERSON FOR THE LADYSMITH AND AREA WATERSHEDS COALITION At their last council meeting, Ladysmith City Council passed a two part resolution. The first part directed staff to apply to the Small Communities Fund for a grant for two-thirds of the cost of building a water filtration plant, that is projected to cost up to $15 million. The second part confirmed the town’s commitment to borrowing the other third, and paying the debt via a new parcel tax
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on homeowners. Of course, whether it comes from a grant or borrowing, it all comes from taxpayers. One could reasonably expect that an expenditure of this size would only be considered for projects that were urgently needed. Surprisingly, that doesn’t appear to be the case. Ladysmith has excellent quality water. We’ve never had a boil water advisory and the small amount of turbidity in the water delivered to the town has always been within acceptable drinking water limits. The reason that council has made this decision is that VIHA has decreed that all water sources must now meet an arbitrary turbidity standard, even when they aren’t being currently utilised. And not only has this standard been recently lowered, but Ladysmith’s own water quality data shows no correlation between turbidity
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levels and the minute amount of disinfection by-products that are present and may pose a very small health risk. More detailed statistical analyses are available from the Report on Ladysmith Water Quality, (Henderson, B.A., 2015). Unfortunately, VIHA has refused to negotiate this issue or allowed the town more time to study the risks. Since they have a great deal of power to make and enforce orders, council and staff appear to feel their hands are tied and have caved in to VIHA. The Ladysmith and Area Watersheds Coalition is proposing a public forum to discuss this issue, better understand the science behind the filtration decision and look at alternatives available to the town and Island Health. We would like to explore the relationship between nature’s filtration systems; if that is not working effectively why not and how do we restore it? More information about this meeting will be posted to the Coalitions Facebook page at Ladysmith and Area Watersheds Coalition. Besides the fact that the town appears to be wasting money on a filtration system that isn’t needed, there are consequences to using limited resources for this purpose. The town has aging infrastructure that needs upgrading. These projects will have to be deferred. Another often overlooked dimension to this issue is underfunded social programs. The Ladysmith Resources Centre Association recently carried out a survey of community leaders that was designed to identify the highest priority unmet social needs in Ladysmith (The DELPHI Report). The three highest needs identified were hunger, employment and affordable housing. All three are related to poverty. The health risks associated with poverty are well documented and much greater than the risks from disinfection by-products in drinking water. For those in our community who are financially secure, an additional $300-500 per year charge for unneeded water filtration may be an annoyance. For those most vulnerable it can be critical. Council needs to consult with the citizens of Ladysmith and provide them with the scientific evidence for their decisions. In that way all residents will be able to weigh the relative health risks of the choices that have to be made.
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Legendary boat builder talk Join author and legendary boat builder Barrie Farrell for a reading from his new book “Boats in My Blood” at Salamander Books, Saturday, May 21 in Ladysmith. Born into the boatbuilding industry by way of his father Allen Farrell, at 13, Barrie Farrell built his first boat (an 8 foot row boat) using nothing more than a broken old hammer with one claw, a dull handsaw and a rusty block plane. Dozens of speedboats, work boats and fish boats followed. He later became a pioneer of using fibreglass to give BC fishermen the ability to move through the water more quickly. His new memoir, “Boats in My Blood: A Life in Boat Building,” recalls his adventurous upbringing in Pender Harbour, North Vancouver and
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on Vancouver Island in the 1940s and 1950s, along with a host of memorable characters. As of 2016, hundreds of his vessels are still seaworthy in Canada and the United States for a wide variety of uses. Barrie Farrell was born in North Vancouver in 1934. He currently lives in Nanaimo and, at the age of 81, is still working on boats. One of BC’s most prolific and colourful boat builders, at recent events Farrell has been known to sing a couple of short songs and tell a lot of jokes in between his life stories. Copies of the book are $25 at Salamander and online at www.harbourpublishing. com. To get your book signed by the author himself come to Salamander Books (535 1st Avenue) at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 21. Light refreshments served. Free admission to public. For more information, please call 250-245-4726.
Making sweet music Ladysmith Little Theatre’s “The Musical of Musicals (The Musical!)” continues to entertain locals and visitors. Five short musicals parody the style of five Broadway greats. “Corn!” is set in Kansas in August and lampoons the famous musicals of Rodgers and Hammerstein. “A Little Complex,” based upon the musicals of Stephen Sondheim, is about neurotic New Yorkers. “Dear Abby’s” madcap socialite parodies the work of Jerry Herman, especially “Mame” and “Hello Dolly!” “Aspects of Junita” plays upon the work of Andrew Lloyd Webber and even includes a poke at the time he was accused of “borrowing” tunes from Puccini. “Speakeasy” reflects the work of Kander and Ebb, the talent’s behind “Cabaret” and “Chicago.” Although it’s all original music, the composers have done such a marvellous job of mimicking the greats that you’ll be saying, “I’ve heard that song before,” while tapping your toes and having a great time. The show runs from April 21 to May 14 at the Ladysmith Little Theatre. Tickets are available at the theatre’s box office (250-924-0658, ladysmiththeatre.com).
Art and Fashion exhibit The Ladysmith Waterfront Gallery’s exhibit for May is “Art and Fashion.” The collaboration of art and fashion is prominent throughout history. The most
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Ladysmith’s Jeff Virtanen, a past columnist for Take 5 has launched his first book, “The Other Side of the Clouds.”
prominent early example is Elsa Schiaparelli’s work with Salvador Dali and the Surrealists. How art has affected fashion or how fashion has affected art is the theme for this show. The gala opening is May 7, with guest speaker Titia Jetten.
First book for local writer Ladysmith’s Jeff Virtanen, a past columnist for Take 5 and known for his humor, has launched his first book, “The Other Side of the Clouds.” Not surprisingly, the town of Ladysmith plays a role in the story. When a pregnant Jacy Morgan dies but her baby daughter survives, Jacy finds herself in a section of the afterlife that challenges her beliefs about life, love and death. It’s also a place where she discovers she may be able to help raise her daughter, after all. The beings of this new world, while physically identical to humans, have the ability to give the humans on Earth gut instincts. They include three distinct groups: the kind and gentle Hats, the evil Skulls and the practical Bones. Jacy must navigate through this cast of characters — and a harrowing series of politics, sex and betrayals — as she endeavors to become the one chosen to give her daughter gut feelings. Poised to fill that role, she discovers something far more sinister boiling under the surface. You can purchase the book as an
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Author and legendary boat builder Barrie Farrell will be reading from his new book “Boats in My Blood” at Salamander Books, Saturday, May 21 in Ladysmith. Photo submitted.
eBook, through Amazon Kindle ($4.99), or a paperback, through Create Space ($13.99 USD). The book begins in Ladysmith, as that is where Jacy is from. Later in the book, we see Ladysmith again, as Jacy’s husband and daughter live there.
Once Upon A Mattress Ladysmith Secondary Performing Arts presents Rodgers & Hammerstein’s classic tale of The Princess and the Pea, Once Upon A Mattress, This funny and fast-paced Broadway musical has come to Ladysmith thanks to the Parallel Players who will be presenting this family-friendly show for all ages! Tickets are $8 student/$12 for adult and can be purchased at Ladysmith Secondary, Salamander Books or at the door. Doors open at 6:30 and the show will start at 7 pm.
Nanaimo’s Summertime Blues Festival 2016 Seminal British blues rockers Savoy Brown, Rick Vito of the Mick Fleetwood Blues Band, Tommy Castro’s southern blues, the soaring, impassioned voice of Toronto’s Shakura S’Aida, BC’s own renowned David Gogo and new sensation Blue Moon Marquee are just a few of the outstanding blues artists slated to play this year’s Nanaimo Blues Society’s Summertime Blues Fest. “This is without question the best overall roster of blues artists we have ever at our festival,” says NBS President Gerold Haukenfrers. “A lot of people don’t realize that there is an amazing array of blues styles, just like there are different styles of Jazz and rock. That’s why we’re calling this year’s Festival Shades of Blues,” says Haukenfrers. The Summertime Blues Festival has been selected at one of Nanaimo’s Top 5 must-see events of 2016. It will be held at Maffeo Sutton Park, August 26-28. There will also be afterconcert blues jams at The Queens with free admission for Festival ticket-holders. For complete details, contact Gerold Haukenfrers at 250-739-2333 or Lex Dunn at 250-920-8922.
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Best Care for Seedlings If you started plants from seed earlier in the year, you should have lots of seedlings to take care of by now. The first set of seed leaves are called cotyledons; at this stage the roots are not developed enough, so do not disturb the seedling. It is not until seedlings develop their first set of true leaves that they can be moved into their own pots, a process called pricking out. When pricking out, handle delicate seedlings carefully – by their leaves ideally – rather than their fragile stems. It’s easy to snap a stem when handling. Use a dibber or a chopstick to make a hole in the pre-moistened medium, and place the seedling into it. Carefully cover over the roots and water in. The seedling is now in transplant shock, and needs to be kept out of direct sun for a few days until it recovers. In sun it will wilt immediately, and may never recover. Keep seedlings evenly moist, and don’t let them dry out. Watering in the morning is best so seedlings don’t sit cool and wet all night. This could trigger a fungal problem called damping off, which is caused by soil-borne fungi, usually rhizoctonia, occasionally pythium and less often botrytis or phytophthora.
Starting from seeds can be a rewarding experience for new and experienced gardeners. Photo submitted.
Seedlings put on a lot of new growth at this stage, so after three or four waterings, start to fertilize weekly with liquid fish fertilizer or liquid seaweed. Once their roots have established, periodically check that your plants have not become root bound. Then either pot each plant on into a larger pot, or harden it off to prepare it for transplanting outdoors.
Problems? • If seeds have not sprouted, they may not be viable. Check the date on the seed package. A germination rate of no less than 65% indicates acceptable viability. • If there is no germination, the seed may require longer to germinate. Sometimes seeds take from four to six weeks to sprout. Parsley requires 21 days for
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germination. Check a germination guide before you give up on your pots of seeds. • If seeds are taking a long time to germinate, the temperature may be too cold for germination. For heat lovers like peppers, eggplants, basil and tomatoes, which require temperatures around 75°F (25°C) for germination, put seed trays on top of a source of bottom heat. • When seedlings are yellow, it’s an indicator that they are starving due to lack of nutrients in the growing medium. Apply a weekly feed of liquid fish fertilizer or liquid seaweed. • If seedlings are spindly and leggy, there’s not enough light for them. Increase the light by moving the pots closer to a bright window or using grow lights. Rotating seedlings daily helps them straighten up, or you can try planting spindly seedlings deeper. • If seedlings are growing very slowly, it may be due to overcrowding, or the growing medium may have insufficient nutrients to supply all the seedlings. Try to prevent overcrowding by sowing seeds less thickly. Apply a foliar feed of liquid fish fertilizer or liquid seaweed. • If seedlings collapse at soil level, it is damping off, caused by a soil-borne fungus. Damping off is aggravated by over seeding in warm, moist conditions. • If seedlings are being eaten, you’ve got a critter in the area. Check for slugs or sow bugs that love munching on tasty new seedlings. Check between and under the pots and trays, and find the culprit before it dines on all your plants! Carolyn Herriot is author of The Zero Mile Diet and The Zero Mile Diet Cookbook, available at your local bookstore. She grows IncrEdibles! in Yellow Point.
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thol is present as a major component. Meaning, that if it is available in your garden or home, you can easily make a top-class medicinal oil, tincture or tea on-the-spot and year round. Kahlee’s new book, “The Standing People: Wild Medicinal Plants of British Columbia,” is now available on Amazon and may also be ordered on www.thestandingpeople.com. Any questions? Kahlee’s email: symbionts@shaw.ca. Early trailing stem of yerba buena Yerba buena shoots have a high methol content. Photos Kahlee Keane
Yerba buena — The Good Herb Clinopodium douglasii On a bright breezy day, a couple of weeks ago, I was in line at the local post office when a fellow wild plant enthusiast saw me and belted out, “YERBA BUENA is UP,” and indeed it is! This member of the mint family is a powerful medicine. It grows along the Pacific coast, from California to Vancouver Island and in select niches in the interior of British Columbia. The temperate climate of BC’s coastal areas is the preferred habitat for this unusual mat-forming vine-like plant. Yerba buena is a superior medicine when made into a tasty potent tea, tincture or menthol ointment. This is why the Spanish Franciscan brothers brought it to the area now known as California in the 15th century. It was one of many medicinal plants found in the brothers’ own medicine gardens and apothecaries. Yerba buena was listed in the US Pharmacopeia until the mid-1950’s, being noted for its relaxing uplifting effect particularly for headaches. It is also used for infections internally and externally, and will counteract the rash from poison oak and poison ivy. Amazingly, chemical analysis reveals that the shoot leaf of this plant gives the highest yield of oil, at 0.62%, and men-
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Society, 9824 Willow St., 250-246-2111
COMPILED BY CINDY DAMPHOUSSE AND ALLEN MCDERMID
cards, jewellery and pottery. Door prize and refreshments, Crofton Seniors Centre, adjacent ferry dock, 250-246-9477
May 1-7
6–28, “Harvey” by Pulitzer Prize-winning Mary Chase, The Chemainus Theatre Festival, 1-800565-7738 or online at chemainustheatre.ca
1, 10am to 1pm, Walk, Run, Hike for Hospice, Providence Farm, Duncan, 1-888-250-701-4242
7, 8am, National Garage Sale for Shelter, Royal LePage, 410 1st Ave., 250-245-2252
1, 9am to 2pm, Ladysmith Resources Centre Association Garage Sale, Aggie Hall
7, 9am, Pancake Breakfast $5, Chemainus Seniors Drop-in Centre Society, 9824 Willow St., 250-246-2111
11, 10am, Chemainus Sketch Club, Jennifer Olson: Painting in Watercolours, new members welcome, free admission, Fuller Lake Arena, Chemainus, 250-245-4681,
7, 9:30am to noon, St John’s Anglican Church plant sale, 3rd Ave. and Buller St., Ladysmith
11, 6pm, Ladysmith Resources Centre Association Bingo, St. Mary’s Hall, 1135 4th Ave.
7, noon to 2pm, Annual Mother’s Day tea, Ladysmith Eagles, 921 First Ave
12–13, 8pm, “The Musical of Musicals,” Ladysmith Little Theatre, 4985 Christie Rd., 250-924-0658
2, 7pm, Town of Ladysmith Regular Council Meetings, Council Chambers City Hall, 410 Esplanade Ave.
7, 1pm to 3pm, Hospital Day/A Touch of Red on the Runway Fashion Show & Bake Sale, Chemainus Legion, 250-246-2476
13, 9:30am to 11am, Muffin mornings, Wed and Fri, Chemainus Seniors Drop-in Centre Society, 9824 Willow St., 250-246-2111
3, 9am to 1pm, Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce Spring Farmers’ Market, 49th Parallel Grocery Parking lot, 250-245-2112
7, 1:30pm, 13th Annual Shots for Kids Fundraiser Golf Tournament, Cottonwood Golf Course, 1975 Haslam Rd., 250-245-5157
4, 9:30am to 11am, Muffin mornings, Wednesdays and Fridays, Chemainus Seniors Drop-in Centre Society, 9824 Willow St., 250-246-2111
7–8, 8am, Annual Multi Family Garage Sale, Friesen’s, 1694 Cedar Rd., 250-722-2737
13, 2pm to 5pm, The Nanaimo–Ladysmith Retired Teachers’ Assn. invites you to an open house for the Skipsey Hertitage Centre, portable 151 at Dover Bay High School. Books, photos and artifacts reflecting our area’s long educational history will be on display.
4, 7pm to 9pm, Cedar Heritage Centre’s Heritage Lands project for Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation, particular to Cedar, Yellow Point, North Oyster, Cassidy and South Wellington, Cedar Heritage Centre. Free admission, contact: VICCS@shaw.ca
May 8-14
13–14, noon to 4pm, Ladysmith Museum Open
8, 10am to 2pm, Cedar Farmers’ Market, parking lot Crow & Gate
14, 9am until sold out, Ladysmith Saltair Garden Club Plant Sale, master gardeners in attendance, Aggie Hall
1, 2pm, “The Musical of Musicals,” Ladysmith Little Theatre, 4985 Christie Rd., 250-924-0658 2, 4:45pm doors open, start 6:40pm, Mondays Bingo, Chemainus Seniors Drop-in Centre Society, 9824 Willow St., 250-246-2111
4, 6pm, Ladysmith Resources Centre Association Bingo, St. Mary’s Hall, 1135 4th Ave. 5–7, 8pm, “The Musical of Musicals,” Ladysmith Little Theatre, 4985 Christie Rd., 250-924-0658 6, 9:30am to 11am, Muffin mornings, Wednesdays and Fridays, Chemainus Seniors Drop-in Centre Society, 9824 Willow St., 250-246-2111 6–7, noon to 4pm, Ladysmith Museum Open 6–7, 10am to 5pm, Crofton Art Group’s annual Spring show and sale of original paintings, art
8, 10:30am and 1pm, Mothers Day Brunch, Cottonwood Golf Course, 1975 Haslam Rd., 250245-5157 8, 1pm to 4pm, Mother’s Day Tea, Hazelwood Herb Farm, 13576 Adshead Rd., 250-245-8007 8, 2pm, “The Musical of Musicals,” Ladysmith Little Theatre, 4985 Christie Rd., 250-924-0658 8–28, “Harvey” by Pulitzer Prize-winning Mary Chase, The Chemainus Theatre Festival, 1-800565-7738 or online at chemainustheatre.ca 9, 4:45pm doors open, start 6:40pm, Mondays Bingo, Chemainus Seniors Drop-in Centre
10, 9am to 1pm, Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce Spring Farmers’ Market, 49th Parallel Grocery Parking lot, 250-245-2112 11, 9:30am to 11am, Muffin mornings, Wed and Fri, Chemainus Seniors Drop-in Centre Society, 9824 Willow St., 250-246-2111
14, Tour de Rock Colour Run, Transfer Beach, Ladysmith 14, 1pm to 4pm, Meet The Artist: Michael Dean, refreshments, everyone is welcome, Kiwi Cove Lodge, 5130 Brenton Page Rd., 250-245-8051 14, 7pm, UFC 198, Cranberry Arms Pub, 1604 Cedar Rd., 250-722-3112
May 15-21 15, 10am to 2pm, Cedar Farmers’ Market, parking lot Crow & Gate
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15, 2 and 8pm, “The Musical of Musicals,” Ladysmith Little Theatre, 250-924-0658 15–28, “Harvey” by Pulitzer Prize-winning Mary Chase, The Chemainus Theatre Festival, 1-800565-7738 or online at chemainustheatre.ca 16, 4:45pm doors, open start 6:40pm, Mondays Bingo, Chemainus Seniors Drop-in Centre Society, 9824 Willow St., 250-246-2111 16, 7pm, Town of Ladysmith Regular Council Meetings, Council Chambers City Hall, 410 Esplanade Ave. 17, 9am to 1pm, Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce Spring Farmers’ Market, 49th Parallel Grocery Parking lot, 250-245-2112 18, 9:30am to11am, Blood Pressure Clinic, Chemainus Seniors Drop-in Centre Society, 9824 Willow St., 250-246-2111 18, 9:30am to 11am, Muffin mornings, Wed and Fri, Chemainus Seniors Drop-in Centre Society, 9824 Willow St., 250-246-2111 18, 11:30am to 1pm, Soup and Sandwich $6, entertainment Ladies Choir, Chemainus Seniors Drop-in Centre, 9824 Willow St., 250-246-2111 18, 6pm, Ladysmith Resources Centre Association Bingo, St. Mary’s Hall, 1135 4th Ave. 19, 7:30am, LDBA General Membership meeting, upstairs Ladysmith Legion 19, 1pm to 3:30pm, National Public Works Day with Ladysmith Public Works Crew. Fun for the whole family, hands on experience with equipment, displays, demonstrations, bugs & dirt, trolley, fire truck, balloons, hotdogs, cake & much more! 330 6th Ave. 20, 9:30am to 11am, Muffin mornings, Wed and Fri, Chemainus Seniors Drop-in Centre Society, 9824 Willow St., 250-246-2111 20, 5pm, Dine on the Dock, Ladysmith Community Marina, call for tickets in advance, 250-245-1146 20–21, noon to 4pm, Ladysmith Museum Open 21, 2pm, Join author Barrie Farrell for a reading from his new book, “Boats In My Blood,” Salamander Books, 535 1st Ave. Free admission, 250-245-4726 21, 7pm, Ladysmith Saltair Garden Club monthly meeting, St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church hall, 314 Buller St. at 3rd Ave. 21, 5pm to 8pm, Birthday Party with pot luck dinner, bar and entertainment, Chemainus Seniors Drop-in Centre, 9824 Willow St., 250-246-2111
May 22-28 22, 10am to 2pm, Cedar Farmers’ Market, parking lot Crow & Gate
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22, 2 pm, Chemainus Classical Concerts presents The DieMahler Quartet: “Transcendence,” Pablo Diemecke and Shima Takeda on violins, Lawrence Skaggs on cello, Elizabeth Massi on viola. St Michael’s Church, Chemainus, $20 (in advance $17), 250-748-8383 or www. chemainusclassicalconcerts.ca/ 22–28, “Harvey” by Pulitzer Prize-winning Mary Chase, The Chemainus Theatre Festival, 1-800565-7738 or online at chemainustheatre.ca 23, 4:45pm doors, open start 6:40pm, Mondays Bingo, Chemainus Seniors Drop-in Centre Society, 9824 Willow St., 250-246-2111 24, 9am to 1pm, Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce Spring Farmers’ Market, 49th Parallel Grocery Parking lot, 250-245-2112 24, 7pm, Ladysmith Camera Club: “The Art Of Composition In Landscape Photography,” with highly-acclaimed Nanaimo photographer Brad Powell, Hardwick Hall, High Street at 3rd Avenue, Ladysmith, www.LadysmithCameraClub.com 24–31, noon to 4pm, Ladysmith Museum Open, Tuesday to Saturday 25, 9:30am to 11am, Muffin mornings, Wed and Fri, Chemainus Seniors Drop-in Centre Society, 9824 Willow St., 250-246-2111
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29, 7pm, Newcomers Club Monthly Meeting, open to all new Ladysmith residents, Frank Jameson Community Centre, lower level 30, Heart & Stroke Big Bike, Ladysmith 30, 4:45pm doors, open start 6:40pm, Mondays Bingo, Chemainus Seniors Drop-in Centre Society, 9824 Willow St., 250-246-2111 31, 9am to 1pm, Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce Spring Farmers’ Market, 49th Parallel Grocery Parking lot, 250-245-2112
June 1-8 1, Chemainus Wednesday Market, Waterwheel Park, downtown Chemainus, 250-246-3944 3, 6pm, Ladysmith Resources Centre Association Bingo, St. Mary’s Hall, 1135 4th Ave. 4, 10am to 4pm, Ladysmith Maritime Festival Kids Pirate Day! Join Captain Jack & crew for a day of free fun activities! Bullhead derby, pirates, jumparound, music, crafts, face painting, food and much more 5, 10am to 2pm, Cedar Farmers’ Market, parking lot Crow & Gate 5, 7:30pm, Faustina Messenger of Divine Mercy, St. Mary’s Church, 1135 4th Ave., 250-245-3414
25, 6:30pm, Cedar Community Association Annual General meeting, Cedar Community Hall, 2388 Cedar Rd, Nanaimo
7, 9am to 1pm, Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce Spring Farmers’ Market, 49th Parallel Grocery Parking lot, 250-245-2112
25, 6pm, Ladysmith Resources Centre Association Bingo, St. Mary’s Hall, 1135 4th Ave.
8, Chemainus Wednesday Market, Waterwheel Park, downtown Chemainus, 250-246-3944
26, 10-4pm – The CVRD offers you chance to experience up to an 8.0 simulated earthquake FREE. The Shake Zone at the Island Savings Centre in Duncan - east parking lot.
11, 6pm, Ladysmith Kinsmen Fundraiser, Aggie Hall, 1110 1st Ave., 250-245-2263
27, 9:30am to 11am, Muffin mornings, Wed and Fri, Chemainus Seniors Drop-in Centre Society, 9824 Willow St., 250-246-2111
15, Chemainus Wednesday Market, Waterwheel Park, downtown Chemainus, 250-246-3944
28, 10am to 4pm, Ladysmith Maritime Festival: heritage vessels, marine museum, Harbour Heritage Centre, harbour tours, food, music and more
May 29-31 29, 9am to 2pm, Ladysmith Resources Centre will be having annual hanging basket/patio planter sale, 630-2nd Ave. Come and buy a lovely basket and support our many local programs! 29, 19th Annual Ladysmith Rotary Garden Tour, 250-924-3402 29, 10am to 2pm, Cedar Farmers’ Market, parking lot Crow & Gate 29, LaFF 3rd Annual Golf Tournament, Cottonwood Golf Course, 1975 Haslam Rd.
12, 10am to 2pm, Cedar Farmers’ Market, parking lot Crow & Gate
17, 9th Annual Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament, Cottonwood Golf, 250-245-2112 17, 5pm, Dine on the Dock, Ladysmith Community Marina, call for tickets in advance, 250-245-1146 18, 10am to 2pm, Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce Summer Farmers’ Market, Transfer Beach, 250-245-2112 18–19, Be a Hometown Tourist Weekend, various locations in Ladysmith and area (above, clockwise) Cedar Farmer’s Market (Sundays ) May 8 - Mothers Day Brunch, Cottonwood Golf Course May 28 - Ladysmith Maritime Festival Photos submitted.
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RDN Area A (Cedar, Cassidy, S. Wellington) TOWN HALL MEETINGS COMING TO RURAL AREAS IN THE REGIONAL DISTRICT OF NANAIMO BACKGROUND: The following motion was approved by the board of the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) at its Feb. 24, 2015 regular meeting: That the RDN consider that an Electoral Area Planning Committee (EAPC) meeting be held once annually in each Electoral Area and that the meeting be followed by a town hall session. The RDN staff are to report back on the financial implications and recommendations for additional funding to the Electoral Area Administration budget to support these meetings, which are to commence in 2015. During a recent review of motions passed by the board in 2014 and 2015, it was noted that this motion had not been followed up by staff. In addition to the above motion, the concept of providing a forum to discuss public issues was highlighted by the Electoral Area directors during the recently completed Strategic Planning sessions. These sessions led to finalization of the 2016 to 2020 RDN Board Strategic Plan. Unlike past strategic plans, the board has made it clear that they want this plan to be iterative —
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meaning that it will be reviewed at least once annually to ensure that its focus remains relevant. The EAPC currently meets on the second Tuesday of each month — except in August and December — to deal with the processing of development applications and other community planning related issues. Applicants and other delegations appearing before the EAPC must travel to and from their residences or places of business to the RDN board offices on Hammond Bay Road. Depending on where one resides, travel can be up to 65 kilometres in each direction. For many residents, the only contact they have with either this committee or their EA director is via e-mails, telephone conversations or post mail. The subject matter is usually focused on either a specific development or concern that the resident has. The EA directors have proposed that the committee periodically venture into the Electoral Areas to bring government closer to home and allow residents to voice their concerns or ask questions to the directors on a wide range of topics. It is expected that this will allow residents to communicate directly with their elected officials on topics of concern without a scripted agenda. As EA directors, many of us are trying to engage the public through a number of vehicles, including such things as this column in TAKE 5 or by attending public meetings held
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by the many community organizations and neighbourhood groups. Despite these activities, it is clear to me that the brand of the RDN is not highly regarded by many of the residents. Hopefully, town hall-style meetings will act to dispel some of the negative views that are held by certain residents. While details are still being discussed, the most likely schedule will see a town hall meeting held in one of the Electoral Areas once every two months. It will also alternate between northern and southern communities, so residents who miss an opportunity one month will be able to come out and air their views at the next meeting held in their immediate rural area or an adjoining rural area. Stay tuned. alecmcpherson@shaw.ca
CVRD Area H (North Oyster, Diamond) AMENDED WILDFIRE ACT AND REGULATIONS UPDATE The province is taking a tough stand to discourage behaviour that contributes to increased wildfire risks. The goal is to better protect communities, natural resources and local infrastructure from wildfire damage by changing human behaviors. These legislative changes will result in significantly increased fines for 19 different violations under the Wild-
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fire Act and for seven different violations under Wildfire Regulations. The result of these changes is that BC now has some of the highest wildfire-related violation ticket fines in the country. The fine for failing to comply with a fire restriction under the Wildfire Act is increasing from $345 (including a $45 victim surcharge) to $1,150 (including a $150 victim surcharge). This results in a 333.33 per cent increase over the previous fine for that offense. I have been informed that these fines could apply to backyard burning outside of the regulated fall burning window, as well as the commercial/industrial categories. Examples of behaviours that could result in fines of $1,150 include lighting a fire against regulations and/or restrictions, failing to abate a fire hazard, and failure to comply with fire hazard abatement orders. Wildfire Regulations fines have also been increased and could apply to these types of actions, again taking the wording from the regulations: failing to have sufficient fire tools; failing to comply with high fire risk restrictions; failing to keep on site firefighting hand tools and adequate fire suppression system; failing to meet fire watcher requirements; and to operate engines contrary to regulations. Although it is very difficult to predict weather patterns, climate change has shown that there is a very good chance that this summer will be hot and dry. Activity in the woods and rural areas will most likely see burning bans and a fire
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risk rated “high.� On average, 30 to 40 per cent of wildfires in BC are caused by humans. The 2015 fire season was one of the busiest and most expensive in recent years, with over 283,400 hectares burned and over $278 million spent on wildfire management. And the stress caused by evacuations must also be factored in. If you would like more information visit bcwildfire.ca. To report a wildfire, call 1 800 663555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone. ASSOCIATION VANCOUVER ISLAND AND COASTAL COMMUNITIES CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTs The annual AVICC convention was held April 8-10 in Nanaimo. A total of 38 resolutions were submitted prior to the deadline for consideration by the delegates. These resolutions called on senior government to take action on a wide variety of issues that impact our local communities. The Cowichan Valley Regional District submitted resolutions that were endorsed by the delegate, including a resolution about
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construction of pedestrian/cycling pathways along rural road rights-ofway. Other resolutions endorsed are limiting or banning burning on forest lands in community air sheds, and initiating abandoned or derelict vessels programs. All the endorsed resolutions will be forwarded to the annual UBCM convention for consideration and follow up action with senior governments. If you would like more information vist their website (avicc.ca). Various workshops and educational opportunities were also provided to the delegates. For the first time ever, there was a working session for the rural Electoral directors to bring forward issues that impact the unincorporated communities. I want to acknowledge and thank CVRD Administrator Brian Carruthers for his support in setting up this workshop. He was instrumental in ensuring that this was beneficial and worthwhile for the delegates. Everyone agreed that it was a very successful session, and requested that it con-
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tinue to happen at future conventions. I would also like to thank Mr. Carruthers for volunteering as a scrutineer for the election of AVICC executive officers. The CVRD is well represented on the executive board. As part of the convention, two Cowichan directors were elected to the new board. These conventions provide opportunities to inform senior governments about local issues and are vital to making the changes that the residents of BC are asking for.
CVRD Area G (Saltair) CYCLING IN SALTAIR We have a committee of volunteers who are trying to improve conditions for cycling in Saltair. The committee, composed of Tim Godau, Jason Wilson, Jackie Rieck, Lynne Smith, Debbie Neil and Jane Walton, are approaching the problem on two fronts. The first initiative is to get some answers on the Trans Canada Trail through Saltair and completion plans. A delegation headed by Jason Wilson presented a series of questions to the CVRD to help raise awareness and get a clearer understanding of where the completion plans are. The long and the short of it is that the CVRD has all the engineering plans in place for it to run on the west side of the E & N tracks with two creek crossing over Stocking Creek for $1.5 million. The only ingredient left is the money. The CVRD is applying to several funding agencies with hopes that 2017 will show some progress. The second approach is the possibility of improving the Rotary Cycling Route that already exists along Chemainus Road. This route was designated by the Island Rotary clubs of south Vancouver
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Island and goes from Sidney to the Duke Point Ferry. Next summer the Crofton Road, which is part of the route, will be repaved and it is hoped that at that time bike lanes can be put down as well. The roads of the route in some areas have a paved shoulder, but other areas not. The committee is hoping to see better signage, better road conditions and more awareness of the route. For more information on the Rotary Route Vancouver Island, visit www.rotaryroute.org. SALTAIR COMMUNITY SOCIETY The Saltair Community society will hold its first annual general meeting at the Saltair Community Centre on Monday, May 16th at 7 p.m., to complete its full slate of directors and move forward with operations. There are groups waiting in the wings to use the newly acquired Saltair Community Centre, but can’t do so until a permanent board is in place. For $5, buying a membership allows you to vote at the meeting and use the centre when it is operational. See the Saltair website for further developments (www.sunnysaltair.ca). REGIONAL RECREATION By the time you read this article, the public meeting discussing the CVRD plans to revisit regional recreation as a way for financing recreation in the Cowichan Valley will have already been held (April 28) at Saltair Community Centre. This is fourth time this topic has been formally discussed at the CVRD over the years. There are extreme implications for taxes in Saltair and North Oyster if the direction goes the wrong way. A subcommittee of the CVRD is reviewing the situation right now. They will probably come forward with several options or models as a way of paying for
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recreation in the valley; some of them more drastic than others. The present system of paying for recreation is more of a sub-regional model rather than regional model, which is fine by me for several reasons. One being that Saltair and North Oyster pay into Frank Jameson Community Centre in Ladysmith to help with their costs of operations for historical and local reasons, negotiating rates between the partners. Saltair residents rarely use the facilities in the Duncan area and should not pay for them. Another reason for not paying is that Saltair would lose control of the spending that could go wild with enthusiastic recreation commissions wanting to do more than necessary in the Duncan area. Studies have been done on facility use, and Saltair and North Oyster have been proven to have had very little use of the Duncan area facilities. The people of Saltair have different priorities for spending their money. Residents believe in outdoor recreation with our parks and trails. Saltair has to buy its parkland in Stocking Creek Park whereas other areas have it given to them through developments. There is very little development in Saltair. We have an old water system that is very expensive to maintain and an additional $1.2 million update to our water filtration system at Stocking Lake. We also have the newly acquired community centre that will need attention. Duncan and North Cowichan have different priorities and that’s a good thing. Why are we revisiting this regional recreation model again? It may be because North Cowichan was threatening to bring back two-tier fees to one of the electoral areas near Duncan.
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Let’s talk turkey Turkeys are the Rodney Dangerfield of the bird world. Despite being colourful, tasty and reportedly quite social, (we all have friends who are turkeys) they still get no respect, despite good references. The turkey received Benjamin Franklin’s vote for America’s national bird, instead of the eventual winner, the bald eagle. Apparently, the astute Franklin saw through the eagle’s big schnoz, the swept back hair and the sunglasses, and instead saw a bird of low moral fiber — a bird quite willing to hang around the garbage dump stealing worker’s lunch pails. It’s an odd thing turkeys. Everybody raves about how good they taste. Yet despite favourable reviews, they’re only served at Christmas and Thanksgiving, and sometimes Easter. Only the haggis, which is served grudgingly one day a year, has a lower rating. Compare this to the popularity of hamburgers, which for some unmarried males are consumed at breakfast, lunch and dinner. Some blame the turkey’s name for its lack of commercial success. Not since the woodpecker has a bird been saddled with such an unfortunate name choice. Others say that turkey’s unpopularity is a team issue. Look at whom the turkey gets to play with: the cranberry and its loser friend, the brussel sprout. That’s like having Danny DeVito and his twin brother on your basketball team. Imagine the invention of cranberry sauce: Bob the pilgrim sitting on his porch, minding his own business (which might have been mail order or perhaps a pyramid scam), relaxing in his rocker, wondering why he and his friends all dress so funny, when along comes nextdoor neighbour Luke with a bushel of these small, marble size, red berries. “Here Bob. You’re inventive. See if you can make something edible out of these. Maybe it’ll go with those stupid birds you’re raising, you know, the big dumb
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ones that keep flying into the barn. Turkeys, I think you call ‘em.” It doesn’t help that turkeys aren’t the prettiest bird in the forest. Even the lowly, wind-battered seagull looks better, especially in his dress whites. The turkey’s collection of odd-shaped yet colourful appendages, snods, wattles, carbuncles and beards, don’t help. Like peacocks, male turkeys puff up their bodies and spread their elaborate feathers to attract a mate. Good luck on that. Sad to say, some of the turkey’s unpopularity was brought on by itself through ill-considered marketing efforts, one being the deep fried turkey. Unfortunately, turkey marketing officials weren’t familiar with Archimedes’ study on buoyancy, which states that while dropping a few French fries or the occasional Mars bar into a pot of boiling oil might get good results (especially if you don’t mind love handles), dropping a 20-pound turkey into the same pot will displace 20 pounds of boiling oil up and out of the pot onto the heat source (the result being similar to a small atomic bomb detonating in your kitchen). That’s why for the last 10 years running, Popular Arsonist magazine has considered turkeys as their number one fire starter, edging out gasoline by a wide margin. As editor Edgar “The Torch” Baldwin puts it, “Saying you put gasoline into your toaster by mistake doesn’t cut it as an excuse these days. But turkeys, stuffed or unstuffed, the authorities always fall for.” Another ill-conceived marketing effort was the turducken, which is not a prewar Czechoslovakian two-door sedan, but a deboned chicken and duck stuffed inside a turkey. Let’s see now, the turkey’s main disadvantage is having leftovers that stretch out to mid-April, and now you’re going to double its size? Also, the word itself is highly suggestive. A shapely blonde walks by two burly guys leaning on shovels. The older of the two nods sagely, turns to the younger and says, “How’d you like to turducken that?” Much chortling ensues. The final indignity inflicted on the turkey was the American solution for everything: Larger breasts. Armed with a bottle of steroids, it was off to the gym. Pretty soon birds were walking out of there with 70 per cent breast meat. Only problem was their skinny legs couldn’t handle all the weight, and they kept falling over.
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Rather than just stand by and see the turkey suffer, we, as Canadians, should do something about it. It just so happens, and I am not making this up, that Canada doesn’t have a national bird. How we’ve got along without one all these years is quite beyond me. That’s why I’m proposing we adopt the turkey. Think about it, here is a tasty, indigenous species that has suffered great indignity at the hands of an unfeeling, super power. Our stature at the United Nations (where they have more than their share of turkeys) can only increase. History tells us nothing pulls a nation together better than a good lost cause, something the people can all rally behind. (But if it’s a turkey you’re following, watch where you place your feet.) First thing we’re going to need is celebrity support. I was thinking of Justin Bieber because, I don’t know, Johnny Bower is dead. We can pay Justin to develop a new dance, call it the Turkey Jerky, and make it the national dance when we’re crowning the turkey as the national bird. While we’re at it, change the national saying from “Eh” to “You, Turkey.” Yes, it’s going to cost some big bucks to get the Bieb’s aboard, but as the other Justin says, we’ll call it “infrastructure,” and the more we spend on that, the better off we’re going to be. Our motto: A turkey in every freezer, a Porsche in every garage. First thing we need to effect this change is a dedicated core group. We’ll call ourselves Turkeys for Compassion and meet every Tuesday night at Tim Horton’s for doughnuts and to design a zippy T for C tattoo. I tell you, this is something Justin can run with; something that will broadcast to the world what nice guys we are. And really, how much could it cost? (Just forget about the gun registry for a minute.) All we’re asking the federal government for is to go halfsies on the turkey costumes we’ll be needing for the May Day parade. I tell you, not since cross border shopping have we encountered a cause that’s more Canadian. Since we’re talking turkey, the best value red wine currently available is the 2014 Castillo de Monseran from Spain, $9.49. Delbert Horrocks is a co-proprietor at Mahle House Restaurant. Follow him at Slightlycorkedandmore.wordpress.com
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5 great native plants for the garden My approach to gardening is informed by my natural history inclinations. While the garden has an aesthetic appeal, the greater appeal is the connection — the sense of belonging to the landscape, the sense of playing a part in a greater whole. Native plants illustrate in their genetic memory a response to thousands of wet winters and dry summers. They Clockwise: Red-flowering currant. Photo H. Masata Tall Oregon-grape Salal Photos: Jay Rastogi
are part of many intricate relationships with birds, bees, fungi and humans, who rely on them for food and building materials along with so much more. Early European plant collectors found the Pacific Northwest particularly ap-
pealing. The plant collector David Douglas explored this area between July1824 and October 1827, and introduced over 200 species from the Pacific Northwest into the European horticultural trade. Eighty or so species of plants bear his name, including the Douglas fir. The following are five plants that caught his eye and continue to make an
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impression in gardens here and further afield: Red-flowering currant (Ribes sanguineum) The flowering of this plant and the arrival of the Rufous hummingbird go hand-in-hand. It blooms here around the end of March and early April. The genus name Ribes applies to currants and gooseberries, while the species name sanguineum refers to blood — presumably in reference to the colour of the flowers. Colour variation is typically shades of pink to red, but white cultivars are also available. Insect-pollinated plants use fragrances to advertise their attractiveness (pollen and nectar). This plant is pollinated by hummingbirds. Since hummingbirds don’t have a sense of smell, the red-flowering currant can forgo the metabolic expense of producing a scent and instead advertise with colour. And wow, what a colour! Dull Oregon-grape (Mahonia nervosa) and tall Oregongrape (Mahonia aquifolium) Dull Oregon-grape is a very common understory plant in dry forests. Most of the prickly leaves are evergreen; with the occasional one, a striking crimson. David Douglas rated this plant highly for the English garden. José Mozino from the Spanish Malaspina’s Vancouver Island expedition sent live plants of a related species, Mahonia aquifolium (tall Oregon-grape), to Spain much earlier (around 1791). Tall Oregon-grape prefers more sun. The flowers of both species are bright yellow and fragrant. The berries are edible, but rather tart. First Nations Peoples mixed them with sweeter berries and dried them for winter use. Salal (Gaultheria shallon) Possibly the most prolific understory plant on the west coast,
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salal has gotten a lot of attention in the garden. It is also sought after by the floral industry for the attractive zig-zag form of its branches and its dark-green leathery leaves. The berries of salal can be plentiful, and it was an important traditional food plant for First Nations Peoples. Wooly Sunflower (Eriophyllum lanatum) The wooly sunflower, with its cheerful yellow flowers, has a long blooming period. It thrives in the sun and attracts bees and a variety of butterflies. The silvery-grey “hair” on its leaves reflects some light and reduces air movement across the leaf surface thus reducing evaporation and giving it drought resistance. It also makes this plant visually attractive. Because of its short stature, the wooly sunflower is a candidate for the front of flowerbeds or for use in rockeries. It also makes a great mid to
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late season show when planted in large drifts. Kinnikinnik (Arctostaphylos uvaursi) Once established this tough plant does best in dry, sunny and poor-nutrient sites. I love seeing it grow on rock walls or through rockeries. The dark green leaves of the kinnikinnik contrast with its reddish-brown stems. The white to pink flowers also look good against its dark foliage. Because of this plant’s tolerance for tough environments, it is a popular choice for planting around parking lots. Spelled forward or backward, this neat sounding plant is still kinnikinnik — make of that what you wish. (It is also spelled kinnikinnick — but that isn’t as fun, is it?) Many native plants are every bit as showy as garden ornamentals, but have the benefit of providing food and habitat for organisms with which they have coevolved. By growing plants in your garden (or balcony), you can view in close proximity the processes of nature. Gardening with native plants is a great way to connect with and participate in nature. Jay Rastogi is a naturalist, horticulturist and educator living in Yellow Point. ecoforestry@gmail.com (above) Kinnikinnik (below) Wooly Sunflower Photos: Jay Rastogi
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Heritage Centre, 1644 McMillan Rd. $20/mo. www.nanaimotaichi.org. Call Sara 250-245-1466.
FOR RENT OFFICE SPACES Downtown Ladysmith, modern, reasonable rent or lease. Call 250-245-3395. FOR SALE GARDEN CLUB PLANT SALE Sat. May 14, Aggie Hall, 1st Ave. & Symonds, Ladysmith 9am until sold out. Wide variety of plants, used equipment, raffle at door. New-master gardeners for garden questions. PENTAX P 5 CAMERA w/ Tamron 70-210 Lens, & 28-135, 2 x converter, y2, 81A florescent polarizer, haze & more filters. Pentax MZ 10 camera w/ Pentax 28-70 & 75-300 lens, circular polarizer filter. All for $250. Call 250-924-2277. MINI CAR COLLECTIONS Signature models 1/35 scale, Auburn, Dussenbergs, Studebaker, 35 Buicks, Reo’s, 37 Cord, 30’ Pierce Arrow, 33 Cadilics. $35 each OBO. Call 250-758-5816. MEAT CUTTING SANDSTONE SHARPENER 61/2” long working parts bathstyle — fine-course grit for knives. $125 OBO. Call 250-758-5816. JAZZ GOLF CLUBS rh set, 6 years old with bag, cart, drivers — putters 10 clubs. $125 OBO. Call 250-758-5816. 12 FT. EXTENDING POLE to use for cleaning window etc., no squeegee. $75. Call 250-7585816. HELP WANTED WANTED PART-TIME, experienced gardener for Mahle House Restaurant. Call Ginny 250-7222115. GARDENER WANTED. Looking for someone to keep our yard neat and under control. We need help with regular weeding and occasional trimming. Yellowpoint/North Oyster area. Call 250-924-8046. SENIOR GENTLEMAN on country acreage needs some help, mainly gardening, benefit from over 50 years of practical experience, lots of free fruit & vegetables, some fire wood, monetary perhaps. Pls call 250-716-0001.
CONCRETE RESULTS. Contracting, full-service forming and finishing, walls, walks, patios, drives. 35 years experience. Call Gord 250-753-4024. MID-ISLAND HOME SUPPORT since 2009. Personal assistance and house cleaning available. Bondable, licensed, certified and insured for your safety and ours. For the best rates around, please call 250-924-2273 (CARE). EXPERIENCED HOUSE SITTER available for Summer/Fall/Winter. References avail. Prefer long stay. Kathleen 250-619-0786. I CAN EDIT. Copy editing, proofreading, substantial editing and more. Web content, books, documents. Fiction or nonfiction. For more information, email editican@gmail.com. WATER SPOTS on your shower glass? Have them polished off! Have a bright clean shower again! Try out our glass protection too. www. spotlessglass.ca. 250-734-2681. MATURE, EXPERIENCED, long time local housecleaner has a few openings available. Weekly, bi-weekly or monthly call Heidi - 250-327 -2546. EDUCATION SENSE OF PLACE YOUTH PROJECT LTD. Offering child care. SUMMER CAMPS FILLING FAST! Pro-D, before and after school spaces available for children ages 5–12. North Oyster Community Centre (Lic# KRIS-9MPPYV). 7am to 6pm Mon to Fri. Nature programming, arts/crafts, hiking, building, music, games, etc. Full/part-time and drop-in spots. Subsidy welcome. Email patti@ senseofplaceyp.com, www.senseofplaceyp.com, or call 250-667-1222 or 250-618-3396. HEALTH & BEAUTY ISAGENIX DISTRIBUTOR. Get lean and healthy fast! Less than $5/meal. Our protein shakes are amazing! No gluten, wheat, barley or trans fat. www.taketimetoday.com. Call Suzanne Deveau 250-245-8407.
KEN’S MOBILE MARINE SERVICE. Over 25 years licensed Marine Mechanic, repairing and maintaining diesel, inboard, outboard, stern drives, electrical, etc. We come to you. Call Ken 250-210-0756.
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. Lilja Hardy FMBAC in practice since 1994. www.bowtech.com. For information and appointments, call 250-245-7738.
BARNACLE BILL’S CHARTERS. Fishing, prawning, crabbing and sightseeing. Call 250210-0787 or 250-245-4185.
TAI CHI For mental and physical health. Beginner class starts February, Mondays, on-going class Wednesdays. Both classes 10am to noon, Cedar
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YELLOWPOINT BODY WORKS “My Birthday Special to you” Book 4 relaxation massages from now ‘till September and the rate is $50 each. Crystal Light Chakra Balancing by donation. Please email yellowpoint.bodyworks.ste314@ gmail.com or call 250-618-8218 for treatment and rates brochure or check it out on Facebook under Services: HOME & YARD NEW LIFE YARDWORK and PAINTING Lawn mowing, weeding, power washing, rubbish removal, gutter cleaning. Prompt, courteous, reliable service for your home or business. Contact Terry at newlifeyardwork@gmail.com or call 250668-8383. ISLAND KING RENOS LTD. Kitchen-BathTile-Backslash-Countertops-Flooring-DrywallPaint-Siding-Fences-Decks INTERIOR and EXTERIOR. Quote by JOB not by the HOUR. www.islandkingrenos.com. Call 250-924-4924. QUALITY RENOVATIONS Big or small. 25 yrs exp/journeyman, affordable. For free estimate, call Lars 250-616-1800. DARRELL ESSAR RENOVATIONS Over 30 years experience, certified journeyman carpenter. No job is too small, from fences, decks, tile work, hardwood flooring, painting, drywall, etc. For free estimate, call Darrell 250-714-3823. EXCAVATING SERVICES. Perimeter drains, water lines, septic installations and more. No job too small, fully insured, free estimates. Rice Excavating, Jon 250-716-6543. TAKE 5 ads work! 250-245-7015. take5.ca AJ’S HOME CLEANING top to bottom service. General, event, windows, we’ll even make your bed! Great for families, seniors, single parents, office cleaning, flexible service to fit your schedule. Email aliciajohnson@telus.net or call Alicia 1-250709-1364.
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SASSA’S HOME AND GARDEN CARE specializing in fall & spring cleaning inside & outside of your home or business. We use the tools & products that make the difference. Call 250-924-4735 or 1-250-218-4735.
painting. Email islandgardenscapes@gmail.com or call/text 250-802-0461.
SENIORS’ UPGRADES — railings, ramps; interior re/finishing, carpentry, painting, custom shelving/storage, decks, benches. Enhance your enjoyment of the home you love. Namaste Home Improvements, 250-245-2751 (see display ad).
PROFESSIONAL PET CARE SERVICE. Leash ‘em & walk ‘em with Marlena. Insured and bonded. Animal First Aid and CPR. Service for all pets including dog walking, home care visits, overnight with pet in your home and much more. As my love is yours! Call 250-246-3394.
ISLAND PRUNING. Professional tree care from large scale orchards to budding new trees. I can meet any pruning need. Shrubs, vines and ornamental. Large and small clean ups. Call Darcy Belcourt 250-323-1260. THE HAPPY GARDENER. Weeding, digging, raking, cutting back, etc. Also do window washing and odd jobs. Cheerful and conscientious. Call David 250-618-9217. WICKED WEEDER OF THE WEST is a locally owned and operated business. We offer weeding, lawn cutting, hedging. Please email Connie at wickedweeder@gmail.com or call 250-246-0041 TAKE 5 ADS WORK. 250-245-7015 take5.ca ISLAND GARDEN SCAPES.CA for all outdoor landscape & garden needs. Reasonable rates, free estimates: garden design & re-creation, clean up, planting, pruning, maintenance, lawns &
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TOO CRAZY BIRDY HOTEL. Now 4 locations, Victoria, Cedar, Parksville and Comox Valley. Travel with peace of mind, parrot boarding in loving settings. Budgies to macaws. $7. $14, $18 sml,md, lrg. www.toocrazybirdyhotel.com. Diana and Kip 250-722-2201.
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SENIORS LYNN’S SENIORS CARE HOME. High quality personalized care. Warm caring environment. Great food and snacks. Family events. Couples and pets welcomed. Ocean views, gardens. North of Ladysmith. www.lynnsseniorcare.com. Call 250-245-3391. MEALS ON WHEELS Delivered Monday, Wednesday & Friday between 11:30am & 12:30pm. Info Joanne 250-245-5088 or Merle 250-245-7252. SENIORS’ UPGRADES — railings, ramps, interior re/finishing, carpentry, painting, custom shelving/storage, decks, benches. Enhance your enjoyment of the home you love. Namaste Home Improvements, 250-245-2751 (see display ad).
KITTY KORNERS CAT HOTEL. Purrsonalized quality kitty care. Daily health checks, experienced with special needs kitties. Reasonable rates. Available 24/7. Check out our new home at 2740 Heather Way, Nanaimo. Take a virtual tour www. kittykorners.com. Call 250-740-KATS (5287).
ARBUTUS HOME WATCH Peace of mind during your time away. Absentee home/property services, daily/weekly/bi weekly visits. Maintenance services, indoor/outdoor. Insured, criminal record check, bondable. www.arbutushomewatch.ca. 250-668-2636.
THE PET NANNY Let us pamper and love your pets at your home or ours. Experience and references are available. Shanon or Bill at 250924-8809 Ladysmith.
LEAVE A LEGACY - TAKE 5 Publications can help. We can get your memoirs project ready to go to press. Video production and photography service also available. Call 250-245-7015. editor@take5.ca
TAKE 5 ads work. 250-245-7015 take5.ca