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Letters Population Growth and Demand for Water The current boundaries of Ladysmith contain a large amount of undeveloped land. The Official Community Plan (OCP) estimates that these areas could accommodate another 8500 people. (This document is available at the Library or on-line at the town web-site). These will double the population from just about 8400 today to 17,000 at some point in the future. The areas and target population identified in the OCP include: the Holland Creek area-- 2500 (includes land between Dogwood, south of Holland Creek to the Power lines); North End above Rocky Creek--1000; South end (south of Russell Creek)--2000; Waterfront--2500; and infill downtown--500. There are a number of areas not identified in the OCP that have future implications for water demand. For example, there is a large area south of Peerless Road that is within the town, outside of the urban containment boundary but within the ALR. Whether it is developed as agricultural land or for urban uses there will be an increase in the demand for water. In addition the town has entered into a servicing agreement with Stz’umanus First Nation to supply water to the Four Corners (Ivy Green) area. (And there is a good argument to be made based on historical use and ownership that First Nations should have first dibs on water use!). Also, areas that are undergoing or planned for development like the area above Thetis and Battie, area above Colonia and Rotary lookout, and Malone to Browns Park, will all increase population and demand for water. In the June Issue of TAKE 5, Dr. Bryan Henderson reported on the results of his analysis of water supply and demand. It raises grave concerns about the capacity of the Holland Creek system to supply enough water for even 17,000 to 18,000 people. So why would we want to expand another 700 ac. (283 ha) on TimberWest Couverdon land to the northwest of town? They say this would add another 2500 to 3600 people. The Holland Creek system is a small watershed and water supply is a critical issue. Town documents do not adequately assess these supply and demand issues. While this letter is being written the town is receiving another report on water supply and the implications of climate change. In anticipation, however, the report will not be based on significant new data. There are a lot of gaps in information that would enable a clear understanding of the capacity of the Hol-
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land Creek system. For example: detailed bathymetry for the Holland Lake Reservoir does not appear to be available, thus there is no accurate assessment of volume of water; there is no hydro-geological work on the theoretical or actual recharge capacity for this reservoir and creek system Long term snow pack data is only available from Jump Creek, which is several mountains to the south west of our watershed; in an area where microclimates are the rule rather than the exception this is an issue. Also there is considerable anecdotal information about decreased snowfall and earlier snow melts, and the impacts of logging… again no data. A minimum flow measure has not been established below Chicken Ladder to ensure enough water flow to maintain aquatic and salmon habitat. Climate modeling is done most effectively over large areas and it is difficult to extract and apply to a small area such as the Holland Creek system. In addition current work is finding wide variations between the models and what is actually happening to our planet. What if these models are out, in either direction, by 10, 20 or 50%? Dr. Bryan Henderson suggested in his report, that in the absence of good solid data the town should draw down the reservoir over a two or three year period as if we had a population of 18,000 or 20,000 and see how the watershed reacts. If his report and analysis is correct it will be clear that there is not enough water to support this growth.
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In the meantime, the Couverdon land is not going to go away. It will still be there for development if needed in the future. What is the hurry to amalgamate this land and rush to development when there is so much uncertainty? - Greg Roberts, Ladysmith Ladysmith Mayor Rob Hutchin’s report on water in the TAKE 5/August/14 had some interesting statistics but before Council or residents start congratulating themselves, they might consider the real reason water use has decreased in the Ladysmith area. Almost no one grows their own food any more! Finding a productive food garden in the town or the Diamond area is like looking for hen’s teeth. During the Depression years of the 30’s through the Victory gardens of the 40’s and the Back to the Land movement of the 60’s and 70’s, there were backyard gardens everywhere. Vancouver Island produced 75% of its food 50 years ago, now it is 7%. My wife and I do have a 2000 square foot garden (no, we are not retired) and it does supply us with fresh and preserved vegetables almost year round but even with careful watering techniques requires approximately 200 gal (760 litres) of water a day for 5 months of the year. A lot of water to provide vegetables for 2 people but tiny compared to the 2000 gallons required to produce one pound of factory farmed beef. Space is not an excuse either as I have seen east Vancouver city lots intensively grown to
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produce large amounts of produce but growing food does take work and skill. Essentially everything in local supermarkets, restaurants and fast food outlets; vegetables, fruit, cereals, meats, dairy, juices, soft drinks used water from far away whether it be elsewhere in Canada or California, Mexico and China so our theoretical improvement in statistics is their loss. One can say that Ladysmith water is used for the luxury of cleaning stuff; dishes, laundry, us, the car and the real life necessities of food and drink come from other, often more threatened watersheds and aquifers. Like it or not we will be forced by rising oil prices, water shortages elsewhere, global warming and other challenges to grow our own food and livestock again so the Mayor’s statistic of 246 litres per person per day will need to be at least doubled to 500 litres. We are currently experiencing Level 3 drought conditions on south eastern Vancouver and Gulf Islands which of course coincides with high garden water use. For a century, politicians, planners and voters have been addicted to the Growth mandate because it is so much easier than building sustainable communities but we had better make a start by doubling or even tripling water use projections that existing Island communities will require two or three decades from now. - Rick Laing
New Business! I have a new boutique business “ Too Crazy Birdy Hotel�. The first place I went for advertising once I had myself set up and open for business was Take 5. Loyola helped with a sponsored ad in May for our F.E.A.T.H.E.R.S. group and a classified ad. I was just starting so I was not sure how much I could afford, I figured a regular monthly presence was best. Well folks, the classified ad in TAKE 5 has drawn new customers to my birdy hotel. They are residents in the area and the first place they looked was the classified in Take 5. Take 5 out performed Kijiji, Used Nanaimo and Facebook. - Diana Slater
Kinsol trestle hard to find Recently we visited this amazing attraction BUT if not for perseverance and bravery we would have given up miles before we found it! The road signs are too small and scant- we headed down a side-road that turned to gravel and narrowed for miles, I think there definitely should have been much more signage where the road turned to gravel and where the intersections were. We did by the way get there and we were glad we did! - Gail Ritchie Letters to the editor are welcome but subject to space and editing. Multiple submissions will not be considered. Please include name, address and phone number for verification only. editor@take5.ca. Letters do not necessarily reflect those of TAKE 5.
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6 Awesome Reasons to Run for Local Government Office The election for municipal council, regional districts, and school trustees is fast approaching. The nomination period is between September 30th and October 10th with elections on Saturday, November 15th. I had the opportunity to read a blog posted late last year by Councillor Danielle Klooster of Penhold Alberta prior to Alberta’s local government elections. Much of what Danielle wrote rang true for me so with Danielle’s permission I share with you an edited version of her words below. Six Awesome Reasons to Run: 1) You care deeply about your community and you want to make a positive impact. A candidate’s number one motivator should be a consuming passion and appreciation for their community. Your love for your community and your commitment to do your part to improve it will see you through the tough times and rewarding times during your term in office. 2) You have a commitment to public service and proven leadership experience. Before you choose to run for an elected position, ask yourself, “Are you committed to and do you enjoy public service?” If you are not already a community volunteer try serving on a community board, and do some volunteer work. Build your network and your credibility. You do have an opportunity to prove what kind of community volunteer and community
leader you are in advance of asking for the job as an elected official. 3) You have done your homework. Attend council/board meetings, public hearings and open houses. Read minutes, reports, newspaper editorials, blog posts, public commentaries, and, most importantly, the Local Government Act, the Community Charter, and/ or the School Act! Interview current and former councilors/directors/trustees, and administration staff. Talk to your family, neighbors, and non-elected community leaders. To assist potential candidates for the positions of mayor or councilor the Town of Ladysmith will be hosting an Information Session for Potential Candidates at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, September 29th. 4) You are prepared to be part of a team. This is a biggie. Whether you intend to become mayor or councilor, regional district electoral area director, or school trustee, you are asking to join a team where you have only one vote and you have a duty to make informed decisions. At the Council/Board/Trustee table, you have five basic functions: - Inform yourself, but come to the table with an open mind - Debate
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- Carefully consider the information, opinions and positions of your fellow councilors and staff - Vote - Accept the decision of the group You are not there to be the official opposition – there is no such thing in local government politics. Although, in practice, in some of the larger centers in British Columbia partisan politics does play a role in the conduct of municipal councils. 5) You are a long-term thinker, prepared to build for the future. Your role is all about developing good policy for the greater good. Many of your decisions on Council will be to lay the foundations for things you will not be around to see come to fruition. Even the immediate and seemingly short-term decisions you make can have lasting consequences. 6) You can remain committed to serving the community and doing what you believe is best, no matter what. Be fully committed. Love your community. Never forget that you are a steward of the public trust, and that you took an oath to act in the public interest. Good leaders – as opposed to good politicians – are willing to sacrifice personal gain for the good of the community. It is entirely likely that you will be criticized and perhaps even maligned. For some reason, some people have this odd belief that as soon as a person becomes a public figure, it is okay to heap upon them personal insults and engage in sometimes vicious character assassination. Do not get me wrong: the vast majority of people are really decent. They are thinking people, reasonable people, and
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supportive people. Their engagement and encouragement, along with your personal satisfaction in a job well done, makes it all worthwhile. So why should you run for public office? You should run because you wish to serve your community, to provide good leadership, to plan and to build for the future. You should run because you have a contribution to make, ideas to be shared, passion that will not abate and a commitment to do the right thing no matter what. You should run if you understand that you will have to sacrifice popularity, family time and personal friendships in the interest of doing the greater good. You should run if you want a better future for your grandchildren, and your grandchildren’s grandchildren. To read the unedited version of this blog or more importantly to read “Five Terrible Reasons to Run for Municipal Office” please visit Danielle’s Blog www.danikloo.com rhutchins@ladysmith.ca
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Cedar District! Family operated farms, organic growers and markets. Spectacular beaches, biking and hiking trails. A rich history of coal mining and a number of heritage pubs and buildings –St Philip’s Anglican Church, the oldest building in Cedar Village, is celebrating 125 years -- and you start to get the picture. Get lost in the McNab’s Corn Maze, follow the Cedar Yellow Point Artisan’s self guided tour of working studios, sip a local cider in the Crow and Gate garden or dine in the award-winning Mahle House…and you have a small sampling of Cedar. Watch for the many farmgates where you can pick up farm
fresh products from honey to nuts, berries, cranberries to organically raised meat and all kinds of delicious edibles. Cedar Farmers’ Market is one of the most popular farm markets. It’s open Sundays from 10am-2pm in front of the Crow and Gate Pub. Looking for a bargain? You’ll find it at the Cedar Swap Meet at Cedar Community Hall every Sunday. Along Yellow Point road is the world renowned Yellow Point Lodge, celebrating 75 years and the famous Wildwood Forest. Established in 1938 by Merv Wilkinson it is now operated by The Land Conservancy and is used for education and research purposes . This area offers sandstone beaches, parks for hiking and several lakes for kayaking or swimming. Don’t miss Blue Heron Park, Elliott Beach Park, Hemer Park or Roberts Memorial. All these offer easy walking with stunning views. Cable Bay Trail is a bit more strenuous but worth the hike to Dodd Narrows. A number of resorts, campgrounds and golf courses are nearby. Along Cedar Road are a number of shops offering services from hardware to hairdressing. Central to the community is Cedar Village Square with the 49th Parallel Grocery Store, and it’s tenants offering products and services amongst them the award-winning non-profit Coco Café. The Cedar Village Square is celebrating their 17th anniversary on Saturday Sept 13. Join in the fun with kid’s games, face painting, bouncy castles, plus live entertainment by Fred Izon. The dunk tank is a good way to get a local celebrity wet. The North Cedar Fire Department and Cedar Scouts will be there as well as some surprises and prizes. In conjunction with the fun day, 49th Parallel Grocery is celebrating its 17th anniversary so make sure to drop in and enter to win one of four 40`Haier LED T.V.`s. The Family Fun is just one way that the shops are thanking customers for years of support,” say Ron Belfry 49th Parallel Grocery store manager and Lorrell Benson, cashier supervisor. Organizing the entertainment, games and prizes is a lot of work but it is a labour of love. “We do it because of the community that gives us so much
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- we wanted to give back to them as well”, says Lorrell. Community spirit thrives in Cedar. Groups and individuals are activists for sustainability, passionate about their rural roots. The Cedar Women’s Institute is celebrating 90 years. Laurie Gourlay and other members of the Vancouver Island & Coast Conservation Society are working on a Cedar and South Wellington Heritage and Beautification Initiative. Inspired by the beautiful carving located in front of Jack Anderson’s Greenplan Design on Cedar Road, a carving showing a hand holding a tree, the plan is to create more focal points for the community that would bring awareness of our heritage, as well as attract visitors. Gourlay would like to see a dozen or art pieces in Cedar and South Wellington interpreting the community and its heritage. The beauty of projects like these is that they have a way of growing legs and encouraging other efforts to increase tourists visits, community enjoyment and pride.
A Plan for Cedar Main Street Village Following a comprehensive community engagement process, the Regional District of Nanaimo Board adopted the Cedar Main Street Village Plan on September 24, 2013. The Plan was adopted as an amendment to the Electoral Area ‘A’ Official Community Plan and generally applies to an area of land located on both sides of Cedar Road between MacMillan and Hemer Roads. The Plan is the principal guiding document used to provide direction to the Regional District Board, developers, property owners, and other agencies for planning and land use matters within the Cedar Main Street area. It includes policies and guidelines applicable to land use, community design, transportation and mobility, parks and recreation, and servicing. The Plan also identifies desirable improvements within the community. Many of the policies and guidelines included in the plan are based on a set of 14 design ideas which were the result of a four-day community design charrette. To view the Cedar Main Street Village Plan please visit the RDN’s web site at www. rdn.bc.ca. For more information on the Cedar Main Street Village Plan, please contact RDN Community Planning at (250) 390-6510 or email planning@rdn.bc.ca.
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September 1-6
September 7-13
1 1-6, 8pm, “Les Misérables”, an epic tale of passion and destruction in 19th century France, Chemainus Theatre Festival 250-246-9820
7, 8pm, “Les Misérables”, an epic tale of passion and destruction in 19th century France, Chemainus Theatre Festival 250-246-9820
1-6, Summer Long Artist’s Garden & Studio Tour, self guided tour takes you into ten gardens and studios of local artists who will be available to share their passion for both gardening and art. 250-416-1411
7-13, Summer Long Artist’s Garden & Studio Tour, self guided tour takes you into ten gardens and studios of local artists who will be available to share their passion for both gardening and art. 250-416-1411
2, 9:30am, “To Hell with the Bell” breakfast hosted by the Nanaimo-Ladysmith Retired Teachers Association, Wellington Community Hall, 3922 Corunna Ave.
7, Men’s Amateur Tournament Horse Race Friday, 4 Four Hole-in-one prizes Mount Brenton Golf Course 250-246-9322
2, 2pm, Ladysmith Farmers Market, baking, produce, and hand crafted items, Transfer Beach
7, 8pm, “Les Misérables”, an epic tale of passion and destruction in 19th century France, Chemainus Theatre Festival 250-246-9820
3, 6pm, Fuller Lake Skating Club registration also skate sale & swap, Fuller Lake Arena 250-7482559
7, 12pm, RCL 171 Membership Picnic Transfer Beach Horseshoe Pitch, BBQ by donation. 250245-2273
5-6, Wheaty Volleyball, Wheatsheaf Sports Complex, 1866 Cedar Rd. 250-245-722-2422
18, 7am, LDBA meeting Dave Herman, Staff Sergeant Ladysmith RCMP guest speaker, upstairs RCL 171 621 1st Ave.
5-6, 9:30am, Nanaimo Pottery Co-op show & sale, pick up that special item, Country Club Centre, 3200 N. Isl. Hwy. 5-6, 9pm, BoodAbooM Canadian roots, rock & reggae w/ Theo Massop, Marsha Devoin & Rich Bazille, New Patricia Hotel 6, 1pm, Cedar Women’s Institute, Blackberry Tea, Cedar United Church Hall, 1644 Cedar Rd. 6, 3:30pm, Picnic and Dance to the Masimba Marimba Band, Sutton-Maffeo Park, for more information go to www.wesociety.org 6, Men’s Amateur Tournament Horse Race Friday, 4 Four Hole-in-one prizes Mount Brenton Golf Course 250-246-9322 6, Art Deco Revisited, guest speaker Eiko Jones National Geographic Photographer, Ladysmith Waterfront Gallery 250-245-1252
8, 6pm, Beer & Burger Night fundraising event for Tour de Rock, Cottonwood Golf Course 1975 Haslam Rd. 250-816-4516 9, 1:30pm, BC Government Retired Employees Association, Election of Officers and AGM Delegates. Guest Speaker Mayor Ruttan. Unitarian Fellowship Hall, 595 Townsite Rd, Nanaimo 250-722-3742 9, 2pm, Ladysmith Farmers Market, baking, produce, and hand crafted items, Transfer Beach 9, 6pm, Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron 257 Parallel Ladysmith Information/Open House/ Registration Night, Agricultural Hall, 1110-1st Avenue, Ladysmith, 250-245-8119 12-13, 10am, Nanaimo Museum - Ring of Fire: Canadians in the Pacific in WWII, 100 Museum Way 250-753-1821 13, 10am, Berry Mania a Fun Family festival,
Ladysmith Resources Centre fund raiser, Transfer Beach 13, 11am, Cedar Village Family Fun Day, kids games, monster obstacle course, prizes & fun for the entire family, Cedar Village Square 250-7227010 13, Slow Pitch, Wheatsheaf Sports Complex, 1866 Cedar Rd. 250-245-722-2422 13, 11:30am, Last Night of the Proms, Broadcast Live in HD from Royal Albert Hall, Cowichan Theatre. 250-748-7529 13, 7am, Neighbourhood Family Yard Sale, Oakwood Rd. lots of great items at several locations
September 14-20 14 -20, 10am, Nanaimo Museum - Ring of Fire: Canadians in the Pacific in WWII, 100 Museum Way 250-753-1821 14, Summer Long Artist’s Garden & Studio Tour, self guided tour takes you into ten gardens and studios of local artists who will be available to share their passion for both gardening and art. 250-416-1411 14, Heritage Walking Tour with Tom Paterson of old coal mining and railroad sites in South Wellington benefit for preservation of Morden’s 101 year old structures. 250-714-0377 cchristo@ shaw.ca 14, 10am, The Terry Fox Run for Cancer Research, Walk-Run-Wheel-Ride, Frank Jameson Community Centre, Ladysmith, 250-245-6427 15-19, Curves Grand Opening Open House, come on down meet the new owner Dona 250-245-4460 18, 1:30pm Information Session for Seniors Driving, hosted by LRCA Seniors Office, Eagles Hall 250-245-3079 18, 7pm, Ladysmith Saltair Garden Club monthly meeting, St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church hall, 314 Buller St at 3rd Ave.
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19, Bonnie Kilroe, presents Patsy Cline, $25 with Chicken Dinner. 621 1st Ave, 250-245-2273 20, Music Trivia & Pub Dinner, Royal Canadian Legion, 171, 621 1st Ave. 250-245-2273 20, Rotary Clubs of Ladysmith & Chemainus hosting their 4th Annual Golf Tournament, Mount Brenton Golf Course 20, 5pm, St. John’s Anglican Church Fundraiser Beer, Burger & Auction Night, Timerlands Pub 250-245-5044 or 250-755-2060
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28 - 30, 10am, Nanaimo Museum - Ring of Fire: Canadians in the Pacific in WWII, 100 Museum Way 250-753-1821 28-29, Lift for Life – Tour de Rock event Principle Dave Street will spend 72 hrs. in a scissor lift collecting donations, LDCU parking lot 28-30, 7pm, “Flemming” a comedic spoof of film noir, Ladysmith Little Theatre 4985 Christie Rd. 250-924-0685
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3-5, 10am, The Polka Dot Trail, 1st Annual Chemainus Valley Studio Tour
Oct 5-11 5-11, 10am, Nanaimo Museum - Ring of Fire: Canadians in the Pacific in WWII, 100 Museum Way 250-753-1821 5-11, 7pm, Flemming a comedic spoof of film noir, Ladysmith Little Theatre 4985 Christie Rd. 250-924-0685
September 21-27
28, 7am, Rotary Pancake Breakfast – Tour de Rock event bring your appetite and support a great cause
21 - 27, 10am, Nanaimo Museum - Ring of Fire: Canadians in the Pacific in WWII, 100 Museum Way 250-753-1821
28, 1,4,7pm, “Tracks”, Theatre One Fringe Flicks award winning independent films, Avalon Cinema 250-754-7587
21, 9am, North Oyster & Area Historical Society Annual Garage Sale, 13467 Cedar Road 250-2452559 for any donations
29, Tour de Rock Ladysmith stop!
(l-r) Berry Mania a Fun Family festival, Transfer Beach, Sept 13, starts at 10am
29, 6pm, Red Serge Dinner – Tour de Rockevent a semi formal dinner held in honour of the riders, Ladysmith Secondary School
Cedar Village Square Anniversary and Fun Day, Sept 13, starts at 11am
23, 7pm, Ladysmith Camera Club Explore and expand your photography with us, Hardwick Hall 228 High Street, Ladysmith, www. LadysmithCameraClub.com 24, 7:30pm, Carlos Núñez Spanish sensation, Port Theatre 125 Front St. 250-754-8550 25-27, 7pm, “Flemming” a comedic spoof of film noir, Ladysmith Little Theatre 4985 Christie Rd. 250-924-0685 26-27, Lift for Life – Tour de Rock event Principle Dave Street will spend 72 hrs. in a scissor lift collecting donations, LDCU parking lot 27. Dinner & Dance with Country and Western Band, “Lonesome 77” $20 Chemainus Seniors Centre 250-246-2111 27, LFR Beverage & Burger – Tour de Rock event and evening of camaraderie and fun, LDCU parking lot
September 28-30 28, BC River Day, Nanaimo River
29, 7pm, Tracks, Theatre One Fringe Flicks award winning independent films, Avalon Cinema 250754-7587
October 1-4 Nanaimo Museum - Ring of Fire: Canadians in the Pacific in WWII, 100 Museum Way 250-753-1821 1-4, 7pm, Flemming a comedic spoof of film noir, Ladysmith Little Theatre 4985 Christie Rd. 250924-0685 1, 11:30am, National Seniors Day Luncheon, hosted by the LRCA Seniors Office, Ladysmith Seniors Centre, to register call Barb at 250-2453079 2, 5:30pm, Savour Chemainus sample wine & food, enjoy music & art, Chemainus Theatre 3-4, 8pm, Over the River and Through the Woods, this heartwarming and hilarious family comedy plays with old world values, new family traditions and the differences between the generations, Chemainus Theatre Festival 250-246-9820
5, 1pm, FREE Dyslexia Information Seminar, Contact Carole Ford to Register, 250-245-8412
Lift for Life – Tour de Rock event Dave Street will spend 72 hrs. in a scissor lift collecting donations, LDCU parking lot Sept 26-29 Photos submitted.
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Asscoiation. She also organized the Coats for Kids Program. Through the family business Grants Jewellers, she made numerous donations and helped many fund raisers. Grant’s award was a fitting tribute to her legacy of community support and involvement.
New owner at Re/Max 1st Annual Berry Mania festival kicks off in Ladysmith BY BAHAA HARMOUCHE
Ladysmith Resources Centre Association (LRCA) is launching its first Annual Berry Mania Festival on Saturday, September 13, 2014. Gates are open from 10 am at Transfer Beach, Ladysmith. After their super success with the youth program “Project Reel Life” in partnership with the Ladysmith Secondary School and the yearly summer “Concerts in the Park” that keeps on bringing beat to Ladysmith the LRCA embraced the idea of a fun Family Festival. Berry Mania, will include a vendor’s market, live entertainment, fun family games/activities for adults and children, an amazing race, a RCMP bike rodeo and an awesome fund raising raffle. This event is geared towards all ages with an emphasis on outdoor fun. Berry Mania is designed to enrich the bonds between all members of the community and provide an active “unplugged” day under the beautiful Ladysmith sun. Admission is by donation but some activities may require ticket purchase. Berry Mania is a fundraising project of the LRCA. The LRCA, a registered charity, provides valuable needed community services for Ladysmith and the surrounding communities. For more details contact the LRCA at 250245-3079, promotions@berrymania.ca, or www.lrca.bc.ca and/or www.berrymania.ca
Nita Grant Citizen of the Year It was a well-deserved surprise for Nita Grant when her name was announced as Ladysmith’s 2014 Citizen of the Year. The announcement was made at this past Ladysmith Days. At the presentation Grant was described as a special person who has worked long and hard for the betterment of Ladysmith. There were few events over the past 40 years that she has not played an active role in. Here is a list of some of her community involvement over the years. Grant is a member of the Ladysmith Rotary for over 40 years, a leader in the Revitalization of the Downtown Area, committee member for Ladysmith Days, Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce, and Ladysmith Downtown Business
This past a June a deal has been finalized that saw the purchase of four Vancouver Island Re/Max franchises. They are Qualicum Beach, Parksville, Ladysmith and Chemainus. The new owner is Larry Stewart of Saskatoon. With 29 years of experience Larry says “the time was right and the economy is improving here on the Island”. Stewart will not be relocating to the island but will be overseeing the operations from Saskatoon, while the offices are managed locally.
Holland Creek bridge replaced The aging Holland Creek Trail bridge will be replaced with a new one, announced the Town of Ladysmith. Work is expected to be completed with the new bridge scheduled to open by Sept. 30. The project involves demolition of the existing wooden bridge and construction of a new steel and timber structure spanning Holland Creek in the same location. With no means of crossing the creek during the construction, the upper loop crossing of the Holland Creek Trail will be closed throughout the construction period. All lower portions of the trail will stay open during this time. “We have wanted to upgrade the Holland Creek Trail bridge for some time, and are very pleased the project is able to proceed this year,” said Ladysmith Mayor Rob Hutchins. For more information, the public is requested to contact the Town of Ladysmith at 250.245.6445.
Ladysmith residents share their thoughts on future growth Ladysmith residents recently shared their thoughts and ideas about the growth of Ladysmith and a proposed expansion to the Town’s boundaries via an independent public opinion survey conducted recently on behalf of Couverdon Real Estate. Couverdon, the real estate arm of TimberWest Forest Corporation, conducted the survey to determine awareness of a proposal to extend the Town of Ladysmith’s northwest boundaries, which would add approximately 273 hectares (675 acres) of TimberWest forestlands to the Town. “I was pleased to see that the majority of Ladysmith residents have heard of the pro-
Above: Nita Grant, Ladysmith`s Citizen of the Year 2014 accepts her reward at Ladysmith Days. Photo Rob Johnson Below: Larry Stewart new owner of Ladysmiths Re/Max office. Photo: Cindy Damphousse
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posal,” said Couverdon’s Director of Planning and Zoning, Frank Limshue. “But, I think we need to be more proactive about sharing information and answering people’s questions – across the board, people wanted more information.” The Justason Market Intelligence (JMI) survey was used to identify key values in Ladysmith, as well as gauge awareness and support for Couverdon’s proposal to extend the Town’s northwestern boundaries as part of a long-term community development project. The findings show the majority (84%) of Ladysmith residents are aware of Couverdon’s boundary extension proposal. Support and opposition to the proposal was about equal as four out of ten residents both support (38%) and oppose (42%) the proposal. Two in ten residents (20%) have yet to form an opinion on the proposal. Over half of the Ladysmith residents polled (53%) indicated that protecting watershed lands should be a top concern in the next 2030 years for the Town. As part of the proposal to expand the Town’s boundaries, Couverdon has identified the opportunity during a future rezoning process to transfer to the Town 202 hectares (500 acres) of TimberWest forestland around Stocking and Holland Lakes. “These survey results highlight the need for any future development in Ladysmith to recognize residents’ concern for water supply and take a long-term view of development,” says Limshue. “Our boundary extension proposal for phased development is part of a 30 year vision for these lands – we want to take the time necessary to understand and meet community expectations.” The JMI survey sampled 300 adult residents (aged 18 or older) by telephone, between June 5 and June 20, 2014. The margin of error for a sample of this size is (plus/minus) 5.7 percentage points, 19 times out of 20. The complete results of the survey are available at www.couverdon. com/projects/ladysmith/information-materials.
Stellar year for swim club “We have finished the year with great results,” says president of the Ladysmith Chemainus Swim Club (Orcas) Shelley Anderson. At the North American Indigenous Games in Regina. LCSC Pamela Little received a gold medal and five silver. Faith Knelson broke a longstanding provincial BC record for the butterfly and returned home from the Canadian Age Group National Competition in Winnipeg with two gold medals, five silver, and a bronze medal. Knelson was also selected to the Junior Canadian National Team and was coached by the National junior coach Ken McKinnon. She stayed on for several days to swim and compete for team west at a national meet. Aileen Humphries made finals in all three breaststroke events at the Canadian Age Group National Competition in Winnipeg, says Anderson who congratulates all the swimmers and the coach Dusan Toth Szabo. For more info on the Orcas, contact the Frank Jameson Community Centre.
Thriller opens Ladysmith Theatre’s new season Flemming, An American Thriller is about Henry Flemming who arrives home one day and tells his wife, Karen, that he has sold his lucrative brokerage firm to become a detective. On his very first case, and to the horror of his wife and friends, their living room begins to fill up with dead bodies. Every day, Henry shows up more disheveled and beaten up, but he couldn’t be happier. This comedy spoofs film noir thrillers from the 1940’s and 50’s and features many familiar faces such as Bill Johnston as Flemming and Shellie Trimble as his wife Karen. Stephen Hall Lewis, Lesley Lee, Scott Bastian, Greg Heide and newcomer Erin Elderfield round out the cast under the direction of Charles L. Harman. Kicking off the season at the Ladysmith Little Threatre, Flemming opens Sept 25 and runs to October 12. www.ladysmiththeatre.com
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donation or invitational ticket (given out at the food bank), with a full menu (crudités, salad, main course, dessert, coffee and juice) and door prizes. Other fund raising activities include an upcoming Beer and Burger night with silent and live auctions at the Timberlands Pub on Saturday, Sept. 20 and their annual Christmas Bazaar on Nov. 8. They’ve also opened their collective arms to families with young children, helping to make safe spaces for them in the church as well, with once-a-month “Messy Church” events which are toddler-and-child-oriented church lessons with lots of crafts and songs and a pot-luck
Pastor Susan Hermanson
St John’s serving the community BY MARGARET DORRAINE BAINESTURBERFIELD
How can we serve you? That’s what the good folks at Saint John’s Anglican Church in Ladysmith would like to know. The congregation has spent much of the last year in visioning and planning meetings with their new pastor, Susan Hermanson. “God calls us to ministry for others,” she explains. “We can’t exist only for ourselves.” Members of the parish, lay leaders, and Reverend Hermanson (you can just call her “Rev,” she doesn’t mind) have always taken to heart the Christian lessons of service to others, but they realized that the church itself had to be seen to be in support of parishioners’ projects. So, together the members of the more-than-a-century old church got together and talked about their favourite causes, and ways they could serve the community as a group. “It’s been revitalizing, looking at what God calls us to do as a church, assessing the gifts and skills that members have, and approving all together the ways we can work as a team to support the people of Ladysmith.” One of the things they determined they, as a group, were good at was feeding people. They support the Ladysmith Food Bank (along with the other churches in town), provide food for the Warmlands Foot Clinic twice a year, host guests and “dine in” for charity, and served ice cream on alternating Sundays all summer to raise funds for the Born Healthy program at the Ladysmith Resources Centre. From September through May, usually on the third Friday of the month, they host an event called Open Table. It’s a festive event for families to attend by
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dinner for kids and their parents (upcoming dates are Sept. 28, Oct. 26, and Nov. 30. “It really was a process of discovering what would be good for the community in Ladysmith that the church could provide. How can we help the community and have fun while we do it? I can’t take all the credit, though, this re-visioning of how St. John’s can participate in the community started before I arrived as incumbent, but I’ve been able to participate in seeing it come to fruition this year, says Rev. Hermanson. For more information please phone 250245-5512.
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to, Tom Hooper/Kevin Kane – Vancouver Island, The DeafAids – Vancouver Island
Harvesting Harmonies Lucky for Ladysmith duo The Wild Romantics, The Peak Performance project is hearing what we have all been wild about over the past year and came to harvest the young couple for their crop of new artists! Last year the contest picked up on The Lion The Bear The Fox with their trio of harmonies and this year Evan Miller and Aleisha Kalina have made it to the Top 12 and headed to the Peak Performance Boot Camp last month. Why does the Peak Performance Project make such a difference? Well, it takes over a century of combined experience and forces musical projects to complete more work, writing, learning and development in a six month period than what normally happens in four or five years. It is up to each project to make use of what they are given and I believe, with such great attitudes, The Wild Romantics taking will be planting
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the seeds this year to come up next year strong and ready to take on the release of a new album and start touring the country. Last year’s Ladysmith harvest, The Lion The Bear The Fox, walked away from The Peak Performance Project without a top final placement, but they did walk away with an opportunity to showcase for Music BC at Canadian Music Week in Toronto where they met with offers of distribution, publishing and booking. It is very likely that The Wild Romantics will see a lot of the same and you can help when the time comes to vote for your favourite Peak Performance Project online from Friday, October 17th to Friday, October 24. For more details check out the Peak Performance website at www.bc.peakperformanceproject.com. Venue: Dinghy Dock Pub, 8 Pirates Lane, Nanaimo The Wild Romantics will open for Tom Wilson (Junkhouse, Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, Lee Harvey Osmond) on the water just a short ferry ride from the shore in Nanaimo. Take 5 Music Connection – Touring Top Picks Artists: Tom Wilson - Toron-
Tom Wilson – Tom Wilson is a three time multi-gold record awarded Canadian musician. The songs he has written have been recorded by Sarah McLachlan, Colin James, Lucinda Williams, The Rankin Family as well as his own band Junkhouse. Concert and ticket information: www.musicconnectionvi.com. Tom Hooper and Kevin Kane – Grapes of Wrath - Multi-Platinum selling Canadian pop-rock trio The Grapes of Wrath released a new album High Road on March 19, 2013. High Road is the first album in 22 years to feature all three of the band’s original members Kevin Kane, Tom Hooper and Chris Hooper. Join two of them for their intimate venue tour of Vancouver Island. www.musicconnectionvi.com The DeafAids – In The Beantime welcomes The Beatles tribute band The DeafAids back on September 26th. Band members John Booth – (Lennon vocal and acoustic guitar) and Charlene Booth – (McCartney vocal and percussion) with Gary Atkinson – (Harrison vocal and acoustic guitar), tell the exciting story of the Beatles early years success. Cathleen McMahon owns and operates Mission Management Group www.mmgrp.ca and the Vancouver Island Music Connection www.musicconnectionvi.com
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The Metric System: WARNING: economic disaster ahead Periodically, like snowfall warnings, the Slightly Corked editorial staff--- that would be me and when he’s not outside harvesting birds, my cat—feel compelled to issue economic warnings when we see/spot trouble brewing. We’re the ones who warned you to sell your Harley Davidson shares because any day now 1.93 million Harley owners, all aged 66, will realize creaky hips prevent them from swinging a leg over anything higher than a skateboard. This will result in 1.93 million barely broken in Harleys being put on the market, the resultant glut making it impossible to sell a new bike thereby putting an end to the company that made Milwaukee famous. Or was that Schlitz? When it happens, just remember where you heard it first. Well, we’ve spotted another economic pitfall, also directly related to the aging of the never-ending supply of baby boomers. I’m talking about our government’s ill- fated attempt to change over our system of weights and measures from imperial to metric. They say the quickest way to destroy a country is to inflate the currency, but changing a guy’s bathroom scale from pounds to kilos can do even more damage. That’s why every second guy my age is staring at his scales asking, “If it says 138, the same as I weighed in high school, how come these jeans don’t fit?” Metrification was Pierre Trudeau’s brainchild. One day, in the early 70’s, he got tired of hearing complaints that Canada was a dull country and thought, “If two official languages are good, two official systems of weights and measures is surely better. Why not have a little fun with the country. Think of how exciting flying will be if the ground crew is uncertain whether to fill the tanks with litres or gallons. And if the planes run out of gas, they’ve got wings, they can glide.” Always first with sound environmental practice, the Liberals. Even more exciting was Pierre’s “Own the Highway” initiative where there would be two official sides of the road to drive on. Fortunately Mulroney’s Con-
“As Mulrooney, no mental slouch put it: If God had wanted us to go metric, why did he give us two feet to stand on?” servatives got in and put a stop to it as well as stalling the metrification drive. As Mulroney, no mental slouch put it, If God had wanted us to go metric, why did he give us two feet to stand on?” It is this kind of insightful thinking we can count on our Conservative government to provide. The changeover was predicted to supercharge our economy because now expensive delicatessen items, like beef tenderloin, fish and recreational drugs could be sold by100 grams, which seemed a lot more affordable. This backfired however because consumers like to know the real price, and for people of my generation, that means pounds. Fortunately, converting from metric to imperial measure is easy. Just multiply the 100-gram price by 10, divide by 2.2, factor in the square root of 454, the number of grams per pound and you’ve got… Wait a minute, that’s my postal code. If the Canadian Government thinks we were slow to embrace the Gun Registry that was nothing compared to our reluctance adopting the metric system. Forty years later I’m still 5’9” tall, weigh 135 pounds, eat ¼ pounders, drink a pint a night, borrow a cup of sugar from the neighbours, cook my chicken in a 350 degree F oven, drive a one and a half ton car that goes from 0-60 mph in 8 seconds, and gets 37 mpg. What did I miss? Oh yeah, my dream girl measures 36-24-36, not 900-600-900, which quite possibly is the number for the K-Tel order desk. You need not go any further than your neighbourhood pub to appreciate the
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mess Trudeau caused. There you can order a sleeve or a pint of beer, a one oz shot, a 26 oz bottle of wine, or if that’s too much, a 5 oz glass. To further confuse the issue, wine can also be ordered by the litre, but only the crappy stuff, and if you order the five litre size, you might end up in the driver’s seat of a new Ford Mustang by mistake. We are, however, after 44 years, making progress, and here’s where the trouble comes in. The baby boomers’ grandchildren are coming of working age and their education has been entirely in metric. They have been sent into an Imperial world armed only with the metric system. This makes for some awkward conversation at the Thrifty Foods meat counter where I was dealing with a young metric butcher in training I asked if she could cut a 20 oz rib steak for me because I wanted something thicker than was on display. “No.,” she replied. “I don’t know what 20 ounces means. I only know grams and kilograms.” “It’s about this big,” I said, making universally recognized hand signals for a 20 oz steak. “Oh, you want a kilo.” “Good heavens no. After college I stopped doing that stuff. “ So I explained to her the history of the pound, how ten of them represented the amount of weight the average person could expect to gain over Christmas or on an Alaskan cruise. And that 16 were the number of ounces in a pound because that was the age the average person could expect to get a drivers license. Thanks to my highly developed communication skills we got that sorted out. And that’s how I ended up coming back from town with half a dozen new potatoes, a few spears of asparagus, and a 15 lb rib eye steak. As I told you before, it’s an economic disaster waiting to happen. A perfect summer beverage, available in the 26 oz size, or ¾ litre if you happen to work at Thrifty Foods, is the Hester Creek Cabernet Franc Rose. - Delbert is the co-proprietor at Mahle House Restaurant in Cedar. Read more of his articles at Slightlycorkedandmore. wordpress.com
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Ladysmith RCMP Victim Services A 25-year-old Crofton man, charged in the manslaughter death of a young Ladysmith father, made a court appearance Wednesday in Duncan. Adam Douglas Rempel has been charged with the manslaughter death of Jason Willard Clark. The court heard that, after a verbal exchange, one punch to the head from Rempel caused Clark to fall and hit his head hard on the pavement. He died in a Victoria Hospital two days later. - Nanaimo Daily News/August 28, 2008 There were only four lines in a newspaper to sum up the needless, inexplicable loss of a son, and the devastation of the family, and friends who loved him. Sitting down with Yvonne and Willard Clark six years after the tragedy, the grief is still etched on their faces as they try to describe how a normal, happy family could be shattered in one moment of violence by a stranger. It is important to Yvonne that her son not be forgotten, and listening to this courageous lady’s ability to make her son live on through stories of the selfless things he did, and the people he touched in his life, a picture of a kind, thoughtful young man takes shape. His parents have a metal plaque that their nephew made to honor his memory. It is a beautiful photo of their son standing in a field of grass. Written down one side of the picture are words from Jason’s journal: “I think we only have a short time in this life, so it is important to be the best and learn as much as you can. I am driven by respect, trust, honor, and love. I have a good family and surround myself with good friends which reflects who I am.” It is easy to understand why a community of people who knew him rallied around the family and showed their support by filling every available seat in the courtroom during the trial. The prosecutor remarked that it was unprecedented. Carla Sampson, Program Manager for Ladysmith RCMP Victim Services, came into Yvonne and Willard’s life as they prepared to go through Rempel’s trial for manslaughter in the death of their son. RCMP Victim Services can be called out for crisis intervention, for anything ranging from guiding people through the trauma of sudden death, assisting sexual assault victims; attending motor vehicle accidents; arranging for crime scene cleanup, or in domestic violence cases, assisting with safety plan-
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ning, transportation and accompaniment to Safe Homes and/ or the hospital. In all of these cases they also provide on-scene emotional support, In the Clark’s case, Carla provided assistance through the judicial process with court updates, court preparation and accompaniment, helping to make things easier wherever she could. For the family of a victim, listening to the details that come out at trial can be anguishing. Yvonne was torn between wanting to be in court, and not wanting to see Rempel’s face or hear his voice. She didn’t want to forever connect her son’s death with this man in her memory. Carla provided the daily court schedule and made sure Yvonne avoided the defendant. She acted as Yvonne’s representative when needed. She explained what would happen every step of the way, and anticipated what Yvonne and Willard needed to make it through the court case. When they weren’t in court, Carla listened when Yvonne needed to talk, and provided a safe outlet for the myriad of emotions Yvonne and Willard were struggling with. Yvonne believes that if it had not been for Carla Sampson, and RCMP Victim Services, she would not have survived the court case. “Carla was there when we most needed her help, through the trial, the sentencing of our son’s murderer and months later, through the painful parole hearing. No one thinks something like this will ever happen to them. Carla’s genuine empathy, compassion and her knowledge of the judicial system made our journey through hell much easier to bear. I couldn’t have gone through this without her. She forever holds a special place in my heart”. The RCMP Victim Services program is contracted to the Ladysmith Resources Centre Association, but an office is provided for them in the RCMP detachment building. Carla is not an RCMP employee, nor is her program funded by the RCMP. She is paid, part-time staff with two volunteer aides, and a third being trained to assist her. She volunteers to be on call, 24 hours a day, for crisis intervention. The program is partially funded by the Ministry of Justice, with the expectation that this funding will be matched by the local municipalities. Sixty percent of cases handled are within the boundaries of the Town of Ladysmith. An additional 40% of clients come from outlying areas: Stz’uminus First Nation accounts for 14% while Penelakut First Nation is 7%. Cases from Area H (Cassidy) account for 6% with a further 6% from Area G (Chemainus). Another 7% fall outside the area in Cedar and Thetis Island. Along with the Town of Ladysmith, Stz’uminus and Penelakut have both committed funds in support of this service. The registered districts of G. H. and A. have been approached requesting support, however there has been nothing forthcoming at this time. Currently the program is underfunded and Carla is facing the possibility of having to cut some of their services. Additional ongoing financial support is needed to ensure continued services to residents of Ladysmith and surrounding areas. Top: RCMP Victim Services team l-r - Linda Gold, Hilary Bell, Laura Giles and Carla Sampson Inset: Yvonne Clark and son Jason. Photos submitted
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RDN - Area A Local Government Voting for 2014 There have been some important changes in respect of when and how eligible voters can cast their vote for Electoral Area Director, School Board Trustees and other voting matters. In the 2011 local government elections more than two dozen eligible electors expressed their dissatisfaction to me about being unable to cast a vote due to their being out of the country from prior to the period of advance polls and until after the actual voting date. The general voting day for 2014 is Saturday, November 15th. Please take this opportunity to mark this important date on your calendars. The Local Government Act, RSBC establishes an advance voting opportunity on the 10th day before general voting day (November 5th 2014) and requires one additional voting opportunity to be set by the local government by bylaw. The RDN’s Election Bylaw establishes the second advance voting opportunity on the 3rd day before general voting day (November 12th 2014). Voting on each of these days takes place from 8 am to 8 pm. For RDN Electoral Areas “A” and “C” –the RDN areas receiving this pub-
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lication – advance voting will take place at the RDN administration offices located at 6300 Hammond Bay Road. At the July 22 RDN Board meeting, the Board adopted Bylaw No. 1700 which provides various procedures for conducting local government elections and provides for the use of an automated voting system. While many other incorporated areas like the City of Nanaimo have offered electors the opportunity to cast their vote by mail, Bylaw No. 1700 now provides the same opportunity for eligible voters of the RDN. Electors are permitted to register to vote by mail and to vote by mail ballot if they have a physical disability, illness or injury that affects their ability to vote at another voting opportunity; they expect to be absent from the RDN on general voting day and at the times of all advance voting opportunities; or, they reside on Decourcy or Mudge Islands of the RDN that are remote from the voting places at which they are entitled to vote. Persons wishing to afford themselves of the mail ballot opportunity will be required to sign a declaration indicating the reason they are eligible to do so. Here’s where one must pay attention to
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the procedure that needs to be followed. An elector must obtain and complete a request to vote by mail application form. A number of questions identifying the elector and establishing their eligibility will need to be answered. It is anticipated that this application form will be available in the latter part of September. Check the RDN website at www.rdn. bc.ca or contact the RDN office at (250) 390-4111 to receive an application. The completed application to vote by mail can be submitted to the RDN by email (scanned), fax, by mail or in person at the RDN administration office. In order to produce the mail ballot, it is essential that local government know the names of candidates running in the election. For 2014, this declaration will not be made until October 20th. Allowing time for printing ballots suggests that the mail ballot will not be physically available until on or about October 29th 2014. Note that the mail ballot must be received by the RDN’s Chief Election Officer before the close of voting on general election day. For those who have registered to vote by mail, I suggest that, if possible, you attend at the RDN offices to pick up and cast your mail ballot when they
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first come available. Of course, for those who will be elsewhere when they become available you will have to rely on either the post mail or courier services to ensure that your ballot will be amongst those counted. And for those of you who had sufficient patience to wade through this rather dry material, the answer is Yes, I will be seeking your support for a second term.
CVRD - Area H Alternate Approval Process – Cowichan Valley Hospice Over the years I have had concerns regarding the way the CVRD has approved Grants-In-Aid for various organizations. In the past, the “one time only” policy for grants has not been followed and some societies have received funding multiple times. My main concern is not the groups are not worthy of funding; it is that the repeat funding is being approved without consultation or approval from the taxpayers. Thankfully, the Regional District has a new policy. In the future, if applicants require annual funding, they must attain public approval through a referendum or alternate approval process. In order to comply with the current policy, the Cowichan Valley Hospice Society is currently in the process of seeking public assent of an enabling bylaw through a region wide alternate approval process. Although I would have preferred that a full referendum vote take place, I recognize that the Valley’s population is aging and the Hospice Society provides a much needed service for residents requiring palliative and other forms of specialized care. A referendum can be an expensive endeavour, and it would be expected that the Society would be responsible for those costs. Because the service provided is such a comfort to families in need, it seemed reasonable to the Board that the less expensive public assent option be chosen. The maximum cost to residential property owners within the proposed service area – which, in this case, includes all nine electoral areas and the four municipalities – would be approximately 50 cents per $100,000 Net Taxable Value including land and improvements. For the purpose of this elector assent opportunity, the number of electors in the entire service area is calculated as 66,700. Ten percent is calculated as 6,678. You are entitled to submit an Electoral Response Form in opposition to this new service as a resident elector if you are age 18 or older on the day of submission, are a Canadian citizen, have lived in BC for at least six months, and have been a resident of the proposed service area for the past 30 days or more. Non-resident property owners are also entitled to submit a form, provided they meet the qualifications that apply to non-resident property owners. For details on non-resident voting qualifications call the Regional District (1-800-665-3955) or e-mail jbarry@cvrd.bc.ca. If less than 10% of the service area electors submit an Elector Response Form, the bylaw will be deemed to have the approval of the electors and the Regional District may proceed with adoption of the bylaw. The signed form must be submitted to the office (175 Ingram Street, Duncan) by 4:30 pm Sept. 22. The bylaw is available for review at the office and www.cvrd. bc.ca. The Elector Response Forms are also available online. Additional Public Assent Opportunities: The public assent process regarding annual funding for the
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Cowichan Valley Hospice Society is the first of many from organizations that will be stepping forward with requests for continuing annual funding. At this point, I cannot speculate on how these additional requests will be handled in the future. I do know that the Regional District Board has approved going to referendum on annual funding for the Chesterfield Sportsplex in Duncan, on an area by area basis, during the 2014 Local Government Elections on November 15th. I will provide more information on this issue as it moves forward. Couverdon Boundary Expansion: Earlier this year, Ladysmith Council approved a motion to go forward to public referendum on the boundary expansion application after a new water study had been received and considered by Council. The most recent information that I have is that the study has been received by the Town, but because it is still in draft form it is not available to the public at this time. The referendum seems to be contingent upon receipt of the water study; therefore, I do not believe that a date for the referendum has been set. In the meantime, the public concerns about this application have not disappeared. In fact, from the ongoing comments I have been receiving, the drought situation in the CVRD is causing ever increasing concern and opposition to the application. And rightly so. 2014 Regional District Elections: I have found the last three years both very challenging and very rewarding. While the issues surrounding the construction of a new fire hall have not yet been resolved, progress is being made. Progress has also been made in resolving issues for local water systems. Unfortunately, the issue of the Couverdon
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Boundary Expansion application is still outstanding. One of the most rewarding opportunities in our area has been the pleasure of working with local parents, teachers and School Board members on the issue of school closures. Although not everyone is completely satisfied with the final result, North Oyster School has been given the opportunity to remain open and to grow in new directions. Having a local elementary school is a very important factor when considering residential options. I am very grateful for having had, along with other community members, the opportunity to represent local values during this heart wrenching process. I thank all the residents of North Oyster/Diamond for allowing me the honour and privilege of serving you. After careful consideration, I have decided to seek your support for another term in office and for the honour of representing your interests at the Cowichian Valley Regional District Board table.
CVRD Area G Mt. Brenton property purchased Mt. Brenton School was sold to a private developer 10 years ago. Since then it has been for sale several times starting at $740,000 and winding down to finally to $300,000. The problem for the developer was that the property was zoned public institutional which limited the possible uses and thus the dramatic drop in price. The CVRD was very interested in the 5 ½ acres of property which the school sits on to add to Centennial Park. It works out to $54,500/acre and the school is thrown into the mix for nothing. It was all about the future of Saltair’s needs and convenience in the distant future, not necessarily the present.
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Three public meetings were held about the possible purchase.There were a few concerns expressed and the CVRD investigated those concerns especially with respect to the school building. The main concern was the possibility of asbestos being present in the building. An environmental company was hired to do tests on about 50 samples throughout the building. Two areas were found to have asbestos but the main one was in the stucco on the exterior of the building. The asbestos in the stucco remains stable as long as you don’t cut it or grind it. Almost every building, house or school in the country had asbestos in the stucco in years before 1980. The other area was in some of the plumbing gaskets which is minor. The second main concern was the cost of maintenance of this building in the future. The school is very well built and was only closed because of lack of students. A commercial building inspector was hired to do an assessment. The roof needs repair in the near future and the heating furnaces need upgrading. This can be delayed until it is decided more precisely what is going to be done with the building. The building will continue to be leased to the present daycare and it will cover heat and light. At times over the past 10 years Saltair has been a community with no community hall. The school for decades has served in that capacity. It has been our only indoor meeting place in the past and our community will now have it in the future. A community without a public meeting place is really lacking. But the building will not be run as a regular recreation centre with paid CVRD staff. The public meetings held were very clear about the worry of costly programs run by the CVRD. Non profits and community groups can rent space to run programs at no cost to the CVRD or the taxpayer. The purchase will be paid for out of two Saltair budgets, the Saltair Parks Commission Budget and the Saltair Recreation Budget. There are also reserve funds and money that comes in connected to subdivisions as parkland acquisition fees that can be used. It will be paid for in 5 years or less and the taxpayer will hardly know the difference in taxes because the regular parks expenses will be shaved slightly and at the same time the community will have a legacy for the future.
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Here`s some of the faces behind your local business community. Antex Pest Control might be new in town, Steve Stewart isn’t. Steve has been calling Ladysmith home for the past 15 years. He is very excited to start serving the town of Ladysmith with his years of knowledgeable, friendly, professional service. If you are having any pest problems within your business or in your home call Steve. He’ll meet with you and come up with a comprehensive plan for getting rid of whatever your pest issue is for good! Antex is a local, full service company specializing in the most up to date methods that protect your home, family and pets from pests and the health hazards associated with them. Steve provides the friendly, professional service you expect from a locally owned pest control service company. In October, we are heading into rodent season, but Steve also deals with bedbugs, termites, ants, wasps, fleas, spiders, carpet beetles, silverfish – you name it! Couverdon was launched in 2009 as the real estate arm of TimberWest Forest Corporation. They have been in the forestry and land management business on Vancouver Island for over 100 years. Couverdon works with communities from Sooke to Campbell River to explore opportunities that put some of their land assets to a variety of uses. When it comes to development, we take the time to work with communities to identify small portions of TimberWest’s land base that may meet community goals for future growth or amenities. Here in Ladysmith, Couverdon has made an application to the Town of Ladysmith to include 273 hectares of lands into its municipal boundaries. If successful, and following rezoning, we propose to develop a mixed-use development to the west of town, which would be built up in smaller phases over
Clockwise: Antex Pest Control`s Steve Stewart. Frank Limshue, Director of Planning and Zoning for Couverdon Real Estate Jesse Jamison of Heart Lake Roofing Greg Buchanan, Coast Realty
the next 30 years. We envision working with the Town and residents to develop a variety of walkable neighbourhoods, a small village centre and considerable open natural space. Community watershed and viewscape management would also be key parts of this development. For more information about Couverdon and the proposed town boundary extension in Ladysmith, visit www.couverdon.com. Jesse Jamison started Heart Lake Roofing this summer. New roof installations, re-roofing, repairs, and work on flat and sloped roofs, asphalt shingles, metal roofs, cedar shake roofs, torch on/membrane, and roof maintenance….you name it and we can do it. We take great pride in our workmanship and dedication to our customers all over Vancouver Island. Meet Greg Buchanan of Coast Realty. Greg has a proven track record with extensive knowledge of rural properties and needs related to them. He started his business in 1984 and is
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proud of the amount of repeat business I have managed to attain over the years. New this year in real estate is the high demand for smaller acreages in particular 2 to 10 acre properties. I am starting to see the Asian market buy these properties as well as residential listing properties in Ladysmith. He is excited about the future possible green strata development in Cedar that will be the first of its kind in the country. GNB Builders Inc., home builders with over 28 years of experience in the building industry, specializes in general contracting, Built Green custom homes and renovations. In 2012 GNB Builders was awarded the prestigious BC Built Green Builder of the Year by Department G of Built Green Canada as well as one Gold Care Award and five Silver Care Awards
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Heidi and Greg Bianchini, GNB Builders Inc.
from the Canadian Home Builders Association. In 2013 GNB Builders was awarded with Vancouver Islands Business Excellence Award for best company (under 50 employees) and Best Construction Company for the island from Business Vancouver Island. Greg Bianchini, President of GNB Builders Inc. continues a family tradition of fine home building. Heidi Bianchini and Project Assistant Kelsey Ann Smith, work closely with each family to ensure their custom dream home is realized. The GNB Builders approach provides each client peace of mind. Greg continues to exceed in quality as he is a hands-on, onsite contractor who treats each construction project as if he were building his own home. Greg’s enthusiasm and eye for detail provide each client with progressive project management. Home by home, GNB Builders has built a reputation for quality building, excellent customer service and a company that delivers all that it promises. Greg and Heidi make central Vancouver Island their home and take an avid interest in the area. As well as being quality builders, they are also active members in the community. Ladysmith Thai Massage Academy is new business. Saithong (Gluay) Hua-Nonmuang and Andre (Coco) Le Roux are both certified instructors /therapists from the Thai Traditional Medical Services Society of Bangkok. We offer five types of therapeutic healing massage. Thai Yoga massage uses many stretches and deep tissue compressions, Thai Hot Stones, is for those that need to have their muscles relax without deep finger pressure, Thai Oil Massage very similar to Swedish massage with long stokes and kneading, Thai Herbal Ball Compress (Look Phra Kob in Thai) is used to apply hot compress to the energy lines (Sen Lines) to release blockages, and Thai Reflexology incorporates the use of hands, fingers, thumbs, knuckles, and a rounded wooden stick. They also offer a Sunday massage with brunch. Future plans include workshops. gift certificates and clothing. Their first item is Thai Capri 3/4 Fisherman pants followed by more in 2015. We have been in business here for five months, and we are very pleased with the results and the people that we are working with. Thai Massage Academy`s Saithong Hua-Nonmuang and Andre Le Roux
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Rekindling the flame The images in the media this year of wild fires burning out of control in many parts of western Canada inspire fear and awe. But there is another side to the role of fire. Used with care fires can aid and are necessary in maintaining certain ecosystems. Last autumn I was fortunate enough to participate in the prescribed burns taking place at the Cowichan Garry Oak Preserve by Somenos Marsh on the outskirts of Duncan. Fire frequency plays a big role in fire intensity. The longer fire is absent from a landscape the greater the amount of accumulated biomass (fuel) as well as “ladder fuels” (the limbs which help get the fire into the crowns of trees). If fire is excluded from the landscape for a long time the chances of catastrophic fires such as the ones we are seeing on the news are greater. The fires I witnessed last year were of the low intensity variety. The purpose was to affect the structure and composition
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of the Garry Oak meadows. The burning reduces in-growth and crowding of trees, rejuvinates shrubs and helps control invasive species if the area is rich in native plant seeds – if it isn’t the result may be an opportunity for invasive species to access open ground. The new growth - whether grass or shrubs has greater palpability for herbivores. Traditionally First Nation’s fire practices were complex and varied, but in our area they used fires to influence the structure and composition of the landscape, for wildlife management as well as for maintaining food plants. Most of the focus of western science and anthropology in our area has been focused on the First Nations maintenance of deep soil Garry oak meadows. They are the habitat of the Camas plant, the bulbs of which were an important carbohydrate-rich food, valued for local consumption as well as a valuable trade product. The occasional burning of berry patches reduced the en-
Prescribed fires in a Garry Oak meadow Visit www.take5.ca to view video of fires at the Cowichan Garry Oak Preserve
croachment and shade competition from trees, as well as pruned the plants by burning off the tops but leaving the roots intact. The phosphorus that was released also had a fertilizing affect. First Nations also employed fire along travel routes both as a way to maintain the corridors as well as to create and maintain the food plants associated with fire. Every few years when catastrophic fires or fires close to human habitation occur, there is generally some recognition by planners and land managers of the role of prescribed fire in reducing risk to lives and infrastructure. However, landscape fires are generally not a part of our current culture and with our history of fire suppression, introducing fire to the land must be done with extreme care. There are good examples in BC and beyond of prescribed fires – particularly in large wilderness parks, but also places such as High Park in Toronto where prescribed fires are a standard and frequent management tool. The example of the Cowichan Garry Oak Preserve fires last year illustrates how it could be employed in our local context as well as in a near urban setting in a way which benefits the landscape as well as reduces fire risk for surrounding properties. Jay Rastogi is a naturalist and educator in Yellow Point. You can reach him at ecoforestry@gmail.com
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FOR SALE TABLE SAW ON WHEELS $850 value, $450, never used. 250-722-2115 WOMEN’S NRS TITANIUM Ultra Wetsuit XL with relief zipper fits 140 to 165 $ 60 250-245-31003 REEBOK LADIES COMMUTER BICYLE, 7 speeds, white, with saddle bags. 250-245-9165 or 250-7568892 $175 (reg $500) TRUMPET for sale, was used in LSS band classes. $300 obo, Yamaha Director CONN. Youth sized acoustic guitar w case $75. Casio keyboard, $50. 250-245-9165 or 250-756-8892 BEDROOM SUITE - 9 drawer triple dresser with twin mirrors, matching headboard and night table $395.00 250-245-4062 STEREO TURNTABLE plus 70 mostly classical L.P. records $ 95.00, Bookcase 60” x 32” x 10” $ 25.00 250-245-4062 FOR RENT OFFICE SPACES Downtown Ladysmith, modern, reasonable rent or lease. 250-245-3395 APARTMENT FOR RENT Now available. Seniors 53 2bdr well maintained 1000 sq.ft., newly updated cupboards, new carpet, repainted W/DF/S-N/Ps-N/S. Storage and parking. 250-2454062, 250-758-5816. WANTED VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! The Ladysmith Maritime Society is a group whose volunteers restore heritage boats, maintain the marina, and greet visitors. admin@lmsmarina.ca BUSINESS HANDCRAFTED GEMSTONE NECKLACES. Jade, garnet, lapis, aventurine and more! $20 each. See jeweler table at Campers Corner Saturday flea market, 8am-3pm. 250-245-3829
EDUCATION SENSE OF PLACE has Full day camps and Before and After School nature programming, arts/crafts, hiking picnicking, building, music, games etc! full-time, part-time and drop-in spots Lic#CDEN-97JQWB www.senseofplaceyp.com 250-618-3396 LEARN A LANGUAGE, Small groups, conversational approach, excellent teachers: French, Spanish, Italian, German, Japanese, Mandarin, Russian and more. Register for Fall. WENTWORTH COURT LANGUAGE CENTRE, 517 Wentworth St., Nanaimo 250-716-1603 DUPLICATE BRIDGE begins at North Oyster Community Centre Wednesday, September 3rd at 1:00pm. Cost is $5.00, which includes a minilesson and an emailed record of hands played. All players welcome! HEALTH & BEAUTY ISAGENIX DISTRIBUTOR - Get Lean & Healthy Fast - Less than $5/ meal. Our protein shakes are amazing! - No Gluten, Wheat, Barley or Trans Fat. www. taketimetoday.com Suzanne Deveau 250-245-8407 BOWEN TECHNIQUE is a gentle soft tissue remedial therapy that resets the body to heal itself. Useful for joint, back and neck pain, frozen shoulder, asthma, chronic fatigue and many other problems. For information and appointments call 250-245-7738. Lilja Hardy FMBAC in practice since 1994. www.bowtech.com TAI CHI - For mental and physical health. Beginner class starts September and January, Mondays; ongoing class Wednesdays. Both classes 10 am-noon, Cedar Heritage Centre, 1644 McMillan Road. $20/mo. Sara 250-245-1466 or www.nanaimotaichi.org ZIJA DISTRIBUTOR – 100% Natural, Boosts Energy, Mental Clarity, Promotes Healthy
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Circulation, Provides Anti-Inflammatory Support, Nourishes Immune System, “Encourages” Your Metabolism, Promotes Healthy Digestion, Convenient and Delicious! www.trishdarryl.myzija. com Trish and Darryl Baird, 250-713-5468 HOME & YARD PAINT & SAVE OPTION- Do it yourself, with a little help from a pro together we can make your job more affordable and accomplish a great look. Making the world a brighter place for over 25 years. Call Harvey for more information please. 250-245-2174 AJ”s PLUMBING AND GAS Licensed-BondedInsured. Service-Installations-Renovation-New construction. Quality workmanship. No travel charges. Free estimates. On time every time. Serving Ladysmith, Chemainus & south to Duncan 250-802-7123 INTERIOR PAINTING- Refresh your walls... and your spirits! Careful, respectful work. Attention to detail. Help with colour choice. No job too small. Reasonable rates. Kari: 250-245-2751 ISLAND KING RENOS LTD. Kitchen-Bath-TileBacksplash-Countertops Flooring-Drywall-PaintSiding-Fences-Decks INTERIOR & EXTERIOR. Quote by JOB not by the HOUR. www. islandkingrenos.com 250-924-4924 WEEKLY OR BY- MONTHLY CLEANING for houses and offices, experienced, reliable and attention to detail. $20 per hour. References available. Ladysmith, Chemainus and Crofton. 250-246-4938 Jamie or Ingrid. DEPENDABLE, RELIABLE, AND EXPERIENCED HOUSE CLEANER. Your home will always have my respect and very thoroughly clean! Pet friendly and cleaning supplies provided. References Available. 250-618-8280 LADYBUG’s MEW…for Meticulous Garden Care. Call “Farmer Doug” 250-713-9682 for a free, no obligation quote or visit. “I’ll give your weeds a root awakening!”
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QUALITY RENOVATIONS Big or small. 25 yrs exp/journeyman, affordable. For free estimate call Lars. 250-616-1800 SASSA’S HOME AND GARDEN CARE. No job too big or small. Affordable honest work. Hedge trimming. Cleaning, Gardening Painting, and Gutter Cleaning. Outside and inside your home or business. 250-924-4735 or 250-218-4735. THE HAPPY GARDENER. Weeding, Digging, Raking, Cutting back, etc. Mature and Steady Worker. Cheerful and Conscientious. Call David at 250-722-3599. I also do Window Washing and Odd Jobs MINI EXCAVATOR for lease or rent by day, week or month Reasonable rates. 250-246-6624 PETS/LIVESTOCK KITTY KORNERS CAT HOTEL - Purrsonalized Quality Kitty Care. Daily health checks, experienced with special needs kitties. Reasonable rates. Available 24/7. 2 km north of Nanaimo Airport. Take a virtual tour www.kittykorners.com 250-740-KATS (5287) HOME BUDDIES - PET & HOUSE CARE since 1994. Licensed, Bonded, Insured. Professional, kind-hearted, experienced and reliable. Pet First Aid and CPR Certified. Certified Security Professional, Animal Care Aide certified, VIU. For loving care and security, Peggy Wildsmith- 250-245-0151 PROFESSIONAL PET CARE SERVICE: leash ‘em & walk ‘em with Marlena. Insured and bonded. Animal First Aid and CPR. Service for all pets including dog walking, home care visits, overnight with pet in your home and much more. As my love is yours! 250-246-3394 TOO CRAZY BIRDY HOTEL home boarding for companion parrots, all sizes. Shuttle, long stays, group rates, your cages or ours. Preboarding visits welcome. Diana and Kip Slater 250-722-2201 www. toocrazybirdyhotel.com F.E.A.T.H.E.R.S. Member. HORSE SELF BOARD close to Cassidy in rural surrounding. Pasture board on lush grass with natural water source, shady trees, and barn shelter access. your horse will love it. call Claus 250 245 5039 and have a look. SENIORS LYNN’S SENIORS CARE HOME: High Quality Personalized Care. Warm caring environment, Great food & snacks, Family events, Couples & Pets welcomed, Ocean views, Gardens. North of Ladysmith. 250-245-3391 www.lynnsseniorcare.com SENIOR HELPER mature RCA will assist with bathing, meals, medications, light housework, respite, very caring, honest, reliable and fun, Excellent references 250-924-7084
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