TAKE 5 July 2022 by Take 5 Print & Digital Media

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Letters Golf Tourney a success The Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce Memorial Golf Classic in Memory of Larry Ingram was a huge success! It is the marquee fundraising event for the Chamber. We sold out the event with 88 golfers and had a nice selection of silent and live auction prizes. We would like to express our gratitude to our sponsors, volunteers and all the generous bidders for our auction prizes without whom this exciting event would not have been possible. There were lots of smiles on Cottonwood Golf Course Friday, with the sun shining and everyone enjoying

Golfers at Cottonwood Golf Course. Photo: Peyton Kong

an in-person social event. The winning team was Stz’uminus Education Foundation: Mark Drysdale, Justin Magnuson, Chris Alphonse and Nate Harris. The most sportsmanlike team was the Nikki Designs team: Nikki McCallum, Rob McCallum, Ben Wedge, and Aja Wedge. A huge shout-out and thank-you to our title sponsor, the Ladysmith & District Credit Union, for their continued support of the Ladysmith Chamber. Ladysmith & District Credit Union is an active participant in the Ladysmith

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community, committed to supporting the economic and social development of Ladysmith through sponsorships, scholarships, community programs and employee volunteerism. We are happy to recognize our three tournament sponsors this year: Ammeter Electric, Coastal Trucking and the Nanaimo Airport. This year the Golf Classic is in memory of Larry Ingram, with partial proceeds of the tournament going to Diabetes Canada in honour of Larry. A huge thank-you to David Stalker Excavating Ltd., this year’s memorial sponsor. David and Larry began their employer/employee relationship and then friendship from the 1994 through to 2016. Larry was an employee with David Stalker Excavating Ltd. during the early company days of 1994 to 1996, and then returned in 2007 until his passing in 2016. Larry was a very dedicated hardworking employee. He enjoyed outdoor recreational activities and sports during his spare time, enjoying golfing, fishing and cheering on the Vancouver Canucks. Larry was a local Ladysmith-raised boy

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that enjoyed being part of this smallerknit community. He was the kind of guy that wouldn’t say no to anyone (a friend or family or co-worker or public in distress) when a hand was needed. He is sadly missed at David Stalker Excavating Ltd. — Millie Stirling, Economic Recovery Coordinator, Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce Letters to the editor on community topics and concerns are welcome. Opinions expressed here are not necessarily those of TAKE 5 or its agents. Letters may be edited for length and legality. Send letters to editor@take5.ca.

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Canada Day Celebrated The Town of Ladysmith is pleased to be celebrating Canada Day at Transfer Beach Park, following a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. On Canada Day, we come together to celebrate and shine a light on our country’s diversity, inclusion and whatever it is that makes you proud! New for 2022, the festivities kickoﬀ in the morning with a free pancake breakfast hosted by the Ladysmith Kinsmen Club. The oﬃcial ceremony begins at 11 a.m. at the amphitheatre, with the dignitaries welcome and Stz’uminus Young Wolves Dancers performing. Settle into your seats for live music starting at 11:30 a.m., featuring Nate Harris followed by Robbie Hancock. Enjoy cupcakes from the Old Town Bakery. In addition to the celebrations, the community is invited to tour the park and view some of the recent improvements. The Spray Park was recently refurbished with a new rubber surface as part of a BC Tire Stewardship grant. The Town of Ladysmith also has completed

Improv Scores! Last month, the Ladysmith Secondary School Improvisors competed nationally in the Canadian Improv Games, a Canada-wide improvised theatre competition. They came in second, scoring a 465, one point shy of first place. Their improv season is usually only four to five months long, but due to COVID delays and restrictions, they ended up practicing together for nine months. It was an amazing opportunity for them to be able to perform as a team in a national theatre competition. Above: Imrov Team during their final scene of the competition. Photo: Jada Bohmer.

work on the Transfer Beach public washroom and picnic shelter upgrades. They acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage.

Extension Miners Park The contributions of the late Maureen Young, past Electoral Area C director, were honoured on June 15 with a commemorative plaque at Extension Miners Community Park. Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) representatives were

joined for the plaque unveiling by the Young family, park volunteers and community members. Maureen was an RDN director for 16 years until her passing in November 2021 and was a tireless advocate for many projects and programs that helped improve life in the region, including parks, drinking water and watershed protection and rural firefighting services. As a life-long resident of Extension, she was also passionate about her local community and its rich history. Mau-

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Historic coal car at Extension Miner’s Park. Photo submitted.

reen was particularly pleased that Extension’s coal mining past was recognized through Extension Miners Community Park, making it a perfect location for her commemorative plaque. Her family — Heather, David and Kevin Young — was present at the ceremony and stated: “Maureen, our mom, is missed every day. Her passion for her role as director of Electoral Area C knew no boundaries and was a big part of her life for the past 16 years. She enjoyed living as well as working for the community she grew up in as she dedicated countless hours listening and being a voice for all the residents. We are honoured to have a plaque at the Extension Miners Community Park that recognizes her contribution. Commemorating Mom in this way for all the time and effort she put into the entire Electoral Area C; she and our dad, Allan Young, who was a Commissioner with Nanaimo Parks, Recreation and Culture and also very involved with this park, would both be very proud.” In addition to the plaque, other features nearing completion at Extension Miners Community Park include the construction of a protective timber structure over the coal car, fencing, interpretive signage and the installation of a salvaged mine shaft ventilation fan. Coal Car No. 521 is one of only two coal cars left in Canada. In collaboration with Extension area volunteers, RDN Parks staff prepared a site plan to place the coal car in Extension Miners Community Park. Ron Mayovsky rebuilt the coal car donated by Bob and Bruce Adams in memory of his grandfather Mike and his brothers. Mayovsky thanks the following for their help on the project: Maureen Young, who was the RDN Area G director; Bob and Bruce Adams, who donated the coal car; Murray Ahl, who moved metal parts and helped painted the coal car; Yellow Point Lodge, who donated timber; Mike Gogo for cutting the timber into lumber; Wayne Hamilton, who donated timber; Chuck Addison, who cut it into lumber and stored it; Derrick Addison, who hauled timber; Inter-Kraft, who did the welding on the coal car and plaque stand; Kebouw Cranes Ltd., who moved the coal car; and Hub City Paving, who helped store the coal car. The coal car was moved into the park in 2020 and continues to be a highlight for history buffs of the region’s coal mining past.

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Snuneymuxw First Nation (“SFN”) and Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools (“NLPS”) at historic MOA signing at Qwum Stuwixwulh Community School. Photo submitted.

SFN and Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools Sign Unprecedented Agreement Snuneymuxw First Nation (“SFN”) and Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools (“NLPS”) signed an unprecedented memorandum of agreement (“MOA”) that formalizes a unique relationship to co-govern Qwam Qwum Stuwixwulh Community School (“QQS”) on June 21, 2022, Indigenous Peoples Day. A joint committee will be formed, comprised of representatives from NLPS and SFN (the “Committee”). The Committee will assume operational responsibility for the QQS, congruent with honouring Snuneymuxw land and culture. This includes broadening the scope of ministry curriculum to include Snuneymuxw ways of learning. Established in 2019, QQS is open to everyone, as all children benefit from Snuneymuxw knowledge. “Over the last four years, we have walked together, and the results are profound,” says Snuneymuxw Acting Chief William Yoachim. “All children living within our vast territory will benefit from this powerful relationship for generations to come. By entering this MOA, our Nation and the local board of education will determine our education goals as Knowledge Partners. We celebrate this moment as an example of how we can reimagine what is possible together and create lasting positive change for all those connected to this sacred land.” Collaborations between SFN and NLPS include the Snuneymuxw Welcome Pole at the Sway’a’Lana village site (Maﬀeo Sutton Park); the Te’tuxwtun Project on Fifth Street; Stadium District improvements; the naming of Syuwén’ct school; the creation of Syeyutsus Framework; and the opening of Qwam Qwum Stuwixwulh Community School. QQS is a $10.8 million federally and provincially funded project that is the result of a unique “third model” partnership between the Nanaimo-Ladysmith School District and Snuneymuxw First Nation. Typically, a school would be governed by a board of trustees, but in this case, it is co-governed by NLPS and SFN. Snuneymuxw and NLPS created and implemented the associated Syeyutsus Framework (the “Framework”) to guide their working relationship, recognizing there are ways of learning beyond the current scope of Ministry of Education curriculum. The Framework is informed by the teachings of the land and Snuneymuxw Ancestors, while addressing the

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ever-changing complexities of today’s world and society. This work is part of a broader goal of SFN; the implementation of the Snuneymuxw Treaty of 1854. “The school district understands that there are gifts and responsibilities that come from being in relationship with Snuneymuxw Territory,” says Charlene McKay, board chair, Nanaimo-Ladysmith Public Schools. “We are proud to walk together and model a way of working together that we hope will inspire meaningful relationship building within communities beyond our own.”

Ladysmith Days Returns Ladysmith Days is back this year as a two-day event starting Saturday, July 30 with a pancake breakfast at the Ladysmith & District Credit Union (LDCU) parking lot followed by the Kinsmen Parade at 10 am. Then heading to Transfer Beach Park for an Info-Expo where you can pick up info and talk to community groups such as Pacific Salmon Foundation, Nanaimo Science and more, while enjoying the park’s amenities. Ladysmith Days continues on Sunday, July 31, with family games from 11-4pm, sponsored by LDCU. There will be vendors, and food, plus live music starting at 4pm with The Diamond Dawgs. The Doctors of Rock and Roll, play at 6 pm, and the headliner, Straight from The Hip, a Tragically Hip Tribute band plays from 8pm. Organizers are working on a talent show and planning for the fireworks, also sponsored by LDCU, which traditionally closes the event,” said Al Moore Celebrations Committee president. For more details https://www.ladysmithdays.com/

Museum Marks 10 Years The Ladysmith & District Historical Society (LDHS) invites the public to join them in celebrating the Ladysmith Museum’s 10th anniversary and the completion of its renovation on Thursday, July 7, 2022 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Come see what’s new and rediscover what’s old. Exhibits, entertainment, light refreshments, and cake will be served. Everyone is welcome to this free event! The museum is now operating on summer hours and is open to the public Wednesday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For details, call 250-245-0423.

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Antique Addict on the move The Antique Addict, a well-established furniture store and restorer closed shop on May 28, 2022. The owners of the business sold the building and are moving the business to their Saltair home. But there won’t be much rest for the hardworking team of Paul Joy and Cathy Goldie. “The building is there but it has to be fixed up first,” Cathy said about the new location. Once the renovations are complete, the Antique Addict will reopen. In the meantime, you can reach them via their website and social media. The couple started Antique Addict 14 years ago. It was first located in the Post Oﬃce Antique building before moving to its Roberts Street home, on May 1, 2013. It’s been a wonderful experience says, Cathy.“Roberts Street is wonderful. It’s like a little sub-community with the small businesses supporting each other.” The building with its signature cottage green colour provided an attractive entrance to Roberts Street, a main entry point to Ladysmith’s heritage downtown. The heritage building has a long history and has housed a variety of enterprises, a dairy, fish cannery, soda joint, paint and carpet store, a sex shop, burrito take out, and an MLA office says Paul. By the time we got it, it was pretty derelict,” recalls Cathy. “There was not much left of it.” The stucco and roof are still original but everything else has been replaced including the wiring and plumbing. “There is not much that Paul did not fix.”

Paul Joy and Cathy Goldie inside the Antique Addict. Photo: Marina Sacht

Paul who did all the renovations, worked 7 days a week for 7 months. “We started with a $10,000 budget and finished at $100,000.” In the process, they saved a piece of Ladysmith’s heritage. The building has been sold to a local health care service. For the couple, it’s a bitter-sweet closing. While they are looking forward to having more time to complete their home projects and set up Antique Addict on their property, they will miss the colourful vibe of Roberts Street.

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One Love Festival If you like Reggae you will love the Cowichan Reggae Society’s One Love Festival Canada. This free concert happens July 2 noon to 8 pm at Transfer Beach Park in Ladysmith. Get ready to dance for this third edition of the One Love Festival featuring performers Omolara – Maﬃe And The Volcano Cheko – Phonosonics – Pozitive Rebellion – Dj Bass Lion Garden City Dub Club. The Headliner this year is Omolara Oyesiku who lives in Saltair. She will be backed by the Volcano band. Free all ages.https://1lovefestival.ca

Concerts in the Park Returns After a COVID-induced hiatus, the LRCA’s popular “Concerts in the Park” event is back at the Ladysmith Transfer Beach Amphitheatre. The Ladysmith Resources Centre Association (LRCA) is hosting four separate concerts on July 17, July 24, August 14 and August 21. All concerts take place on Sundays at 6 p.m. Each concert is free, and donations will go towards various LRCA Community Projects. The concert series starts with Beatlemania Unplugged on July 17. Beatlemania Unplugged has been performing around Vancouver Island for almost a decade. The now thriving

One Love Festival headliner Omolara Oyesiku Photo submitted.

Beatles cover-band began as an acoustic husband-and-wife duo. John Booth, who sings and plays acoustic guitar for the band, retired from his successful rock band Switch in the early 2000’s and was looking for other ways to keep his music alive. John loved the Beatles from an

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early age; he bought his first guitar in 1967 after seeing them live for the first time. He discovered his wife, Charlene, had musical talent of her own when he heard her singing in their home. Charlene and John then started performing acoustic covers of iconic Beatles songs as a compromise between John’s love of rock and Charlene’s love of more mellow, country-western-inspired music. The pair decided to grow the band a few years later. They brought in Gary Atkins on guitar and Rick Ryce on bass. “Everyone at one time or another has learned from the Beatles,” says Booth. This acoustic tribute band is more than just a musical experience; these talented musicians are also historians that share their knowledge of the Beatles through a chronological setlist. Let Beatlemania Unplugged whisk you back to the beginnings of rock on July 17 at 6 p.m.! Then on July 24, get ready to rock the night away with the Doctors of Rock ’n’ Roll. Led by front man Russ Der, the Doctors of Rock ’n’ Roll began as a pickup band for a charity benefit and have been

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A music festival on the water is coming to Ladysmith. Photo: Gary McNutt

playing ever since. Russ Der, the current band teacher at John Barsby Secondary in Nanaimo, gathered parents of his band students to play in the Doctors of Rock ’n’ Roll. The current lineup is Der on keys and vocals, Dan Fortier on guitar, Paul Bourke on bass, and Kyle Alessia on drums. The band is celebrating their 10th anniversary of its founding in 2013. From the Proclaimers to Lenny Kravitz and everything in between, the Doctors of Rock ’n’ Roll have a song for everybody. Russ Der sums up the band by saying that they “want to play for people’s pleasure.”

Festival Afloat How would you like to catch some great music, in a beautiful setting, while supporting a good cause? You will get a change to do that when Festival Afloat comes to Ladysmith on July 12. RAVEN (Respecting Aboriginal Values and Environmental Needs) is teaming up with sustainable seafood company Scout to launch a bigger, bolder “Festival Afloat” concert series to raise funds for two Nations. With performers giving shows from the deck of the 80-foot-long sailing ship Providence — the oldest boat in BC — audiences attend concerts by paddling up in their canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards. The festival launches at Vancouver’s Jericho Beach on July 7 and will be in Ladysmith on July 12, with performer Ms. PAN!K,

before heading to Sidney and the Gulf Islands. Audiences can also catch shows from the beach in most locations. Tickets are by donation and available at https://raventrust.com/paddle. In addition to shows on the water, RAVEN is oﬀering several VIP opportunities aboard the Providence, from fundraising cruises, that include backstage passes and gourmet “seacuterie” experiences curated by celebrity chef Charlotte Langley, and wine and beer pairings for an elegant adventure. Tickets for barefoot cruises at https://raventrust. com/barefoot-cruises/. Festival Afloat concerts and cruises are fundraisers for RAVEN; donations are tax deductible in Canada and the US. “Festival Afloat is an amazing way to gather on the water, doing what we love to protect where we live,” says RAVEN organiser Andrea Palframan. “It’s got all the joy of a festival with a twist: not only does everything we raise support Indigenous Peoples’ rights, but

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it gives us the opportunity to gather in a magical setting to celebrate the wildly beautiful places that Nations are working so hard to defend.” There is more information and ways to sign up on the RAVEN website: https:// raventrust.com/paddle.

Cedar Hall: Home for the Heart You will get a chance to see local history come alive when Yellow Point Drama Group and the Cedar Centennial Committee present Cedar Hall — A Home for the Heart, a series of vignettes depicting some of the stories and characters that have called Cedar Hall home through the last hundred years. Attend the early meetings about building the hall in 1921 and see how lively the discussions were! Meet personages like Jim Probert, who owned another dance hall in Cedar. Hear the story of a widow who walked with her children for miles to make sandwiches for dances in the 1940s. Laugh at the gaﬀes that have happened onstage for Yellow

Actor Lesley Lee in Cedar Hall- A Home for the Heart. Photo submitted.

Point Drama Group in their 70 years of productions. Look into the kitchen as women discuss the banquet they’re preparing for soldiers back from the World War II. By the time the lights come up, you’ll have a sense of all the history held in this 100-year-old building. Cedar Hall — A Home for the Heart oﬀers an opportunity for the public to

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join in the hall’s centennial celebration and to share some of their own stories, indulge in a piece of birthday cake, take a backstage tour and more. There are only two performances: July 16, at 7:30 p.m. and July 17, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 and available at yellowpointdramagroup.org or at the door (cash only).

Islands Folk Festival Cowichan Valley’s longest running folk music festival is primed and ready go live with a jam packed one-day event at Providence Farm from 10 am to midnight on July 23, 2022. This year’s family-friendly festival offers a range of musical styles and a stellar lineup of performers. “It’s going to be a dynamite day,” says festival Artistic Director Bruce Gerrish. “We’ve put together a fantastic lineup of performers, including Grammy award-winner Alex Cuba, Harry Manx, Jim Byrnes, the Bills, Shari Ulrich and many more exciting acts. The festival has always been focused on music fans, families and fun, and I think we have all the ingredients for an incredible day.” The festival site, Providence Farm, is an idyllic 400-acre property situated in the Cowichan Valley. The farm is located at 1843 Tzouhalem Road, near Duncan. It has been home to the festival for nearly 40 years. The final stages for hosting the event are now in full swing. The festival has camping on-site, starting Friday, July 22, and will feature a variety of food vendors, a beverage garden and a “Wee Folks” kids zone. There is limited parking on-site and a free shuttle will ferry passengers from Duncan to the festival site throughout the day and evening. “Long-time fans of the festival will find a lot that’s familiar, and we’re hoping to generate the type of excitement that will attract some new faces and voices,” says Gerrish. Advance tickets for the one-day event are $90 for an adult (youth are half-price and kids under 12 free). They are now on sale through the festival’s website For a full schedule, tickets, camping and volunteer opportunities visit the festival website at www.islandsfolkfestival.ca. The Islands Folk Festival is a production of the Cowichan Folk Guild, a Vancouver Island-based non-profit society.

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Tundra’s Journey It could be said that Gary R. Allan and Tundra did more for wolf awareness in the 15 years that spanned Tundra’s life than some activists do in a lifetime. Tundra was a very high-content wolfdog (90% wolf), who with Gary conducted wolf education programming about the vital roles wolves play as a keystone species. Tundra passed away on June 5, 2022. During that time, Tundra and Gary visited over 300 schools in British Columbia reaching over 40,000 students, teachers and parents directly. Add in the many community presentations, special appearances and advocacy work that they did to bring awareness to the importance of wolves in our ecosystem and you start to get an idea of the impact they had. Dr. Jane Goodall met Tundra in 2017. She called her a great educator, along with Gary, in changing the minds of thousands of people, especially children, about the true nature of wolves and their important place in our ecosystem. Patti Gisborne who operates A Sense of Place Youth Project for children ages 5-12 and a daycare 3-5 says Tundra was very well received during her visits and had a special connection with the kids. “It was a fabulous experience. She had a calm and wonderful energy. Special needs children really connected well with her, and Gary’s energy was also wonderful to be around.” Tundra’s magical ability to connect with youths along with Gary’s teachings, brought an understanding of how the wolf changes the landscape, explained Gisborne. “We got to see it from the wolf’s perspective,” she adds. Tundra’s advocacy extended right into

the legislature. Gary brought Tundra into the BC Legislature to meet Scott Fraser –the former BC NDP Indigenous Aﬀairs Cabinet Minister. “Arranging their visit was no easy task as generally speaking no animals (aside from approved guide dogs etc) are allowed in the Legislature – and certainly there had never been a wolf inside the building,” recalled Sarah M Miller Constituency Assistant for Doug Routley MLA Nanaimo-North Cowichan. “Tundra caused quite the commotion because as soon as staﬀ in the building heard there was a wolf inside everyone wanted to meet her.” “I want to thank all the people that came to see Tundra and to support what we were doing. She was a gift from the Creator,” says Gary who plans to continue the wolf education program using photos, videos and stories of Tundra to

Clockwise: Gary R Allan and Tundra. Tundra as a pup and visiting the BC Legislature. Former BC NDP Indigenous Affairs Cabinet Minister, Gary Allan and Tseshaht First Nations Elder Randy Fred. Photos courtesy of Gary Allan.

continue to educate and inspire change. Gary has written two books about Tundra that incorporate many First Nation legends & stories. Proceeds go to continue Tundra’s School program. There may not be another Tundra but her story continues. https://tundraspeaks.com/

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New Cedar Farmers’ Market Program BY KERITH WADDINGTON From surviving to thriving, local farmers and people in need are the beneficiaries of a healthy eating initiative new to the Cedar Farmer’s Market (CFM) this year. The Farmers’ Market Nutritional Coupon Program (FMNCP) is the epitome of a win-win. Fully funded by the Ministry of Health, the program provides food coupons to lower-income families, seniors and pregnant women, which can be spent at any of British Columbia’s Accredited Farmers’ Markets (BCAFM) participating in the FMNCP. At the same time, the program injects that same revenue into the farming community and helps those who provide us with so much healthy local food stay afloat. Filling bellies and filling wallets — it doesn’t get much better than that, enthuses Kate Poirier, executive director of the Cedar Farmers’ Market Agricultural Society. “Cedar was accepted into the program in 2021, but this is the first year we have been able to oﬀer coupons locally,” she says. “The economic beauty of this program is that it uses one set of funds to meet two completely separate social needs: it improves the health and well-being of low-income residents while contributing to our agriculture sector. That in turn helps prevent the loss of our small-scale farms.” Thanks to the FMNCP, more than 18,000 people in need from over 6,000 households in BC have greater food security. The arrival of the program in Cedar this year has meant full bellies for more than 60 families and individuals, and an injection of $25K+ into the local farming economy. As excited as Poirier is about the FMNCP, she admits that the need outstrips the supply. “The program filled during the first week we oﬀered it, and we have more than 30 people and families on our waitlist,” she says. “Given the skyrocketing costs of both housing and food, the importance of programs like this cannot be underestimated.” Each household registered in the program is eligible to receive a minimum of $27/week which can be spent at any of BCAFMs participating in the FMNCP. The coupons can be used to purchase vegetables, fruits, nuts, eggs, dairy, herbs, vegetable and fruit plants, honey, meat and fish. There is an educational component to the program as well that registrants must participate in, which is both accessible

and fun! Part of that education includes two “Community Cookouts” at the Cedar market. The first cookout, on July 24, features Luke Griﬃn, former head chef of the highly-esteemed Mahle House Restaurant, who is now focusing on his burgeoning catering company, Chef’s Choice. Griﬃn will use seasonal produce from market vendors to create tasty and nutritional meals. Samples will be available to all. Date and time of the second cookout is TBA. Participants who can’t make the cookouts are invited to watch a demonstration video being produced by TAKE 5, or participate in the CFM’s private Facebook group where recipes, resources and cooking tips will be shared. Poirier says that feedback from initial participants in the program has been both heart-warming and heart-breaking. “We have heard from parents struggling to feed their children to seniors facing financial and physical challenges made worse by a lack of access to nutritious food,” she says. “The motto at farmers’ markets is always universal: support local. Well, this is it, this is how we support local. We support our people.” While provincial funding for the program is limited, Poirier says that anyone wishing to help out can send an e-transfer to nutrition@cedarfarmersmarket.ca or contribute to a donations account the CFM has set up at Island Savings. “There are no administrative deductions,” she stresses. “Every penny donated will be used to purchase more coupons dollar for dollar. Whether it’s $5 or $500, it all helps.” Anyone wishing to be put on the waitlist is invited to visit the CFM website at cedarfarmersmarket.org and fill out an application.

RDN Area A Cedar Are you tired of the rain yet? Seems like summer is getting a late start this year, which is an eﬀective way to deal with drought, but an ineﬀective way to get gardening and crop growing underway. Hopefully, when you read this, summer will have arrived in all its glory! In this issue, I will cover some odds and ends in the life of a local government representative. Firstly, I attended the Federation of Canadian Municipalities convention in Regina from June 2 to June 5 and came away with two lasting thoughts (others were not so lasting, as my memory is quite undependable). After hearing the concerns of nearly 2,000 delegates from all parts of Canada, my first thought was how all of our communities are in simi-

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lar situations. The primary issue in all parts of the country is affordable housing and homelessness. While there are many facets to this issue, the concerns about affordability, housing for young people, short-term rentals and how to deal effectively with the unhoused are common across Canada. My second impression was that most local government politicians are genuinely interested in making a difference in their communities. And they all face challenges of jurisdictional issues and misunderstanding by the public of their roles and responsibilities. I came away from the time in Regina with some new ideas and a realization that, across the country, we are all facing similar challenges and searching for solutions to deal with them. Continuing with the housing issue, I

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have spent a great deal of time reading about and researching this topic, and I am beginning to develop some ideas on how the RDN can be more eﬀective at responding to aﬀordable housing in the Mid-Island region. In the months ahead, I hope to be able to work with people with more experience on this issue than I and develop a workable strategy that begins to address the high costs of accommodation in our region. If you have any ideas or comments on housing affordability, please feel free to share them with me (keith.wilson@rdn.bc.ca). Lastly, I have been asked by many people if I will put my name forward for Electoral Area A director in October. Several individuals and groups have made it clear that they think I should, as I still have work to complete, citing ex-

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amples like the Yellow Point/Cedar pathway project, the South Wellington Community Centre, updating the Area A Oﬃcial Community Plan and others. I have heard enough support and encouragement to make a decision. … I will be running again for the position of Electoral Area A director on October 15. I look forward to building on the work from the current term and to putting forward new ideas that residents bring forth in the term ahead. I also want to continue to bring the concerns of Area A community members to the attention of the other regions sitting at the RDN Board table. I will be looking for your support in October!

CVRD Area H North Oyster/Diamond What is it with the weather and farming? Either way, extreme heat or extreme wet, I worry about getting the crop off the field. Without the crop, there is no business case to farm (in my circumstance, it’s beef cows). This year, its all about keeping the water flowing so the fields can dry out. I mention this because many farms in my neighbourhood are dealing with fields too wet to farm. And, the best way to keep the water flowing off the fields is by being good neighbours — which is the essence of a neighbourhood, and neighbourhoods make a community. I’ve mentioned this because an important step has been taken in the completion of the community circles for the modernization of the Official Community Plan. There have been more than 750 participants for ideas. The next step will be the presentation of the “Ideas Book” later this year. Mark your calendars for the Ideas Fair on November 4 and 5, 2022. In the June TAKE 5, I mentioned FireSmart Kick Start project. The North Oyster Fire Department hosted a FireSmart information session on June 16, 2022. The BC Forest Service and CVRD FireSmart coordinator provided really great information on how and why to FireSmart your home. The CVRD FireSmart coordinator, Trevor Reid, is available to help you and your neighbours create a neighbourhood plan for a cleanup. Your local fire department is taking a proactive approach to learn as much as they can in the case of a wildfire. Each of us can help by taking steps to FireSmart our homes. Contact Trevor at the CVRD if you are interested finding out more. Another item from a previous TAKE 5 is about property tax. Each year, the CVRD creates a tax insert (aka flyer) specific to each electoral area. This flyer is sent out with the Property Tax Notice you receive in June. Unfortunately, the wrong flyer was sent out to Area H property owners. The CVRD submitted

FireSmart information session. Photo submitted.

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System (filtration, distribution the right flyer, but somehow the wrong system and dam), FireSmart, version was sent out by the Surveyor of the Revitalization Plan for Taxes. To the CVRD’s knowledge, this Centennial Park, regional rechas never happened before and hopereation, the Modernization fully, won’t ever happen again. The Official Community Plan and correct version of flyer is available for Saltair Coastal Slope Stabilyou to view on the CVRD website in ity. During COVID, TAKE 5, the Finance section under “Tax Inserts.” emails, phone calls and the DiHowever, you can also request a copy of rector’s Page on Saltair News the correct 2022 Tax Insert for Area H and Views proved to be the — North Oyster/Diamond. Please send best ways to keep the coman email to CVRD Finance at finance@ munity up to date. However, it cvrd.bc.ca. CVRD Structural Protection Unit. Photo: Lynne Smith is wonderful to again have the As for other updates: The design of opportunity to hold in-person the first portion of the Yellow Point June was a busy month for the Saltair meetings. trail is not yet underway, and the same community. There were two in-person Saltair Water System Update for the Community (Bulk Water) Well. presentations and one virtual public The Saltair Water System source is I will give updates as things progress. presentation about the Stantec Saltair Stocking Lake. The dam on the lake has But there is an update on Gas Tax funds: Coastal Slope Stability Assessment Requite the history. It is a very old, earththe deadline for spending the funds has port. Both in-person presentations were fi lled embankment dam. It was origibeen extended, which means projects well attended. nally constructed in 1902 and raised in have to be started (not completed) by Dr. Richard Guthrie and CVRD staff 1965. March 2024. from the Land Use Division, Strategic In 2018, the CVRD engaged Ecora Before we move into high gear this Initiatives and Environmental Services Engineering & Resource Group Ltd. to summer, I want to remind everyone to presented information and provided an undertake a comprehensive dam safety mark their calendar for the next Townopportunity for attendees to have their review and risk assessment study supHall. It will be at 6 p.m. on Thursday, questions answered. Any comments or ported by funding from the National September 22, at the Diamond Hall. I feedback on the Bylaw 4427 can be sent Disaster Mitigation Program. After the have asked the CVRD to provide a preto Coralie Breen (Coralie.breen@cvrd. risk assessment was completed, the classentation on water — from aquifers to bc.ca). Thank you to all those that were sification of risk from the dam was inwatersheds. I hope you can make it. able to attend. creased from “significant” to “high.” ben.maartman@cvrd.bc.ca or 250Area H Director Ben Maartman and Moving forward, the August 2021 510-5930 I attended to hear the presentations and Stocking Lake Dam Remediation Conto listen to the questions from the comCVRD Area G Saltair/Gulf ceptual Design was funded by the Community and responses. A video of the inIslands munity Emergency Preparedness Fund. person presentation will be available in Ecora completed the Stocking Lake For many of us with children and the coming weeks at www.cvrd.ca/3187/ Dam Remediation Preliminary Design grandchildren on their summer break, Natural-Hazards. in March 2022. Option 2 was to have a July and August are all about vacations In June, I finally had the opportunity new dam constructed 30 metres downand visitors. Some of us are organizing to hold an in-person, Saltair Communistream of the current dam. activities for company that will be arrivty Town Hall Meeting to update Saltair At the end of June, CVRD staff will ing in our amazing area. The CVRD is a residents about the Area G Community bring forward a recommended grant gem when it comes to activities. Works Funds (Gas Tax), Saltair Water application to the Strategic Priorities

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Fund of the Federal/Provincial Community Building Fund Program for CVRD Board approval. As this article is submitted in mid-June, I am unable to report the Board’s decision. It is good to have an opportunity to apply for a grant at this time. Grant allocations require a lot of time and a lot of work. The Saltair Water Filtration system grant involved almost 20 months of working and waiting. Let’s all have positive thoughts and contemplate another successful grant application for Saltair. More Saltair distribution upgrades are starting up with Bazan and Gardner West shortly. Southin and the Chemainus Road section between Olsen and Southin will be completed in the fall. CVRD Emergency Planning A new regional emergency management model for the Cowichan Valley was supported at the June 8 board meeting. This will advance “some elements of the new emergency management model as a function within the CVRD, but with the addition of an advisory body comprised of representatives of the municipal partners.” Centennial Park Revitalization Plan At the June 14 meeting, the Saltair Community Parks Advisory Commission recommended adoption of the plan as presented and that options for accelerated funding for Revitalization Plan projects be considered as part of the 2023 budget process. The community has participated in three surveys and the plan reflects the outcome of this engagement. Would it be more eﬃcient to consolidate some of the projects and have them done at the same time (e.g., court resurfacing and construction, playground updates and nature playground, etc.) to realize economies of scale and sooner improvements, and to avoid inflated costs using a loan for five years? If we need to add an amenity in the future, the plan can always be amended. CVRD Notify Me (www.cvrd.ca/ list.aspx) Have you signed up for CVRD notifications to be sent to your email address? You get to pick and choose from the list. If you have any questions or comments, please contact me at lynne. smith@cvrd.bc.ca or 250-701-1407. Additional articles and information can be found at www. SaltairNews.ca.

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JULY 2022

Play Ball! Ladysmith’s rising baseball star BY KERITH WADDINGTON Ladysmith has a baseball phenomenon in its midst that, despite not yet hitting five feet, is hitting expectations out of the park. Only 13 years old, Brynn Hawes is already having the opportunity to train with the Canadian Women’s Baseball National team. In fact, their pitching coach — former Major League Baseball player Anthony Pluta — asked to work with Hawes after seeing her at a Cowichan Valley Mustangs Winter Camp, which the CWNS team was running, back in 2019. The end result? In winter, Hawes now travels to Victoria twice a week to work on her pitching and hitting with Pluta. The rest of the year, she lends her talent to no fewer than three elite baseball and softball teams on the Island and the Lower Mainland, travelling to and from Victoria up to five times each week after school, and to Vancouver as an overnight trip each weekend. With hours each day dedicated to playing, practising, training and travelling, this young athlete keeps a schedule not many could emulate. Yet her love for the game is self-evident. “I’ve played ball since I was four, and knew by the time I was

Brynn Hawes with father Jack. Photo: Kerith Waddington

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eight that I wanted to really go for it,” says Hawes. “Play girls baseball and see the world, play softball and get an education. That’s why I want to do both.” Kristy Watson, coach of the U15 Vancouver Mounties Cubs team and the BC Girls Baseball U14 team, for whom Hawes played on a one tournament team last year, has this to say about her young protégé: “I first met Brynn last September when she played for our all-girls baseball team in a co-ed tourney that was essentially all boys.” Watson laughs. “She reminded me of a young me: passionate, caring, driven. She played as a pitcher/catcher for us, but she could play any position. I saw her potential immediately. She has a career in the game if she wants it.” Hawes has played four games so far for the U15 Vancouver Mounties Cubs team. “She is definitely one of our stars,” says Watson, who has words of praise too for Brynn’s parents. “They have made an incredible commitment to supporting their daughter’s passion,” she says. “They would do anything for her and for this group. They give their time, energy, money. They have even done scorekeeping for us! We are lucky to have them in our circle.” Jack Hawes, Brynn’s dad, jokes that given the financial challenges that come with so much travelling for his daughter’s sport, “it’s good there’s just one kid.” He acknowledges that family and friends are usually the “sponsors” behind each team, and that travel, food and accommodation costs are all paid for out-of-pocket. It’s a hefty price he and his wife are willing to pay to support their daughter’s dream. However, he admits that a

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“frequent flyers” card with the ferries or other involved organizations would be a welcome financial break, should they ever want to support the development of exceptional young athletes. “There really isn’t any financial support for parents of athletes, regardless of whether you live in a large urban centre or not,” he says. “That said, I wouldn’t change this for the world. It’s rewarding as a parent to see the passion your kid has for the game. I think all parents would do this if they could. It is a sad fact that there are undoubtedly talented kids that miss out because parents can’t aﬀord the training camps and opportunities that would get them noticed.” Brynn plays for the Beacon Hill Glory Softball U17b team in Victoria and the U15 Vancouver Mounties Cubs baseball team. She finds out this July if she has a place on the BC Girls Baseball U14 team. She will also be playing with the Los Angeles Monarchs to be added to their young women’s team roster for upcoming tournaments. As such, she will be playing in this year’s 7th Annual

“Baseball for All Nationals” in Mesa, Arizona, which is the largest girls baseball tournament in US history and takes place at the state-of-the-art facilities at Bell Bank Park. Hawes is pumped because the LA Monarchs have been victorious in this tournament for the last couple of years. “I’ll be playing with a powerhouse,” she enthuses. How does Hawes handle the pressure of training and performing at such an elite level at such a young age? Her honesty is refreshing. “It’s hard to stay on top of school, and there isn’t much time for friends,” she says. “But I love this sport and my parents are so supportive. I don’t know where it will all lead, but I hope to play college ball in the States one day.” The States are a draw for Hawes, as the opportunity for a scholarship that covers both sport participation and academics is greater than in Canada. One thing is certain: wherever this baseball phenom ends up, she will do her hometown of Ladysmith very proud.

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Saving forests BY GUY DAUNCEY If I had to choose some of the things that make life in the rural areas of Vancouver Island so amazing, they would include the forests and all their many species. The forests are not safe, however. As well as Mosaic’s steady assault by clearcutting on the private forest lands west of the highway, the sound of chainsaws can be heard on private lands, not just in the managed forests. Is there a way to save a threatened forest apart from raising the money to buy it oﬀ its owner, a process that takes too long for all but the most patient? Yes, it turns out, there is: conservation communities. In a nutshell, you borrow money to buy the land oﬀ the landowner, get approval from the regional district to allow the development of a small cluster of buildings in one corner of the forest and use the income from the sale of the lots to pay back the loan. You place a conservation covenant on the rest of the forest, and in this way you save 85 to 95 per cent of the forest forever, with a small community of people living nearby who will love and care for it. The solution was pioneered in 2002 on 150 acres of forested land on Cortes Island, when a group of residents, includ-

JUNE 2022

ing the singer Ann Mortifee, were negotiated to buy the land and got it rezoned to allow 15 tiny, carefully placed homesites on five per cent of the land, saving 95 per cent of the forest. The community was named Everwoods. Its Community Land Stewardship Zone allows for the occasional selective harvesting of fallen and standing timber, and narrower road widths, ensuring that the residents live gently in a forest that will remain. Ann then worked with David Butterfield to form the Trust for Sustainable Forestry, and in 2010, they formed a partnership to buy the 1,000 acres Elkington Forest south of Shawnigan Lake. They worked with the Cowichan Valley Regional District to allow the construction of 97 homes in three clustered villages on 15 per cent of the land, and they used income from the sale of the lots to protect 85 per cent of the forest. It’s a long story, since the 2008 financial crisis blew nasty holes in the best of plans, but the result is that Elkington Forest is protected, now and forever. What would it take for more conservation communities to be built? When YES was working four years ago to save 60 acres of forested land just south of Wildwood, we knew about this approach, but we didn’t have the skills to pull it off. The forest is now gone, except alongside an area of wetlands. We need five things to enable conservation communities to become easy to develop. First, a clause in every Official Community Plan that recognizes the importance of this approach for forests, wildlife, watersheds and people. Second, a model Community Land Stewardship Zoning Bylaw in every regional district, including a requirement for affordable housing. Third, support from regional

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Image credit: Trust for Sustainable Forestry

directors, members of advisory planning commissions, and the public. Fourth, support from credit unions whose directors and loan-oﬃcers understand that conservation communities are a viable investment. And finally, hand-holding from an organization like the Trust for Sustainable Forestry to enable the smallest non-profit to have the know-how to use this approach to protect a local threatened forest. This is one way we can protect nature, the forests and all their wildlife, while creating new forms of human community. Guy Dauncey is president of the Yellow Point Ecological Society. www.yellowpointecologicalsociety.ca

Black Olive Soil We have a winner. A well-known Vancouver chef - who we can’t mention by name because he might come after us with a French knife - has won honours in our semi- annual “Really Dumb Entrée” contest. The award-winning entry, which swept the hotly-contested “Ridiculously Pretentious” category was called slow-cooked veal breast glazed in verjus, okra, pickled grapes, black olive soil, beet chips and watercress. Black olive soil? Fortunately for us, the entry came with a picture showing a hunk of veal resting its flanks in a small pile of finely-chopped olives, which one gathers is the soil component. Customers, operating without such benefit, would be left with their own thoughts, some of which might be: “Is that soil high nitrogen, and can I have it with the duck?” Or, “I’ll take mine panfried with a double helping of worms.” Obviously, the chef who dreamed this one up has never grown anything in his life because, if he had, he would realize soil is not something you want

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to put on your plate or approach with a fork. That’s because soil, good soil and why would a chef use any other? - is always stinky. Gardeners always seek to improve their soil, stopping just short of placing an outhouse over the carrots. I learned this at an early age, playing with my toy trucks around the periphery of my father’s garden, which was enriched (a euphemism) with kelp, fish heads, and worst of all, starfish which he only used because he couldn’t find anything more offensive. One minute I’d be pushing through a road so my army truck could rescue the toy soldiers who had fallen into enemy hands over by the tomatoes, when “HOLY SHIT GENERAL!” I’d plow into a rotting starfish and be forced to abandon the mission. And the old man wondered why I wouldn’t eat tomatoes. Soil, even in primitive societies, has never been something to put in one’s mouth. This was first discovered by Noah, the original organic farmer who, after unloading the animals from the Ark after the flood, noticed his herd hurrying over to the nearest patch of dirt where they dropped their drawers and made with the hot and steamy. “Ah ha!” said Noah, whose passion was really gardening, not boat design. Unable to get the “Unicorn” song out of his head - a disadvantage when travelling on the Ark - he created the world’s first equation: D + E = S. Dirt plus excrement equals soil. Which leads us to gardening’s little secret, what Farmer’s Almanac will hint at but not come out and say. And that is, all

JULY 2022

gardeners have anal fixations. Anything brown, possibly green, that comes sliding out the backside of an animal is considered gold. Cow, chicken, horse, sheep, Siberian hamster, any mention of excrement and it’s “I’ll take all you’ve got. My husband will be right over with the truck.” (Sound of screeching tires as desperate husband tries to take new truck out of harm’s path.) That’s why the number one rule on the farm is “Never under any circumstance eat the soil, even if you missed lunch.” If the wisdom of this edict eludes you, as it did for Olive Soil Boy, place your nose directly behind a cow’s exhaust port - also known as Soil Enrichment Device - and breathe in deeply when she’s in the throes of what farmers call “methane madness.” Which brings us to rule number two: Never light a match when so positioned. If you still find yourself yearning for a nice bowl of soil, consider Biodynamic farming. That’s where a steer’s head, stuffed with an inoculum of “who knows what but it sure stinks” - I am not making this up - is planted at the head of each gardening row. If this doesn’t make sense to you, then you’ve probably managed to avoid a colonic irrigation. Practitioners of Biodynamic gardening, when they’re not howling naked at the full moon encouraging their plants to grow (“Go broccoli, go!”) guarantee nothing is more effective at keeping kids with army trucks out of the tomatoes. Enough of the trick names and

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pretentious menus! Let’s stick with the basics: menu descriptions a guy who drives a truck can relate to. Roast chicken with all the trimmings, for example. Dishes where your entrée rests on a bed of rice and mashed potatoes, not something you spread manure on in the off-season. . Wine pick of the month Biggest Bang for my Buck so far in 2022 is brought to us by “An Italian in Argentina”. Masi, of Valpolicella fame, hits an extreme high value note with their 2019 Passo Doble Tupungato Malbec-Corvina. $14.99”. Pick up a copy of Delbert’s Slightly Corked for some great reading. $20 at the Mahle House, and the TAKE 5 oﬃce. What a deal! Slightlycorkedandmore.wordpress.com

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QUALITY RENOVATIONS. Big or small. 25 years’ exp/journeyman, affordable. For free estimate, call Lars 250-616-1800.

WHAT’S HAPPENING Oyster Bay Café is open Ladysmith Maritime Community Marina, check for times. Transfer Beach Food Truck Concessions, daily 11am LMS Harbour Tours; tickets at tours.lmsmarina.ca Duncan Music Festival Information; visit www. facebook.com/39daysofJuly Cowichan Neighborhood House Youth Program; visit www.cnha.ca Roberts Street Pizza; extended hours Sunday to Thursday till 9pm; Friday & Saturday till 10pm July 1 Canada Day at Transfer Beach; pancake breakfast 9am; ceremony 11am; music, games & cupcakes by Old Town Bakery 11:30am July 2 Cowichan Reggae Festival One Love, Transfer Beach; https://1lovefestival.ca/ July 8 Music on the Dock, 7pm, Ladysmith Community Marina; tickets 250-245-1146 July 10 Brits on the Beach Car Show, 10am to 3pm, Transfer Beach; www.oecc.ca/events July 12 Festival Afloat, 7pm, Transfer Beach; www.raventrust.com/paddle July 17 & 24 Ladysmith Concerts in the Park, fundraiser for LRCA, 6pm to 8pm; www.lrca.ca/ events/concerts-in-the-park/ July 23 Islands Folk Festival, Providence Farm, Duncan; www.islandsfolkfestival.ca/ July 30 & 31 Ladysmith Days; musicians, singers, dancers; www.ladysmithdays.com FOR SALE FISH FISH FISH. Buy direct from the guy who caught it! High-quality salmon, lingcod, rockfish. All fish blast frozen at sea. Satisfaction guaranteed! Call Jim at oceandancer.wallace@ gmail.com or 250-245-5957/250-739-1123.

JULY 2022

CAL 25’ SAILBOAT with sails and Honda 9.9. $2,000 obo. The boat needs work but is useable now. Moored at Ladysmith Marina. For photos, call 250-756-8892. BUSINESS I CAN EDIT. Copy editing, proofreading, structural editing and more. Fiction or non fiction, web content and eBook prep. For more information, email editican@gmail. com. HEALTH & WELLNESS TAI CHI for mental & physical health. Beginner class Monday mornings. Ongoing class every Wednesday morning. For class time and location and more information, visit www.taichinanaimo. org or call Sara 250-245-1466. WORKSHOPS THAT HEAL – Anyone Can Massage * The Sanctuary – 1 day Retreat * Fun With Essential Oils * Art Heals and more! Info at www.wildflowernaturalhealth.ca. Call Marilyn.

ALL ACRES providing all aspects of tree work. Pruning, falling, hedging, dangerous tree removal. Fully insured. Professional work at reasonable rates. Call 250-246-1265. DARRELL ESSAR RENOVATIONS. Over 35 years’ experience, certified journeyman carpenter. Renovations For free estimate, call Darrell 250-714-3823. MAKE IT NICE. Qualified, experienced, gardening and fruit tree pruning. Available for private, residential gardens. Please call 250-754-9346. CONCRETE RESULTS. Foundations, retaining walls, patios, driveways, walks and stairs. Full forming and finishing. 40 years experience. Email Gord at concreteresults@ live.com. ISLAND PRUNING. Professional tree care from large scale orchards to budding new trees. I can meet any pruning need. Shrubs, vines and ornamental. Large & small clean ups. Call Darcy Belcourt 250-323-1260. ART & MUSIC

HOME & YARD PAINTER. Certified Journeyman. Clean, efficient, respectful, punctual, responsible. 20+ years’ experience. WCB coverage. Enhance your enjoyment of the home you love. Call Howard, 250-245-2751. KB HANDYMAN AND YARD WORKS. Minor carpentry work, decks, fences, power washing, tree pruning, yard clean up, lawn fertilizing, mowing. Seniors discount. Contact Karl kbhandymanandyardworks@ gmail.com or 250-714-2738. HEART LAKE ROOFING. For all your roofing repairs; 250-668-9195.

EXPERT FINE ART CLASSES. “My fine art practice makes me fully alive and gives my life meaning and purpose.” Is this what you want? If so, or visit www. strasbourgthomsponstudio.ca or call Barry at 250-210-2237. JOYFUL JAZZ. Sax, piano, drums and bass; jazz favourites and a few gospel songs with a touch of jazz. Jazz on the Dock — Ladysmith Maritime Community Marina, July 29, at 7pm. Jazz at the Shack — 10862 Chemainus Rd., Saltair, July 15, at 1pm. For more info, contact Ken Oakes kenoakes@gmail.com or 250-245-9310. PETS PROFESSIONAL PET CARE SERVICE “leash ’em & walk ’em” with Marlena. I have Animal First Aid, CPR and criminal record check. My service for all pet includes dog walking, home care visits, overnight in your home and much more. As my love is yours! Call 250-246-3394. The PET NANNY is back. I have cared for animals for the last 7 years. I offer overnight care at your home or daily home visits for pets or home security. Email sburchard@hotmail.ca or call 250-924-8809. TAKE 5 ADS WORK! Get them working for you. We have been delivering results for over 25 years. 250245-7015. ads@take5.ca_

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Transfer Beach Park Summer’s here, and families are down at Transfer Beach Park, looking for spaces to set down their blankets. Finding space is going to get harder as the population of Ladysmith and the surrounding area continues to grow. The population of Ladysmith today is just over 9,000 and is projected to increase by an additional 50 per cent, to about 13,000 or 14,000, over the next 30 plus years. Additionally, the park is used by people from Duncan to Lantzville. There is no question that the park will have to expand to meet the needs of the growing population. But expand how and where? The easterly side of the park is constrained by the ocean, while the westerly side, by the highway and rail tracks. The park can’t go south, as it borders Oyster Cove Estates. The only way for it to grow is to expand north. If we want to expand north, there are only two areas available: the area the Town wants to sell oﬀ for townhouses, the so-called “Jewel” (the area on the east side of the road as you enter Transfer Beach Park after you cross the railway tracks); and the area known as “Slack Point.” In the Ladysmith Waterfront Plan, Slack Point is shown as future parkland. The idea faces many problems. Slack Point isn’t even legally land but a water lot. In addition, it is subject to First Nations Land Claims. Slack Point is named so due to the accumulation of “slack,” a by-product of coal washing and sorting after 30 years of exporting coal from the coal wharf, where the amphitheater parking lot is. The slack that was produced was then dumped into the ocean; hence it is just fill, not land. I don’t think it would be the best material to build a park on. Being 77 years old and having grown up in Ladysmith, I can remember when

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Slack Point was a much larger pile and it was burning internally. I have seen the shoreline eroding away and filling the harbour. Today, much of what is left of Slack Point is only a few feet above the high-water mark and subject to sea levels rising. Even now with minimal sea levels rising, more and more king tides and winter storms are eroding the shoreline. How long will it be before there isn’t enough of the point left for public use? To stop erosion, the point has to be stabilized and then declared to be “land.” The best way to do this is to drive sheet piling all along the shoreline, right down to bedrock, then back-fill the lands so that we have dry stable land well above future sea levels. When I was on Council in the 2002–2008 era, I believe the quoted cost for this was $30 million. I strongly suspect that the number would be much higher today. Nowhere in the Ladysmith Waterfront Plan does it indicate who will pay to stabilize Slack Point, other than a hope for government grants. We need firm commitments to pay the needed funds to save Slack Point, let alone to create a park, for it is obvious to me that the Town of Ladysmith on its own can’t afford to save Slack Point. On May 17, I put forth a motion that if seconded would allow for an in-depth discussion of this issue. Unfortunately, it didn’t receive the needed seconder. As a result, it died on the table without any discussion. I still believe that this is an important topic, and I hope it will become an election issue in the October 15 municipal election. I believe that if we want to expand Transfer Beach Park to meet Ladysmith’s future needs, we must keep all our options open. To me, this means that we do not sell the “Jewel” until we are ensured that Transfer Beach Park can grow to continue to meet our needs. This also means that Slack Point has to become dedicated parkland. Only after this is accomplished should the Town see if it still wishes to sell oﬀ the “Jewel” for land development and allow townhouses on the site. Parks and parkland are our gift to future generations, and we must do whatever we can to save parkland and improve our existing parks. At least that is as I see it.