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Today I arrived home from work after picking up my daughter, and the most recent TAKE 5 magazine was on fire in my dining nook. We obviously arrived home right after the fire had started. Thank goodness. I have had a makeup mirror on my dining table for months (one of those ones that has the magnifying side). Well, this morning I decided to clean up the table and put the TAKE 5 in a holder on the table beside the mirror. Today the sun decided to shine in exactly the right spot to magnify it from the mirror onto the magazine. The most ironic part — the TAKE 5 that caught fire has the caption “Join the fire fight.” I realize this is a small business, and I seriously support everything you do. But ... (I hate that “but”) maybe you could look into a fire-
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retardant cover? I know it’s my fault for leaving a mirror on the table, DO NOT get me wrong. This is not your fault in any way. And seriously what are the odds? But maybe it’s something that you may be able to consider in the future, a fire-resistant cover? I’ve attached a picture of the TAKE 5 and tissue paper that was behind it. Thank you so much for your time and consideration of this matter. You all are doing a wonderful job! - Alaina Oakley — Editors Note: We have contacted our printer who has advised us that newsprint is not available with fire retardant. We are certainly glad you came home in time. And thank you for the reminder that magnifying mirrors can be a fire hazard.
Money to hospital workers All front-line hospital workers in the province should be given a fifty-thousand-dollar TAX CREDIT, as it is well deserved for putting their lives on the line for us. Contact your MLA, and let’s get this thing rolling. The people who did not get a vaccine should have their medical insurance payment tripled to pay for it. Quite simple to do if this provincial government has any guts. — Mike Gogo Letters to the editor on community topics and concerns are always welcome. Letters may be edited for length. Opinions represented here are not necessarily those of TAKE 5 or its agents. Email editor@take5.ca
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As Islanders head into their second Christmas season with COVID, it’s clear that for many people, priorities have changed. After months of being kept apart due to health restrictions, just being able to spend time with family and friends this season will be the greatest gift of all. Not far behind that, however, will be gifts that have been made by hand and with love by either the giver themselves or a local artisan. The spare time and isolation many have experienced this past year has led to a huge uptake of traditional crafting, such as knitting, felting and sewing, and of traditional pastimes, such as canning, baking and food gardening. And whether the surge of interest has been the result of a search for something meaningful and calming during a time of crisis, or just a boredom buster, the end results this holiday season are certain to be impactful. And astonishing. Crafters are back at the weekly craft fair at North Oyster Community Centre. There you can find stunning, one-of-akind creations. Members of the group known as “Carol’s Crafters” exhibit everything from hand-turned wooden pens and hand-knit sweaters to unique pottery pieces, colourful throw pillows and handcrafted cards. The number of vendors at the weekly market is expected to grow as news spreads of its reopening and Carol’s Artisan Christmas Craft Sale approaches on November 21 and 22. There are lots of reasons crafting is on the rise, according to those who are in the trade. People have more time due to COVID, but they still want to be productive. Crafting is a great way to connect with others. Kathy Doyle has been a member of Carol’s Crafters for 12 years; she has seen interest in crafting grow during the past year. While she is delighted that a
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lot of people are trying something new, she admits that “purchasing supplies for crafting can be difficult as more people are buying the same stuff!” Heather Sarchuk sells one-of-a-kind handmade cards at the North Oyster market. She admits that while paper stock is not currently in short supply, some specialty items are a bit harder to obtain. She started selling and mailing out make-your-own card kits to her customers when COVID hit. “I don’t know what I would do without my crafts,” she says, explaining that sharing her love for the art is why she runs her booth. “It’s an escape for me. And there are so many people who want to make something with their own hands to give to someone.” Vanessa Ritchie runs “Creative Hands” with her mother Linda. These talented crafters, who sew, knit and crochet everything from sweaters, hats, hooded towels, slippers, pillowcases, dresses and skirts, will be at the Once Upon a Craft Fair being held at Beban Park, November 5 to 7. Ritchie believes the rise of interest in crafting is largely due to the slower lifestyle many were forced to adopt due during COVID. “People had time to try out hobbies, which led to more people creating or at least realizing that things like knitting and crocheting are skills that take time and energy to learn. That increased their appreciation for the items we create.” The Cedar Farmers’ Market has just finished a season boasting record attendance from patrons and vendors alike. Market Manager Kate Poirier acknowledges that the past year has seen “… an increase in applications, especially in soaps, jewellery, general crafts, beeswax products (wraps) and baking.” She adds that 2020 was really hard for artists as all of the craft markets closed. “There were so many people with no avenue to sell. It was brutal. We were happy to
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Heather Sarchuk, of Carol’s Crafters. Photo: Kerith Waddington
Amina and Emad (couple on the left) Custom Sewing and Design. Joined by mother Amina. All from Syria. Members of Carol's Crafters. Photo: Kerith Waddington
welcome the crafters back to the market this past spring when health restrictions eased.” She is expecting lots of interest in the upcoming Cedar Winter Market being held November 21. Grant Keefer of Yellow Point Cranberries says the farm has continued to
be busy during COVID. “People have always supported local, which is fantastic,” he says. “Growing awareness of the health benefits of cranberries, coupled perhaps with people thinking more about self-care these days, means we have not had a slow down.” Keefer
anticipates a good turnout for this year’s Cedar Yellow Point Christmas Artisan Tour. Whether you’ve been inspired to take up traditional crafting or traditional pastimes yourself this past year — or simply appreciate the efforts of those who
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Vanessa Ritchie’s “Creative Hands” booth. Photo submitted
do — this holiday season is bound to be a handmade-with-love kind of affair. Here’s some upcoming craŌ shows Carol’s ArƟsan Christmas CraŌ Sale: North Oyster Community Centre, November 20–21, 10 am–4 pm Cedar Winter Market: Woodbank School, November 21, 10 am–2 pm, cedarfarmersmarket.org Cedar Yellow Point ArƟsan Christmas Tour: November 17–21 and November 24–28, 10 am–5 pm each day, cyarƟsans.com Once Upon a CraŌ Fair: Beban Park, November 5–7, Friday from 2 pm–7 pm, Saturday from 10 am–5 pm and Sunday from 10 am–4 pm, onceuponacraŌfair. com Deck the Hall Christmas Market, Nov 27, 10am-4pm, Cowichan ExhibiƟon Grounds. Free admission.
Saltair Crafters. Photo: Allen McDermid
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Province to complete intersection safety improvements along highway in Ladysmith The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure will soon begin upgrades to the South Davis Road and TransCanada Highway intersection, helping to improve the safety of motorists. Construction will soon begin to restrict the highway intersection to only rightin/right-out (RIRO), as well as left-in movements for those exiting the highway and turning onto South Davis Road. This means means motorists will not be able to turn northbound onto the Trans-Canada Highway from South Davis Road. Turning southbound onto the highway from Baker Road will also be restricted. Instead, local motorists may use the North Davis Road/Chemainus Road signalized intersection to access the highway. Future enhancements by the Province are planned for this intersection in Spring 2022 . “Although this is not the outcome we have been advocating for, we are thankful to the Minister and his team for the continued engagement and investment over the last number of years. We will continue to advocate for more convenient access to the Trans-Canada High-
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way while ensuring that safety is always priority number one,” says Ladysmith Mayor Aaron Stone. “I look forward to working with our staff and the Ministry to improve access to the Trans-Canada Highway with connections that make sense, including appropriate acceleration lanes, turn in access, access roads and active transportation considerations. This is a short-term safety measure as we continue to push for longer term solutions that adequately support our growing community.” The MOTI anticipates that the resulting construction at South Davis Road and Baker Road will be short in duration. These improvements by the MOTI to the highway corridor implement recommendations contained within its 2019 highway traffic safety study, which examined all seven of the highway intersections in Ladysmith. In conjunction with these changes, the Province also plans to increase the traffic safety and efficiency at North Davis Road in Spring 2022 by optimizing the signal timing at the North Davis Road and TransCanada Highway signal to increase green time for the left-turn movement and relocating the marked pedestrian crosswalk from the North side of the intersection to the South side of the intersection. Mayor to send letter to province regarding intersection Ladysmith Mayor Aaron Stone will send a letter on behalf of Council to the Province expressing the Town’s concerns with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure’s proposed changes to the South Davis Road intersection. The result of the upcoming work anticipates restricting left-turn movements from South Davis Road and Baker Road onto the TransCanada Highway. Additional changes are
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anticipated at the North Davis Road intersection to facilitate the expected increase in traffic flow. Ladysmith Council voted unanimously in favour of Mayor Stone sending a letter requesting a followup meeting regarding this work being completed by the Province. The letter will be delivered to Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, and Doug Routley, MLA, Nanaimo-North Cowichan. Minister David Eby (Housing), Minister George Heyman (Environment and Climate Change Strategy), and Minister Ravi Kahlon (Economic Recovery and Innovations) will all be copied on the correspondence. In May 2021, Ladysmith Council directed that Mayor Stone send a letter to the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure to discuss the installation of a traffic light at South Davis Road. This meeting took place over the summer and included senior Town staff. Ladysmith Council appreciates the feedback received from residents and will keep the community informed on developments arising from any future talks with the Province.
First corporate founder for community fund Ladysmith & District Credit Union has once again stepped forward to make a difference in the community. The LDCU Board recently voted to make a donation of $5,000 to the new Ladysmith Community Fund, a permanent endowment fund to benefit local charities. President of the Ladysmith Community Fund Society Bruce Whittington
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Bruce Whittington of Ladysmith Community Fund and LDCU CEO John de Leeuw. Photo submitted.
says, “We were thrilled to hear that LDCU would offer us this donation. It also seemed especially appropriate that LDCU would be our first corporate founder, with its outstanding record of support in the community.” LDCU CEO John de Leeuw was pleased with the decision. “The Credit Union has considered the need for a fund that would operate like a community foundation for Ladysmith, and this opportunity was a very good fit,” he says. “We are happy that we could help the Community Fund with this donation, and would like to encourage other corporate members of our community to think of giving to this worthwhile initiative. A permanent endowment fund will be an amazing long-term addition for the charities of our community.” The Ladysmith Community Fund Society oversees the Community Fund, which is held and invested by the Nanaimo Foundation under a management agreement with the Society. The fund now has over $6,000 in donations towards the threshold of $10,000. At that point, the society can begin to draw revenue from the fund, to be returned to the community in the form of grants. The society welcomes interested people who would like to help build the fund. Donations are also welcome and can be sent to the Nanaimo Foundation, with “Ladysmith Community Fund” in the subject line, or by choosing the fund name from the list on the Nanaimo Foundation’s portal on CanadaHelps. org. For more information, contact Bruce Whittington at 250245-5325.
Rotary Club of Nanaimo donates $10,000 to Nanaimo Foodshare Project The Rotary Club of Nanaimo is pleased to support Nanaimo Foodshare Society through a $10,000 donation towards their work to promote food security and increase access to fresh, healthy produce in our community. The funds helped build Nanaimo Foodshare’s new education and food preparation area at Cline farm, located in Nanaimo. The outdoor space enables program participants to harvest food and cook it right at the farm while enjoying views of the fields in which it was grown; a truly farm to fork experience. The donation comes from funds raised by the Rotary Club of Nanaimo through their bi-annual book sale and from a $3,500 USD grant from Rotary District 5020 through their matching grant program.
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The Rotary Club of Nanaimo is dedicated to giving back to their local community as well as helping communities around the globe. Their members are dedicated people who exchange ideas, build relationships and take action to create a better world for all. Together with their community partners, the Rotary Club of Nanaimo has focused on improving the lives of the most vulnerable since 1920. To learn more, visit rotarynanaimo.org. Established in 1997 and registered as a charity in 2000, Nanaimo Foodshare Society connects the community with resources, skills and knowledge to create change that increases healthy food for everyone. Working with community partners, Foodshare helps build food skills and capacity to provide healthy foods to all. To learn more, visit nanaimofoodshare.ca.
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Cowichan recovery dashboard highlights challenges for tourism, housing and labour In response to the unprecedented economic and social impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the region, Economic Development Cowichan (EDC) has been publishing a regional dashboard of indicators to track progress towards recovery. Past reports are available on the EDC website. The latest dashboard shows the continued effects of the pandemic on the tourism industry, with air traffic and tourist information centre visitation still very low. Housing availability and affordability also continue to be major issues for the region. Housing inventory is still quite low, with not enough new housing units coming on the market to slow rising home prices and
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meet demand. In recent months, labour shortages have become a major topic of conversation and concern, especially for accommodation, food service, retail and health-care positions. The reasons behind the shortage are varied, and include an aging population, as well as changing employee needs and expectations, such as more flexible or remote work arrangements.
OCP Public Engagement The Big Ideas Fair was the first inperson engagement as part of the OCP review, hearing from hundreds of people who, whether they just moved here or have called Ladysmith home for decades, all shared an enthusiasm for making it an inclusive place to live, work and play. Still not sure why an OCP matters or how it can influence the way you experience our town? The policy document determines the type and location of homes, businesses and offices, industry, institutions, recreation, agriculture, parks, and public utilities and facilities. OCPs play a major role in determining how communities can meet their goals related to reconciliation, climate action, equity and more. The tagline for the OCP review is “Ladysmith Unparalleled 2049: Your Vision. Your Community.” The year references our collective need to act on climate change and is a playful nod towards both the 49th Parallel and a year earlier than Canada’s target for achieving net-zero emission by the year 2050. Looking for more ways to get involved in the OCP review? Visit the website to complete the Oot and Aboot visual mapping survey. Show the areas you cherish the most by getting outside and exploring the community.
Virtual Cinnamon Bun Run A fun Ladysmith tradition continues this year virtually with the Cinnamon Bun Fun Run, a 5K run/walk and 10K run presented by Ladysmith Resources Centre Association (LRCA). This year, the Cinnamon Bun Fun Run is a virtual charity walk/run promoting healthy outdoor family activity before the holiday season and also provides some much-needed resources to the LRCA and its many programs. Price for
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registration this year is $10/adult (13 and over) and $5/child (12 and under). All proceeds benefit the LRCA. “We unfortunately cannot operate a ‘predicted finishing time’ for participants this year, like in years past, but we anticipate runners and walkers will enjoy getting outside with family, engaging in some exercise and enjoying some delicious treats,” says Rick Rake, LRCA manager of communications and events. LRCA is proud to report that all participants will receive the limited edition “Cinnamon Bun Fun Run cookie” from the Old Town Bakery in Ladysmith, who continue to jam their delicious cinnamon buns into a cookie. You must be registered for a virtual event to receive these delicious treats. You choose your start time and on the date that works best for you! You just need to complete your virtual event at any point prior to November 28, 2021. You chose your route! The LRCA will be making the usual Cinnamon Bun Fun Run route available for anyone that would like to stick to tradition. You can complete your virtual run or walk at any point between when you register to No-
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vember 28, 2021. Remember to track your run or walk with a device. Save a screenshot of your run or walk so you can upload this to your Race Roster results. Once you have uploaded your results, then you are ready to nab some Cinnamon Bun cookies. Please note that the results can be uploaded between November 25 to November 28, 2021. The LRCA thanks you in advance as they aim to make this an enjoyable “virtual” family event that ensures the health and safety of Cinnamon Bun Fun Run participants and our volunteers while also raising awareness and resources for the LRCA.
Beautify Cable Bay Trail Project Tree Replanting Event The Save Cable Bay Area Group are replanting trees and shrubs at the park on Saturday, November 6, 2021, from 10 am to noon. Come down and make Cable Bay Trail Park more beautiful with tree planting. Volunteers, please meet at the parking lot on Nicola Road. Bring tools if possible and wear comfortable footwear and work clothes.
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RDN Biosolids Program The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) is pleased to announce that the biosolids forest fertilization program will continue for another five years. Up to 7,000 tonnes of biosolids from the Greater Nanaimo Pollution Control Centre (GNPCC) will be used each year at a new site located near Blackjack Ridge north of the Nanaimo Lakes. The biosolids applied to the site will enrich the soil and support healthy tree growth. For more information about biosolids management in the RDN, visit rdn. bc.ca/biosolids.
Council meeting highlights Ladysmith Council met for an inperson meeting on Tuesday, October 5, 2021, with an OCP amendment, rezoning and housing agreement bylaws for 1260 Churchill Place and the Stocking Lake Dam remediation among the agenda highlights. Ladysmith Council last met in person back in March 2020 and has held all of its meetings virtually during the Provincial State of Emergency, under Ministerial Order M192. Council approved the required OCP amendment, rezoning and housing agreement bylaws for 1260 Churchill Place to permit the item to proceed to a public hearing. Council previously approved the purchase of the property to permit an emergency access route during construction of the Fourth Avenue culvert. With the completion of the culvert, Council directed staff in June 2021 to prepare the property for sale by bringing forward a proposal to rezone the property for a mix of multi-family and single-family use, dedicate the lowlying riparian areas as park and dedicate the road connection from Churchill Place to McKinley Road. The housing agreement and covenant scheme, as recommended to Council, will require a future developer to build an affordable housing unit that will be sold to qualifying purchasers at less than market value, in perpetuity. Council approved recommendations from the Committee of the Whole meeting held on September 28, 2021, and directed staff to: • Amend the Waterworks Regulations Bylaw to include a new step rate for water consumption greater than 200 metres
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squared for single family dwellings for the quarters April to June and July to September • Amend the Council Procedure Bylaw to allow for some housekeeping changes, no meeting in first week of January, one in August electronic meetings when required in the future; and • Consult with Stz’uminus First Nation and report back to Council regarding the potential for both the inclusion of the Hul’q’umi’num’ name on the Transfer Beach sign and a Coast Salish Welcome Figure at Transfer Beach. Council then directed staff to amend the 2021–2025 Financial Plan to increase the budget for phase 1 of the ongoing waterfront remediation. This will accelerate this project and over the long term reduce overall project costs. The Town is completing a detailed site investigation of the waterfront uplands and received $168,400 through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Green Municipal Fund to help offset the costs. Council then considered two separate agenda items concerning Stocking Lake. First, Council amended the Financial Plan to increase the budget for the Stocking Lake meter valve construction project. The project involves the installation of a meter at the valve building located just downstream of the Stocking Lake Dam. The installation of the water meter will help better detect leaks along the water supply main. In addition to the meter, a pressure transducer will also be installed at the valve building, which will enable remote lake level reading. The construction budget for the project was $176,000, and the low bid received was $189,903, which required Council to increase the budget. Council directed that the consultant for the Stocking Lake Dam remediation complete the preliminary design as outlined in the scope of work for the project. The proposal is to construct a new dam roughly 30 metres downstream of the existing structure.
Kettle Call The Salvation Army is doing its “Kettle” call. If you can volunteer from Nov 19 to Dec 24 for a 2.5-hour shift, contact them at kettles@sananaimo.org The Kettle campaign gets kicked off this year with another virtual luncheon. You can join the Salvation Army for a
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“Hope Box” lunch delivered to your home or business the week of Nov 1519, 2021 (order by Nov 8). Price of the “Hope Box” is $25 which includes a meal, and a chance to win prizes. Call 250-740-1004.
Prime Predators on the move If you have been meaning to get to the Ladysmith Museum to catch their feature exhibit Prime Predators of Vancouver Island, you’d better hurry because at the end of November the exhibit will be closing to start preparing for the next season exhibit as well as building renovations that will improve the flow and expand usage of the building. The exhibit examines local wildlife and our interaction and relationship with the top predators. The Ladysmith Museum is open weekends from 10 am to 4 pm. Free admission, donations and volunteers are always appreciated. For more info call 250-245-0423.
Global Village store opens At the heart of the Global Village Nanaimo’s seasonal store is the team of volunteers that enables one social enterprise to support hundreds of fair trade artisans around the world. When historians look back on these times, it will not be surprising to see that many of the organizations that are surviving are supported by volunteers In its 24th year, Global Village Nanaimo is once again active in the mid-island area, with 70% of pre-covid volunteers helping in one way or another, and a few new volunteers joining the team. This year the Global Village Nanaimo Seasonal Pop-Up store is located in Rock City Center in Nanaimo and will be open until December 24, 2021. Hours are Monday - Saturday, 10 am - 5 pm. while the online store is open all year. Volunteers are already busy filling online orders and receiving new stock that is still arriving after covid-related delays in production and shipping. With fresh inventory, a bright seasonal store and an online store to back it up, Global Village Nanaimo is now open and working to support ethical business practices. For more information, inquiries are welcomed at gvnanaimo@gmail.com or 250-618-5546.
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Maureen Thom with Chili Thom’s artwork featured on “Suck It Cancer” beer label. Photo: Marina Sacht
Suck it Cancer Ladysmith resident Maureen Thom is inviting the community to raise a glass as part of a “Suck It Cancer” campaign that has raised over $26,000 for the BC Cancer Foundation. “With cancer on the rise and the troubled times we are living in, it would be nice to know that something good is coming out of all the beer consumed,” says Thom. Her son Michael-aka- Chili Thom, an internationally acclaimed artist was the driving force behind this beer before he passed five years ago from cancer. Now a Backcountry Brewing tradition, Suck It Cancer annual release features a can designed in collaboration with the estate of Chili. “It’s been amazing to watch the momentum build with this beer over the past two years,” says Ben Reeder, Marketing Director at Backcountry Brewing. “BC beer drinkers are responding, and the support has exceeded our expectations.” Hopped with Mosaic Strata and Citra, “Suck It Cancer” also includes one of Backcountry’s favourite hops—Sabro. Reeder says beer drinkers can expect big dank and tropical fruit notes with this double-dry hopped pale ale. The Chili Thom artwork featured on this year’s “Suck It Cancer” label is titled What Lies Beneath and was inspired by a sailing trip Chili took on the North Coast of British Columbia in 2012. The scene depicts a whale fluke breaking the surface and vibrant marine life under the water, while above dark patches represent the growing threat of tanker oil spills to the environment. “Michael was such an ardent environmentalist,” says Maureen. Born and raised adventuring in the British Columbia backcountry, Chili Thom was one of Canada’s premier landscape painters and completed over 400 works before being taken by cancer in 2016. His paintings are known for capturing the essence of time spent in the wilderness. Sales of his artwork continue for his daughter Poppy Pepper. Chilithom.com Available in cans and kegs across the province. One dollar from each 4-pack will be donated to the BC Cancer Foundation. Suck it Cancer Pale Ale is available locally at the Oyster Bay Liquor Store.
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Annual CYA Tour The 33rd Annual Cedar and Yellow Point Artisan Christmas Tour promises ten days of fun for visitors. It’s your chance to meet the local artists and artisans creating some of the treasured gifts sure to brighten the holiday season. COVID-19 Protocols have again led to extending the CYA tour. This proved successful last year with visitors, customers and artisans able to enjoy reduced crowding and enhanced safety. Visitors actually benefited from easier access to the works on display at the studios, galleries, farm shops and showrooms in this beautiful area. There are several brand new studios to check out this year. Looking for holiday
Clara Keefer harvesting cranberries. The Cranberry Cottage is one of the stops on this year’s CYA Tour. Photo submitted.
inspiration, you’ll find everything from jams to healing herbals and appetizing sauces, even the trees to trim. And for under the tree, you’ll find those special gifts too: hand-crafted treasures in
wood, pottery, glass, wool, fabric, jewellery, artistically updated furniture and more. Don’t forget the cranberries. Open hours are 10 am to 5 pm, Wednesday through Sunday, Novem-
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bestselling author, Chevy Stevens; author and illustrator, Lindsay Ford; TAKE 5 publisher and editor, Marina Sacht; and BC bestselling author, Hayley HealChildren’s Christmas book ey. Prize awards include a Grand What happens when Santa is too sick Prize of $400, with first runnerto deliver presents? Can Ms. Claus resup receiving $200 and second cue Christmas? During the pandemic and runner-up receiving $150, and a isolated at home this last holiday season Best Student Submission award turned out to be an inspiration for local of $100. author, Marilyn Jackson, when she wonThe objective of the program dered, “What if Santa Claus gets too sick is to engage the local population, to deliver presents?” students and adults alike in writFrom this thought grew Jackson’s new ing and in the creative arts. It is children’s book, Ms. Claus Rescues Christan online event that is accessible mas: The Year Santa Was Too Sick to Deto all local residents, regardless liver Presents. The new Christmas tale of health barriers and regardless begins on Christmas Eve, when Santa is of the varying COVID-related too sick to get out of bed and is so tired restrictions on events. It is meant and grumpy from “Santa Claus Stress,” he to encourage local residents to wants to quit the “Christmas Rat Race!” think about the goals and topics Since it is too late to find someone to rethat are the driving principles place Santa, the doctor exclaims “Christ- Ms. Claus Rescues Christmas, a new children’s of the farmers’ market — such mas is cancelled!” The elves start crying book by Marilyn Jackson as sustainability, farming and and carrying on until Ms. Claus insists she growing food, arts and culture, won’t let down the children and she will skill-building, and entrepreneurship, as well as promote local go instead! literacy and local aspiring writers — to convert aspiring writMs. Claus Rescues Christmas gives children some meaningful lessons about believing in yourself, taking risks, facing fears and reaching for dreams. Told in verse with fantastic illustrations and hilarious characters, Jackson hopes it will be a holiday favourite in many homes. Author Marilyn Jackson lives in Nanaimo, BC, and, while now retired, has worked in theatre for over 25 years, including most recently at The Port Theatre in Nanaimo. Now available for sale at www.marilynjacksonauthor.com from most online book retailers, including the Amazon, Indigo, Barnes & Noble and FriesenPress. The eBook is available for Kindle, Apple Books, Kobo, Nook and Google Play. ber 17 to 21, 2021, and November 24 to 28, 2021. This country Christmas tour is self-guided. Maps are available on the tour website www.cyartisans.com.
True Stories Contest Cedar Farmers’ Market has announced an Arts & Culture Program, featuring cash prizes. This all-ages creative writing contest is open to all residents of Ladysmith, the City of Nanaimo and the Regional District of Nanaimo. Submissions must be true non-fiction stories that fall within the themes of the farmers market, such as grow, make, eat, build, forage, sustainability and entrepreneurship. Almost two years in the making, the True Stories Contest was inspired in part by the shutdown of community events in the spring of 2020. With community programming in limbo, staff at the Cedar Farmers’ Market began to brainstorm projects that could build community connections regardless of current restrictions. The summer of 2021 brought grant funding from the Regional District of Nanaimo, which was later matched by a resident of Cedar. The True Stories Contest shortlist of submissions will be judged by well-known local literary figures: New York Times
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ers to “published writers” and to inspire and engage youth. For more information, please contact stories@cedarfarmersmarket.org. Submissions accepted to November 30, 2021, online. More Information, visit cedarfarmersmarket.org/stories.
Wordstorm Over the past 19 months Wordstorm Society of the Arts has developed a number of innovative programs that enrich literary culture in the mid-Vancouver Island region. The most recent addition is a new publication, Counterflow, an annual digital anthology showcasing work by emerging, early career and established writers, poets and visual artists from Vancouver Island. Poet Wendy Donawa will be launching her new collection Our Bodies’ Unanswered Questions, on Nov. 12, 2021, and the Getting in Shape poetry workshop on Nov. 13, 2021. Wordstorm’s monthly open mic series, Metaphorically Speaking, will feature author and poet Richard Stevenson and author Cynthea Masson in a special edition devoted to sci-fi and fantasy genres on Nov. 25, 2021. Details at www.wordstorm.ca
O Christmas Tea: a British comedy The holiday season is fast approaching and, after nearly two full years away from the stage, beloved British comedy duo James and Jamesy are back with O Christmas Tea. Whether it’s with friends, family, loved ones, or on your own, an evening spent in the theatre with James and Jamesy is sure to be an evening you will never forget.
James & Jamesy are back in “O Christmas Tea”
The shows will be held Friday, November 19, 2021, at 7:30 pm, at the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre in Duncan, and Sunday, November 21, 2021, at 3 pm and 7:30 pm, at the Port Theatre in Nanaimo. O Christmas Tea is a rollicking holiday spectacular that’s ideal for fans of Monty Python, Mr. Bean and Dr. Seuss. James and Jamesy have delighted audiences for decades with their unique take on traditional British comedy, and they’re excited to make their eagerly awaited return to the stages.
Noteworthy Concerts return with hosts the Bergmann piano duo Noteworthy Classical Concerts are back at the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre, with engaging hosts Elizabeth and Marcel Bergmann. From Paris to New York … and Hollywood is a musical journey to Paris of the late 19th century, then across the Atlantic to New York and finally Hollywood. Monday, November 1, 2021,
Hosts of Noteworthy Classical Concerts, Elizabeth and Marcel Bergmann.
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at 10:30 am. Music for 287 Strings and 17 Pedals! includes the duo harpists and sisters Miya and Kaori Otake as guest musicians. Much-loved pieces by composers, including Bach/Gounod, Saint-Saens and Franck, will be included in a program featuring some of the most beautiful music for harps and piano. Monday, November 29, 2021, at 10:30 am. Tickets can be found online cowichanpac.ca, in person at the Ticket Centre or by phone 250-746-2722.
The Port Theatre presents Forev Circus Aerial hammock, contortion, juggling, hula hoop, diabolo, aerial rope, aerial hoop and cyr wheel — everything in this show is based on the love story of how Cirque du Soleil performers met and became husband and wife. They even share real footage from their time touring North America with Cirque du Soleil before they got married. Look for the subtle meaning in every moment. Show is Friday, December 3, 2021, at 7:30 pm and includes post-show chat in the theatre.
God Is A Scottish Drag Queen Special Fans of the God is a Scottish Drag Queen series get an early present when the Christmas Special comes to the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre. God, dressed in an all-new holiday power suit, returns to set the record straight. This show blends together the nostalgia of holidays gone by, a hilarious and laugh-out-loud look at the holidays of today and a heartwarming and perfectly sweet peek at holidays yet to come! Mike Delamont is a critically acclaimed performer and comedian from the West Coast. As a stand-up comedian, he has appeared on CBC’s The Debaters and Laugh Out Loud. The show is December 2, 2021, at 7:30 pm. Tickets are available at cowichanpac.ca, in person at the Ticket Centre or by calling 250-746-2722.
Inspiring Indigenous dance work A leading company of Indigenous dance, theatre, music and media in Canada and worldwide, Red Sky Performance’s newest production Trace is at the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre, Sunday, November 14, 2021, at 7:30 pm. “Being able to confirm a date on this award-winning company’s North American Tour and to present it to our audience in Cowichan is very exciting for us,” says Kirsten Schrader, CVRD Arts & Culture Division manager. “Red Sky’s mission is to create experiences of contemporary Indigenous arts and I believe that the Cowichan Region is supportive of shows of this artistic calibre and passionate spirit.” Trace is a highly kinetic contemporary dance work inspired by Indigenous (Anishinaabe) sky and star stories, offering a glimpse into our origin, as well as our future evolution. “We are traceable to the very beginnings of the universe, our ancestral origins stretching across the Milky Way to the atoms burning inside of us in the ‘here and now’ on earth,” explains Red Sky Performance. Powerful imagery, storytelling and music is the hallmark of each Red Sky presentation. Sandra Laronde, executive and artistic director has been described as “a force of nature to be reckoned with” by Dance International. Her vision comes
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Red Sky Performance: Trace Photo: Rob DeVito
through in each exceptional new work and programming. It elevates the artistic ecology of contemporary Indigenous artistry and contributes to building vibrant Indigenous communities across Canada and worldwide. Tickets are available at cowichanpac.ca, in person at the Ticket Centre or by calling 250-746-2722.
The Port Theatre presents Ridge — WW1 Songs And Stories Revisited Often called the “battle that made Canada,” Vimy Ridge resulted in over 10,000 Canadian casualties. Through direct storytelling, verbatim theatre and live music, Brendan McLeod and the Fugitives examine misconceptions and varying perspectives around the battle while drawing parallels to other formative events in our nation’s past. Featuring inventive musical interpretations of WWI soldier songs, Ridge probes difficult yet necessary questions about how and why we grieve. A vivid, kinetic ride through history, as well as an intimate, personal examination of our connection to the past, Ridge is a visceral work that passionately argues against the exploitation of young lives. The show is November 9, 2021, at 7:30 pm and includes post-show chat in the theatre. For tickets, call 250-754-8550, visit the Ticket Centre or buy online at tickets.porttheatre.com.
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Montecchio War Cemetery in the village of Montecchio, west of Pesaro, Italy.
BY JOHN AND ESTHER SHARP On Remembrance Day November 11, we thank our local veterans and their families and we remember those who did not return home. Here are the stories of some of the men who faced WWII. Their names are etched on the Ladysmith cenotaph. Flight Sergeant Frank Burrill. Service No. R97521 Royal Canadian Air Force Frank was born June 24, 1922, in South Shields, Durham, England, to Dr. John Rowlerson and Doris (Dorothy) Brason. In 1925, his father died. In 1927, Frank’s mother immigrated to Manitoba, where, in 1928, she married Arthur James Burrill. Frank assumed his step-father’s surname. In 1934, the family moved to North Oyster, where they had a store. Frank attended North Oyster School, then Ladysmith High School, graduating in 1940. On March 6, 1941, Frank enlisted in the RCAF. Frank was trained to pilot a twin engine Vickers Wellington bomber. On September 10, 1942, he flew his bomber, on a raid over Dusseldorf, Germany. He and his crew never returned. Frank, age 20, and his crew have no known grave. Private Bruce Carmichael. Service No. K16347. Seaforth Highlanders of Canada Bruce was born May 7, 1924 in Ladysmith to John Clyde Carmichael and Isabella Ann Willis. The family lived at Brenton’s Crossing (Cassidy). Bruce attended North Oyster School, leaving school after Grade 7 at the age of 14. On January 7, 1943, Bruce enlisted in the Army. He was sent to Italy arriving on Nov. 9, 1943. Bruce, age 20, was killed in action on August 28, 1944 during the assault on the eastern side of the “Gothic Line” north of Rome. Bruce is buried in the
Flight Sergeant Duncan Comrie Ferguson, Service No. R110171 Royal Canadian Air Force Comrie was born September 23, 1920 in New Westminster, BC, to Daniel Ferguson and Marion Edmonstone Seggie, a Ladysmith family. As his mother had a number of mental health problems, Comrie was raised by his aunt, Grace Seggie and uncle, John Ford. His mother died in childbirth in 1927. Comrie went to school in Ladysmith, completing his senior matric in 1939. After a year at the Normal School in Victoria he returned to Ladysmith and taught at the Diamond school in 1940/41. Comrie joined the RCAF on June 25. 1941. He trained as an Air Observer, Navigator, and Bombardier. On November 9, 1942, Comrie was the bombardier on a twin engine Vickers Wellington bomber, on a non-operational flight over the North Sea. The aircraft was last heard from at 7:34PM. The bomber and its six man crew were assumed lost. The loss was deemed to be a flying accident, but it was conceivable that the bomber was shot down by enemy fighters. Comrie, age 22, and the rest of the crew have no known grave. Sergeant Douglas Roy Gill Service No. R87580 Royal Canadian Air Force Doug was born March 3, 1919 in Anyox, BC, the son of Roy Reuben Gill and Lillian Marie Myllymaki (Mackie). In the 1920s, the family moved to Blaney’s Crossing, Saltair. Doug attended high school in Ladysmith, graduating in 1936. Doug originally enlisted in the Army, but on December 28, 1940, Doug joined the RCAF. Doug trained as a wireless operator / air gunner. At the end of September, 1941, Doug was posted to Debert, Nova Scotia. On October 25, 1941, Doug and two other airmen were on a cross-country training flight in Lockheed Hudson twin engine bomber. While flying through fog and snow, the bomber crashed near Big Tupper Lake, New York state, killing all on board. Doug’s body was recovered and was buried in Ladysmith cemetery. Doug, age 22, is the only WW2 casualty
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buried in Ladysmith Cemetery. On September 21, 1941, Doug had married Lorraine Marguerite Squire of Nanaimo in Chemainus. Their marriage lasted slightly more than a month. They had no children. Lance Corporal Basil Maurice Halhed Service No. K62170 Seaforth Highlanders of Canada Basil was born in Chemainus on March 10, 1920 to Maurice Fielding Halhed and Nora Jean Hill. The family lived in Saltair. Basil went to school in Chemainus, then finished his schooling at Ladysmith High School, completing Grade 12. He was employed by the Canadian Bank of Commerce in 1937 and worked in Ladysmith and Nanaimo. Basil enlisted in the Canadian Scottish Regiment on September 11, 1939, one day after war was declared. In May 1943 Basil transferred to the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada. Basil landed in Sicily July 13, 1943 with the first Canadian contingent. Basil was killed in action May 23, 1944 in the Battle of Liri Valley, Monte Cassino, during the attack on the “Hitler Line”, south of Rome. Basil, age 24, was buried in the Cassino War Cemetery, Cassino, Italy. Basil married to Johanna Harte in London on June 12, 1943. They had a daughter, who he never saw. Private Frank Andrew Kenny Service No. K62661 Canadian Scottish Regiment Frank was born in Bevan, BC (near Cumberland), May 24, 1915, the son of Andrew Joseph Kenny and Mary Ellen McGowan. The family moved to Ladysmith when Frank was about two years old. Frank completed Grade 8 in Ladysmith and then went to work at the Chemainus sawmill as a mill hand. On July 10, 1940, Frank enlisted in the Canadian Scottish Regiment. He was trained as a driver. On June 1, 1944, Frank left Great Britain as part of the D-Day invasion force. On June 6, 1944, Frank landed on Juno Beach in Normandy, France, with the Canadian Forces. On August 15, 1944 Frank died of wounds. Frank, age 29, is buried in Bretteville-sur-Laize Cana-
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dian War Cemetery, Cintheaux, France. On May 11, 1944, Frank married Joan Alice Laura Bunton in Portsmouth, England. They had no children. Flying Officer Nicholas Maxwell Popovich Service Nos. R283183 & J47933 Royal Canadian Air Force Max was born November 5, 1920 in Ladysmith, BC, the son of John Popovich and Gertrude Alice Popovich. His mother died in 1926 from complications after the birth of his younger sister. Max attended school in Ladysmith completing his senior matric in 1938. He then studied theology in Ladner and in Ottawa. On October 26, 1943, Max joined the RCAF. He trained as a navigation officer. Max was assigned to #11 Bomber Reconnaissance Squadron at Patricia Bay air base, patrolling the Pacific coast looking primarily for Japanese submarines. Max, age 24, was the navigator of the seven man crew flying a four engine Consolidated B-24 Liberator. On July 13, 1945, Max and his crew flew north on a training round trip to Comox and Tofino, where seven passengers were picked up. The airplane never returned. It had crashed and burned in dense forest 24 kilometres (15 miles) southeast of Bamfield. Due to the remote location, the victims were buried at the crash site in two common graves– one for the 11 men, one for the three women. Private Don Poulain. Birth name Adolphe Louis Poulain Service No. K85284 Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry Don was born February 6, 1921 in Extension, BC, to Louis Joseph Poulain and Martha Elliott. The family moved to Ladysmith in the 1920’s. Don’s mother died in 1928. In 1933, his father confronted a man attempting to break into his sisters’ bedroom. An altercation occurred and the young man died of stab wounds. Don’s father was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to two years in prison. Don left school at 15, in April 1936. He worked at a laundry in Ladysmith and then made his way to Victoria where he worked on a reforestation project. Don enlisted in the Princess Patricia’s
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Canadian Light Infantry October 1, 1939. While in the army, he changed his first name to Don, but legally remained Adolphe. On July 10, 1943, Don landed on the beaches of Sicily with the Allied forces. On the afternoon of July 23, 1943, he was severely wounded in the abdomen and the shoulder, dying of his wounds a few hours later. Don, age 22, is buried at the Agira Canadian War Cemetery, Agira, Sicily, Italy. Trooper Charles Lyman Provis Service No. K67244 14th Army Tank Regiment Lyman was born in Ladysmith, February 4, 1914, the son of Thomas Provis and Annie Pamphlet. Lyman’s parents separated when he was about 14 years old, and he lived with his mother. Lyman completed grade 9 at Ladysmith High School about 1932, then went to work at Comox Logging as a loader. He supported his mother once he started working. On September 20, 1939, Lyman enlisted in the Irish Fusiliers, transferred to the Seaforth Highlanders, and then became a gunner in the 14th Army Tank Regiment (Calgary Regiment). On August 18, 1942, Lyman left for the Dieppe raid in France on August 19, 1942. After this disastrous raid, Lyman was declared missing. In May, 1943, information was received that Lyman was one of the over 900 Canadian soldiers that died at Dieppe. Lyman, age 28, was buried at the Dieppe Canadian War Cemetery, Hautot-sur-Mer, France, located on the outskirts of Dieppe. Pilot Officer Douglas Andrew Thicke Service Nos. R151829 & J19621 Royal Canadian Air Force Doug was born in Ladysmith December 25, 1922, to Frank Herbert Thicke and Margaret Sellar Christie. The family lived at Blainey’s Crossing, Saltair. His father died in 1934 when he was 11. Doug went to school in Ladysmith. After completing his senior matric in high school in 1941, he went to UBC where he entered second year in the Faculty of Arts and Science. Doug left UBC and joined the RCAF on February 11 1942. He trained as a Sergeant Pilot and later became a Pilot Officer.
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On March 18, 1944, Doug was the second pilot (to learn the route) on a Handley Page Halifax four engine bomber on a mine laying mission to Heligoland, a German island in the North Sea. On its return, the bomber crashed on the moors during bad weather shortly before reaching the landing strip, taking eight lives. Investigations determined that the bomber was either hit by flak or shot by a night fighter and set on fire. Doug, age 21, was buried in Harrogate (Stonefall) Cemetery, Harrogate, Yorkshire, England. Flight Sergeant Lionel Harry Williams. Service No. R122012 Royal Canadian Air Force Lionel was born December 30, 1917 in Medicine Hat, Alberta, to David John Williams and Ethel Laura Willis. Lionel and his family moved to Saltair in 1935. Lionel was heavily involved with amateur boxing, having been the Alberta champion in his weigh division. He attended Ladysmith High School, taking the commercial course. He completed
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junior matric in 1936 and worked as a bookkeeper in the Chemainus mill. In 1938, he became a bank teller for the Canadian Bank of Commerce. Initially, Lionel joined the army. On July 1, 1941, Lionel joined the RCAF. He trained as an air gunner. Lionel was apparently called Harry in the RCAF. Lionel was an air gunner on the seven man crew of a Handley Page Halifax four engine heavy bomber. On October 2, 1942, while returning from a raid on Krefeld, Germany, Lionel’s bomber was shot down and crashed into a house in Noordwijkerout, Holland, killing the crew and two people in the house. The airplane burned on crashing. What could be found of the remains of Lionel, age 24, and other crew members were buried at Noordwijk General Cemetery, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands, west of Leiden. No matter where you are on Remembrance Day, November 11 at 11 am, please observe two minutes of silence to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
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Salamanders BY K. BRAUCKMANN The natural world is a bizarre and colourful place filled with the most incredible creatures. One of the more bizarre species found in these parts are amphibians, and they are a very diverse and extraordinary group of vertebrates. The word amphibian is derived from the Latin words amphi “both” and bios “life,” which is perfectly fitting for these creatures as they can live both on land and in water. All amphibians start their journey into this world as an egg, and we all know that eventually they will hatch into tadpoles and metamorphose into frogs. However, not all amphibians
Western red-backed salamander. Photo: K. Brauckmann
go through the same stages. For salamanders, upon hatching they become larvae and look extremely similar to tadpoles, except that they have external gills. These gill filaments look just like tiny feathers along the end of
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their jaw line, and they exchange oxygen with the surrounding water. Eventually, the gill filaments will become internal, and this is where their biology becomes a bit tricky. Not all salamanders have gills, some have lungs and others have neither. There are five species of salamander here in BC (including the rough-skinned newt) and some of them like the western red-backed salamander have neither lungs nor gills and breathe directly through their skin. They must remain moist at all times for oxygen and carbondioxide to effectively diffuse through their skin. Unlike most amphibians, the western red-backed salamanders do not need to lay their eggs in water; the larvae metamorphose inside the egg and therefore do not require their feathery gills. The western red-backed salamander is considered one of the most abundant amphibians and can be found throughout the southwestern provinces to Oregon and all the way over on the East Coast in New York! Despite being a common species, they are difficult to find unless you know exactly where to
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look. Like most amphibians, they prefer moist environments: underneath logs, rocks and woody debris where they can stay safe and hunt. They spend the majority of their lives on the forest floor, and this is where they contribute to their environment in a major way. Scientists have discovered that a single salamander can sequester 450 pounds of carbon per 2.5 acres of forest. This is done by feeding on invertebrates, such as beetles, ants, worms and other creatures that break down leaf litter and dead plant material. Insects are their favourite food. By feeding on these critters, the carbon is captured inside the dead plant material, where it can be buried under more plant material falling to the forest floor. Forest research suggests that salamanders play such a significant role in the forest ecosystem that they control many processes within the forest directly and indirectly. So, although you may not be able to easily see them in your garden, salamanders are an extremely beneficial species to any environment. If you are interested in attracting these lovely little creatures to your garden, it can easily be done if you have some extra time and an enthusiasm for the natural world. Creating a small water feature (half a metre deep) with rocks, pieces of wood, and plants at the water’s edge is how you can do it; it’s as simple as that. Even if you can’t place a water feature in your garden, having lots of moist and sheltered places for them to hide is the key characteristic for attracting salamanders into any space. By attracting salamanders into your yard, you may just be able to say that your garden has transformed into an effective carbon sink.
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RDN Area A Cedar One topic that comes up often at the RDN Board table and in chatting with residents is the area of recreation and parks. When talking to residents, for every person that says we need more parks, I meet someone who asks why we have so much land dedicated to parks! The Regional District of Nanaimo operates two kinds of parks: regional parks and community parks. The original vision for regional parks was a park system that “secures, protects and stewards lands within the Region that maintain livability, provide environmental and natural resource protection and accommodate outdoor recreational pursuits.” Community parks are lands set aside for the local community to enjoy. The RDN has 12 Regional Parks, en-
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compassing 2,072 hectares of land, 78 kilometers of developed Regional Trails, and over 200 Community Parks in the seven Electoral Areas. In Area A, we have Nanaimo River Regional Park and the Morden Colliery Regional Trail at the regional level. In the community, we have several park and beach access areas, including Nelson Road Community Boat Launch, Whiting Way Community Park, Cedar Skate Park, Woodbridge Road Community Park, Thelma Griffith Community Park, Quennell Lake Boat Launch, Driftwood Road Beach Access, Pylades Drive Beach Access and several unimproved beach access points. Regional parks operations are funded by taxes collected from all RDN properties, while community parks are funded by taxation on properties in the specific area in which the park is located. In 2021, the entire Recreation and Parks operations budgeted expense was $17.04 million. In Area A, the expense was $73,817 for operations and $57,860 for capital and acquisitions. It is from this latter pot of money that upgrades like the Nelson Road Boat Launch improvements and Quennell Lake kayak dock project are funded. I have asked for a recreation coordinator to be put into the budget in 2022 as a result of the public input that was received over the past year. As you may be aware, the RDN is working with
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Nanaimo-Ladysmith Public Schools to take over the South Wellington School property and add additional recreational programming and sports field options to our community. Between the new South Wellington Community Centre and the Cedar Heritage Centre, we should have lots of options for area residents. While we heard from many in the community as to what they would like to see in terms of recreational, hobby and sports options, it would be great to hear from more residents. My hope is that we can accommodate as many community activities as possible, but it is difficult to do this if we don’t know what is wanted. Do you have something that you would like to add to the list? Do you have a hobby or craft group that needs a place to get together? How about a yoga group looking for a leader? Let me know what recreational and leisure pursuits you think the RDN should help with — I would be pleased to put your ideas forward. Contact me at keith.wilson@rdn.bc.ca.
CVRD Area H North Oyster/ Diamond In the May TAKE 5, I wrote about the Gas Tax and asked for ideas. Here is a short excerpt from that article: “Did you know there is federal excise tax on gasoline (10 cents per litre) and diesel (4
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cents per litre) that provides funding to local government in the form of a Gas Tax Agreement? Yes, we pay more at the pump to have the federal government send the funds to local government and then tell us how it can be spent. Whether you agree with this approach or not, the reality is there are funds available for Area H. … To receive annual Gas Tax allocations, all local governments enter into an agreement with the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM), which sets out the terms and conditions of the program, including outlining eligible project categories, eligible costs, and reporting requirements. The agreement also lays out provisions for providing funding to a third party for eligible projects.” On May 13, 2021, I held a virtual Town Hall in which I presented the eligibility criteria of the Gas Tax funding and asked for people to send me their ideas. I was very pleased to have a wide range of interesting ideas. All of these ideas have community use and benefit in mind, and I felt I could support any of them that made the shortlist. There were fourteen ideas in all. Each idea was discussed with the respective CVRD department, and from this, I was able to short-list the ideas by removing those that did not meet the eligibility criteria and those that duplicated what the CVRD is already doing or plans on doing. On October 14, 2021, I held a virtual Town Hall meeting in which I spoke in detail about the ideas and the process to short list them. Here is the short list: 1. Yellow Point Trail: I would like to thank Pamela Walker from the Yellow Point Ecological Society for this idea. The CVRD Parks and Trails division will be the lead for this and will create a
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request for this to go forward as a multiphase project with planning and design in 2022 and construction in 2023. There will be $393,000 allocated to this project from current Gas Tax funds. 2. North Oyster Community Centre bathroom: I would like to thank Barb Waters from the North Oyster and Area Historical Society for this idea. The CVRD Finance department is checking with the funder on eligibility. If eligible, up to $20,000 from the current Gas Tax funds have been allocated for this project. Any residual will go to the Yellow Point Trail. 3. Community Well: I would like to thank Barry Marcotte and Murray McNab for this idea. The CVRD Water Management division will be the lead for this. The project is to provide public access to potable water from a high capacity well on the Cassidy Aquifer. It is to be modelled after the self-serve water station in Cedar. It is to be funded from earlier Gas Tax funds that can be reallocated for the Community Well. These projects will only be funded through Gas Tax. At the October Town Hall, there was discussion on how much the trail would cost. I understand the concern to be whether there will be any impact to property tax or debt for the future. The first step is to design the trail and determine which part can be built in the first phase using the Gas Tax funds. Yes, once built, there will be some maintenance costs depending on which sections are a separated trail. I have been told that that the maintenance costs are not expected to be significant. Also, it should be noted that portions of the trail that are essentially a widening of the road shoulder are typically maintained
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by the Ministry of Transport. I have thought about the concern of the cost for the future phases of the trail. In my opinion, each phase will be dependent on finding an external source of funding (i.e., not property tax), and it is hard to predict the source or the timing. In the last year, there have been active transportation grants at both the federal and provincial level. These grants required “shovel ready” projects, so this project would not have qualified. Once the planning and design phase is completed, it will be “shovel ready.” As well, while the Gas Tax is being phased out, there may be a replacement that might provide future funding. These projects must be completed by the required deadline of March 2024. The funds must be used by that date or they will no longer be available. We are competing with all other Areas to get projects approved and completed. Two of these projects are significant and will take two years to complete. They need to be in the 2022 budget to ensure our community can get the full benefit of the funds available. The request for ideas in May and completing the short list by
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October is to ensure the successful projects will make it into the 2022 budget process. The final step is to get Board approval. I would like to thank the local residents that responded with ideas for the Gas Tax funds, the staff at the CVRD for their expert help and to the feedback from those attending the Town Hall meetings. All of this is about making our community better. Lastly, there are open positions on both the Parks Advisory Commission and the Advisory Planning Commission. Contact me if you are interested. 250-510-5930 ben.maartman@cvrd.bc.ca
CVRD Area G Saltair/Gulf Islands CVRD 2022 Budget In June 2021, the CVRD Board directed staff to produce a 2022 Budget with an increase of only three per cent. Over the coming months, there will be budget deliberations. The calendar can be found at https://www.cvrd.ca/DocumentCenter/View/100772/2022-BudgetCalendar?bidId=. Emergency Preparedness We are heading into the winter season. Based on the last few years, we know that there can be challenges. Copies of the Emergency Preparedness Workbook can be picked up at the Coffee Shack in Saltair. You can also download workbooks/pages from this CVRD website link: https://www.cvrd.ca/ DocumentCenter/View/84184/MIECMEmergency-Preparedness-Workbook--2017?bidId= Stocking Creek Park Bridge Volunteers helped build the Stocking Creek Bridge. Unfortunately, the bridge has deteriorated. Based on a Herold Engineering Report, bridge work might require about $75,000 in 2022. The bridge has been shored up at both ends, but the beams need to be replaced. Our damp climate is hard on wood. Metal beams would have a longer life span. Is it time to install metal beams and decking? I remember when the land around the bridge was owned by Mr. Kon. He allowed us to cut across. Two logs crossed the creek, which we had to navigate carefully. Mr. Kon sold a section of his land to the CVRD at a reduced price to become part of Stocking Creek Park.
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Mr. Kon has passed away, but I think of him and his generosity whenever I am in the park. Area G Community Park Funds were allocated in the 2021 Area G Community Parks Budget for trail work in Diana, Princess of Wales Wilderness Park and Saltair Centennial Park. Unfortunately, the CVRD, like many regional districts and municipalities, is struggling to replace staff. These projects are now on hold and likely to be postponed until at least 2022. The last Centennial Park Revitalization Plan questionnaire results are also on hold. The CVRD staff member working on this plan has left. Once a replacement is hired, many projects will get back on track. MOTI (Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure) Update Have you noticed how many of the shoulders on our Saltair roads have had sod/debris removed over the past few months? We can see the side of the road as we drive, and people have a safer space to walk or cycle. Due to other sod removal projects, the Saltair section will not be finished this year and will be postponed until 2022. Depending on the weather, sections along Chemainus Road at Olsen Road and Old Victoria Road may soon be paved. Asphalt plants close when weather and temperatures change. Many of us have culverts under our driveways to help drain our local roads and ditches. Did you know we are responsible for ensuring the drainage is not impeded? This is the time of year we should keep our culverts clear of leaves and debris. Keep our ditches flowing, not overflowing. Thanks. Saltair Commercial Area Did you know that there are areas in Saltair Zoned as Commercial? C2, C2A, C3, C4 and C5. Many of these parcels are a split zoning with commercial at the front and residential in the back: https://www.cvrd.ca/DocumentCenter/ View/673/Area-G-Zoning-Map. Our main Commercial zone is between Thicke Road and the Canco Saltair Supermarket. We may soon see more development in this area. Grant Discrepancy On January 22, 2020, the Board authorized the CVRD to make a grant application with respect to
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the $6,030,000 Saltair Water System Expansion Project (see Minutes, Item CR1.15.1: https://saltairnews.ca/ w p - content /uploads/2020/11/ Mi nutes_2020012419431964.pdf). The federal government would contribute 40 per cent ($2,412,000), the provincial government would contribute 33.33 per cent ($2,009,799), and local taxpayers would pay 26.67 per cent ($1,608,201). For more information, see Staff Report, Background, Paragraph 3 (https://saltairnews.ca/wpcontent/uploads/2020/11/InvestingInCanada2020Grant2020-01-15.pdf). On August 12, 2021, I found out the grant application had been successful. The BC Government Announcement (https://news.gov.bc.ca/stories/ canada-and-british-columbia-investover-110-million-in-14-drinking-water-wastewater-and-stormwater-i) did not mention total cost or contribution amounts. I assumed they were as authorized by the CVRD Board on January 22, 2020. I have since learned CVRD staff received a revised estimate after the CVRD Board approved the $6,030,000 application and applied for $5,356,000 instead. Pursuant to the reduction, the federal government will contribute $2,142,400, the provincial government will contribute $1,785,154, and local taxpayers will contribute $1,428,446. I was not told about this change until after I announced that the grant application was successful. I apologize for the resulting confusion. If you have any questions or comments, please contact me at lynne. smith@cvrd.bc.ca or 250-701-1407. Additional articles and information may be found at SaltairNews.ca.
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Salmon don’t hang out in schools -- they’re the teachers! BY PAMELA WALKER Recently, a group of friends and I travelled up-island to Port McNeil and took a boat to the Broughton Archipelago. We were to spend the next six days kayaking around schools of salmon, pods of whales and herds of seals in a piece of paradise that was so remote to many, but just a short drive for us who live in Ladysmith, a mere six hours to the south. Crawling out of our bunks and meeting in the kitchen for a hearty breakfast, our anticipation was palpable. We had
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our spray skirts, our waterproof hats, our paddles and our water bottles. We had lunch and charts and bailers and first-aid kits. We’d been given instructions on the proper way to enter and exit a kayak, how to hold the paddle and how to push rather than pull through the water. We were ready for the adventure of a lifetime. We were there, but the waters were suspiciously quiet: no sea stars, no sea anemones or urchins, no jumping salmon, no breaching whales. Where did everything go? We wondered as we paddled around a beautiful but eerily quiet part of Vancouver Island. Was climate change to blame? Warmer waters? The time of year we’d chosen? Current logging practices? Fish farms? Cruise ships? None of us knew for sure, but what we did notice was without salmon, there were no black or grizzly bears that the brochure had promised. There were no eagles or even seagulls. And there were very few people. A deep dive into Alexandra Morton’s book Not on My Watch: How a Renegade Whale Biologist Took on Governments and Industry to Save Whales
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Kayaking in the Broughton Archipelago. Photos: Areef Abraham
(Penguin Random House, 2020) explains it well. Yes, it has to do with climate change, but mostly it has to do with foreign fish farms that pay nothing to set up industrial aquaculture factories, which spread disease and death to our wild salmon stocks. When our seals came to eat the foreign fish, they were shot and killed. When the factory farmers found out there were too many seals to shoot, they set up underwater speakers to blast noise at them to scare them away. The seals decided to sacrifice their hearing for a full stomach, and they crashed into powerboats since they no longer could hear the engines. But the whales who use sonar to navigate the seas instead of their eyes, had no choice but to leave. The sound disoriented them, so they left. The pods, who had lived in the Broughton for perhaps more than 10,000 years, as the Indigenous storytelling says, swam away forever. There’s more to the story, and more that we can learn from the salmon that remain. And there’s plenty we can do to stop the spread of fish farms and the destruction they create. The renowned field biologist Alexandra Morton, who has spent the last thirty years in the Broughton and author of Not on My Watch, has agreed to be the Yellow Point Ecological Society’s guest speaker on Thursday, November 11, on Zoom — and you are all invited. Email: yellowpoint2020@gmail.com.
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Super Bowl Divas The Super Bowl is quintessentially American, a game where a tall, blandfaced white guy who would rather leave home without his pants than be seen without a ball cap, throws a football with the accuracy and speed of a heat-seeking missile at an incredibly athletic, well-muscled black guy named Geeroy. Meanwhile, enormous globe-shaped men like 329-pound Vince Wilfork (aka Groaningfork) bounce off others of equal size and shape. But for many Americans, always eager for costume failure, it’s all about the performer in the half-time show. In 2012, the performer is Madonna, chosen not only for her iconic status but, with her well-muscled arms, she could fill in for an injured quarterback. These divas are buff! Never one to avoid a grand entrance, she comes on stage with an army of hunky gladiators, an acrobatic squad, and an assortment of hangers-on in a Cleopatra-style gigantic float which
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would have looked good at Kim Jongil’s funeral. (Take note North Korean funeral directors.) As an indignant Vince Wilfork complained, “Hey, how come she gets a ride onto the field and we had to walk?” An important consideration for a 329-pounder. For the occasion, Madonna wears a costume halfway between a gladiator and a cheerleader – call it gladiator light – and is pumped up to height by a pair of heels tall enough to reach the nosebleed seats. After she chases Wilfork off the stage, she prances around like an aerobics instructor in a marching band. Mysteriously, she keeps returning to a squatting movement, which shows off her strong thighs but looks like a bear squatting in the woods. And not to pick berries. Of the four songs, one is catchy, but the others, well, you’d have to love Madonna. (No trolling from Madonna fans, please.) They are, however, performed with the artist in continual motion. And those acrobats? Aren’t they good? And do you see what that guy did to his crotch? Then there’s the matter of lipsynching. But as Milli Vanilli said in unison, “Yeah, we’re just trying to get it right.” Personally, I prefer the 2009 Springsteen half-time show. The exuberant, playful Boss shows up with an extra horn player, some fireworks, lyrics pertinent to football and the American dream, then celebrates the event entirely
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without gladiators, acrobats, Cleopatra’s barge, or lip-synching. (Okay, so I have a Springsteen shrine in my bedroom.) This is not a criticism of Madonna. She is merely a victim of the American Diva Syndrome which simply states that “It’s not about the music, it’s about the spectacle.” Then along came Adele, a woman who could not only sing, but sing fully clothed, feet on the stage, with lyrics you can remember and music you want to hear. Not only that, she’s original! Too bad she turned down the Super Bowl offer in 2016. She would have changed the game. Unfortunately, in Diva Land, the song is an afterthought. I can envision it now: the half-time show producer going over his checklist, entering stage right, mumbling to himself. “Let’s see now, we’ve got the squadron of Egyptian galley slaves, check. Tight-rope walkers, check. Snake handlers, check. Full-size working model of Cleopatra’s barge, complete with authentic river sounds, check. Song? Not again!! We forgot the bloody song.” The producer walks over to stagehands huddled over banned substance: “Okay everybody, listen up. We need a song, and quick. All you aspiring roadies, here’s your chance. You in the back row, hiding the joint behind your butt. Shoot some lyrics at me.” Smokin’ Rump passes joint to coconspirator, stretches out to full fivefoot-six height and says, “How about, I wanna be your love bitch but my real
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name is Betty Lou.” “We can’t use bitch - too unoriginal.” “Love slut works.” “Not bad. Anyone else? You, Tinsel Teeth, the guy with the braces. Shoot.” “How about (stops for dramatic pause) You wanna love Madonna. Hey, you wanna. Love Madonna, Hey, you wanna.” “Brilliant, it’s exactly what we’re trying to say.” “It is?” “Bet your ass. Any idea for a chorus?” “Dude, do I have to do everything for you. Just grab one off the shelf. ‘I’m just a love machine’ works. ‘Shake my booty at ya’ is good.” Then, he snaps his fingers in delight, a man overwhelmed by an idea. “Have her kiss the snake, Dude! Excellent symbolism.” Producer shakes his head in wonderment. “Who says America isn’t a great country, talent like this around. When you get those teeth fixed, drop by my office. We’ll do lunch.” ATTENTION ALL WINE DRINKERS. Last month I made the mistake of praising an Italian wine, Codici, too highly causing a riot when the Codici was gone. Not since the COVID-inspired run on Costco toilet paper have we seen such carnage as people who didn’t even drink rushed in to see what the fuss was about, only to be crushed. Not to worry this won’t happen again, the new vintage has arrived, is better than ever. It’s even on sale. Which is more than you can say about Costco toilet paper.
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ALL ACRES TREE SERVICE providing all aspects of tree work. Pruning, falling, hedging, dangerous tree removal. Fully insured. Professional work at reasonable rates. Call 250-246-1265.
HELP WANTED VOLUNTEERS NEEDED. Ladysmith & District Historical Society seeks volunteer assistants for operating Ladysmith Museum, & Archives, call 250-245-0423. FOR SALE OPERATING BUSINESS FOR SALE. Ups & Downs Renovations; $20,000 o.n.o. Ladysmith & surrounding areas, licenced & insured, walk in walk out, all tools, work vehicles, office inventory and client list. Submissions of interest to stephenguest@hotmail.com.
HEALTH & WELLNESS TAI CHI for mental & physical health. Beginner class starts Monday morning, Sept. 13. Ongoing class every Wed. morning. For exact class times and locations and more information visit: www. taichinanaimo.org or call Sara 250-245-1466. HOME & YARD
2ND ANNUAL CHRISTMAS ARTISTS SHOP. Nov. 12 to 28, Fri. Sat. and Sun., 10 am till 4 pm. 3480 Eggleton Road, Yellow Point, Ladysmith. Cash, debit, m/c. Masks please. Door prize draw Nov. 28.
PAINTER. Certified Journeyman. Clean, efficient, respectful, punctual, responsible. 20+ years’ experience. WCB coverage. Enhance your enjoyment of the home you love. Call Howard, 245-2751.
FISH FISH FISH. Buy direct from the guy who caught it! High-quality salmon, lingcod, rockfish. All fish blast frozen at sea. Satisfaction guaranteed! Contact Jim at oceandancer. wallace@gmail.com or 250-245-5957/250-7391123
KB HANDYMAN AND YARDWORKS SERVICES. Minor carpentry work, decks, fences, gutter cleaning, power washing, tree pruning, yard clean up, lawn fertilizing, mowing. Seniors discount. Contact Karl kbhandymanandyardworks@gmail. com or 250-714-2738.
BUSINESS EXPERIENCED HOUSESITTER. Now offering senior companionship, respite care and concierge services. Peaceofmindcare. wordpress.com. Contact Kathleen at kgrcoaching@gmail.com or 250-619-0786. I CAN EDIT. Copy editing, proofreading, structural editing and more. Fiction or nonfiction, web content and eBook prep. For more information, email editican@gmail. com. NEED A HAND WITH PROMOTION? We can help you with your Video Productions for YouTube or your website. Affordable rates, and fast, friendly service. TAKE 5 Print & Digital Media. Free quotes. 250-245-7015.
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HEART LAKE ROOFING for all your roofing repairs 250-668-9195. QUALITY RENOVATIONS. Big or small. 25 years exp/journeyman, affordable. For free estimate, call Lars 250-616-1800.
DARRELL ESSAR RENOVATIONS. Over 30 years’ experience, certified journeyman carpenter. No job is too small, from fences, decks, tile work, hardwood flooring, painting, drywall, etc. For free estimate, call Darrell 250-714-3823. ISLAND PRUNING. Professional tree care from large scale orchards to budding new trees. I can meet any pruning need. Shrubs, vines and ornamental. Large and small clean ups. Call Darcy Belcourt 250-323-1260. 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. SENIORS HIRED HAND for independent elder. Odd jobs, companionship, meal prep, etc.! Valid First Aid/ CPR, clean driver’s record, Level 2 FOODSAFE and handywoman. Call Marilyn at 250-606-7069. TAKE 5 ads work!. Get them working for you. Book yours for our big 2 month Dec-Jan issue. 245-7015.
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Wall of history mural unveiled BY MARINA SACHT Ladysmith & District Credit Union is making a colourful splash with its newly completed mural. The Wall of History is a beautiful and contemporary work of art by artist Kathleen Oliver Stroman. The mural showcases over 77 years of the Credit Union’s history from the humble beginnings of a meeting at Nicholson’s Hall (above the Wigwam) to the $300+ million multi-entity of today, the mural encapsulates the Credit Union’s history. “It took about 150 hours to complete,” says Kathleen Oliver Stroman who started in September and completed the mural on Oct 19. “The biggest challenge was fighting the weather – particularly the rain,” she says. Kathleen’s work is also visible at the Ladysmith 49th Parallel Grocery parking lot. The LDCU’s previous mural “Path to a Cure” was getting faded after ten years and it was time to do a refresh, explains LDCU CAO John de Leeuw. “So I thought why not do the Credit Union’s history?” A few meetings followed ideas were fleshed out, the board stamped their approval and they were on their way. But before the new mural was started, de Leeuw commissioned Michael Dean to paint the “Path to a Cure”, and prints are available for those who would like to come in and one. The mural starts with portraits of three of the Credit Union’s founding members: their first president, Rev. Everett Fleming, their first female president of a Credit Union Board, Helmi Kotilla, and John Ulinder, one of their longest-serving directors, who attended every AGM for 50 years. Another connection to the Ladysmith & District Credit Union’s beginning is the inclusion of a locomotive from the Comox Logging Co., many of whose employees were founding members of the Credit Union. From there, there are renditions of each of the previous Credit Union offices, from 1948–1974, when they moved to their present location. Also included in the mural are all the Credit Union’s past and current logos, including those for their subsidiaries: LCU Insurance Agencies and LDCU Financial Management. Major landmarks that have been supported by LDCU are featured including the Transfer Beach Amphitheatre, and Spray Park, the Ladysmith Skatepark, among many others. Also included are some of the events they have sponsored such as Ladysmith Days, the Kids Count Fun Zone, Logger Sports, LightUp Night, the annual Show ’n’ Shine and more. Also interspersed throughout the mural is a myriad of spon-
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sorships from the Arts of the Avenue, the LSS Lunch Program, the Ladysmith Storybook Walk, LAFF events. The mural also shows their support for Ladysmith Secondary Grads, with annual bursaries amounting to more than $18,000, and the Ambassador Program. On the right side of the mural is the Polar Express train, proudly numbered 1944 — the year of the Credit Union’s inception. This finely crafted float is a Light Up favourite and was built by employees of the Credit Union. On the north-facing wall, the LDCU honours their friendship with the Stz’uminus First Nation, showing their logo for the Oyster Bay branch and the Salish Wind canoe. The Credit Union was proud to sponsor this project for the canoe that now resides at Transfer Beach.
While in the mural, you will also see their newest logo — “LDCU Strong” — inspired by the courage and leadership of their staff during the pandemic. Front and centre is still their tagline “Our Community. Your Credit Union.” Their accomplishments and community-mindedness reflect this from their earliest days to today. “We couldn’t be happier,” said de Leeuw with the mural. “We are absolutely thrilled with the work that Kathleen is done and it’s turned out spectacular, exceeding our expectations.” The mural is a colourful history lesson that helps beautify the downtown while supporting local art. Kathleen Oliver Stroman and LDCU CAO John de Leeuw in front of the new Wall of History mural. Photo: Marina Sacht