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Letters Recent Fire at North Oyster We wish to send our heartfelt thanks to all the fire departments and volunteers who attended the potentially very dangerous fire of undetermined origin that occurred in logging slash on our place a few weeks ago. Their dedication and coordination was able to contain a very serious fire to about 10 acres. We, Gord, James and I were away haying at another farm when the fire was spotted by a neighbour and 911 was called. When I got home, two and a half hours later, there were multiple fire departments from as far away as Crofton, including North Oyster, Nanaimo, Cedar, Cranberry, Extension as well as others, and a water truck from Paulcans Mill in Chemainus. The forestry was also there with a helicopter water bomber. Two ambulances and the police were in attendance, restricting traffic to the water fire trucks that were supplying water to the four pumper trucks. The army of volunteers manning the fire hoses were every-where on the fire site. The incredible organization of so many units and volunteers in such a short time must be recognized and thanked. They remained until night fall. Many grateful thanks from the Wyndlows. -- Greg Wyndlow
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Ladysmith Refugee Sponsorship group First, our thanks to all who have been waiting patiently for news of our sponsored family. The family we applied to sponsor consists of Ali and Rana, who now have two little girls, the second arriving in December. Our application was updated after that birth, and we have confirmation that information was forwarded to Amman, Jordan for processing. In May of this year, we got word they had been interviewed by the United Nations High commission for refugees. Strangely, they were told at that time that their case had been rejected by Canada, although it is unclear where the UNHCR got that information. It is possible they have been diverted to another country, and if that is the case, we are fine with that. They are in danger, and anywhere they go away from there is fine (though we are still hopeful they will come here). If they were sent elsewhere, we will apply for a different family of four. In the meantime, we have set aside the budget for them (or another family of four), and through the generosity of this community, have been able to use surplus funds to assist with refugees that made their way to Nanaimo on government sponsorships (12 families). We have allocated funds for a family of five (three young children with mom and dad) as well as provided much needed donated furnishings and household items. Committee members have spent much time getting them acquainted to their new country, and we have benefitted as much or more from that relationship.
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In addition, we have been able to commit to helping two families with their monthly rent for a period of one year, which has been greatly appreciated. Although we do not yet have our own named family here, your generous support is at work helping with four families that have arrived already. While supporting the people who are here now, we are very much looking forward to the developments regarding our original family of Ali and Rana. Once their path becomes clear, we will let you know. Again, many thanks for the generosity of the people of this community. Cheques for support of this (those of you who have not fulfilled your pledges) can be mailed or left at Ladysmith First United, Church, 232 High St., P.O. Box 124, Ladysmith, B.C., V9G 1A1. The office is open 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Tuesday to Thursday, and there is a secure mail slot at the back of the church available 24/7. -Randy Olson, Ladysmith Refugee Sponsorship Group
When will the Town get serious about waste? Right now, a household of one is allowed 22 pounds of garbage per week, while a household of five is allowed 4.4 pounds of garbage per person per week. Can you imagine if a growing family — the future of Ladysmith — was allowed the same unfettered access to garbage disposal as a single or couple with a small, expensive pet? As well, the use of publicly owned waste facilities for animal feces is deplorable. Pet owners should be forced to hoard gallons of melting feces in the hot weather of summer, just like families with young children, only to have them maybe picked up every two weeks, if the week ends with a Thursday and the moon is waning or blue. But families with small children have it easy. It requires little to no energy or cash to care for the health and well being of young children, and it’s simple to remember an on-the-beaten track trip to purchase garbage tickets for services others get for free. I can only wonder if the garbage service would change into something more resembling civilization, if residents were allowed 4.4 pounds of garbage a week and forced to hoard feces in summer. - Andrew Turner Letters to the editor is an open forum for the commuity to exchange comments and ideas. Please note letters may be edited for space, and legality. Articles published in TAKE 5 do not nescessarily reflect the opinions of TAKE 5. editor@take5.ca or PO Box 59, Ladysmith, BC, V9G 1A1
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Things you gotta do this summer BY CINDY DAMPHOUSSE As many of you pile into your car to head out for the annual summer road trip here are a few things that just may have you staying a little closer to home, and not hearing so much of “are we there yet?” Trying new things is always a good way to make new memories and start family traditions. A great way to get the entire family together is a visit to a local u pick berry farm or find a patch of blackberries growing wild. Our area is known for its abundant sweet blackberries. This is an activity that everyone can participate in no matter what age. At the end of the day you have a new appreciation for where your food comes from and a tasty dessert, and might just inspire you to plant a little patch of berries in your own yard. In this time of hyper connectivity why not stop, unplug your devices, grab a tent and a sleeping bag and camp out. Getting back to nature, fishing, swimming, and savouring the oh-so-beloved s’mores. There’s plenty of local campgrounds to choose from right here. Camping isn’t everyone’s cup of tea but just the thought of not checking your email or texting for a couple of nights sitting by a camp fire and reconnecting with friends can make memories that will last a life-time. And, hey, you can always “share” later on social media. We live on an island that is surrounded by the warmest waters north of San Francisco with beautiful beaches and great swimming spots on local rivers. This activity is a sure way to cool down in the summer heat. We love Elliott Beach, Blue Heron Beach, and the Nanaimo River each with its own unique area for families to lay down a blanket, set out a picnic basket and get ready for a day of fun. Don’t forget your sunscreen and hats! Another feature our area is known for is its natural beauty and the parks and hikes here are world -class whether you are looking for a challenging climb to Heart Lake or a stroll in Princess Diana Park, you will be amazed. Mountainaire Campground. Photo: Fiona Steeves
Transfer Beach. Swimming, water sports or cloud watching. Photo: Cindy Damphousse
With all this outdoor activity one needs to fuel up. We have a variety of restaurants and cafes to chose from -- many of them offering outdoor patios. Alfresco dining with a cool drink and some hot eats makes for a perfect ending to long day of exploring. Ok so maybe you don’t have a couple of days because you couldn’t get summer holidays. How about a couple of hours right here at Transfer Beach. You can rent a kayak or paddle board and get out on the water. We love this sport; it is so peaceful being out paddling along the shoreline and seeing the land from a different perspective. Not only is this a great way to explore but it also gives you a workout, unless you rent a double and let your partner do all the paddling. There are also tours that you can take part in with knowledgeable guides that will highlight wildlife and marine creatures that you might otherwise miss. The harbour tour boat is running daily from Ladysmith Community Marina. No paddling required and you will get a photo opp as you cross the 49th parallel. Don’t let another summer pass you by without
trying this whether you are by yourself or part of a group, trying something new will always put a smile on your face. For all you land lovers that are reluctant to put a toe in the water there are lots of land based activities. Golf courses in the area are diversifying. You don’t need an expensive set of clubs to snag the elusive birdie why not try Frolf – almost anyone can throw a Frisbee or try a game of foot golf. This is also the time to get our outdoor lawn games out and invite your neighbours to a bocce tournament. Playing games builds friendships. We are so fortunate to live in the heart of Vancouver Island. People pay big bucks to travel here and do these activities. Visitors come to see ocean vistas, beautiful forests, pristine trails, arts and culture -- we have all of that here and more and lucky us, we don’t have to wait for summer -- we can enjoy it year round. Visiting Grama is always great, but why not bring the old gal with you, and play home-town tourist? She may just have some interesting perspective on what’s around you. To ensure a successful summer you there is only one rule: Have fun.
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Chef Yanni. The roof-top patio at the Ladysmith Inn (Sporty) is a great place to enjoy summer fun with friends. Photo: Marina Sacht
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Light Up the Night and Arts on the Avenue Where can you find an art weekend like this? Only in Ladysmith. Our community is building a reputation for its diverse and talented artists. On August 27 and 28, you’ll get a chance to see some of our finest under the big white tents on First Avenue, from Buller to Warren Street. On Saturday night, August 27, from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., the Light Up the Night festival encourages visitors to bring the family and stay up late. That’s right, a night festival for the family. The evening is filled with family activities: a night market, tea leaf readings, chair massage, family paint square, steam roller print demo, art competition with paint
and glow sticks and an art/light display. Kids can create a cardboard car and attend a “drive-in” movie. There will be free glow sticks and if you’re feeling crafty, be reflective and dress up in glow-in-the-dark or reflective attire. On Sunday, August 28, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., the 18 Annual Arts on the Avenue begins. This iconic art show and sale festival is the largest of its kind in the Cowichan Valley. Art lovers from all over have found amazing treasures
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here. Fifty-five artists, including First Nations, metal, fiber and wood artists, jewellers, photographers and painters, to name a few, will be under the regal white tents. Come early, stroll the street, visit with artists, watch art demos, and stay the day. Award-winning Dan Gray is the guest artist. Gray’s pastels are impressions of the moment. Born in Vancouver, B.C., he has worked in soft pastel since 1975. Always painting from live models and always “en plein air” when painting the landscape. Visit the centre tent and say hello. Mark your calendar and visit www. artsontheavenue.ca or 250-245-1252 for more information. Arts in the Avenue downtown Ladysmith. Photo submitted.
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Dream big with Pet the Fish and Other Impossible Tales The Chemainus Theatre is proud to present discovery programs: live, professional theatre for youth and families alike. A hero’s tale for kids, “Pet the Fish and Other Impossible Tales” is an imaginative, exciting fantasy adventure for children coming to life on the Chemainus Theatre Festival stage again this summer. Recommended for ages four and up, “Pet the Fish” opens July 16 and runs until August 13 at the Chemainus Theatre Festival. You can now reserve your seats in advance for KidzPlays! Book online at chemainustheatre.ca or call the box office (1-800-565-7738) now to book your tickets!
Concerts in the Park series continues Sponsored by the Ladysmith Resources Association, the Concerts in the Park series are continuing through August. Pack a picnic and enjoy the live music from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. every Sunday at Transfer Beach amphitheatre. For concert line-up see pages 24-25. Admission is free but donations are appreciated.
Chemainus Sketch Club is 47 The Chemainus Sketch Club first met at the home of Edith Crozier in April, 1969 and is still going strong today with 47 members. For 46 of those years, the Sketch Club has held it’s monthly meetings at the Fuller Lake Arena on the first Wednesday of every month from September to June. During the summer months, the club organizes plein air sketching at various locations in the Chemainus Valley. The Club features demonstrations and workshops. Older members mentor new members and the club has an extensive library of reference books on various mediums. The Chemainus Sketch Club will be participating in the Chemainus Museum’s 25th Anniversary celebrations on August 17th at Waterwheel Park in Chemainus. See artists at work and admire and some of the art work. The Club will also be mounting a show at the 49th Parallel Grocery Store cafe gallery (Chemainus location) in September. The Chemainus Sketch Club welcomes new members. Contact Joyce Martell at 250-245-4681 for details.
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Bids Now Open to Remove Abandoned Vessel The process of removing and recycling the Viki Lyne II, an abandoned vessel that the federal government towed into Ladysmith Harbour in 2012, has now begun. The Government of Canada has started the tender process and is accepting bids for the contract to deconstruct the vessel. “The tender process is the beginning of the end for the Viki Lyne II and shows that putting pressure on the federal government works,” said Sheila Malcolmson, the Member of Parliament for Nanaimo-Ladysmith. “This is a win for our region but it also highlights the need for a comprehensive coast-wide abandoned vessel solution so we can move beyond these boat-by-boat emergency measures.” Malcolmson has pushed hard for the federal government to take action on the abandoned vessel issue since being elected in October. She credits the Stz’uminus First Nation, the Town of Ladysmith and concerned community groups for pushing the government to deal with the Viki Lyne II and 13,000 litres of oil and solvents that remain onboard. The contract has now been listed on the Government of Canada tender website and local proponents are encouraged to bid. The requirement includes removing the vessel from the marine environment, deconstructing it, and disposing of all pollutants and debris in a manner compliant with Federal and Provincial regulations and policies. Malcolmson’s legislative solution to make the federal government responsible for dealing with abandoned vessels country-wide will be debated in Parliament next year. For more information read Sheila Malcolmson’s abandoned vessels legislation: http://sheilamalcolmson.ndp.ca/ sheila-malcolmson-tables-abandonedvessels-bill
Cassidy Inn ablaze. Photo: Nicole Brooklynn Scarpino
A special summer celebration
Fire at Cassidy Inn
As a thank you and special tribute to Anneke and Peter Van Kerkoerle for their gift of the Parnassian Woods, their 40-acre woodland property, to Nanaimo Area Land Trust, this summer’s celebration, set for August 13, will be an Open House event. Nanaimo and area community is invited to join in for hourly guided walks starting at 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., local live music, and a wild salmon barbecue at noon. The NALT native plant nursery will also be open for tours and sales. The title transfer, completed last December, was done with a Life Estate registered on the title which assures that Peter and Anneke will continue to live on the land and treat it as their own. Into the future, NALT will steward this land as a legacy and a tribute to the Van Kerkoerles’ love of their land and of the natural environment. The Parnassian Woods is a fine example of balance between agriculture and natural habitat: while 10 acres of the 40-acre property was farmed for many years by Peter as a commercial asparagus farm, the rest of the land has been preserved and actively stewarded by Anneke and Peter during the nearly 50 years that they have lived on it. The woodland area, featuring coastal Douglas fir habitat, is a tranquil site for walks along trails that wind through tall trees full of many birds and small mammals (and sometimes a small herd of elk or black bear), past rocky outcrops covered with wildflowers in spring, and alongside a wetland full of red-legged frogs and other water-loving critters.
Fire has destroyed the former Cassidy Inn at 2954 Canyon Road. This property had been the subject of discussion at recent Regional District of Nanaimo board meetings. In May, the Board declared the abandoned building unsafe and directed the owner to demolish the building and secure the property. On hearing further representations at the June 28 meeting, the Board confirmed its earlier decision that the building and property were unsafe. The owner was given 30 days to secure the property and address unsafe conditions including the installation of permanent security fencing, fire/security monitoring systems, removal of dilapidated exterior stairs and permanent closure of ground openings. The RDN Board has been made aware of the fire and will be considering further information relating to the direction it had given on the security of the property. (see page 41)
Community Park at Ecole Davis Road School Site Children and families will be able to use the Ecole Davis Road School site as a properly maintained community park and recreation site for at least the next five years, thanks to a new agreement between the Town of Ladysmith and School District 68. Under the terms of a new rental agreement, Ladysmith will rent the site for $1.00 a year, and Town staff will take over maintenance of the field, adjacent forest, parking lot and playground equipment surrounding the former school. The agreement does not apply to the building.
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This past July marked the 16 year Transfer Beach welcomed the British invasion! Brits on the Beach hosted approx. 250 automobiles from the 1920’s to the band new Minis. British car enthusiasts came from up and down the island, Washington State and as far away as Calgary. Photo: Cindy Damphousse
“I am so pleased to be able to make this announcement.The proposed closure of Ecole Davis Road School three years ago was a big motivator that led me to get involved in community development and local government issues,” said Mayor Aaron Stone. “While this agreement won’t re-open the school, it will mean that the Bonnie Marshall playground, the fields and forest area will be properly maintained and put to good use by the community. We greatly appreciate the cooperation of the School District Board and staff to make this happen for our community. This is an important step in building a stronger relationship between our community and the School District 68 team.” The Davis Road school site was identified in Ladysmith’s
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new Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan as an area of significance. The community told the Town the site is a high priority as much-needed park space for the neighbourhoods south of Holland Creek. Ladysmith also plans to look into options for using a portion of the school field as a fenced, offleash dog park. This is something local residents have wanted for a number of years, and was also confirmed in the new Master Plan. The new community park site will continue to be open for public use as the Town and School District staff work to transfer maintenance responsibilities.
Local CPO1 Honoured Chief Petty Officer 1st Class Norman Cawthra of Ladysmith was appointed to the Order of Military Merit in October 2015 and invested as a Member by His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, at an investiture ceremony at Rideau Hall, on Friday, June 3, 2016. Created in 1972, the Order of Military Merit recognizes meritorious service and devotion to duty by members of the Canadian Armed Forces. The Order honours them for their commitment to Canada, according to the following three levels of membership: Commander (C.M.M.), Officer (O.M.M.) and Member (M.M.M.).
Chief Petty Officer 1st Class Norman Cawthra of Ladysmith was appointed to the Order of Military Merit. Photo submitted
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Fight over Wildwood continues The Ecoforestry Institute Society (EIS) reacted to a press release on July 23 from The Land Conservancy (TLC) saying that that they will be seeking court approval to sell Wildwood Eco Forest in Yellow Point to a private individual.. EIS believes that Wildwood is held by TLC in trust and that a private sale contravenes the Charitable Purposes Preservation Act – since Wildwood was purchased with $1 million in public donations it can only be sold to a like-minded charitable society. EIS believes a private sale is a betrayal of the public trust and a misuse of public donations. The intended TLC sale to the private individual must still be approved by the Supreme Court of BC. EIS became Wildwood’s official forest managers in 2001 at the request of the late Merv Wilkinson, original owner of Wildwood. EIS has been a charitable society since 1993, and the board is comprised of ecoforesters, ethnobotanists, and registered professional foresters. Alan Drengson, a founder of EIS, coined the word “ecoforestry”. EIS had offered TLC $700,000 for Wildwood, along with a trust deed, covenant and forest management plan. The trust deed and covenant were to be placed on the land title ahead of financial obligations that might be held against the property. In the press release EIS claims that TLC is selling Wildwood to a private individual, for just $25,000 more than EIS’s offer. TLC’s news release claims they had no choice but to accept the private offer. The fact is they had both offers on the table, and the EIS offer of $700,000 afforded stronger protections for Wildwood. EIS admits that it has faced a few funding difficulties, but they have the money to support their current offer, they say. The key difference with EIS’s offer is that they would put Wildwood in trust – meaning it is held for the benefit of the people of British Columbia, and cannot be sold for private gain, ever again. In so doing EIS is following in Merv’s pioneering footsteps – by finding new legal ways to protect land well into the future. EIS believes the sale of publicly donated property to an in-
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dividual is inappropriate and illegal, and that TLC’s creditors deserve an agreement that will not be contested in court. EIS has offered that, and has now extended their offer to protect Wildwood until September 6th. If TLC seeks court approval of this private sale, EIS will oppose it with every means at its disposal. EIS needs support now from the Wildwood community and the general public in this pursuit, both in funding and in any expertise or capacity individuals or organizations wish to offer. Please contact https://savewildwood.com/ or follow on Facebook: Protectors of Wildwood.
New executive for Ladysmith Legion
Executive of the Roya Canadian Legion Ladysmith Left to right Lorraine Stacey, Bill Stacey Vanessa Izon, Diane Atherton, Karen Graczyk, Past Present Gary Phillip. Photo submitted.
The Installation of the new Executive for the Ladysmith Legion was sworn in last month by Deputy Zone Commander Terri Orser. New President Jeanne Seney, took over from past President Gary Phillips. The Legion wishes to thank Terri for her attendance on Wednesday also Gary for his service these past 3 years and wish Jeanne and her Executive the very best for the coming year.
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FREEZING FRUITS & VEGETABLES Rules for Freezing Quality Food Select only peak quality, blemish-free fruits and vegetables. Freezers should maintain a temperature of 0 F (–18 C) or less to prevent deterioration of food quality. Extremely cold temperatures retard the growth of microorganisms, as well as slow down the activity of food spoiling enzymes. Freezing smaller loads of food fast keeps the ice crystals small. The maximum amount that should be frozen at once is two to three pounds of food for each cubic foot of freezer space. The best way to freeze fruits and vegetables is on trays in single layers. When frozen, pack the individual pieces into containers or freezer bags. This way you only use as much as you need, rather than having to use a single solid block. Choose storage containers with straight sides; they stack better so that you can get more in the freezer.
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Leave headspace for expansion in the container, so it does not break or burst the seal. Note that too much space allows air in, which spoils food quality. When using Ziploc freezer bags, press all the air out of the bag before sealing. Defrost the freezer when the ice has built up to half-inch (1.27-cm) thickness on the sides. Thick ice makes freezers work hard to maintain 0 F (–18 C). Use permanent felt tip pens to label containers or bags. Rotate freezer food, so there is a steady turnover using the oldest food first.
Freezing Fruits Apples, berries, cherries, peaches, plums and rhubarb all freeze well. The maximum storage time for best quality home frozen fruit is 12 months. TIP: Prevent apples, apricots, cherries, peaches and plums browning from oxidation by dipping them into a quarter cup (60 mL) of lemon juice mixed with four cups (1 L) of water.
Freezing Vegetables Blanched asparagus, beans, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, peas and summer squash, cooked pumpkin, stewed tomatoes and sautéed mushrooms all freeze well. The maximum storage time for best quality home frozen vegetables is eight months.
Blanching Blanching is done in boiling water or by steaming and destroys the enzymes that age vegetables in storage. In gener-
Corn is easy to freeze.
al, it takes no longer than three minutes to blanch vegetables, which must immediately be plunged into a cooling bath of water containing ice cubes, drained and patted dry, before freezing.
Freezing Corn on the Cob Freeze corn right away at the peak of flavour and enjoy the taste of summer all winter long. TIP: Late season corn freezes best, so ask for varieties recommended for freezing. Contrary to what books say, I’ve discovered that you don’t need to blanche corn before freezing it, which removes a lot of work. I simply whack the stalk off using a cleaver and strip off the outer
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husk, leaving the inner wrappers on. I freeze cobs of corn in recycled plastic buckets from the local deli. When it comes time to eat the corn, rinse still frozen cobs under warm water to remove the inner wrappers, and throw the cob into a pot of boiling water for exactly ten minutes. This way the eating quality is as sweet as the day the corn was harvested. For corn kernels, slice them off the cob while still frozen, using a serrated knife, and toss directly into the recipe. Carolyn Herriot is author of “The Zero Mile Diet” and “The Zero Mile Diet Cookbook,” available at your local bookstore. She grows IncrEdibles! in Yellow Point. www.incredibles.vision
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Sanderlings Recently, I had the chance to camp at the edge of a sandy beach on the west coast of our island for several days. Every morning before setting out for our day’s activities, I would spend some time at the foreshore, just sitting and watching the water and the beach. Behind me, in the cover of the trees and shrubs, were Pacific wrens singing, varied thrushes whistling their simple single pitch song and Swainson’s thrushes, shy though they might be, advertising their presence with a beautiful flute-like song. In front of me, at the beach, were crows and a handful of gulls sitting by the
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water’s edge, an eagle perched on the top of a dead cedar tree, kingfishers chattering and flying around, and an osprey flying over the water and, unlike most of the people, successfully fishing. Through all of this distraction, my attention kept shifting to the flocks of the almost inconspicuous small sandpiper species called the sanderling, occupying the water’s edge portion of the beach. While I’ve called this island home for 20 years, I am still pretty much a land creature — having spent very little time on the beach or the water. So, my knowledge of foreshore creatures and their behaviours is, at best, rudimentary. The chance to sit and watch the sanderlings from a distance was a quiet pleasure. They seemed to be the busiest of the creatures on the beach — going about their work while the waves rolled in. And while it was easy to see that they were probing the sand an inch or so after the passing of a wave, what they were eating (or trying to eat) was not obvious. Their food consists of invertebrates buried in the sand (with no evidence that they are there). When the tide is in, the invertebrates move closer to the sand surface, so that they can feed on plankton that washes over the sand. As the water retreats, they burrow down and out of the way of their predators. The sanderlings feed in this zone, where the water is shallow and just beginning to retreat.
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Sanderlings at the beach. Photo: Jay Rastogi
Sanderlings are known for its long distance yearly migration. They nest on the ground in shallow gravel — mostly in the Arctic and Subarctic. At this time of year, they are already starting to return south. Their migration of 3000 to 10,000 kilometres is a tremendous energy expenditure, so the benefits of doing so must be worth it. The advantage of breeding in the north is two-fold: plentiful food since the marine invertebrate populations increase in the summer and relatively few predators. Northern predator species don’t have enough year-round food to sustain large populations and thus, for ground nesting species like sandpipers, many ducks, geese and ocean birds, this northern breeding strategy pays off. In addition to the delights of watching this species, we were treated to muddy trails through dense forests of Sitka spruce and western redcedar, with an understory of giant salal, huckleberry and ferns. Many of the big cedar we saw had ancient and some recent signs of bark peeling, a technique used to collect the bark for traditional weaving. Even though Bamfield and the West Coast are just 60 or so kilometres away from us, as the crow flies, their physical and climatic differences create a wildly different world. Jay Rastogi is a naturalist, horticulturist and educator living in Yellow Point. ecoforestry@gmail.com
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“Your ancestors are rooting for you.” ― Eleanor Brownn “Bloodlines and last names didn’t make a man extraordinary — the extraordinary existed in what we did in life, not in who we were.” ― Courtney Alameda, Shutter
The Good Life, here and to come We are in the zone of greatness and quality of life! The best place in the world to live is right here between Nanaimo and Ladysmith! Though, I’ll concede there’s a slim margin between our heritage lands and those of the rest of Vancouver Island! And it’s summertime and the weather is fine. Woo-hoo! Let’s enjoy, take a deep breath and throw ourselves into the ocean, rivers and lakes. Nature’s resplendent treasures beckon, friends and families are ready to play, and the barbeques and potato salad offer feasts and victuals we can all tuck into. Life doesn’t get much better. And so, bellies full and smiles all around, we might consider sharing our largesse. Joy and divine living is ours to take pride in and to bestow. We have much, the gift of nature and the sacrifice of generations, to make a winning hand in the game of life! Here at home, the heritage lands in which we live have identity and character, each lane and road, nook and cranny replete with memories and keepsakes — all the things we love. What so many love will soon move others here to explore and experience. The secret’s out! The baby boomers, the rich and almost famous, those with inheritances and without are all in search of paradise, a place to live the good life in comfort and in beauty.
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Nanaimo river at Mountainaire Campground. Photo: Pete Steeves
The 10,000 building permits already approved between Nanaimo and Ladysmith suggest some 40,000 or so may soon be rubbing shoulders with us. And the latest real estate and tourist projections suggest tens of thousands more will be looking to live here before the decade’s over. Joni Mitchell, I presume, would not have us “pave paradise to put up a parking lot.” So, what are we good folk, who now live in paradise, gonna do? Well, I’m going to enjoy myself this summer. And I’d respectfully suggest that all of us do likewise! Betwixt Nanaimo and Ladysmith there be much magic, much to love, a summer of bounty and wonders and historic revelry to mark on our calendars: the farmers’ market, pic-in-nic tables by the sea, and walks in the woods and along the shores. Here remains the spirit and livelihood of this place where we live, where peoples have worked and roamed 150 years ago, and 5055 years ago. These lands have been well lived in, have tales twice told, to be honoured with joy and respect. Come September, ‘tis time enough again for gathering o’ the clans. The South Wellington Community Association promises celebrations on Heritage Days, September 18. And the night before there’ll be dancing and fundraising at the Cedar Community Hall in support ‘o the historic boat harbour and trails. Plans ‘o the Cedar Heritage Centre may be revealed, including the unveiling of a room for historic artefacts and memorabilia in 2017. So, too, we expect North Oyster School’s nature and heritage educational programs, Ladysmith and Stz’uminus 2017 celebrations, soccer tournaments, the Nanaimo 150-crowd announcement of events ... and, of course, the hard-working
ever-affable Women’s Institute commitment to continue just about everything good in the region! And I’m sure I’ve missed something with so many good-hearted folk and so much goings-on. Immodestly, sort of, I will also note VICCS’ plans, gathering steam these past 18months, including making picnic benches, distributing planters, holding a Heritage Sports Day, interviewing locals and gathering dusty pictures for a big heritage lands book with TAKE 5! I’m thinking though, with all this enthusiasm and interest, with a shared love of paradise across hill and dale and across regional districts and communities (that forgoes special interests and Island Highways and considers our legacy of outstanding beauty and culture), that maybe we ought to consider working together for 2017? And so, with Canada’s 150th anniversary in mind, as well as centuries and millennia of ancestors before us here on the coast, I encourage all those that wish for a grand and jubilant 2017 and for the hopes and dreams we embrace in all our lives and for our children’s children to have the bestest of summers. And come the fall, let’s roll up our sleeves and see what we can do for our common future. Laurie Gourlay and Jackie Moad are gathering dust, looking a wee bit weathered under the noon-day summer sun, whilst having the time of their lives on the farm and in the Island communities, searching under toadstools and in the trees for local solutions to global challenges!
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COMPILED BY CINDY DAMPHOUSSE AND ALLEN MCDERMID
August 1-6 1, 4:45pm, Bingo, Chemainus Seniors Drop-in Centre Society, 9824 Willow St. 1–6, 10:30am and 2pm, LMS Harbour Tours, Ladysmith Community Marina, 611 Oyster Bay Dr., 250-245-1146 3, 9:30am to 11am, Muffin Mornings, Chemainus Seniors Drop-in Centre Society, 9824 Willow St. 3, 1:30pm to 3:30pm, Space hands-on activities program for children ages 5–12 yrs., Nanaimo Museum, 250-753-1821 3, Ladies Night Golf Dinner & Prizes, Cottonwood Gold Course, 1975 Haslam Rd., 250-245-5157 3, Music Trivia & Karaoke, The Cranberry Arms, 1604 Cedar Rd., 250-722-3112 5, 9:30am to 11am, Muffin Mornings, Chemainus Seniors Drop-in Centre Society, 9824 Willow St. 5, 1:30pm to 3:30pm, Toys hands-on activities program for children ages 5–12 yrs., Nanaimo Museum, 250-753-1821 5, Live Music w/ West Coast Jones, Saltair Pub, 10519 Knight Rd., 250-246-4942 6, 11am to 3pm, Summer Farmers’ Market, Transfer Beach, 250-245-2112 6, Live Entertainment, The Cranberry Arms, 1604 Cedar Rd., 250-722-3112
August 7-13 7, 10am to 2pm, Cedar Farmers’ Market, Parking lot Crow & Gate, www.cedarfarmersmarket.org
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— weather permitting
Dr., 250-245-1146
7–13, 10:30am and 2pm, LMS Harbour Tours, Ladysmith Community Marina, 611 Oyster Bay Dr., 250-245-1146
15, 4:45pm, Bingo, Chemainus Seniors Drop-in Centre Society, 9824 Willow St.
8, 4:45pm, Bingo, Chemainus Seniors Drop-in Centre Society, 9824 Willow St.
15,7pm, Town of Ladysmith Regular Council Meetings, Council Chambers City Hall, 410 Esplanade
9, 10:30am to 11:30am, Summer Storytime at KinPark Youth Urban Farm in Duncan, contact Cowichan Library: 250-746-7661
16, 10:30am to 11:30am, Summer Storytime at KinPark Youth Urban Farm in Duncan, contact Cowichan Library: 250-746-7661
10, 9:30am to 11am, Muffin Mornings, Chemainus Seniors Drop-in Centre Society, 9824 Willow St.
17, 10am to 4pm, Chemainus Valley Museum celebrates 25th Anniversarry demo, activities, music and food
10, 1:30pm to 3:30pm, Space hands-on activities program for children ages 5–12 yrs., Nanaimo Museum, 250-753-1821 10, Men’s Night Golf Dinner & Prizes, Cottonwood Gold Course, 1975 Haslam Rd., 250-245-5157 10, Music Trivia & Karaoke, The Cranberry Arms, 1604 Cedar Rd., 250-722-3112 12, 9:30am to 11am, Muffin Mornings, Chemainus Seniors Drop-in Centre Society, 9824 Willow St. 12, 1:30am to 3:30pm, Toys hands-on activities program for children ages 5–12 yrs., Nanaimo Museum, 250-753-1821
17, 1:30pm to 3:30pm, Space hands-on activities program for children ages 5–12 yrs., Nanaimo Museum, 250-753-1821 17, 9:30am to 11am, Muffin Mornings, Chemainus Seniors Drop-in Centre Society, 9824 Willow St. 17, 6pm, LDBA General Membership Meeting, upstairs at the Ladysmith Legion 17, Ladies Night Golf Dinner & Prizes, Cottonwood Gold Course, 1975 Haslam Rd., 250-5157 17, Music Trivia & Karaoke, The Cranberry Arms, 1604 Cedar Rd., 250-722-3112
12, Live Music w/ The Shawn & Jo Show, Saltair Pub, 10519 Knight Rd., 250-246-4942
19, 9:30am to 11am, Muffin Mornings, Chemainus Seniors Drop-in Centre Society, 9824 Willow St.
13, 11am to 3pm, Summer Farmers’ Market, Transfer Beach, 250-245-2112
19, 1:30pm to 3:30pm, Toys hands-on activities program for children ages 5–12 yrs., Nanaimo Museum, 250-753-1821
13, Live Entertainment, The Cranberry Arms, 1604 Cedar Rd., 250-722-3112
August 14-20 14, 10am to 2pm, Cedar Farmers’ Market, Parking lot Crow & Gate, www.cedarfarmersmarket.org
7, noon to 4pm, Eagles Picnic, Transfer beach, 250-245-2457
14, 6pm to 8pm, Concerts in the Park, Transfer Beach Amphitheatre in Ladysmith, Renovation Blues Band — weather permitting
7, 6pm to 8pm, Concerts in the Park, Transfer Beach Amphitheatre in Ladysmith, The Deaf Aids
14–20, 10:30am and 2pm, LMS Harbour Tours, Ladysmith Community Marina, 611 Oyster Bay
19, Rod Run, Ladysmith A&W, 12615 Trans Canada Highway 19, Live Music w/ Stew, Saltair Pub, 10519 Knight Rd., 250-246-4942 20, 8am, Pancake Breakfast by donation, Royal Canadian Legion, 621 1st Ave., 250-245-2273 20, 8:30am to 3pm, Ladysmith Show & Shine, downtown Ladysmith 20, 8am, Hot Dog Sales, Royal Canadian Legion, 621 1st Ave., 250-245-2273
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20, 10am to 3pm, Eagles Hamburger Stand, 921 1st Ave., 250-245-2457
26, Live Music w/ Cara McCandles, Saltair Pub, 10519 Knight Rd., 250-246-4942
20, 11am to 3pm, Summer Farmers’ Market, Transfer Beach, 250-245-2112
26–27, Nanaimo Summertime Blues Festival, ticket info at www.nanaimoblues.ca
20, Live Entertainment, The Cranberry Arms, 1604 Cedar Rd., 250-722-3112
27, 6:30pm to 10pm, Light Up the Night, downtown Ladysmith
July 21-27
27, 11am to 3pm, Summer Farmers’ Market, Transfer Beach, 250-245-2112
21, 10am to 2pm, Cedar Farmers’ Market, Parking lot Crow & Gate, www.cedarfarmersmarket.org
27, Live Entertainment, The Cranberry Arms, 1604 Cedar Rd., 250-722-3112
21, 6pm to 8pm, Concerts in the Park, Transfer Beach Amphitheatre in Ladysmith, Zoe Laukner, Dirty Mountain, The Wild Romantics — weather permitting 21–27, 10:30am and 2pm, LMS Harbour Tours, Ladysmith Community Marina, 611 Oyster Bay Dr., 250-245-1146 22, 4:45pm, Bingo, Chemainus Seniors Drop-in Centre Society, 9824 Willow St. 23, 7pm, Ladysmith Camera Club: “Wildlife Photography”, with renowned naturist Bruce Whittington, in Hardwick Hall, High St. at 3rd Ave. in Ladysmith, www.LadysmithCameraClub.com 24, 9:30am to 11am, Muffin Mornings, Chemainus Seniors Drop-in Centre Society, 9824 Willow St. 24, 1:30pm to 3:30pm, Space hands-on activities program for children ages 5–12 yrs., Nanaimo Museum, 250-753-1821 24, Men’s Night Golf Dinner & Prizes, Cottonwood Gold Course, 1975 Haslam Rd., 250-245-5157 24, Music Trivia & Karaoke, The Cranberry Arms, 1604 Cedar Rd., 250-722-3112 26, 9:30am to 11am, Muffin Mornings, Chemainus Seniors Drop-in Centre Society, 9824 Willow St. 26, 1:30pm to 3:30pm, Toys hands-on activities program for children ages 5–12 yrs., Nanaimo Museum, 250-753-1821
August 28-31 28, 10am to 2pm, Cedar Farmers’ Market, Parking lot Crow & Gate, www.cedarfarmersmarket.org 28, 10am to 4pm, Arts on the Avenue, downtown Ladysmith 28, 10am to 3pm, Eagles Hamburger Stand, 921 1st Ave., 250-245-2457 28, Nanaimo Summertime Blues Festival, ticket info at www.nanaimoblues.ca 28–31, 10:30am and 2pm, LMS Harbour Tours, Ladysmith Community Marina, 611 Oyster Bay Dr., 250-245-1146 29, 4:45pm, Bingo, Chemainus Seniors Drop-in Centre Society, 9824 Willow St. 31, 1:30pm to 3:30pm, Space hands-on activities program for children ages 5–12 yrs., Nanaimo Museum, 250-753-1821 31, Men’s Night Golf Dinner & Prizes, Cottonwood Gold Course, 1975 Haslam Rd., 250-245-5157 31, Music Trivia & Karaoke, The Cranberry Arms, 1604 Cedar Rd., 250-722-3112
August 1-6 1–6, 10:30am and 2pm, LMS Harbour Tours, Ladysmith Community Marina, 250-245-1146
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3, 1:30pm to 3:30pm, Space hands-on activities program for children ages 5–12 yrs., Nanaimo Museum, 250-753-1821 5, 1:30pm to 3:30pm, Toys hands-on activities program for children ages 5–12 yrs., Nanaimo Museum, 250-753-1821
September 1-3 1, 10am-1pm, St. Joeseph’s Scool Open House, 9735 Elm St. Chemainus 250-246-3191 3-4 Ladysmith Kinsmen’s September long weekend Slow Pitch Tournament - All monies raised go towards the Kinsmen Charities. To enter your team contact Jim at 250-245-3137 3, 11am-3pm, Summer Farmers Market, Transfer Beach 250-245-2112 (above, clockwise) Daily Harbour Tours 20, Ladysmith Show & Shine 28, Arts on the Avenue Photos submitted.
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RDN Area A (Cedar, Cassidy, S. Wellington) Establishing A Protocol For The Placement Of Cellular TowerS While cellular towers don’t draw as many complaints or concerns as road conditions, they are a close second. Public Information Meetings to discuss planned placement of a cellular tower in a community are well attended. The cost to local governments to review and either reject or approve the proposal is significant. One of the main contributors to the costs is the lack of any protocol agreement between the service providers and local government. The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) is in the process of developing a protocol that is intended to: outline the RDN’s role in the siting of Telecommunication Antenna Systems; communicate the RDN’s expectations of the proponent with regards to public consultation and application submissions; and provide the RDN Board with consistent procedures and information by which they can evaluate the siting of a Telecommunication Antenna System. The stated objectives are: • Establish an RDN-wide harmonize process for reviewing and evaluating antenna siting proposals. • Set out transparent, consistent and predictable criteria that will accomplish
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the following: • Minimize the number of new antenna sites by encouraging co-location. (That is, requiring other service providers to locate their infrastructure on a planned or existing tower.) • Establish when public consultation is required. • Assist the proponent in identifying potential land-use, siting or design concerns with the RDN at an early stage in the process. • Establish a local land use consultation framework that respects the authority of the federal government’s Innovation, Science & Economic Development Canada (formerly Industry Canada) in the approval of telecommunication infrastructure whilst contributing local knowledge that facilitates and influences the siting, location and development of such infrastructure within the RDN. • To recover costs from telecommunication proponents related to the evaluation and review process of these infrastructure proposals. The protocol establishes public notification requirements to all neighbouring land-use jurisdictions, emergency service providers and school districts within a distance of the greater of 500 metres or 10 metres for every one metre in height. While it is recognized that, with regard to public health, Health Canada sets the stan-
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dards of determining acceptable levels of radio frequency electromagnetic energy in the frequency range from three kilohertz to 300 gigahertz (otherwise referred to as Safety Code 6, 2009), the RDN is requesting that proponents consider sensitive locations within the community, including institutions and services such as schools, daycare centres, recreation facilities, public parks and similar sensitive locations frequented by the public. The World Health Organization in its statement on the health effects of radio frequency electromagnetic radiation indicated that if health concerns exist, they are in relation to the effects on unborn fetuses and young children. Their distinct message is that until there are more studies undertaken in this area, one should use the precautionary principle in decision making. It is well known that the intensity of electromagnetic radiation is reduced exponentially by the distance from the source. Given this, it would, in my opinion, be wise for the RDN to enunciate their expectation that there be no siting of antenna within 500 metres of identified sensitive locations. Establishing consistent public information requirements as well as making requirements and expectations of local government known to proponents should lead to better outcomes. alecmcpherson@shaw.ca
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CVRD Area H (North Oyster, Diamond) North Oyster/Diamond Parks Update: Electoral Area H is very lucky to have a variety of community parks for visitors from near and far. I would like to provide a brief update on some of our local parks. Yellow Point Park is the largest of our parks. This nature park has walking paths and trails that loop around it. The park also has streams and creeks running through it. Two bridges allow visitors to cross over the main creek. In spring, you will see that wildflowers, such as camus, fawn lilies, vanilla plants, trillium and many other species, are abundant for your enjoyment. The main entrance to this park is located on Yellow Point Road. As you travel on the path, you will find that there is a connection to Barney Road as well. There is a large sign at the main entrance, which shows the various options for the hiking trails. Generally speaking, the trail is considered to be moderate in difficulty and is approximately four kilometres in length. During the winter months, parts of the trail may become flooded. A Provincial Ecological Reserve borders Yellow Point Park property. Yellow Point Bog contains species at risk, and park users are asked to respect the preservation of habitat and confine themselves to the clearly defined trails. A volunteer warden patrols the trails frequently. Recently, there have been reports of campers sleeping in the parks and building campfires. These types of activities are not allowed in any of our local parks. As we all know, climate
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change is having an impact on our natural assets. At this time of year, the forest is very dry and there is a high risk that a small fire can get out of control in an instant. Nearby homes are endangered. Smoking is also prohibited in our parks. The Parks staff are in the process of updating the signage at the entrance to provide current emergency information. If you have concerns about activities that are taking place in the park, please do not hesitate to contact the Cowichan Valley Regional District at the toll free number (1-250-665-3955) or by email (www.cvrd.bc.ca). Elliot’s Beach Park is located in the Coffin Point area. It provides easy access to the oceanfront beach that is heavily used by the public throughout the year. This park also provides easy
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access for launching kayaks and it is also a favourite place for scuba diving. The water is amazingly warm and clean. You can go swimming or just enjoy the view. Recently, the access to the beach has been dramatically improved. These improvements benefit all of the visitors, but are of particular benefit to those users who have physical challenges. The beach now has safer access for all of us who enjoy this park. Additional works include foreshore armouring to mitigate erosion. The project is not yet finished and further works are planned to complete the armouring. These works are slated for completion in the 2017 budget cycle. Other waterfront parks in North Oyster/Diamond are Raise Road Park and Blue Heron Park, both of which can be accessed off of Yellow Point Road. Raven Park is accessed off of Shell Beach Road. It should be noted that Raven Park is subject to tidal fluctuations. At low tide the water can be distant from the shore, which may become mud flats. When these low tides occur, kayakers wishing to return to the park may find that they have to wait for the tide to turn. On a beautiful sunny day, it’s a perfect place to just sit on one of the park benches and watch the tide come in and out. While Trillium Park is not an oceanfront park, it is a beautiful park that is well used. It is located in the Diamond area. Bush Creek meanders through the property and provides a perfect setting to watching fish in the creek. This park was given its name because of the prolific number of trilliums that grow there. There are trails that circle through the park for walkers and other users. Please be aware that there are some portions of the trail that are steep to climb; other portions can become muddy in the winter months. I would like to conclude this article by thanking the Parks Commission members who devote a great deal of volunteer time to overseeing the parks and advise the CVRD Parks staff and the CVRD Board on managing our local parks. I would also like to acknowledge the CVRD staff for their efforts to preserve these precious natural assets for public use.
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CVRD Area G (Saltair) Canada 150 Celebration In 2017, Canada will be 150 years old. Preparations have now begun for this big event. Saltair is included in the Ladysmith version of the 10-day Canada Day celebrations, starting on Aboriginal Day June 21st to Canada Day July 1st and probably held at Transfer Beach. John Silins, President of the Saltair Ratepayers Association, is asking for volunteers to brainstorm ideas for this event. We want to make sure Saltair is represented. Remember what a great job we did of the 2010 Saltair Centennial Celebrations and the great spirit we shared in reacquainting ourselves with the historic families of early Saltair of whom we knew many years ago? If you are interested in joining the group, email me at mdorey@cvrd.bc.ca or call me at 250-510-5431. It should be fun working alongside interesting people, being creative and celebrating Canada’s 150th birthday. Federal Government grants are said to be available for communities to use to put on this event. Water Upgrade Change The engineering department at the CVRD has recommended that the order of the Saltair water upgrades be changed so that the water mains are done on Dogwood Road and Chemoy Road this year instead of next year, as earlier planned. The reason for the change is because those water mains have had two huge leaks recently, causing flooding in the area. Each time they break, there is added expense and disruption as well. It is a waste of money that could be spent elsewhere on the system. We thank our lucky stars today for the very successful water petition that was done by the community a few years ago to ensure the money is available for these upgrades. We are also grateful to the 23 Saltair residents who went door to door talking to the people of Saltair for the yearly upgrade plan approval. Plastic bag problem Plastic bags are a problem for the CVRD and a problem for the environment. In the environment, they break down over time into minuscule little plastic balls that aquatic animals or birds may eat and then, clog their intestines and other life systems with, resulting in early death. Sea birds have been found dead on islands, showing only skeleton bones and plastic for their innards. For the CVRD, recycling plastic bags takes special care and is a separate process. DO NOT PUT PLASTIC BAGS IN YOUR RESIDENTIAL TOTES. They contaminate the rest of the recyclables in the tote. Save your plastic bags up separately and take them to Peerless Road Recycling Depot for proper separate disposal. Better yet, try to avoid using plastic bags when you can. If this is too inconvenient, you can put them in your garbage tote. They are light and don’t take up much volume. This is approved, but not encouraged. The CVRD is a leader in the province for recycling, but we need to do it properly and sustainably.
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Bombs away... It was just after lunch that Cindy’s call from TAKE 5 came in: “There’s a mysterious package here for you. It’s from Ontario and there’s no return address on it. The boss wants you to come in and deal with it.” Gulp. I asked her to describe the package. It was about 15 by eight inches and about three inches deep. “Too heavy for one bottle of wine,” she said. “Not heavy enough for two.” Since it came from Ontario, and I didn’t know a soul there, it was obviously a bomb. Sure, it wasn’t ticking, but that’s a digital timer for you. This had been building up for quite some time, two years to be precise, ever since she moved back in the area. She being Miss Bunker, my Grade 9 English teacher, who was still alive despite being, I don’t know, 114 years old. The letters were all pretty much the same: All detailed critiques of my columns, especially the grammar; and all trying to get me fired because, according to Bunker, “I was absolutely the worst student she had in 43 years of public education. Dangle your participles someplace else,” she said in one letter. “This town’s not big enough for the both of us.” This stems back to an incident in 1959 when Bunker asked the class if anyone knew what a gerund was. Apparently it wasn’t the fat kid in the back row as I suggested. How was I to know his name was Bob? When I showed up at TAKE FIVE, I was greeted by the stalwart Cindy, who sat at her desk wearing a full set of hockey goalie pads with a snorkel taped to the side of the mask. “It’s my first bomb scare,” she said with a shrug. “I didn’t know what to wear.” I looked around. Other than Cindy, the office was deserted. Where were the others? “When that showed up,” she said, pointing to the mysterious package on
Cindy Damphousse with Rekorderlig cider
her desk, “everyone all suddenly had appointments. Do you think Miss Bunker is behind this?” I examined the package closely. The wrapping was so precise it must have been done with a protractor. Every angle was a perfect 45 or 90 degrees. Only a sick mind like Bunker’s could muster that kind of precision. “It’s Bunker alright,” I said. “What do we do now?” asked Cindy. Fortunately, I’d watched enough Bruce Willis movies to know how to handle these things. “Now,” I said, “We get some backup.” So I assembled our emergency services team that included police, fire department, the bomb squad, Rex the sniffer dog, two ambulances, a plumber, the SPCA, the PTA, an assortment of grief counselors (just in case the plumber can’t fix the toilet), a mortgage broker… Hey! How did he get in there? (Note to the editor: According to city hall there will be a slight service charge for the help. Just in case you wondering about the $67,000 bill on your desk.) Yes, we were being a little overly cautious, but with Bunker it’s the only way to travel. Our team, with the exception of Rex who had found someone’s lunch, covered Cindy’s back by hiding in the broom closet, while ever so carefully she removed the wrapping, eased open the box and pulled out the bubble wrap. “What’s this?” Instead of a bomb, the package contained two 500 millilitre cans of Rekorderlig Passion Fruit Cider, plus my very own, official Rekorderlig cider glass that says right on it: “Born in Sweden. Loved worldwide.” Just like their meatballs, one would think, or at least I did.
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Also included was a brochure that featured among other things, a Rekorderlig flag, the back of an old VW bus, a bucket of passion fruit popsicles and a recipe for passion fruit punch. Whether freezing the hell out of it or lacing it with rum and fruit juice are precautions or endorsements is hard to say. Further reading revealed that passion fruit cider wasn’t really passion fruit at all, but pear cider to which passion fruit had been added. “A tropical take on the classic cider, with a sweet and tangy exotic flavour.” After we sent the others home, the Slightly Corked tasting panel, that being Cindy and I, got down to work. Though the cider had a pleasant taste, it was a little too sweet and, at over three dollars a can, a little too expensive. But you should see the glass! It’s the tallest, skinniest beverage container I’ve seen in my 50 years of imbibing. So tall it doesn’t fit in our kitchen cabinets, we have to store it in the hall closet along with our brooms and vacuum. If Ladysmith ever gets desperate for tourists and wants to get into the world’s tallest game, (I mean why should Duncan’s stupid hockey stick get all the glory) I’ll gladly donate it to the cause. But be warned, this glass has some stability issues. At the very least it should come with stays, a keel and a strict warning not to deploy in over five knots of wind. But back to the bomb. Okay, so this wasn’t a real bomb, just a scare, but it has forced TAKE FIVE to reconsider our complaint policies. Henceforth, no explosive devices may be sent by mail. Canada Post is quite firm on this matter. Either hand- deliver your bomb, or if you’re a shut-in, we’ll send someone around to pick it up. If mail is your only option, say that you are one of our loyal Antarctic readers. Please don’t forget the return address and postage. Why? Just because. And please, don’t neglect the timehonoured avenues of complaint. A wellplaced pie in the face makes a point. Banana Cream is Delbert’s favourite. Meanwhile, Miss Bunker is still out there. Approach with caution, she yields a mean ruler and is well trained to use a library book as an offensive weapon. Delbert Horrocks is a co-proprietor at Mahle House Restaurant. Follow him at Slightlycorkedandmore.wordpress.com
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Sharks in Ladysmith? Summer. What is better than heading down to the beach and having a cool refreshing swim in the ocean? As you splash and swim about, your last thoughts are about sharks, especially in Ladysmith harbour. Though, that has not always been the case. In1951 and 1952, the Ladysmith Chronicle carried stories about how “monstrous” sharks, some up to 35 feet in length, were plying the waters between Ladysmith and Chemainus. In October 1951, the Chronicle reported that a 16-foot 1600-pound shark was caught off Chemainus point. The shark had en tangled itself in a fisherman’s net. Again, in the July 4, 1952 issue and other issues, there were confirmed reports of shark sightings, including one where an observer believed to have seen a shark over 35 feet in length. Some stories tell of local residents attempting to shoot the massive shark while other stories tell of boaters ramming the shark with their speed boats. In another report, a shark was caught and dragged up on to the Comox booming grounds. One was even spotted in Ladysmith harbour. The shame of it all was that these sharks were “basking” sharks. Basking sharks are docile creatures that live on plankton near the ocean surface. They are the second largest fish in the world and have been around for over 30 million years. They feed like a whale, filtering plankton through their balling filters and gills. They don’t eat any fish unless “baby” fish accidentally get caught in the wake of their feed. Sadly, humans wantonly destroyed many of these old, gentle giants of our coast to the point of near extinction in a matter of decades. Today sighting are rare — once or twice a year if we are lucky. The downfall of the species began in earnest in 1949 when the Federal Department of Fisheries put them on the
The basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus) is the second largest living fish, after the whale shark. They are one of three plankton-eating sharks along with the whale shark and megamouth shark. Adults basking shark typically reach 6–8 m (20–26 ft) in length. The exact lifespan of the basking shark is unknown, but experts estimate to be about 50 years.
“destructive pest” list. This list included black bears, merganser ducks, kingfishers, seals and sea lions. For years, fishery vessels regularly shot and killed many of these animals. Shark killing actively carried on until 1970 — for almost 20 years or so. During these years, hundreds, if not thousands or more, animals met their death as a result of this policy. At first, people harpooned and shot basking sharks. In 1955, Alberni Engineering invented “a more efficient” technique. That year, for the Department of Fisheries, they built a knife-like tool that could be attached to a patrol vessel’s bow. The knife-like ram made quick work of slicing and killing these passive creatures as they cruised the surface waters, feeding on plankton. The apparatus was so effective that it gained notoriety — so much so that it was featured in the November 1956 issue of Popular Mechanics. As if this wasn’t enough, the general public were encouraged to help the effort by means of recreational harpooning, shooting and ramming of the sharks. When the problem of these “pests” ap-
peared to be resolved, the destruction quietly ended. By then this species that had lasted 30 million years was nearly extinct. Luckily, reason returned just in time to help save the basking sharks of our coast. Today, the basking shark is on the Federal Department of Fisheries “endangered” species list. It will take a long time for them to become a common sight in our waters as the basking shark have one of the longest gestation periods — taking two and a half or more years to yield about five young. With conservation, and common sense, we should now carry the same respect for these creatures as we do for other animal that were on that “pest” list. Who knows, maybe someday we will have enough of them in our waters to create a basking shark watching industry. An eco-friendly industry that can protect and educate the public about these special creatures. So it is safe for you to go into the waters of Ladysmith Harbour, and mostly likely, has always been. Because in the end, the most fearsome predators of the ocean are we humans. At least that’s as I see it.
Photo: Yohancha https://www.flickr.com/photos/44213740@N07/
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Looking Back - Cassidy Inn The Cassidy Hotel and Pub was built in 1917 as a recreation centre for the miners at Granby. The original main entrance to the hotel was where the rear entrance used to be. Originally constructed across the highway next to the Granby railway station, it was moved seven years later to where it stood today. Unfortunately for the owners, the Granby Mining company already had excellent facilities for the miners, and so it didn’t attract the crowds as planned. The building had three floors: The top floor had small rooms that were rented, while the second and main floor had dance halls an pool tables and bar. The Cassidy Hotel and Pub was known for its dances — locals would kick up their heels to live music. For many years, the venue also held an annual motorcycle “Show and Shine” before neglect and vandalism took their toll on the building. The owners had been ordered to demolish the building by the RDN prior to the fire that claimed the Cassidy Inn. Photo Ladysmith Archives
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FOR SALE BUSINESS FOR SALE: Kitty Korners is looking for new owners. Nine-year-old well established 17 room cat hotel with large client base. Best suited for a location in S. Nanaimo, Cedar, & Ladysmith area. Comes with everything you need — just move it to your space. Serious inquiries only. Please call 250-740-5287. FOR RENT OFFICE SPACES Downtown Ladysmith, modern, reasonable rent or lease. Call 250-245-3395. WANTED LOOKING FOR SMALL LOCAL ARTIFACTS from the 1950s and ’60s to be used in a temporary display at the Ladysmith Museum during the month of August. Call 250-245-0423 or Shannon 250-924-8809. BUSINESS KEN’S MOBILE MARINE SERVICE. Over 25 years licensed Marine Mechanic, repairing and maintaining diesel, inboard, outboard, stern drives, electrical, etc. We come to you. Call Ken 250-210-0756. BARNACLE BILL’S CHARTERS. Fishing, prawning, crabbing and sightseeing. Call 250210-0787 or 250-245-4185. CONCRETE RESULTS. Contracting, full-service forming and finishing, walls, walks, patios, drives. 35 years experience. Call Gord 250-753-4024. EXPERIENCED HOUSE SITTER available for winter. References avail. Prefer long stay. Call Kathleen 250-619-0786. BEADS BEADS BEADS, ETC.! 9752 Willow St. Chemainus. Beat prices on the island. Follow us at Facebook@etcinchemainus. Call 250-3242227. TAKE 5 ads work!
AUGUST 2016
HEALTH & BEAUTY
I CAN EDIT. Copy editing, proofreading, substantial editing and more. Web content, books, documents. Fiction or nonfiction. For more information, email editican@gmail.com. SPECIAL EVENTS PHOTOGRAPHY. Don’t trust just anyone! We have years of experience from weddings, family portraits to glamour and corporate clients. Free photo book included of your images. Email for quote and portfolio: marinasacht@yahoo.ca or call 250-245-9165. I CAN PRESSURE WASH for you. Equipment cleaning , clean your driveway, get rid of moss, clean house, gutters, get ready for summer. $65/ hr, 3 hr min, seniors discount. Calll 250-510-7136. PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS with a video or mark a special occassion with a corporate history book or video We can help you with print and online projects. Call TAKE 5 250-245-7015 for a consultation and an estimate. editor@take5.ca or drop into the office at Unit 3, 622 First Avenue, Ladysmith. youtube.com/take5newstv for videos, or visit us at take5.ca EDUCATION SENSE OF PLACE YOUTH PROJECT child care — BACK TO SCHOOL SPACES FILLING FAST! (Lic# KRIS-9MPPYV). 7am to 6pm, weekdays. Outdoor, arts/crafts, hiking, building, music, nature... Full/part-time and drop-in. Subsidy welcome. www.senseofplaceyp.com 250-6671222 or 250-618-3396.
BOWEN TECHNIQUE is a gentle soft tissue remedial therapy that resets the body to heal itself. Useful for joint, back and neck pain, frozen shoulder, asthma, chronic fatigue and many other problems. Lilja Hardy FMBAC in practice since 1994. www.bowtech.com. For information and appointments, call 250-245-7738. TAI CHI For mental & physical health. Beginner class starts Sept., Mondays at Cedar Heritage Centre. On-going class Wednesdays at North Oyster Community Centre. Both classes 10am to noon $20/mo. www.nanaimotaichi.org. Call Sara 250-245-1466. YELLOWPOINT BODY WORKS. Book four consecutive relaxation massages for $50 each. Reg. $65 each. Other treatments, Chakra balancing, exfoliating rubs and hot wax treatments. Call for appointment and brochure 250-618-8218. HOME & YARD NEW LIFE YARDWORK and PAINTING. Lawn mowing, weeding, power washing, rubbish removal, gutter cleaning. Prompt, courteous, reliable service for your home or business. Contact Terry at newlifeyardwork@gmail.com or call 250668-8383. ISLAND KING RENOS LTD. Kitchen-BathTile-Backslash-Countertops-Flooring-DrywallPaint-Siding-Fences-Decks INTERIOR and EXTERIOR. Quote by JOB not by the HOUR. www.islandkingrenos.com. Call 250-924-4924. QUALITY RENOVATIONS Big or small. 25 yrs exp/journeyman, affordable. For free estimate, call Lars 250-616-1800.
TAKE 5 ads work! 250-245-7015.
TAKE 5 ads work! 250-245-7015.
NON-TRADITIONAL PIANO, voice, and songwriting lessons. Learn foundational skills for great musicianship and creative expression. Email chelsea@chelseaedwardson.com or call Chelsea at 778-229-3207.
KEEP IT CLEAN SOLUTIONS top to bottom service. General, event, windows, we’ll even make your bed! Great for families, seniors, single parents, office cleaning, flexible service to fit your schedule. Email aliciajohnson@telus.net or call Alicia 250-709-1364.
TAKE 5 SASSA’S HOME AND GARDEN CARE specializing in fall & spring cleaning inside & outside of your home or business. We use the tools & products that make the difference. Call 250-924-4735 or 250-218-4735. THE HAPPY GARDENER. Weeding, digging, raking, cutting back, etc. I also do odd jobs. Cheerful and conscientious. Call David 250-6189217. ISLAND GARDEN SCAPES.CA for all your outdoor landscape & garden needs. Reasonable rates, free estimates: garden design & re-creation, clean up, planting, pruning, maintenance, lawns & painting. Email islandgardenscapes@gmail.com or call/text 250-802-0461. HOUSECLEANER. Long-time local housecleaner has openings available for weekly, bi-weekly or monthly cleaning. Cheerful reliable service. Heidi 250-327-2546. 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. 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.
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PETS PROFESSIONAL PET CARE SERVICE. Leash ’em & walk ’em with Marlena. Insured and bonded. Animal First Aid and CPR. Service for all pets, including dog walking, home care visits, overnight with pet in your home and much more. As my love is yours! Call 250-246-3394. TOO CRAZY BIRDY HOTEL. Now four locations, Victoria, Cedar, Parksville and Comox Valley. Travel with peace of mind, parrot boarding in loving settings. Budgies to macaws: $7. $14, $18; sml, md, lrg. www.toocrazybirdyhotel.com. Diana and Kip 250-722-2201. THE PET NANNY. Let us pamper and love your pets at your home or ours. Experience and references are available. Call Shanon or Bill at 250-924-8809, Ladysmith. SENIORS LYNN’S SENIORS CARE HOME. High quality personalized care. Warm caring environment. Great food, snacks. Family events. Couples and pets welcomed. Ocean views, gardens. North of Ladysmith. lynnsseniorcare.com. Call 250-245-3391. SENIORS’ UPGRADES. Railings, ramps; interior re/finishing, carpentry, painting, custom shelving/storage, decks, benches. Enhance your enjoyment of the home you love. Namaste Home Improvements: 250-245-2751. (see display ad.)