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Letters Grarteful for care There are not enough words to describe how much we appreciate what Oceanview Seniors Manor have done and continue to do. The caring love and support shown overflows our hearts. Oceanview Seniors Manor is everything we ever wanted for the residents but so much more. A real family home due to the very dedicated management and sta. They deserve to be recognized. To each of them, Thank You! On behalf of Residents and Families, - Randy Olson Letters to the editor on community topics and concerns are welcomed. Please email editor@take5.ca or fax: 250-245-7099 or PO Box 59, Ladysmith, BC V9G 1A1.
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A prettier face forward COVID-19 has dealt our country, our province and our town a major body blow — a blow that hurt us, but hasn’t knocked us out. Especially hard hit has been our small business community. If you walked downtown First Avenue or Coronation Mall during lockdown, you would have seen the dramatic effect of the business closures and shopping restrictions—it looked and felt like the beginnings of a ghost town. Not now. Now, we see more and more shops and restaurants slowly opening. Even with this breath of life, things are still tough for many shops. So how do we as a community work together to ensure that we recover quickly and permanently? First, we develop a plan of action that allows business to take steps to ensure their survival. Many have done this by changing their delivery style, such as contactless purchases, limiting the number of people allowed in their shops at one time, etc. Our municipal authorities have to look for ways to bring people to our business districts by making it easier for them to develop some new approaches. In partnership with the Chamber of Commerce, the Ladysmith Downtown Business Association and the Town have come up with a proposal to make the Ladysmith more appealing to shoppers both locally and out of town. A valuable market are visitors that are taking holiday here on the Island. This pro-
Ladysmith Town Council with Chad Toronchuk, general manager at Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Oyster Bay. Photo submitted.
posal plan to turn the main street of Ladysmith into a fun and enjoyable place to visit and shop. Phase 1 includes the installation of 18 concrete patio tables along First Avenue for people to sit and enjoy the outside. It will also give restaurants that have been required to limit their seating capacity by 50 per cent or less additional seating outside their permits. A key feature will be what I wish to call our town plaza, which will be located around our existing chess board. It will have coloured lights and a space for entertainment and socializing over a coffee and a muffin — a real people place. Often it is said that the downtown of a community is the living room of the community. This town plaza will definitely be that. In an effort to kept from adding any additional tax burden, service clubs, especially our local Kinsmen Club, and numerous local business and
individuals have stepped up to purchase the majority of the proposed 18 tables and amenities. The Town is also receiving a grant to help small businesses recover valued at $15,000. The third part of the plan is YOU. It is your support of our local business, no matter what part of town they are in, that will make the resurgence of our well-loved community happen. You also have another important role to play in this recovery. That is for you to say, “Hello” or “Hi” to others you meet on the street. It is that warmth and charm that sets us apart from our neighbours. Share the love and joy that makes Ladysmith something special. This community pride and support of our downtown business area is what makes this truly a community project and is one of the reasons we were awarded the title of Canada’s Great Street in 2017. At least that’s as I see it. . . .
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Town and local partners support economic restart with pedestrian-friendly improvements The Town of Ladysmith and our generous community partners are boosting the vibrancy of the downtown core by investing in business-friendly improvements that will help kick-start the local economy during the phased re-opening from COVID-19. Ladysmith Council has approved up to $15,000 from the unspent Grant-in-Aid budget to be invested in new concrete patio seating along First Avenue between Symonds and Gatacre Street. The new patio seating in the downtown will be complemented by new lighting hanging above the street, and in the trees, adding to our heritage downtown’s unique sense of place, aesthetics and overall shopping and dining experience. These improvements are being made possible also thanks to important contributions from local organizations, businesses and individuals. “Downtown is often referred to as the ‘living room of our community,’ and the seating and lighting projects are a wonderful opportunity to provide more
Brian Benjamin, a BC Hydro volunteer, along with his son Reid, came out to help volunteers from Ladysmith Council put up new clear lights in the trees along First Ave. Although it’s become a bit of a tradition, with help from the folks of Festival of Lights, to have some clear lights in the trees for the summer, the Town felt this year with COVID-19 challenge to the local economy, it would enhance Ladysmith’s downtown core. Along with the tree lights, there are new, high quality, LED lights going across First Avenue, from the round-a-bout to Roberts Street. These new lights were donated by Microtel by Wyndham Hotel located at Oyster Bay. Photo: Duck Paterson
public spaces to connect, gather at a safe distance, enjoy a bite to eat, or rest after a bit of shopping,” says Mayor Aaron Stone. “Through the generosity of our local service groups and business owners, we are delivering value far above and long beyond the initial investment and contributing to the long-term vibrancy and vitality of downtown.” Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham
Oyster Bay is donating 30 sets of the Edison-style LED light bulbs that will hang above the town’s main street, creating an even more welcoming streetscape to enjoy while exploring downtown. “Masterbuilt Hotels has a long history of supporting the communities in which we operate hotels. Microtel by Wyndham Oyster Bay is proud to donate the overhead lights for downtown Lady-
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smith, which will further enhance Canada’s 2017 Great Street, and provide a unique and memorable environment for both locals and visitors,” says Chad Toronchuk, general manager, Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Oyster Bay. “We believe a rising tide floats all boats, and by enhancing the experience downtown, we will attract more visitors and residents, helping in the economic recovery efforts in our town.” Ladysmith Kinsmen have generously donated funds to purchase six of the patio sets for the area at Gatacre Street and First Avenue, while Old Town Bakery is also contributing funds for one table. Uforik Computers is donating interactive lighting and colourful umbrellas to compliment the patio sets. Some of these patio sets will be designed for accessibility, and the configuration will meet physical distancing recommendations from public health authorities. Ladysmith Council also extends a special thank you to Ladysmith Festival of Lights volunteers, who in recent days have been stringing the summer lights in trees downtown. The Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce and Ladysmith Downtown Business Association are exploring opportunities for a shop local/regional campaign and providing updates through the newly-launched Invest Ladysmith and Tourism Ladysmith website. In order to help fund these downtown projects, the Town has applied for a new Island Coastal Economic Trust (ICET) small grant program supporting solutions to help quickly restart business and industry impacted by COVID-19.
A sign of the times John de Leeuw, CEO of the Ladysmith & District Credit Union (LDCU), and the LDCU board wanted to help make Grad 2020 a memorable one for the high school graduates
John de Leeuw, CEO of the Ladysmith & District Credit Union helped make Grad 2020 a memorable one for the students. Photo: Duck Paterson
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from Ladysmith and Stz’uminus. But because of COVID-19 and protocols around it, a “normal” grad was not possible this year. Inspiration hit a home run with the plan to put up a “lawn sign” for each grad from LSS and Stz’uminus and to place them along the boulevard on Sixth Avenue in front of Ladysmith Secondary School. In all, there were 122 lawn signs displayed on June 18. John de Leeuw is pictured with the lawn signs. The LDCU covered the cost of all the lawn signs. “The grads couldn’t really have their day, so we wanted to help make it a memorable event for them,” says de Leeuw. The lawn signs were produced by local business Spyder Graphix of Ladysmith.
Ladysmith receives $25,000 grant from UBCM for Poverty Reduction Plan The Town of Ladysmith has received a $25,000 grant from the Union of BC Municipalities to help fund the creation of a Poverty Reduction Plan that will deliver actionable steps for our community and make a difference in the lives of those needing it the most. “The worry of being able to put a fulsome meal on the table, or pay rent on time is a reality for far too many in Ladysmith who are doing everything they can just to get by,” says Ladysmith Mayor Aaron Stone. “This important investment by the provincial government will make an immediate and lasting impact as the Town partners with Stz’uminus First Nation and our local organizations to create an achievable strategy to help lift people out of the depths of poverty.” The Town will work with Social Planning Cowichan to create the Poverty Reduction Plan, with the goal of supporting our residents’ specific needs around emergency response, support services, housing and food security. A significant part of developing the made-in-Ladysmith strategy will be engaging with organizations and residents, including our Indigenous population, and providing opportunities for education and outreach initiatives that reduce stigma and discrimination around poverty. Once complete, the Poverty Reduction Plan and a set of recommendations will be presented to Ladysmith Council. A key priority of Council’s 2020–2023 Strategic Plan is developing comprehensive affordability strategies that reflect the needs within our community. The Town is among 54 local governments across the province receiving provincial funding through the Poverty Reduction Planning and Action Program. For the latest news and updates visit the Town’s website at www.ladysmith.ca.
RDN Releases COVID-19 Resilience and Renewal Framework At the June 24, 2020 board meeting, the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) board approved the COVID-19 Resilience and Renewal Framework, which charts a path for recovery in the region. The framework aligns with the Province of BC’s Restart Plan and is a living document which will continue to evolve throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. “This framework will guide us through the pandemic, providing clarity and ensuring economic continuity and resil-
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iency in our region,” says RDN Chair Ian Thorpe. “The RDN will continue to promote the health and wellbeing of residents first and follow direction from the Provincial Health Officer as we provide excellent service for residents.” The COVID-19 Resilience and Renewal Framework considers organizational procedures, economic recovery initiatives, business continuity and public health strategies, with the goal of promoting resiliency and guiding the return to normalcy within the region. It sets out a staged plan detailing the RDN services that can be expected and looks at the financial impacts of COVID-19 on the budget and in the context of the five-year plan. It is a fluid plan that will be evaluated and realigned as required. The framework can be viewed at www. rdn.bc.ca/pandemic.
John Wilson remembered BY DUCK PATERSON A former city councillor, with a concern for youth and the environment and an unabating defender of Ladysmith, this was John Wilson, who passed away June 19, 2020, at 82. There was nothing pretentious about John Trueman Wilson; what you saw was what you got. He was born in Chemainus in 1938 and came to Ladysmith to attend high school in 1952. He enjoyed working as an umpire with the Little League kids. His popularity as an umpire was spectacular. Teams up and down the Island asked him to manage their games because to him umpiring wasn’t all about strikes and balls, just as important was to encourage the little people that they could indeed hit the next pitch. Over a 13-year period, he was a cornerstone of city council. He always did his homework and arrived at the council table prepared for the night’s agenda; he was direct and cost conscious. When highways wanted to roll out its usual cookie-cutter upgrade on the Ladysmith Esplanade, Wilson said no way. He wanted something more attractive for the town. He fought for it and won. Former Ladysmith city manager Ruth
Vancouver Island Black Bear. Photo courtesy of Seargent Stuart Bates, Conservation Officer Service
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While atop a pole in the Ladysmith– Saltair border, during a period when there was controversy that maybe Saltair would be better off joining the town, he was spotted by the late Len Platt, who was the area’s regional district director. Platt immediately called the Chronicle to report Wilson was only pretending to work while up the pole when in fact he was spying on Saltair. When John passed, he took a piece of Ladysmith with him, and left his wife, Sheila, a treasure of memories. RIP John Wilson, for you served your city well.
Unsecured curbside collection totes causing increased bear conflicts across Cowichan John Wilson, a friend of Ladysmith
Malli said it best: “My best memory of John is that once he stated his position, he didn’t change it just because a different point of view joined the discussion. You had to know him because he had boundaries and he lived with them.” His favorite council task was looking after public works where his concern for the environment was front and centre. Maybe next was his role as a volunteer fireman. He spent 20 years with the Ladysmith department. He was called “Mr. Telephone” because he was BC Tel’s lone technician in Ladysmith. It was a good guess that over time, he answered calls to every house in this then borough of fewer than 3,000 souls (circa early 1970s).
In response to growing numbers of human–bear conflicts in the region, the Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) and BC Conservation Officer Service are seeking public cooperation in preventing these conflicts by not putting garbage and recycling totes at the curb the night before collection. Bears are attracted to curbside garbage, recycling and organic materials and are learning to repeatedly seek out these food sources in residential areas. The CVRD has been working with WildsafeBC and BC Conservation Officers for several years to reduce human–bear conflicts in the region. It is evident that the simplest way to reduce these conflicts is to keep curbside totes securely stored and off the street until the morning of collection.
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“We are fortunate in the Cowichan Valley to have such an abundance of wildlife and natural spaces bordering our communities,” says Aaron Stone, Chair of the Cowichan Valley Regional District. “But this proximity to wildlife comes with a collective responsibility to ensure we are doing our part to keep these animals safe and wild.” CVRD Bylaw No. 1958 stipulates that curbside totes cannot be brought out to the curbside before 5 a.m. on the day of collection. Residents who put their garbage and recycling at the curbside prior to 5 a.m. will have warning stickers placed on their totes, and repeat offenders will be issued fines of up to $230 by CVRD bylaw staff and BC Conservation Officers. “Conservation officers don’t want to destroy bears, so fines will be issued as a measure to protect bears from becoming habituated to garbage and other food sources in residential areas,” says Scott Norris, BC Conservation Officer for the Cowichan Valley region. “We know it’s inconvenient for many to wake up early and bring their totes to the curb, but we hope residents will take heed and protect our wildlife and our communities.” While some residents may not mind having a bear visit their yard, it can become a dangerous situation for neighbouring children and pets. Bears that learn to repeatedly seek out food in residential areas will have to be destroyed, as moving a bear from its territory is rarely successful. It is also unsafe for bears in residential areas, and they have been known to eat plastic and similar inedible items from curbside bins that smell appetizing, which can lead to a prolonged and painful death. For tips on how to be bear smart, visit www.wildsafebc.com. Residents are asked to report bear sightings and human–wildlife conflicts using the Report All Poachers and Polluters telephone line at 1-877-952-7277. Learn more about how to protect yourself and your wildlife. Starting August 1, the Ladysmith Museum will reopen with its new feature exhibit “The Predators of Vancouver Island,” focusing on the bear, cougar and wolf and best practices for conservation and safety. For more information, contact the Ladysmith Historical Society at info@ladysmithhistoricalsociety.ca.
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Brian Childs, Bill Drysdale, Chuck Forrest and Quentin Goodbody watch work progress at the Ladysmith Train Station. Photo: Marina Sacht
Train station on track If you have driven down to the waterfront you may have noticed that Ladysmith’s long vacant train station grounds are getting a make-over. Bill Drysdale is one of the volunteers working with Island Rail Corridor to improve the grounds around the train station. “We’re digging out some tree roots to get them away from the foundation of the building, so they don’t cause any drainage issues, he explains over the noise of the excavator and trucks from Johnson’s Contracting Limited. Additionally, some trees have been trimmed to prevent damage in wind storms. Once the area has been cleared off, they’ll be bringing gravel to build a roadway beside the train station in order to accomodate equipment needed in the future to replace the train station’s roof. The Island Rail Corridor (formerly known as the E&N Rail Corridor) is approximately 289 km running between Victoria and Courtenay with connections between Parksville and Port Alberni and to the Nanaimo waterfront. The society is funding the grounds clean up. The hope, says Drysdale, is that by improving the building, they will attract a tenant of some description. Their main interest is getting a nonprofit group or several nonprofit groups operating from the building. IRC policy presently does not allow business enterprises but is limited to local nonprofits.
Understanding that the condition of the building with its overgrown grounds and aging roof is “pretty intimidating for a non-profit to take on”, the IRC has received estimates to have the roof redone. The BOARD is expected to make a decision in July. “We’re hoping that they will be positive in the outcome but like anything it’s budget . Drysdale says that interior renovations would be minimum to retain the heritage aspect of the building. “It would just require some repainting and minor patching etc. to make the space work for them. Drysdale along with fellow volunteer Chuck Forrest have been instrumental in keeping the train station and the grounds around it maintained as well as possible. Over the years they have painted the building, removed numerous graffiti and hauled away truckloads of garbage that people have “dumped: there. Why do they do it? “The train station story is part of Ladysmith’s history. We should be preserving our history. This is a good building, and down the road when IRC does get service we will have a station where people can come and get on the train.” It’s in a great location he points that would economically benefit Ladysmith’s proposed Arts & Hertage Hub along the waterfront, drawing people here and bring them to town.”
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Rotary Club of Ladysmith Donates Emergency Preparedness Kits to the Town Residents of Ladysmith can sleep a little easier these days with the donation of emergency preparedness kits. On June 12, Rotary Club of Ladysmith and the LSS Interact Club presented five Emergency Preparedness Kits from Disaster Aid Canada to the Town of Ladysmith, Ladysmith Fire/Rescue Chief Chris Geiger and Ladysmith Search and Rescue. Providing the Emergency Preparedness Kits is an initiative of the Rotary Club of Ladysmith and the Ladysmith Senior Secondary Interact Club who raised $5,000. funded in part by a BC Gaming Grant. “The project began when Gerry Beltgens saw a need in the community,” said Rotary Club of Ladysmith and the LSS Interact Club presented five Emergency Preparedness Kits from Disaster Aid Canada to Ladysmith. Photo: Marina Sacht Sandra Milne, president of the Ladysmith Rotary. It was inspired by a recent project of the over 100 tents and materials for Emergency Preparedness and Rotary Club of Sooke in partnership with the Sooke EmergenDisaster Relief Kits stored in Ladysmith for international and cy Services groups and with Disaster Aid Canada. Contents of domestic relief programs. each Emergency Preparedness Kit includes a 260 sq ft 3 room Bryn Dovey, president of the Interact Club, at Ladysmith tent, solar lanterns, water filtration kits, tools, cooking equipSecondary School said she was “super happy that we were able ment, comfort supplies and much more. to see their fundraising goal come through even during these And in case you are wondering, the kits include face masks. very unforeseen times. It’s great to see the action happen.” The Kits will be stored in various locations around LadyFor more information on Rotary Club of Ladysmith visit smith for use in an emergency such as a forest fire, typhoon, https://ladysmithrotary.org/ For more information Disaster Aid earthquake or tsunami. The tent could be used as temporary Canada visit https://disasteraid.ca/ housing for a family, a first aid station or medical triage centre. Emergency preparednesss is something we’ve been talking a Where’s the beef? lot about within this organization,” said Ladysmith Fire Chief Congratulations to Jasmine Golebans who had the winning Chris Geiger. “These kits will be an important tool in case we ticket for the Ladysmith Kinsmen “Freezer Full of Meat” raffle have to respond to a large scale disaster.” on June 10, 2020. The draw was originally scheduled for April Disaster Aid Canada (DAC) an organization sponsored by 28, but due to COVID-19, the BC Gaming Commission gave the Rotary Club of Ladysmith and supported by Rotary Clubs the Kinsmen an extension to do the draw. across Canada, is managed and governed by Rotarians, is a The freezer for the draw was supplied by Ladysmith Home registered Canadian Charity and a Member of Disaster Aid InHardware and the meat was donated by Bouma Meats. Funds ternational, an association of Disaster Response organizations raised through the draw are designated for the downtown around the world. public washroom projDAC recently moved its operations from Victoria to Ladyect the Kinsmen are smith. Emergency supplies and tents will be stored in Ladyspearheading. smith as it is an economical, central location with quick acIf people, businesses cess to transportation, airport and ferries. Gerry Beltgens the or organizations want Executive Director of Disaster Aid Canada said, “We will have to donate to this community amenity, they can do so at the Ladysmith & District Credit Union or contact Kinsmen Duck Paterson at 250-245-2263.
Ladysmith town councillor Jeff Virtanen who pulled the winning ticket, and Kinsmen Club president James Delcourt, at the the Kinsmen “Freezer Full of Meat” draw. Photo: Duck Paterson
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Winter Food Gardening Can you believe that there are more than forty varieties of cold-hardy vegetables that you can grow in your garden through the winter months? Since discovering the incredible diversity of vegetables I can harvest in winter, I’ve been promoting four-season food harvesting with a vengeance. It’s a blast (in more ways than one!) to go out in the middle of winter to see what’s for dinner. Even during a snowfall, I can pull tender leeks for a leek and potato soup, flavoured with celeriac root and frozen parsley if so desired. The secret is in having the seeds handy and getting the timing right, but
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once you factor a winter garden into your plans, it’s easy to grow one. Allocate garden space specifically for winter crops, or follow early crops of favas, peas, lettuce, potatoes, garlic or shallots by seeding or transplanting winter vegetables in their place. When following an earlier crop, don’t forget to feed the soil by adding organic soil amendments. Mixing compost, aged manure or leaves into the soil keeps fertility high for follow-on crops. TIP: In beds saved for winter vegetables, sow buckwheat, a fast-growing, summer green manure crop that increases fertility. Dig buckwheat under before it sets seed, allowing three weeks before planting. Buckwheat adds nitrogen to the soil, which is of great value to the next crop of vegetables.
Plants in Your Food Garden • Lettuces: “Brunia” (red oakleaf), “Rouge d’Hiver” (romaine), “Winter Density” (butterhead), “Vulcan” (red leaf lettuce) • Salad Greens: Endive, corn salad, landcress, arugula • Greens: Chard, kale, collards, mustard greens, perpetual spinach, tatsoi, pac choi, “Lutz” beet greens • Crucifers: Sprouting broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower • Onions: Leeks, garlic, French shallots, perennial bunching onions (multipliers) • Root crops: Turnips, beets, carrots, Jerusalem artichokes, New Zealand yams, celeriac, rutabagas • Herbs: Parsley, coriander, rosemary, bay, oregano, sweet marjoram, chives, sorrel, lovage If sowing seeds directly in the garden, the best time is late June to early Au-
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gust, but don’t forget the importance of daily watering during hot spells. Thin out seedlings and help them establish more quickly with a few feedings of liquid fish fertilizer. Transplants of cool-weather vegetables can be started outdoors as they germinate in cooler temperatures. Most take only seven to ten days to germinate and the only protection needed is from the sun. Transplant into the garden no later than mid-September to give time for plants to establish good roots before the onset of hard frosts. Winter vegetables survive freezing temperatures by pumping sugars into their cells as antifreeze. That’s why kales, collards and Brussels sprouts taste sweeter after a few hard frosts. Once harvested, sugars convert back to starch. This is why store-bought vegetables never match the flavour of freshpicked ones. Multiplier onions must be one of the best deals for gardeners! Each bunching onion establishes quickly into a new clump, giving a bunch in return for just one planted. Growing a winter vegetable garden is a snap once the vegetables have been planted. There’s no weeding, no insect problems to deal with and no watering. All you have to do is put on gumboots to harvest them!
Tips for Winter Vegetables • Grow a variety of your favourite vegetables (what you like to eat most). • Follow early crops of peas, potatoes, lettuces and garlic. • Direct seed winter vegetables in the garden from late June to early August. • Start seeds from late June to midJuly.
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• Transplant established seedlings into the garden no later than mid-September. • Help transplants get established with feeds of liquid fish fertilizer. • Add lime to Brassicas’ planting holes to prevent club root. • Remove older leaves regularly to prevent a build-up of flea beetles and eliminate cabbage worms. • Harvest greens after hard frosts when they have become sweeter. Carolyn Herriot is author of The Zero Mile Diet, A Year Round Guide to Growing Organic Food and The Zero Mile Diet Cookbook, Seasonal Recipes for Delicious Homegrown Food (Harbour Publishing) available at your local bookstore.
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FISHING for FUN
Members of the Vancouver Island Fishing for Fun Society. Photo: Marina Sacht
BY MARINA SACHT It all started five years ago when Vancouver Island Fishing for Fun founder Mike Lawrence decided he had acquired way too much gear for one person and made the fateful decision to not sell it, but instead, give it away. Rather than getting a nickel on the dollar, Lawrence remembered the looks children gave him when they saw him fishing and decided to share his love of
the sport. Many children wanted to fish but either their parents don’t know how, or they don’t have the gear. Lawrence started giving away his own personal gear to families. And then his friends started offering their gear. “And then we started doing bottle drives to purchase more gear...and it just snowballed from there” he laughs. Today, his act of kindness has trans-
lated to the formation of the Vancouver Island Fishing for Fun non-profit society with 2500 members, and branches in Ladysmith, Nanaimo and Courtney. But more importantly they have put over 600 fishing rods in the hands of children, 150 of them in the Ladysmith area. “Based on their age, we will set them up for an appropriate size fishing rod and include some basic tackle to get them out fishing.”
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Chemainus Lake is a popular spot for family fishing. Mila Hezucky and Aubree Screaton with Mike Lawrence. Photo: Marina Sacht
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Some of the members of the Vancouver Island Fishing for Fun Society.
The group offers some instruction and hosts a number of events and derbies in addition to working with the Department of Fisheries and the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC -- that’s where you purchase a fishing licence. Getting the families out is so much fun, says Lawrence who spends such a big chunk of his time doing the society’s work, and he could be in danger of not having enough time to fish himself! Lawrence’s passion for fishing isn’t just skin deep, although he does have a tattoo of a fishing ruler on his calf. He had a rod in his hand by the time he was three years old. Growing up in a camp in the tiny community of Holberg on north Vancouver Island meant embracing the outdoors. The time he spent there fishing with his father created many special memories. An experience he is now able to share with young people. You don’t have to go far to find some of the best summer fishing around. Fuller and Chemainus Lake are both favourite haunts. “These lakes get stocked at least four times a year by the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC. They work in partnership with government, industry and anglers to enhance and conserve B.C.’s freshwater fish resources. Here you will find Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Brook Trout, Pumpkinseed, Smallmouth Bass plus both lakes have docks and are wheelchair accessible. A hiking trail circles Chemainus Lake while Fuller Lake offers a sandy swimming area and additional recreation opportunities.
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“Both have great fishing,” says Lawrence, who travels from Nanaimo to go there. The bonus is that you don’t need a boat to fish here.Last year Lawrence caught a 16 inch fish at Fuller Lake. He does not eat fish and prefers to catch and release. With physical distancing and health regulation brought on by COVID-19, fishing offers an affordable outdoor activity that the whole family can enjoy. Fishing rods and tackle can be expensive and not everyone can afford them. The Fishing for Fun society removes those barriers. And during the trying times of the pandemic, there are a number of health benefits fishing offers. “Your outside, you’re not on your electronics, instead you are creating memories. You’re going to remember that fish you caught or didn’t catch. It’s good for your mental health, it’s good for your well-being,” says Lawrence. The society was created with lowerincome families in mind, but Lawrence says regardless of need, “I won’t turn anybody away. At least we will get the kids out fishing.” He smiles. I love fishing I couldn’t imagine my life without it. For more on fishing contact the society at or follow them on Facebook at Vancouver Island Fishing for Fun Society page.
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Fun on the water! It’s boating season, and what a perfect activity to maintain your physical distance and still get all the health benefits of the great outdoors. “The sea cures all ailments of man,” wrote Plato. We are fortunate to live in the heart of this watery paradise with so many opportunities to get out on the water – all quite possible while adhering to COVID-19 safety rules. Sealegs Kayaking Adventures is open at Transfer Beach Park. There you can find a variety of boats to try out for an hour or a day. Beautiful Bute Island Marine Park and the Dunsmuir Islands make for a pleasant easy paddle. If it’s your first time, bring a friend and share a roomier double kayak. Looking for a good workout? Try out the SUP, for a core workout! For the little ones, the Spray Park at Transfer Beach is open again. Of course, you don’t have to own a boat to have fun. With rivers, lakes or the ocean easily accessible, you can have fun picking out your own favourite beach. This summer TAKE 5 is teaming up with Terra-Marine Adventures and AJ’s Industries to film the circumnavigation of Vancouver Island on Kristi’s Joy. Armchair sailors can follow along via the TAKE 5 Facebook page. Photo: Joanne & Jim Adair
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RDN Area A Cedar
Many people think there’s nothing better than a beach fire. And if you are young and partying, it’s an especially important part in your beach party playbook. However, not everyone shares your enthusiasm for the snap, crackle, pop of a roaring blaze; some people living near the beach are immediately on edge when a fire is started near their homes. Many residents have stories of waiting until the noise of a late-night weekend party dies down and then going to the beach to extinguish the flames left by the party. Did you know that the Regional District of Nanaimo’s bylaw 1801 specifies that no person other than a holder of a park use permit specifically authorizing the setting of a fire at a specific location can have a fire? That bylaw also says that, if a person legally lights a campfire or outdoor stove (in a campground), they are not allowed to leave them unattended. This seems straight forward. However, when a fire is located below the high tide line on a public beach, it is technically not under the jurisdiction of the RDN. That land falls under the jurisdiction of the federal government. If the fire is at the end of a public beach access above the high tide line, even if the RDN has a license or permit to improve the access, the jurisdiction actually falls with the provincial government’s Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure. This bureaucratic nightmare means that residents living beside a beach have little help when someone is literally playing with fire beside their property. The only hope for those residents is to call the fire department (North Cedar or Cranberry) or the RCMP. They will respond. The volunteers in the fire departments are very good about attending; the RCMP less dependable due to shortage of personnel, but apparently, they do show up eventually. For those who think they need a beach fire, there are some things you should
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probably be aware of. First, as mentioned earlier, it probably is not permitted on the stretch of beach that you are on. Second, there is always a risk of a fire getting out of control, especially when everyone is busy talking, singing, dancing and/or drinking late at night. And, did you know that burning driftwood releases carcinogenic dioxins from the salt-saturated wood? That’s not good to breathe! Did you also know that sand under the fire can remain extremely hot for long after the fire is out, potentially re-igniting a fire that has not been completely smothered or burning someone who happens to step there long after the fire is extinguished? There is also an outside chance that your fire will be hot enough to actually melt some of the sand into glass which is rather dangerous to barefooted visitors after you have left the beach. If you are on the beaches this summer, remember to think about the residents living close by and how horrifying it would be to have to help them fight an out-of-control beach fire that threatened their homes and property. Remember about the visitors who will come after you and what dangers you may have left them. And finally, remember that our beaches belong to all of us, so leave your favourite spot in the same shape that you would want to find it the next time you visit. And have a great, safe summer!
CVRD Area H North Oyster/Diamond
CVRD Board and Committee Meetings Nanaimo Airport Lands In June the CVRD Board considered a “referral for comment” from the Nanaimo Regional District (RDN) regarding amendments to the RDN Area A OCP and Zoning for the airport lands. The Airport Commission (NAC) has completed an Airport Land Use Plan, and while the RDN has used information within it, there is a jurisdictional dis-
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agreement in that the Airport believes they are federally regulated and that the RDN has no authority over these lands. With the airport on the Area H boundaries, I proposed a number of comments be provided to the RDN, such as more clearly defining the use of the adjacent airport lands, including the Cottonwood Golf Course, providing adequate setbacks from agricultural lands in keeping with the guidelines of the ALC and, lastly, providing for participation of the CVRD in conjunction with the RDN and the NAC in development of an agreement on issues, such as protection of the Cassidy aquifer. My recommendations for comments were passed by both the Electoral Area Services (EASC) Committee and the CVRD board and will be sent to the RDN for consideration. 2021 Budgets At the June 10, 2020 board meeting, a motion was passed “that a target of a zero percent increase be set for the 2021 budget and that a business case be provided for any increases above zero percent.” I voted in favour of this motion for the spirit it represents. Regional District budgets are complicated documents in that different areas participate in different functions, which have different plans and cost pressures, and it is easy for boards to get lost in the detail and lose sight of the big picture. I am tired of all levels of governments ignoring that there is only one taxpayer, and with federal, provincial, regional, municipal and other demands on the resident’s wallets, we have to keep our eye on the ability to pay more now than ever before. I do recognize the contractual reality of employment agreements and costs beyond our control, but that may result in some hard decisions on where cuts may be made to achieve a more affordable outcome. While I doubt that a zero percent across the board can be achieved, it does provide focus at this early stage
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and gears the directors up for hard decision making. Secondary Dwellings At the June 17, 2020 meeting, the EASC passed my motion recommending to the board the approval of a variance to the size of a new secondary dwelling proposed to help a family member “Age in Place,” as well as to provide for the multigenerational occupancy of an Area H property. The existing restrictions within the bylaws did not allow for innovative initiatives to both the affordability challenge, as well as trying to live independently with health challenges rather than relying on government. I would like to have the opportunity for broader consideration of such initiatives and the upcoming modernization of the CVRD OCP and the Area H Local Area Plan will be that opportunity. Affordability continues to be a challenge not only for single adults and couples, but also for families. The concept of multigenerational families living on a property with a secondary dwelling is one way to attempt to address these challenges, but how to do it without detriment to neighbourhoods and the environment? Aging in place requires the facilities, renovations and alterations required for health, mobility and care challenges, including provisions for caregivers (ideally family members). Often this is not achievable within existing secondary dwelling bylaws. How can we encourage this sort of activity while the reality of the current bylaws discourages it? At the May 13, 2020 board meeting, the following motion was passed: “It was moved and seconded that staff prepare a report on potential interim amendments to electoral area zoning bylaws to address secondary dwellings in advance of OCP and zoning bylaw harmonization.” While the report from staff has not yet been received (due July 15), I believe the topic of secondary dwellings does need further review and discussion. Historically the evolution of secondary residences has included: Secondary suites were not allowed at all. Illegal suites were still built, which raised concerns about public safety, so we began to legalize them. Often this legalization had size limitations. Under the guise of affordable housing, most areas now view secondary dwellings as a positive, but restrictions still exist that cause challenges for those requiring help, such as caregivers. With the modernization of the CVRD OCP and the Area H Local Area Plan, we can possibly craft bylaws that encourage affordability and aging in place while protecting the nature
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of the community. Please give these ideas some thought and certainly feel free to provide input and feedback to me directly. Contact Information Enjoy the summer weather, and you can contact me with any issues, concerns or comments that you may have at Colin. Haime@cvrd.bc.ca or 250-616-3986.
CVRD Area G Saltair/Gulf Islands
In the past, the song “School’s Out for Summer” would signal the beginning of summer. This summer may be “home sweet home,” show our local love and take the time to explore our local areas. We live in such an amazing area. Congratulations to all the Saltair Grade 12 students graduating from the Chemainus Secondary and the Ladysmith Secondary schools. 2020 Graduations will become part of history — as they say, “One for the history books.” Saltair taxpayers under the Area G Grant-in-Aid fund awarded two $500 bursaries for two Saltair students. Congratulations to Mary MacWatt who received the $500 Saltair Community Bursary–Chemainus Secondary, and congratulations to Izzak Parkin who received the $500 Saltair Community Bursary–Ladysmith Secondary awards. Thank you to all those that applied for these bursaries. Saltair Community Parks & Trails Some of the steps have been repaired or replaced on Stocking Creek trails and on some of the beach accesses. With so many wood structures in our parks, on trails and at beach accesses, there is constant maintenance required. By maintaining our wooden infrastructure, we can hopefully keep total replacement costs at bay. I would like to thank everyone for being the eyes of the community when it comes to reporting any public safety issues and passing along concerns. Saltair Water Filtration System There are two open water source systems under the CVRD Utilities Water Department: Saltair Water System and the Shawnigan Lake North Water System. Under the Drinking Water Protection Act and Drinking Water Regulations 4-3-21-0, both systems have not been in compliance for many years. On January 31, 2020, the CVRD board chair received a Water Contravention Order from the BC Health Protection and Environmental Services Nanaimo office, with a requirement for a new implementation plan from the CVRD. A response was sent from the CVRD Engineering Department on March
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5, with a proposed timeline. The proposed timeline included a long-term borrowing bylaw. A $3.7M loan authorization was brought forward by the CVRD Engineering Department to June 3rd Electoral Area Services Committee meeting. The loan authorization was sent back for staff and myself to have further discussions on. The CVRD staff has indicated the best fit for Saltair is the nanofiltration membrane system, and currently, this is based on getting a grant. I would like the community to have an opportunity to receive more information from the CVRD regarding the differences between the $6M grant application and the $3.7M systems. The ability of these systems to meet the current and possible future stricter standards for water quality. The total financial obligation by our community will be determined by the purchase price and operating costs, which are to be determined still in the future. What if the community is willing to finance a nanofiltration membrane system, but only a $3.7M loan has been authorized? Will approving a $3.7M long-term loan indicate to Island Health that Saltair is willing to take on the full cost of the system as a financial burden and impact our grant application? A system that will exceed the current regulations and most likely meet future stricter standards may be worth investing in at this time, as opposed to funding upgrades later. Knowing the filtered water quality results will meet new stricter standards going forward for the length of a long-term loan (i.e., 20 years) is very important. The federal and provincial governments have allocated grant funds to the larger systems, such as Comox, Nanaimo and Ladysmith that have provided a financial benefit for taxpayers in those areas. It is hard to understand why all mandated filtration system do not receive grant funding. I have also requested a letter be written for a reconsideration and deferral of the Water Contravention Order due to COVID-19 and the economic impact upon the Saltair taxpayers and their ability to fund a filtration system at this time without a grant allocation. The CVRD board has authorized my request. On February 27, 2020, the CVRD applied for the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program–Green Infrastructure–Environmental Quality Sub-stream for the Saltair Water Treatment Expansion Project, $6M. With grant approval, the Saltair taxpayers portion will be $1,608,201. Most likely this grant allocations will not be announced until the spring of 2021. Please contact me at lynne.smith@cvrd.bc.ca or 250-7011407. Additional articles can be found on SaltiarNews.ca.
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Boaters & public welcomed at the Ladysmith Community Marina When news of the cancellation of this year’s Ladysmith Maritime Society’s summer marine festivals were announced, although expected, it was still a blow to the community. The Heritage Boat Festival and Kids’ Pirate Day have become stalwarts of summer. COVID-19 has reached its tentacles to the waterfront, but members of LMS are fighting back. “The biggest loss for us right now is the loss of community in the marina. You don’t see the mingling and of course
Kids’ Pirate Day will become an online program for 2020. Photo: Gerry Beltgens
the festivals that we would be holding now are not going to be happening in the same way,” says LMS executive director Richard Wiefelspuett. The season had started off well with an expected 20 boat rendezvous scheduled this summer pre-pandemic, that is. After a flurry of cancellations, they were down to five. The Rendezvous are an important economic driver not only
for the marina but also for Ladysmith’s business community. But Wiefelspuett is feeling optimistic. With COVID-19 measures in place, they are “keen to be active again.” The tent up on the social dock, and with hourly cleaning protocols, they are looking forward to hosting their first group of boaters this season. “We keep reaching out to the ones that
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have cancelled to see if they could consider returning. Many of the cancellations have already rebooked for next year.” The rendezvous held at the LMS account for approximately 3000 boats coming to our community. Of that about 600 would normally be from the United States, which they probably won’t see this year. But the BC boating community is still active. Wiefelspuett says they remain cautiously optimistic that they will be able to bring back some of the popular activities such as Dine on the Dock, Dock Talk and Music Nights though not in the same shape or form. “We’re hoping to have the Oyster Bay Café re-open in some capacity with fewer people.” Volunteers are even trying to salvage the cancelled festivals and are working on a “virtual” pirate festival with content reflecting previous festivals but in an online daily episode sometime in August. While the message to boaters from some of the communities on Vancouver Island is “don’t come here, we don’t want you.” LMS is on a different tack. “Enjoy the summer, have fun on your boat and come to Ladysmith Community Marina. We have COVID-19 safety measures in place but ultimately were open for business, says Wiefelspuett.” “What’s really great about this is how the community is coming together.”
Ladysmith RCM-SAR Station 29 members with the new signage at Ladysmith Marina. Photo submitted.
Staying Safe Ladysmith RCM-SAR Station 29 members who are our area’s front liners when things do go awry on the water, highly recommend each boat skipper file a Cruise Plan left with a responsible person who will not be on the trip. This will enable us to do a swifter and more effective search should something go awry and the vessel return be significantly overdue, suggests member Charmaine Campbell. For more online information, visit Canadian Red Cross resource on boating safety. It has a checklist of required and suggested items to bring while boating as well as the The Safe Boating Guide by Transport Canada. So whatever “floats your boat” get out there and have a great summer on the water.
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PLASTIC ICE CUBES Dear Delbert, I want to be a sophisticated wine dude (SWD) like you. Other than a corkscrew and an over-priced bottle of wine. What will I need to pull this off ? — Myron P. Horsefeathers Dear Myron, You might consider a new surname. Other than that, you’re pretty much ready to go. The only thing missing is a brightly coloured assortment of plastic ice cubes. Myron: Plastic ice cubes? Did I hear right? SWD: Yes you did, Myron. With global warming breathing down our necks, plastic ice cubes are an essential piece of kit. The problem is white wine. Without intervention, that clean, crisp Riesling becomes as appealing as warm milk by the time you’re halfway down the glass. Plastic ice cubes address this issue, keeping the wine cool from start to finish. Believe me, they’ve done far more for the drinkability of white wine than over-priced, varietal specific wine glasses. An added bonus, they’re unbreakable, which is of great advantage when your bowling team, the Rambunctious Pinheads, a crew far more accomplished at knocking over wine glasses than ten pins, are invited over for a post match libation. Of course, the simple way to keep your white cool is to drink fast. This was my
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mother’s trick, one she would demonstrate to family members every Sunday night over pot roast dinner. In her prime, she could make a glass of white disappear quicker than Penn & Teller. No white wine was going to overheat on her shift. But if slurring your words and losing your train of thought are not your thing, plastic ice cubes are hard to beat. They’re also an invaluable weapon in our battle against wine snobbery. No one will accuse you of snobbery when a trio of lime green plastic ice cubes bob up and down in your pinot gris, that’s for sure. My only suggestion to the manufactures of these practical little gadgets is to make them in the shape of navy frogmen, submarines maybe, just like the ones that came in cereal boxes when we were kids. Once we had our fleet assembled, we could attack North Korea, anything to battle COVID boredom. It’s not just white wine that needs cooling. Red wine often gets served at too high a temperature in the summer, especially if you’re eating outside in the direct sun. One to enjoy in the shade is Pèppoli Chianti Classico, $26. HORROCKS VS. ROBINSON This serves as notice that a state of tension exists between well-known and highly regarded British wine critic Janis Robinson, who thinks we should all be drinking Riesling. And local authority Delbert Horrocks who says, “Drink Drano and soda, same mouth feel and it’s cheaper.” In case you haven’t heard of Robinson, she’s the world’s leading supporter of Riesling. Though she lives in England, her influence is worldwide. With one stroke of the pen, she can make or break a winery. No one wants to cheese her
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off. Except maybe Horrocks. In case you haven’t heard of Horrocks and his wine column “Slightly Corked,” that would be good luck. His sphere of influence is slightly smaller than Robinson’s, extending as far south as Ladysmith, as far north as the Terminal park liquor store. Too, a high concentration of his followers can be found clustered around the city dump where, every October 15th, they celebrate the start of wood stove season by burning back issues of “Slightly Corked,” which they have saved for the occasion. It’s not that Horrocks has a hate on for all Riesling. Gray Monk and Gehringer have been making pleasant easy to drink barbeque wines for years. If you find them too sweet, drop three or more frozen plastic ice cubes in to show them who is boss. It’s the new style B.C. Rieslings you’ve got to watch out for. Wine so acidic, it will take the paint off your car, the lining off your throat. Wine so harsh and out of balance, it will actually make your wife spew. If this happens to you, laughing is the wrong response. Meanwhile, back in Britain, oblivious to the throats she’s damaging, Robinson proclaims that “Riesling is the wine to drink while reading or writing. It refreshes the palate and sharpens the brain.” Yes, Janice, but the throat. What about the throat? For a tasty, reliable, non spewing Riesling, try the Mission Hill Reserve, about $20. Cedar Creek also makes delicious Riesling. Follow at Slightlycorkedandmore. wordpress.com or pick up his book at the Mahle House or TAKE 5.
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WANTED VOLUNTEERS needed to help with research, 250245-0100 or info@ladysmithhistoricalsociety.ca. BUSINESS
HOME & YARD
EXPERIENCED HOUSESITTER Now offering senior companionship, respite care and concierge services. Peaceofmindcare. wordpress.com. Kathleen 250-619-0786 or email kgrcoaching@gmail.com.
CONCRETE RESULTS. Contracting, fullservice forming and finishing, walls, walks, patios, drives. 35 years experience. Call Gord 250-753-4024.
I CAN EDIT. Copy editing, proofreading, structural editing and more. Fiction or nonfiction, web content and eBook prep. For more information, editican@gmail.com. HEALTH & WELLNESS MOBILE FOOT CARE NURSE. Corns, callus, fungus, diabetes. Contact Carol Hollett, LPN/ Foot Care Nurse, at ghollett99@hotmail.com or 250-210-1191. TAI CHI for mental & physical health. Beginner classes start Sept. & Jan., Mondays, at Cedar Heritage Centre. On-going class Wednesdays at North Oyster Community Centre. Both classes 10am–noon; www.taichinanaimo.org. Call Sara 250-245-1466.
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. 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. HEART LAKE ROOFING for all your roofing repairs 250-668-9195. QUALITY RENOVATIONS. Big or small. 25 yrs. exp/journeyman, affordable. For free estimate, call Lars 250-616-1800.
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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 & Babs. I am bonded, have Animal First Aid and CPR. 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, old jobs, companionship, meal prep, etc.! Valid first aid/CPR, clean driver’s record, Level 2 Foodsafe, gardener and handywoman. Call Marilyn at 250-606-7069. GRANNYS ON THE GO COMPANION SERVICES. Are you looking for someone that can help you with an active senior family member? Well look no further than Janet Bowman at janetmb@shaw.ca or 250-924-1515. ARE YOU LOOKING FOR SOMEONE THAT CAN HELP YOU WITH AN ACTIVE SENIOR FAMILY MEMBER? Well look no further than Janet Bowman at janetmb@shaw.ca or 250-924-1515. LEAVE A LEGACY! We can help you record your memories and stories for your future generations. From book, e-book format or as a video, TAKE 5 offers professional friendly service at affordable prices. For a free estimate on your project or idea, give us a call. You won’t be dissapointed. Phone Marina Sacht, TAKE 5 Print & Digital Media at 250245-7015 or email editor@take5.ca.
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