Westerly Newspaper

Page 1

Westerly News an Arctic Trail

2 Great Dealerships 1 Great Choice New & Pre-owned Vehicles !

The Chris Turner Experien

ce

I Deliver to the West Co ast

January 8, 2014

News updates: westerlynews.ca

Serving Tofino and Ucluelet

Hull damage blamed in Ahousaht man’s death Rescuers find ‘freshly sunken boat’ 1 hour after mayday call just 6km from Tofino CINDY E. HARNETT

Times-Colonist Hull damage is being blamed for the death of an Ahousaht man after his boat sank off the West Coast. The lone occupant was reportedly on his way to work about six kilometres from Tofino when his body was found in a freshly sunken vessel, said Capt. Colin Henthorne of the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Victoria. A mayday call went out at 11:21 p.m. Friday and was relayed by Tofino Coast Guard radio a minute later. The man said the boat was taking on water. The damage to the hull suggests some sort of possible impact, said Capt. Sean Morris of the Joint Rescue Co-ordination Centre. When the mayday call went out, the Coast Guard vessel Cape Ann and a Royal Canadian Air Force Cormorant helicopter were immediately dispatched. Authorities say the boater did not give an accurate position, forcing search crews to locate him, Henthorne said. This was compounded by the likelihood he was See AHOUSAHT page 2

Wednesday

$1.00 [INCLUDING TAX]

ALBERNI TO YOTA

Call Me 250-735-2204 Text Me cturner@albernitoyota.co m

WHERE THE WINTER TAKES S YOU OU U

Health Canada scientists talk Fukushima leak

FIBER OPTIC ON Bob Hansen’s daughter Ava, left, helps him build an electric fence to protect a meat cache in Igloolik, where he helped manage human-polar bear encounters.

JACKIE CARMICHAEL

Below: an inquiring polar bear is captured on the gate-cam.

A sea otter floats beside Francis Island at the Ucluelet harbour mouth on Oct. 19. PHOTO COURTESY BRIAN CONGDON.

Tofitian finishes career on polar bear patrol ERIN LINN McMULLAN

Special to Westerly News Editor’s Note: This is the latest in an occasional series about West Coast residents and where the winter takes them. Back from two years in the Arctic, Tofino resident Bob Hansen has some amazing experience under his belt. “I couldn’t have imagined it - it was beyond imagining,” said Tofino resident Bob Hansen. The wildlife deterrent specialist spent the past two years in Igloolik working with communities across Nunavut to manage human-polar bear encounters. “I spent as much time out on

West Coast detectors don’t find radiation

the land as I could. It was a real gift to have had this remarkable experience.” Nearing retirement, Hansen had already discussed his lifelong Arctic dream with wife, Adrienne

Mason, and daughters Ava and Patrice. By February 2012, he made the long move northeast to the tiny island between Nunavut’s mainland and Baffin Island for a post with the Government of Nunavut’s Department of Environment. Soon he experienced temperatures dipping past -50, brilliant Arctic sunrises during brief winter daylight and an “immense, stark, open landscape” on the periphery of a town “always buzzing with activity.” Igloolik, as one of the most traditional communities and a hotspot for polar bear-human conflict, See POLAR BEAR page 10

Westerly News Local radiation detection efforts on the West Coast aren’t picking up wide-scale fallout from the March 2011 Fukushima reactor disaster. Social media, now that’s something else – and a rash of West Coast posts are linking to online articles claiming everything from media conspiracy to widespread marine life die-offs to Fukushima fallout. Physicists from Health Canada are tasked with monitoring coastal radiation levels in the atmosphere, the water and marine See FUKUSHIMA page 13

INSIDE THIS WEEK: Dog killed in Ukee

3

ToÀno Chamber takes on BC Chamber 16 Tax wealth: One ToÀno block has 6% of Island’s Top 100 assessed properties! 15 .... and more!

Annual Locals’ AppreciaƟon Night – Float Lounge – FRIDAY Jan. 10th Thank you to all our supporters and business partners over the past 5 years. LOCAL’S NIGHT AT BLACK ROCK RESORT! Friday January 10th, 2014

Black Rock is celebraƟng our 5th anniversary. Our annual Locals Night in Float Lounge will feature Ucluelet’s LeŌ at the JuncƟon, door prizes and drink specials.

Music and fun starts at 8:30pm!


Page 2 | The Westerly News

The Westerly News (1987) Ltd. is a division of VI Newspaper Group Limited Partnership

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Community Events

To list your West Coast event, call 250 726-7029 or e-mail office@westerlynews.ca VOLUNTEER COAST

The Westerly News publishes weekly on Wednesday and regularly posts online at www.westerlynews.ca.

Serving the cheer!

WHO WE ARE

Hugh Nicholson, publisher hnicholson@glaciermedia.ca

Volunteers serve up a Ucluelet Community Christmas Dinner prior to Christmas at the Uclueleet Community Centre.

Jackie Carmichael, editor editor@westerlynews.ca Andrew Bailey, reporter reporter@westerlynews.ca Paul Schroeder, advertising advertising@westerlynews.ca CONTACT US P.O. Box 317, Ucluelet B.C. V0R 3A0 [1–1920 Lyche Rd., Ucluelet] Phone: 250-726-7029 Fax: 250-726-4282 E-mail: office@westerlynews.ca DEADLINES Display ads Monday at noon Call 250-266-0557 office@westerlynews.ca Classified ads Tuesday at 10 a.m. Call 1-866-415-9169 classifieds@westerlynews.ca Online ads Start anytime Call 250-266-0557 office@westerlynews.ca Letters to the editor Monday at noon office@westerlynews.ca SUBSCRIPTIONS Local area: $75.18 Seniors (local): $63.91 Canada: $84.56 U.S.: $155.18 To subscribe call: 1-888-311-7713 or 250-729-4266

We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage. The Tofino-Ucluelet Westerly News, a division of the VI Newspaper Group Limited Partnership, respects your privacy. We collect, use and disclose your personal information in accordance with our Privacy Statement which is available by calling 250-729-4223. The contents of this newspaper are protected by copyright and may be used only for personal, non-commercial purposes.

8 WEDNESDAY Recycling Day in Tofino. Winter’s Fire: seasonal arts and crafts show opening Inkwis, Tofino. Food, art. 5-8 p.m. Wednesday 11:15 a.m-11:45 a.m. Story time for preschool children ages 3-5 . Ucluelet library at the Ucluelet Community Centre Strong Start, Ucluelet Elementary School, 8:35-11:35 a.m. Holy Family Church, 9:30am, 1664 Peninsula Rd. Ucluelet. Adults/Seniors Chi Gong, 10:30– 11:30am, UCC fitness studio. Preschool Play Group, 10am–noon, Tofino Community Hall. Youth Health Clinic Ucluelet, 10–11:30am, youth room, Ucluelet Community Centre (library entrance). Access to the health nurse 250-720-5471. Youth Health Clinic Tofino, 1–2:30pm, Coastal Family Place, 265 First St. Access to the health nurse 250-720-5471. Ucluelet Sunshine Club, 1pm, Forest Glen. Seniors Social Afternoons, 1:30-4pm, Tofino Legion. Free admission & refreshments. Dominos, crib, board games, pool, snooker & darts. Ucluelet library, open 1–6pm.

9 THURSDAY St. Columba Church Bible Study 10:30 am, Ucluelet Community Center,

Healthy Babies Program/Family Ties, 10:30am. Drop-in for expectant, new parents, Coastal Family Place, Tofino. Wickaninnish Community School’s StrongStart program. Monday and Fridays 8:45-11:45 Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 10:30-1:30 Free community lunch, noon–2pm, Coastal Community Services Hub, Ucluelet. Info 250-726-2343. The Edge Youth Room, 3–6pm, Ucluelet Community Centre & Youth Nite at the Edge (cooking, movies, art projects & more), 6–8pm, $2. Tofino library, 331 Main St., 3–7pm. Pacific Rim Toastmasters, 7:30pm, Rm 1, UCC. Info: 250-726-2766. Drop-in Bingo, doors 7pm, early-bird 7:30–8pm, full games 8–10pm, Tofino Legion. Badminton, 8–10pm, USS gym. $2 AA meeting, 8pm, Holy Family Ch., 1663 Peninsula Rd., Ucluelet. 250-726-2712/4220.

10 FRIDAY Big Beach Theatre movies, UCC, Ucluelet - see What’s On, Page 14 Black Rock Oceanfront Resort 5 year anniversary, 8:30 p.m. Float Lounge. Strong Start, Ucluelet Elementary School, 8:35-11:35 a.m. Tofino Library Storytime 11:30 a.m.12 noon. 331 Main St. Preschool children with adult welcome. The Edge Youth Room, 2–6pm, Ucluelet Community Centre & Youth

Sports Day, 3–5pm. Free. Holy Family Church, 7pm, 1664 Peninsula Rd. Ucluelet.

11 SATURDAY Big Beach Theatre movies, matinee, UCC, Ucluelet - see What’s On, Page 14 Ucluelet library, Ucluelet Community Centre, open 10am–2pm. Tofino library, 331 Main St., open 10am–noon & 1–5pm. St. Francis of Assisi Church, mass 5:30pm, 441 Main St. Tofino. AA meeting, 7:30pm, St. Francis Church, 441 Main, Tofino. Open. Call 250-725-3446.

12 SUNDAY Sunday, Jan 12th. Thornton Creek Enhancement Society AGM. 10 am at 2150 Thornton Rd (at the Hatchery) Christ Community Church, 10:30am, 1419 Peninsula Rd. Ucluelet. Grace Bible Church, 10:30am, Ucluelet Community Ctr., 500 Matterson Dr. Holy Family Church, 9:30am, 1664 Peninsula Rd. Ucluelet. St. Columba Church, 10:30am, 110 Second St. Tofino. Tofino Bible Fellowship meets at the Tofino Legion Hall, 331 Main Street at 10:30

13 MONDAY Monday Night Movies, Tofino, Clayoquot Community Theatre, see

What’s On column on Page 15 for details Strong Start, Ucluelet Elementary School, 8:35-11:35 a.m. Floor hockey, 7–9pm, Ucluelet Seaplane Base Rec Hall. $2 drop-in. Indoor Soccer, 8–10pm, USS gym, $2 Competitive & drop-in darts, doors 7pm, play 8pm, Tofino Legion.

14 TUESDAY Strong Start, Ucluelet Elementary School, 5-8pm Healthy Babies Program/Family Ties, 10:30am. Drop-in for expectant parents & new parents, Coastal Community Services Hub, Ucluelet Community Centre. 250-726-2224. Ucluelet library, Ucluelet Community Centre, open 1–6pm. The Edge Youth Room, 3–6pm, Ucluelet Community Centre & Girl’s Roller Derby, ages 13–18, 3pm, Seaplane Base Rec Hall. Youth night, 7-9pm, Tofino Legion. Free admission, snacks & drinks. Pool, snooker, foosball, hockey table, darts & board games. Supervision provided, parents welcome. St. Francis of Assisi Church, mass 5pm, 441 Main St. Tofino. Food Bank on the Edge, pick up 1–3pm, Seaplane Base Rd. AA meeting, 7:30pm, St. Francis Church, 441 Main, Tofino. Roller Derby Practice, 7-9pm, Seaplane Base Rec Hall. Basketball, 7–10pm, USS gym.

Telling West Coast stories Welsh videographer Rose Robin enjoyed some Ucluelet hospitality this week as she did research for a half-hour Youtube segmenton winter in BC. It will all be posted on the website she founded, www. paintingpirates.com. She visited with local leaders in a reception at Whiskey Landing Lodge hotel. Here Robin, right, visits with Vi Mundy, left and Cathy Whitcomb, middle.


The Westerly News | Page 3

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT

Pet dog reported killed in residential Ucluelet ANDREW BAILEY

Westerly News A recent fatal attack on a dog in residential Ucluelet remains unsolved. The BC Conservation Officer Service (CO) did not investigate because the dog’s owner did not report the attack, according to Port Alberni-based Conservation Officer Lorne Rinkel. “We were never in touch with the owner nor did we get a call to go out,” Rinkel said. Rinkel said he has documented the attack. Although it’s not investigated or conclusive, “it’s still part of a puzzle if it happens again,” he said. The CO has not determined exactly when the incident took place, though a post on the West-

Coast Animal Lovers Facebook page says it happened Dec. 20. Local reports place the attack near Majestic Ocean Kayaking’s property on Helen Rd. Rinkel confirmed it took place at a shoreline property near Ucluelet’s Fuel Dock. He said a friend of the dog’s owner, who is also a wildlife management specialist with Parks Canada, alerted the CO to the situation around 3 p.m. on Dec. 21. “The story that I was told was that people were on their deck at 9 p.m. and their two dogs took off into the bush barking. It got quiet they heard a yipping sound and one dog came back (unharmed) and one dog didn’t come back,” Rinkel said. The Park staffer helped the dog’s owner search for the missing animal and they were still out looking

when the dog escaped its attacker and returned to the house, according to Rinkel. He said the search party arrived back to find the dog “severely bitten up and injured throughout its body.” With no local animal hospital on the West Coast, the dog was immediately taken to an animal hospital – reportedly in Nanaimo but the animal did not survive. Rinkel could not confirm what type of predator attacked the dog because no investigation was conducted but said that wolves had been seen in the area for two weeks prior to the incident and wolf scat and tracks were reportedly present at the scene. He speculated further that the dog likely would not have escaped to return home had it been

attacked by a cougar. “It’s never been proven that it was a wolf, nobody saw it happen,” he said, adding that a bear or another dog could be to blame. The CO service relies on sighting reports to track the movements of predators but Rinkel suggests reports from locals have been lacking. “It takes it from rumour to reality when we can start documenting these sightings,” he said. “What we’ve been finding is there’s been a complete lack of the public calling us about wolf sightings in Ucluelet since last winter,” he said. “I don’t know if it’s because (wolves are) staying out of trouble or if the people enjoy seeing them or what the reason is ... We haven’t had a wolf call in many months.”

Rinkel said reporting a sighting doesn’t necessarily mean a wild animal has to die. “If it’s a sighting only, with no aggressive or threatening behavior, it comes to us as a report that we can review and use to plot and track movements and activity,” Rinkel said. “It’s important for us to be able to make a pattern.” Despite the lack of reports, he said conservation officers are keeping a close eye on wolves in Ucluelet. “We don’t want it to go from sightings, and there indeed have been some pets lost, to the next step, which could be a human injury,” he said. Anyone who spots a predator in town is encouraged to contact the CO at 1-877-952-7277. reporter@westerlynews.ca

Ahousaht man dies after boat sinks; hull damage suspected, continued from Page 1 moving, trying to get to shallow water, he said. The man had set out from Flores Island, a small island in Clayoquot Sound populated mainly by members of the Ahousaht First Nation. The boater was apparently headed to work on a fish farm in Cypress Bay, about 11 kilometres north of Tofino between Flores Island and Tofino, when he encountered trouble. His 21-foot aluminum boat had a cabin and was equipped with two 150-horsepower motors, GPS and radar, according to the Joint Rescue Co-ordination Centre. Henthorne said he believes the boater likely had two choices: stay in the cabin and steer the boat to shallow water; or stay outside and be ready to abandon the boat in frigid water. “The choices are not good either way,” he said. At 12:11 a.m., the Cormorant crew reported they were 10 minutes from the scene, making their expected arrival time 12:21 a.m., about an hour after the mayday call went out. The Cape Ann arrived at 12:46 a.m. The vessel was “freshly sunken with a person trapped inside,” Henthorne said. Search-and-rescue technicians dove into the cabin of the vessel and located one person. The man was

An RCAF Cormorant used in search and rescue operations like Friday’s.

transported to Tofino hospital by Coast Guard lifeboat, Henthorne said. “The lone occupant had not survived,” Henthorne said. Tofino/Ahousaht RCMP and the B.C. Coroners Service are investigating. The man’s name wasn’t released at presstime.

TIMES-COLONIST PHOTO

ADVENTURE SHOPPING

Vaccine and Appointment Clinic

at

for Dogs & Cats

CARGO

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

THRIFT

Ucluelet’s UAC Hall

Quality used housewares, clothes, books & music

OPEN 11-5 MON-SAT MAIN ST. UCLUELET (across from CIBC)

(located beside the firehall on Peninsula Rd)

&

THORNTON CREEK ENHANCEMENT SOCIETY

Tofino’s Royal Canadian Legion

10am on Sun, Jan 12th 2014

Alberni Vet Clinic

2150 Thornton Road At the hatchery in Port Albion

ph 250-723-7341

Supporting local charities Donation items welcome

Jan. 8 - Tofino RECYCLES

9:30 am – noon

AGM

www.albernivet.com

1:30 – 4 pm Visit our website

T H U R S DAY 9

F R I DAY 1 0

S AT U R DAY 1 1

S U N DAY 1 2

M O N DAY 1 3

T U E S DAY 1 4

Showers 7/5

Rain/wind 7/5

Heavy rain 7/3

Showers 7/6

Few showers 8/5

Showers 8/5

R E M E M B E R — R e d u c e , R e u s e , R e cy c l e !

Son Bird Refuse & Recycling 250-726-4406 Chris Bird 250-726-8144

Local tides brought to you by:

TIDES Thursday 9 metres

00:24 06:56 13:56 20:03

Friday 10 feet

1.5 4.9 3.5 11.5 1.2 3.9 2.7 8.9

metres

01:31 07:55 15:03 21:20

Saturday 11 feet

1.7 5.6 3.4 11.2 1.1 3.6 2.8 9.2

metres

02:41 08:52 16:01 22:22

Sunday 12 feet

1.8 5.9 3.4 11.2 1 3.3 2.9 9.5

metres

03:43 09:45 16:51 23:12

Monday 13 feet

1.9 6.2 3.5 11.5 0.8 2.6 3 9.8

metres

04:34 10:32 17:33 23:54

Tuesday 14 feet

1.8 5.9 3.5 11.5 0.7 2.3 3.1 10.2

metres

05:18 11:13 18:09

Wednesday 15 feet

1.8 5.9 3.6 11.8 0.7 2.3

metres

00:30 05:57 11:51 18:42

feet

3.2 10.5 1.7 5.6 3.6 11.8 0.6 2.0

Ucluelet / Tofino www.coastrealty.com 250-726-7474


Page 4 | The Westerly News

Opinion

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

COMMENT

In praise of “the Sticks” Arthur Black Basic Black “I’d rather wake up in the middle of nowhere than in any city on earth. “- Steve McQueen All my life I’ve stood on the sidelines of a titanic battle between the City and the Country. Now it’s official: the City has won. Not for me personally. I’m still a country bumpkin who lives many green and verdant miles from the nearest stoplight, billboard or high-rise, but worldwide, I’m grasping the short end of the stick. Humans – nearly all 7.3 billion of us – are flocking to cities like fruit flies to an overripe kumquat. In 1950 there were only two cities in the world with populations over ten million. By 2007 there were nineteen. The U.N. estimates that within a dozen years, twenty-seven cities will top

the ten million mark. As I write, there are 90 cities in China alone that host more than a million citizens each. 2008 was the tipping point. Since that year the world has officially had more people living in cities than in rural areas. According to Laurence Smith, author of a book called The World in 2050, cities in the developing world have been bloating by about three million people per week. That, says Smith, is the equivalent of adding one more Seattle to the planet every day. Worldwide, farmers and farm workers are becoming obsolete. Think of it: for the first time in history, most humans have no personal ability to grow their own food or supply their own water. I can’t be the only one who finds that ominous. Mind you, it’s not as if we’re running out of real estate for all these cities. Experts say all of humanity could fit into a space See ARTHUR BLACK Page 5

LETTERS

Missing Tofino My name is Maddy and I am from Toronto Canada. I am a 17 year old girl attending Havergal College. Recently, I wrote a little ‘ode/story’ about Tofino and wanted to show Westerly News. It’s easy to forget how beautiful the place you live in is, I thought perhaps it could go in (if there’s room/interest) somewhere in the paper as a little reminder about how grateful the people living in Tofino should be!! This place is for the chillest of the chill people. Uptight people need not visit. Tofino is a place where adrenaline meets absolute calmness. It is a place where two lifestyles merge and you feel complete. The sand in your toes, the salt in your mouth, and the wind blowing your hair. The rush of adrenaline as you jump on your surfboard and break the glassy water and wait in total bliss before you end up shredding some waves. Going for a ride in the most beautiful and underrated surfing cove leaves you breathless. Then you get home, peel off your wetsuit, pour some tea and stare out on the porch as the sunset drips down melting

onto the water’s line. This is a place where you’re not only content with being Canadian but fiercely proud and grateful you are. Madeleine Archer, Toronto

Thanks for Tla-o-qui-aht dinner KLECKO KLECKO! Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation has several generous people who made this years Community Christmas Dinner a success. Your generosity goes to initiatives to the Tla-o-qui-aht Membership of more than 1000 people ranging from, Christmas Food Hampers, Community Christmas Dinner, a visit from Santa who brings gifts for our precious Tla-o-qui-aht Children...and most of all the warmth of the holiday season. To all you generous donors who have opened up your hearts, and supported our memberships events we truely are thankful. And we wish you all the best for the Holiday Season, and a healthy and prosperous 2014!! Coast Mountain Construction, Island Timberlands, Tofino Coop,Ucluelet Coop,The Place, Rods Power & Marine, Barkey Project-

Group, John Tom Water Taxi, John Watson, Ratcliff & Co, Creative Salmon, TFN Seafoods, Park Inn & Suites, BMO, Trio Accounting Solutions, Accent Inn Victoria, North Vancouver Hotel, Coast Bastion Inn Nanaimo, BW Tin Wis, Travelodge Nanaimo, Days Inn & ABC Restaurant, Esowista Snack Shack, G&N Towing Muuchinink & Siyasium for the Christmas Tree, Shelley Amos Christmas Planner Gloria Frank - Candy Factory Supervisor LOL! Christmas Hamper Delivery Team: Desmond Tom, Wayne Curley, Karl Wagner, Mark Gray, Shelley Amos, Ed Coon, Randy Frank, Stevie Ray Frank, XMAS Wrappers: Shelley Amos, Deanna Amos, Marie Atleo, Gloria Frank,Marilyn Brown, and Colleen Thomas and Xmas Shoppers: Audrey Edgar, and Shelley Amos. We wish you all a wonderful holiday season, and all the best for The New Year. Melanie Touchie Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation

Hospice thank you! Thank you to the generous community minded businesses who donated gifts and or financial sup-

port to the Pacific Rim Hospice Giftathon: Body Vitality Massage Therapy, Anita Tavera, BriMar B & B, Caffé Vincente, Cargo Thrift, Carole Gagne, Chocolate Tofino, CIBC, Clayoquot Connections, Coastal Bliss Yoga, Common Loaf, COVET West Coast Style, Cox Bay Resort, Crab Apple Floral, Creative Salmon, Cox Bay Resort, Dorothy Arnet, Driftwood Sales, Eagle Aerie Gallery, Erin Irwin, Green Soul Organics, Habit, House of Himwitsa, Jamie’s Rainforest Inn on the Inlet, Jan McDougall, Jan Rodgers, Janine Croxall Photography, Katherine Hasz Physiotherapist, Linda Baril Reflexology, Live to Surf, Long Beach Automotive, Ltd., Long Beach Lodge Resort, Longbeach Surf Shop, Mark Hobson Gallery, Mermaid Tales Bookshop, Ocean Outfitters, OCN Garden Center, Pacific Surf School, Pharmasave, Piña Boutique & Gallery, Remote Passages, Rene Gibson, RPM Group, Rod’s Power & Marine Ltd., RTOWN Long Beach, Sabine Hotz, Salty Dolls Hair Salon, Schooner Restaurant, Sea Wench Naturals, Seaview Communications Ltd., Shelter Restaurant, Sparrow Design, Storm Light Outfitters, Studio One, Aveda Con-

cept Salon, Therese Bouchard Massage, To Cut & Dye For, Tofino Cake Studio, Tofino Coffee, Tofino COOP, Tofino Pharmacy, Tofino Sea Kayaking, Tony’s Pizza, West Side Surf School, Whiskey Landing, Wild Side Grill, Ladies of Ledger, Dr. James Jameson, Darlene Choquette, Tofino Tech and Zoe Rodocanachi Your kind and compassionate contributions to Hospice will help us help others in 2014. Kim Hoag, Executive Director Pacific Rim Hospice Society

Society thanks for (wow) $11,000 gift

A HUGE thank you to Jamie’s Whaling Station & Adventure Centres for their generous donation of $11,000. Their contribution directly supports our local school programs, outdoor education programs, speaker series, summer camps and much more (see http://raincoasteducation. org). Our goal is to conserve the natural ecosystems of Clayoquot Sound; our tool is education. It’s an honour to share that goal with Jamie’s Whaling Station. Thank you for all of

your support! Dan Harrison and Kim Johnston Raincoast Education Society

LETTERS POLICY: The Westerly News welcomes letters to the editor. We reserve the right to edit letters for clarity, taste, legality and length. We require your hometown and a daytime phone number for verification purposes. Letters must include your first name (or two initials) and last name. Unsigned letters and letters of more than 300 words will not be accepted. Email office@westerlynews.ca


Opinion II The Westerly News | Page 5

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

VOLUNTEER COAST

Dry New Year’s event a positive force LOCAL VOICE: LAURA MANSON The Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations 2nd Annual Dry New Year’s Eve Party was inspired by Margaret Charlie’s Christmas Craft Night at the beginning of December in 2012. It got me pondering the New Years Eve and how I used to enable the drinking habit around our community by babysitting. I decided I’d host a Dry New Year’s Eve Party for families. Forty people attended the potluck dinner, and thirty for the party in 2012. Last year’s event estimated $300$500 worth of donations. This year’s event had thirteen attend the potluck dinner, and forty-six people attend the party. An estimated $500-$700 worth of donations were made for this year’s event. The event was a great success. I began fundraising and collecting donations at the end of November. My hopes were that Esowista and Tyhistanis members would be able to attend the event as well, but unfortunately I was not able to arrange a boat or bus

Arthur Black, continued from Page 4

the size of Alberta – each with a personal townhouse, in fact. But we lose an awful lot with mass urbanization. Just about everything I hold dear, actually. My city friends sometimes ask me if I don’t get lonely, living in the country. I tell them that I only feel lonely on subway trains and in airports. They ask: “But don’t you find it boring? Unstimulating?” I refer them to a lady we all know who spent four decades living in the boonies of rural Canada. She went about her business with her eyes open and her ears cocked. Revelers enjoy a sweet and sober New Year’s eve, with the help of Laura Manson and a host of volunteers and From what she saw and heard supporters. she wrote fourteen books crammed with short stories about the rural world around her. “I don’t think I’d have been nearly to charter to get those to event and with the struggle of staying sober. aht First Nation’s Annual Family so brave a writer if I’d lived in town back home safely. While at the party I heard how Ski trip to Mount Washington. Hopefully next New Year’s Eve the individuals had been sober We meant to go last year, but had and if I had gone to school with I can fundraise much earlier in from anywhere from one week to accidentally scheduled for Easter other people who were interested in the same things I was, and what we order to have all local Tla-o-quiwell over a decade. That was really weekend. It then was postponed might call a higher cultural level” aht First Nation members attend. encouraging and inspiring. until later in the year. Laura Manson is a member of she said recently, “I didn’t have to I personally found both events I intend on keeping the event the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation. She cope with that” to be very encouraging. I have going year after year. can be reached at sum12sweet@ She did pretty well with what she been sober for nearly three and a I also intend on getting another hotmail.com. had, though. Recently the world half years. There have been times annual event going. I want to agreed and gave Alice Munro the where I felt like I was the only one begin fundraising for Tla-o-quiNobel Prize for Literature.

OUR VIEW

2014: The Year of the Volunteer on the West Coast I find it heartening when people go out on a limb to generate a little extra humankindness. I see it all the time. And even though charity is sometimes overshadowed by selfishness or outright stupidity – Exhibit A, the thoughtless vandals who robbed and ransacked the Tacofino truck this week, or whoever swiped a black Tacoma truck with everything from a surfboard to a baby car seat in it – I believe there are way more sparks of charity than of negativity, all across the West Coast. Whether it’s the community rallying to help the Food Bank on the Edge surpass its annual goal, or to properly equip cyclists lights with bikes, or to stuff a Cuba-bound suitcase with things both small and significant, or a

Jackie Carmichael Editor family deciding together that every other year, birthday parties mean giving and not getting. It’s sharing wood with a woodworker eager to create but in no position to fetch his own right now because of crippling psoriatic arthritis. It’s Christmas dinner done with others in mind, knowing that’s where the joy is, in the Tla-o-quiaht community, under the direction of Chef Nutting in Tofino or at the Ucluelet Community Centre’s West Coast resource hub or on Christmas Day at the Lions hall in

Ukee. It’s Breakfast with Santa and a Dry New Year party where children can dance with joy amongst adults sober enough to see and savour it and be part of a clearminded future. It’s chiming in on the electric bass with all the budding Mozarts at the school Christmas concert, or pulling together some well-tuned carols. It’s sharing the pleasure of holiday lights in ways either modest or extravagant with one’s neighbours, like Bernie Hebert, who turned on her and Mike’s own dancing lights and then painstakingly compiled addresses around the West Coast for a trail of lights for others to follow. We salute our winners for our Winter Wonderland Lighting Con-

test, Mark Thornton of Ucluelet, the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi in Tofino, and the Wickaninnish Inn, as well as a special recognition to Bernie for thinking of others. And one last holiday thing before I douse the Yule log and pack up the tree. I sat down and carried on a conversation with Cam Dennison last week, and he generously suspended belief long enough to let Fergus the Newshound interview him as Santa for our Holiday Family Pages, and his beaming presence there was just as inspiring to me as the wonderful art provided by the talented Tamara Macdonald and Susanne Hare. At the Westerly News, we have declared 2014 the Year of the Volunteer. We’re counting on friend and

readers to point them out to us, with story ideas and pictures and letters to the editor. You can reach us at office@westerlynews.ca, or at 250-726-7029 or 250-534-9213. From boardsmanship to clearing the ice so a dockside event can be enjoyed without peril, we will be celebrating the volunteers whose expertise or xtra mile is given whole-heartedly on what I’ve come to conclude is the Volunteer Coast. You, Volunteer. We see you there. We salute you. You shine. You rock. Vive le volunteer! editor@westerlynews.ca


Page 6 | The Westerly News

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

VOLUNTEER COAST

Charity abroad: Tofitian shares West Coast generosity in his travels JACKIE CARMICHAEL

Westerly News Gord Johns hasn’t forgotten to pack a charitable heart for his travels abroad. The executive director of the Tofino-Long Beach Chamber of Commerce likes to bring a little joy to spread around. He’s currently collecting a suitcase of small packable items for an upcoming trip to Cuba, little items like good shoes, softball mitts and soft houncing balls for the kids, guitar strings, even serviceable used prescription eyeglasses – stuff Canadians may take for granted, but which can be out of reach for the average Cuban. “When you get outside the tourist areas, you see the true needs of Cuba,” he said, citing numbers showing while Cubans have things like a roof and healthcare, wages of $1 a day keep people from having much. The helping response from the community has been “overwhelming,” he said. “It’s amazing to see the power and spirit of people wanting to connect, share and help people they don’t even know a world away … There will be a little piece of Tofino in Havana by the time they’re done,” Johns said. The appreciation in return is gratifying in a country that is culturally rich and where sharing is a way of life and a simple rubber ball may be played with by a whole neighbourhood. “It’s ingrained in them to share,”

coastrealty.com

Tofino & Ucluelet 250-726-8113 sold@telus.net

Lawyers Sherry Baxter, Ted Holekamp and Deborah Acheson

Above, Gord Johns and his partner Jennifer McSporran, right, with Ucluetian Anna Randall, centre, and friends in Guyana. Right, staff and students at Buxton Youth Developers ‘ school in Guyana, where West Coast support has been gratefully received.

Johns said. For his Christmas in Guyana, he carried some West Coast comfort to Ucluetian ex-pat Anna Randall. Coun. Cathy Thicke of Tofino knew Randall was in Georgetown, Guyana, sorting out visa requirements for her mission work in Surinam, so she quickly put together a care package with the help of Kim Tomiyama Shaw of Chocolate Tofino. Johns and his partner,

Canadian Consul for Guyana Jennifer McSporran, invited Randall to lunch, and presented the West Coaster with goodies from home. And Randall got to spend some time in air conditioning – a bonus, but a gift in its own right. The visit and goodwill from home made her Christmas, she was heard to say. Johns said it made his holiday,

too. “Anna’s so far away, on the other side of the world, and she’s doing this on a shoestring in remote Surinam, where she’s living in the jungle and doing some incredible work,” he said. “Seeing her and hearing her stories of what she was doing was really a gift for me … I got to be a conduit, which is a lot of my life practice and work

– to just fill in the gaps. It was pretty cool to do that,” Johns said. “I got to be Santa, really.” Johns revisited Buxton Youth Developers, the grass-roots charity that is turning a shoestring budget of $6,000 Canadian a year into hope and education for 200 youth from one of the most desperately underprivileged parts of Guyana. He was able to bring news of support from the West Coast, where people like Ricardo Manmohan of Leadership Vancouver Island, and Melanie Leggett, have pulled together with businesses like Jamie’s and Crystal Cove to gather resources, including two months operating cost for the school. McSporran donated a photocopier to the school, and Johns was able to connect the dots with a delegation from the European Union, which could consider a grant application that would help the school expand to offer things like trades training. “They were overwhelmed, just to see people in another country cared about what they were doing,” Johns said. For other West Coasters who have plans to visit sunny, exotic locations that may have some Third World conditions in some spots not too far off the beaten track, Johns recommends travelling with an open heart and something tangible to share. “It’s rewarding to contribute and give a little back as part of the reward of being there,” he said. editor@westerlynews.ca

Dave Christensen

Appointments available in Ucluelet.

Bringing highly skilled personal injury legal services to the Island’s West Coast. Victoria’s Acheson Whitley Sweeney Foley Injury Lawyers have teamed up with Ted Holekamp in his Courtenay practice. Together they will assist those who have suffered motor vehicle accident injuries. This expanded team will ensure you receive the best medical care and rehab available, and a fair settlement. By preparing every case for trial, 95% settle before going to court.

FREE Initial Consultation : Tel: 250-338-6747 Toll Free: 1-800-214-4520 We’ll come to you! 512 Fourth Street, Courtenay, BC • www.awslaw.ca

SMALL TOWN SERVICE

In Association with

BIG CITY EXPERTISE


The Westerly News | Page 7

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Thieves take advantage of unlocked cars in Tofino ANDREW BAILEY

Westerly News Car thieves made off in a vehicle that had been left unlocked with the keys inside sometime between the night of Dec. 29 and the morning of Dec. 30. The vehicle’s owner called the Tofino RCMP on Dec. 30 around 10:30 a.m. to report his vehicle had been stolen overnight, according to Sgt. James Anderson of the Tofino RCMP. The car had been parked in front of Method Marine on Main Street. It is described as a 1981 Green Oldsmobile Toronado with the license plate number: 976WVK. Anyone who spots the vehicle or has information about the theft is encouraged to contact the Tofino RCMP at 250-725-3242. About an hour after this report came in police received another call, this one from the owner of a Toyota Tacoma who claimed their vehicle had been broken into overnight. The Toyota was parked on Fourth Street and was unlocked, according to Anderson. Anderson said there was no damage to the vehicle but several items were stolen from inside including clothing and a Nex-Tech 12 volt inverter. Police received a third vehicle related report about an hour later when the owner of a green Pontiac Safari station wagon reported their vehicle had also been broken into overnight. The station wagon was unlocked and parked on Campbell Street, according to Anderson. He said no damage was reported but a Bazooka Subwoofer was stolen from inside. Anderson said it is possible that a group of transients were prowling that night looking for easy targets and preying on unlocked vehicles. He added the thieves might have then stolen the Oldsmobile to leave the area. He hopes the incidents serve as a reminder to locals to lock up their vehicles.

Brothers fight over site for Christmas dinner Two brothers who couldn’t agree on whose house to hold the family’s Christmas dinner drew police attention on Dec. 25. RCMP arrived in Opitsaht and found the two brothers arguing over where their family Christmas dinner would be held, according to Sgt. James Anderson of the Tofino RCMP. Anderson said one of the brothers agreed to leave the residence for the night and both agreed to resolve the dispute the following day. Anderson added alcohol was not a factor in the dispute.

was reportedly intoxicated and assaulting people on Dec. 28 around 3:15 a.m. A man found passed out and cov- When police arrived they were ered with dog feces was taken to advised the woman had moved to a Tofino General Hospital to sober up different residence nearby, accordon Dec. 27 around noon. ing to Sgt. Anderson. Police found the man lying in a The RCMP checked the woman’s back alley behind a liquor store name and discovered she was but were unable to wake him up, under probation conditions that according to Sgt. Anderson. prohibited her from consuming “The ambulance took the male to alcohol. the hospital where he sobered up She was also prohibited from somewhat before being transported attending the residence where she to the RCMP cellblock to finish had caused the disturbance due to sobering up,” Anderson said. a previous assault charge, accordThe man was issued a violation ing to Anderson. ticket the following morning for He said the woman was arrested being intoxicated in public. and remanded in custody until a Dec. 31 court date in Port Alberni.

Dog makes a bad scene worse

Customer erupts over mail handling An unruly customer at the Tofino Post Office caused the staff to call the police on Dec. 31 around 10:30 a.m. The customer had reportedly been accosting the office’s staff over the past week and complaining about the way his mail was being handled, according to Sgt. Anderson. He said the man’s aggressive behaviour and loud vulgar language caused several other customers to nearly intervene. Police spoke with the customer who advised he has since taken his complaints to Canada Post’s head office. RCMP cautioned the man against causing a disturbance in public and advised him to be polite and respectful. Police are monitoring the situation and Postal staff have been advised to call the police anytime there is an unruly customer.

Intoxicated woman on conditions not to consume alcohol Tofino RCMP responded to an Opitsaht residence where a female

public and spent the night in cells phone back to the youth. but did not wake up in a better “Although this was a civil matter, mood the next morning. the RCMP were glad to be able to “In the morning when he sobered assist in the disagreement,” he said. up the male was equally belligerent to the police,” he said. Grandmas: Because

angels can’t be Police free everywhere cellphone ransomed Ahousaht RCMP were called to a over party damages residence where a man was alleged-

A woman was forced to give a youth back his cell phone after attempting to hold it for ransom until a television that had been broken during a party was repaired. The woman’s daughter had apparently held a party during which a television was stolen and the woman allegedly said she would not return the phone until the TV Another check-stop was repaired, according to Sgt Anderson. aced in Tofino Ahousaht RCMP were alerted to Tofino’s drivers nailed a checkthe situation on Dec. 24 around stop on Dec. 31 around 10 p.m. 12:15 p.m. by a parent of the youth The New Year’s Eve revelers drove who owned the cell-phone through with flying colours with 40 Anderson said RCMP spoke with vehicles checked and no impaired the parent who agreed to give the drivers found, according to Agt. Anderson. “Overall RCMP report a relatively uneventful New Year`s Eve,” he said.

ly assaulting his girlfriend on Dec. 24 around 3 p.m. The woman’s grandmother made the call. Police arrived and found the female with blood around her mouth. She said her boyfriend, who was still in the residence, had assaulted her. The man was arrested and is being held in custody until a future court date. reporter@westerlynews.ca

Jail night no cure for belligerence Tofino RCMP responded to a disturbance outside the Marina West Hotel where a man and woman were arguing loudly on January 4 around 2:40 a.m. Police arrived and spoke with the woman who said she was sober and that the man was her boyfriend. Police tried to speak to the man but he immediately became belligerent and uncooperative, according to Sgt. Anderson. Anderson said the man was arrested for being intoxicated in

www.paciÀcrimchiropractic.com

250-726-2220

What are the benefits of Chiropractic… beyond simply bone and joint adjustments?

1. A full biomechanical, musculoskeletal assessment from head to toe, analyzing dysfunctional strength, flexibility and motion patterns and establishing a diagnosis…in short: assess, educate, treat and prevent. 2. Custom Orthotics by Sole Supports, addressing: flat feet, plantar fasciitis, bunion and knee-back issues. 3. Aid in achieving natural pain relief via soft tissue and joint mobilization, eg. Active release treatment and fascial manipulation. 4. Advanced functional rehabilitation for any sport, workplace (WCB) or motor-vehicle accident injury. 5. Offer natural anti-inflammatory nutritional advice, the clinic carries some of the highest quality clinical grade vitamins and supplements available, such as fish oils, natural muscle relaxants, probiotics and Vitamins A-E. 6. Provide image reading, translation and advice for: x-ray, MRI, CT scan, bone density scan and ultrasound. 7. Vertigo treatment procedures for BPPV, such as Epley repositioning. 8. Joint and soft tissue speciality braces for any body part, including balance aids and spider-tech kinesiotaping. 9. Children’s musculoskeletal health check. I assess children for poor growth development, spinal scoliosis, hip dysplasia, foot and knee disorders and proper ergonomic sleep health. 10. A patient-centered healthcare practitioner that utilizes the most recent evidenceinformed techniques and procedures that work symbiotically with other varied west coast health care practitioners to make a difference. The majority of chiropractic treatment is either fully or partially covered by: extended health care benefits, WCB, ICBC claims and MSP premium Dr. Ron Norman assistance (10 treatments a year). PAID ADVERTORIAL

BSc(Hons), MSc, DC(UK)


Page 8 | The Westerly News

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

PROVINCIAL COURTS

Esowista man jailed four months for break and enter ANDREW BAILEY

Westerly News In provincial court on January 6, John Edward Williams was sentenced to four months in jail for breaking into an Esowista home to steal beer. On May 4, 2013, a woman contacted the Tofino RCMP to report her residence had been broken into and some cases of beer were missing. A bedroom window was smashed and broken glass and blood was scattered across the floor, according to Crown counsel Christina Proteau. The homeowner’s son searched Esowista for the culprit and came across Williams whose hands, he noticed, were significantly cut up. Williams, an Esowista resident, confessed to using a rock to smash the window and stealing the beer. He gave some of the stolen goods back but not all was retained, according to Proteau. She noted Williams’ lengthy criminal record includes five prior convictions for theft-related offences. Williams, 26, also pled guilty to a breach of probation charge stemming from a May 27, 2013 incident where he was found intoxicated despite conditions that prohibited him from consuming alcohol. Proteau noted Williams’ record includes 18 prior breaches. The Crown sought 4-6 months in jail for the break and enter charge to be followed by an additional 30 days for the breach. Williams’ defence counsel P. Canning said Williams has taken alcohol counseling and is “making an effort to get his alcoholism under control.” When the Honourable Judge B. Klaver called Williams’ criminal record “horrendous” and suggested the charges were all alcohol-related, Williams responded, “(Alcohol) runs through my veins.” Judge Klaver gave Williams a shorter sentence than the Crown had sought and ruled the fourmonth jail term would run con-

currently with the 30 days for the breach. “Mr. Williams, you probably don’t know this but the maximum sentence for breaking into somebody’s house is life imprisonment,” Judge Klaver said. “I could send you to jail for the rest of your life that’s how serious it is.” Williams was also issued oneyear of probation, though Judge Klaver declined the Crown’s submission to include abstaining from alcohol in the terms. “I’m not going to order that you abstain from alcohol because I don’t think you can, but that’s what’s going to keep you out of jail from now on if you can somehow do that,” he told Williams.

Woman on probation after assaulting partner Sharrilyn Salom Girard pled guilty to assault and was issued a suspended sentence with nine months probation. Girard called the RCMP around 7:30 am on Aug. 22, 2013, to report she had been involved in a domestic dispute with her partner. Girard, a 24-year-old Tofino resident, told police she had blocked the door of her residence to prevent her partner from leaving because she wanted to talk to him and when he pushed her out of the way she kicked his knees and groin, according to Crown prosecutor Christina Proteau. The victim spoke to police and corroborated Girard’s story but added that she had also grabbed at him causing “significant pain to his genital area,” Proteau said. The couple had been dating for about three years at the time of the incident but are no longer seeing each other, according to Proteau. Girard’s probation conditions include having no contact with the victim. Her defence counsel Patrick Canning noted Girard was remorseful for her actions and had herself reported the incident to police.

History of violence and alcohol abuse lands man on probation Howard John Tom pled guilty to assault and was issued a suspended sentence with 12 months probation. Around 5 a.m. on Aug 5, 2013, the Tofino RCMP received a call from a woman alleging Tom had assaulted her about three hours prior. The victim told police Tom punched her in the head three times before she was able to escape and seek medical treatment, according to Crown prosecutor Christina Proteau who added both parties had been drinking alcohol on the day of the incident. Aware the police were searching for him, Tom—a 30 year-old Tofino resident—turned himself in at the RCMP detachment the following day and admitted to the victim’s allegations, according to Proteau. She said the couple had been dating for about a year prior to the incident. Photos of the victim’s face taken immediately after the incident were provided to the court and showed she had sustained several cuts during the altercation. Proteau said Tom’s criminal record shows a “prior history of domestic violence as well as a problem with alcohol.” The terms of Tom’s probation include abstaining from alcohol. Tom’s defence counsel P. Canning suggested this would not be a problem as his client has been sober for the past three months. The Crown sought a no contact order in Tom’s probation but both Tom and the victim opposed this. Proteau said the Crown was unwilling to allow contact until Tom had taken some counseling specific to relationship abuse and alcoholism Tom told the Honourable Judge B. Klaver that he would like to continue having contact with the victim and the victim spoke dur-

ing the trial expressing her desire to continue seeing Tom. After hearing the couple no longer lives together, Judge Klaver agreed to allow them to have contact under strict guidelines. Tom cannot visit the victim without her expressed consent, he must leave immediately at her request and he cannot consume any alcohol prior to seeing her.

Beach day turns ugly

record of breaches but noted that he had attended an alcohol treatment centre since the incident and has been sober since that time. “I hope sir that you can get over that problem because it makes you more unhealthy everyday,” said the Honourable Judge B. Klaver. Frank’s defence council P. Canning said Frank has been “really making an effort to address his alcohol use (and) has been doing well.”

Thomas Tyson Seitcher pled guilty to assaulting his partner and was issued a suspended sentence with 12 months probation. The incident occurred on March 25, 2013, while the couple were living together in Esowista. They had spent the day at the beach but began arguing shortly after arriving home around midnight, according to Crown prosecutor Christina Proteau. The victim told police Seitcher threw her down several times resulting in a bump on the back of her head. Proteau noted that Seitcher’s criminal record includes a manslaughter conviction in 2002 and said the Crown sought a probation order that would protect the victim and provide structured counseling for Seitcher. The terms of Seitcher’s probation include having no contact with the complainant. Seitcher, 34, no longer resides on the West Coast as he moved to New Westminster several months after the incident.

Prohibited driver faces jail time if repeat

Man on right track since breach

Kenneth John Brown was fined $250 after pleading guilty to breaching his bail conditions. While driving in Port Alberni on April 20, 2013, Brown was stopped at a check-stop around midnight. At the time he was under bail conditions that included an 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew. The Honourable Judge B. Klaver gave Brown six months to pay the fine.

Joseph Francis Frank pled guilty to breaching a probation order and was sentenced to one day in jail. On Oct. 9, 2013, Frank was under conditions that prohibited him from being intoxicated outside his residence but he was found “grossly intoxicated” near the CIBC in Tofino, according to Crown prosecutor Christina Proteau. Proteau said Frank has a lengthy

Peter Arthur Terrell was fined $500 for driving while prohibited. Terrell was pulled over in Tofino on Aug. 31, 2013. His defence counsel said Terrell, a 25 year-old Tsawwassen resident, was unaware his license was suspended at the time. Because it was Terrell’s first driving while prohibited conviction, Crown prosecutor Christina Proteau sought the minimum: a $500 fine and a one-year driving prohibition. “You need to be really careful,” the Honourable Judge B. Klaver told Terrel upon ruling. “If you’re caught driving while you’re suspended (again) it’s a minimum 14 days in jail.” Terrell was given six months to pay the fine.

Breaking curfew costs man $250

reporter@westerlynews.ca


The Westerly News | Page 9

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

GOVERNMENT

Tofino council to hold fewer meetings in 2014 ANDREW BAILEY

Westerly News Tofino’s municipal council has knocked a few meetings off 2014’s schedule. The current council has met on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month except for July, August and December which each only host one meeting. The bylaw that established this schedule was adopted in March 2008. During their last meeting of 2013, council voted to ease up and meet once a month in 2014. The change will reduce the number of regular meetings from 20 to 17, according to a report submitted by district manager of corporate services Jane Armstrong. “The present two-week gap between council meetings does not give staff and advisors adequate time to take direction from Council, act on that direction and return to the matter to council at the next regular meeting,” said

Armstrong’s report. “For routine requests, this results in a four week gap between council direction and the next time that council sees the outcome of that direction. It is hoped that a three week gap would assist in returning routine matters to council more quickly.” Mayor Josie Osborne spoke to recent discussions she has had with staff and said a “treadmill effect” is happening which the proposed new schedule could potentially correct. “When there’s only two weeks between council meetings some staff time goes into preparing agendas and reports and it doesn’t always allow for a fuller consideration of some of the questions that council brings to staff,” Osborne said. “They’re literally getting off one meeting taking two or three days to address their regular business and then starting the preparation cycle for the next meeting.” Coun. Al Anderson supported the

change. “After a meeting happens there’s a time period—I don’t know how many days exactly—where staff is just dealing with the new stuff that came out of the meeting and deciding how to do the bidding of council,” he said. “That’s a very short period of time and then you’re preparing the agenda for the next meeting.” Coun. Garth Cameron acknowledged the change would only eliminate three meetings from 2014’s schedule but worried that fewer meetings would lead to longer meetings. “I don’t want to sit here for 5 hours. I don’t want to sit here for 4 hours. I’m totally cool with doing this, it’s just that council needs to come together a little bit more prepared so we get the business done,” Cameron said. “If council’s prepared to come prepared to make decisions and do their job then, yeah, this will be good.” Coun. Cathy Thicke asked Cam-

eron if he was suggesting his fellow councillors are coming to meetings unprepared. “No, but I think if we sit here from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. that’s not acceptable,” Cameron responded. Osborne said the new schedule would not increase the amount of information and requests coming to council and would not lead to lengthy meetings. She also responded to Cameron’s comments about meeting preparation. “I think this council has a really good track record of coming to meeting’s prepared,” she said. Council voted 3-2 in favour of the new schedule. The two opposing votes came from councillors Duncan McMaster and Ray Thorogood. Thorogood was visibly surprised by Cameron’s decision to vote in favour of the change. After the meeting, Thorogood told the Westerly News he had opposed the change, in part, because he believes it will lead to longer meetings.

“Yes we’ve had a couple of short meetings, the agendas haven’t been very big but if we’re only meeting every third Tuesday the agenda is going to be more packed,” Thorogood said. “The other part, two parts really, is that I don’t see a lot of movement now on resolutions and motions put forward by council to staff so I don’t see a lot of things being accomplished. Lots of issues are being discussed and dealt with but I don’t see the end results.” During 2012, council meetings were routinely 4 to 6 hours long but the pace picked up in 2013 and meetings have been maxing out at about 2 hours for the past several months. Tofino’s shortest regular meeting of the past two years occurred on November 26 when council took just 30 minutes to wrap up the agenda. reporter@westerlynews.ca

RCMP

Report: Summertime crime on the decline in Tofino ANDREW BAILEY

Westerly News A decline in crime and a seized Corvette highlighted the Tofino RCMP’s summer activity. Detachment commander Sgt. James Anderson presented an encouraging report to Tofino’s municipal council on Dec. 10 that outlined a drop in summertime offences (May 1 to Sept 30) from 900 files in 2012 to 838 in 2013. While illegal activity was down across the board this summer the largest decrease was in the number of people nabbed for consuming liquor in public, down from 158 in 2012 to 96 in 2013. Anderson attributed this decrease to Tofino’s seasonal bylaw enforcement program. Tofino’s council launched the program in 2012 and armed it with a $20,000 budget to increase

public safety and awareness of local laws. The program’s inaugural year had community members patrolling beaches and parks from May-September issuing warnings to anyone seen violating Tofino’s bylaws. Council strengthened the program in 2013 increasing its budget to $28,550 and replacing community patrollers with temporary bylaw officers who were given the authority to issue fines to offenders. Temporary bylaw enforcement officers filed 1,251 witnessed violations from June 18 to Sept. 15 and issued 165 fines; 146 of these fines were for parking infractions and the remaining 18 were for camping violations.

Story ideas and letters to the editor can be sent to the Westerly News at oϞce@westerlynews.ca.

Officers reported 312 liquor infractions but issued no fines for these offences.

Seized Corvette can’t stay, but another vehicle’s on the way Sgt. Anderson touted an investigation that led to the seizure of a Chevrolet Corvette owned by an alleged drug dealer as a significant highlight for the Tofino RCMP this summer. The vehicle was taken into police custody under proceeds of crime legislation. “It was a real good highlight for us during the summer to still have that Corvette,” Anderson said. The Corvette’s owner has filed an appeal and the RCMP is waiting to find out if the car will remain with

flo Design buildings interiors

Reach us by phone at 250-726-7029. Thanks for reading the West Coast’s weekly newspaper!

250 266 2576 desk@flodesign.ca

www.flodesign.ca

police. Anderson had hoped to decorate the Corvette with anti-crime messaging and parade it throughout the West Coast but said the RCMP’s head office has advised him that the car will not remain in Tofino regardless of the appeal’s result. While they cannot keep the Cor-

vette, Anderson said the Tofino RCMP is in line to receive a different vehicle, seized by another detachment, that he hopes will be an effective promotional tool to raise the RCMP’s community presence. reporter@westerlynews.ca

Thank you! Thank you to the generous community minded businesses who donated gifts and or financial support to the Pacific Rim Hospice Giftathon: Body Vitality Massage Therapy, Anita Tavera, BriMar B & B, Caffé Vincente, Cargo Thrift, Carole Gagne, Chocolate Tofino, CIBC, Clayoquot Connections, Coastal Bliss Yoga, Common Loaf, COVET West Coast Style, Cox Bay Resort, Crab Apple Floral, Creative Salmon, Cox Bay Resort, Dorothy Arnet, Driftwood Sales, Eagle Aerie Gallery, Erin Irwin, Green Soul Organics, Habit, House of Himwitsa, Jamie’s Rainforest Inn on the Inlet, Jan McDougall, Jan Rodgers, Janine Croxall Photography, Katherine Hasz Physiotherapist, Linda Baril Reflexology, Live to Surf, Long Beach Automotive, Ltd., Long Beach Lodge Resort, Longbeach Surf Shop, Mark Hobson Gallery, Mermaid Tales Bookshop, Ocean Outfitters, OCN Garden Center, Pacific Surf School, Pharmasave, Piña Boutique & Gallery, Remote Passages, Rene Gibson, RPM Group, Rod’s Power & Marine Ltd., RTOWN Long Beach, Sabine Hotz, Salty Dolls Hair Salon, Schooner Restaurant, Sea Wench Naturals, Seaview Communications Ltd., Shelter Restaurant, Sparrow Design, Storm Light Outfitters, Studio One, Aveda Concept Salon, Therese Bouchard Massage, To Cut & Dye For, Tofino Cake Studio, Tofino Coffee, Tofino COOP, Tofino Pharmacy, Tofino Sea Kayaking, Tony’s Pizza, West Side Surf School, Whiskey Landing, Wild Side Grill, Ladies of Ledger, Dr. James Jameson, Darlene Choquette, Tofino Tech and Zoe Rodocanachi. Thank you, Pacific Rim Hospice Society. Thank you to the generous volunteer who donated their time to help with the Pacific Rim Hospice Giftathon: Barb Campbell, Darlene Choquette, Wendy Amrhein, Nuri Nola and Cameron Dennison. Thank you to the Tofino Co-op for donating the space and helping set up the tables for the Giftathon. Your kind and compassionate contributions to Hospice will help us help others in 2014.


Page 10 | The Westerly News

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

District of Tofino 2014 Polar bear patrol wraps up Hansen’s career, from Page 1 brought regular patrols to detect and deter bears, particularly during freeze-up when they follow new ice forming up to shore along the coastline where communities are. “Residents’ patrols are very good at it,” said Hansen. “If there’s a polar bear anywhere near someone gets on their cell phone or CB radio and quickly there are a group of people on skidoos or ATVs pushing them out of the area.” In Igloolik, the Inuit culture is very strong. Inuktitut remains the language of conversation and people still spend most of the year out on the land as they have for the past 4,000 years, he said. “Hunters head out almost daily to hunt walrus or seal, or to net char,” said Hansen, who worked closely with the local hunter-trapper organization. Traveling within 11 different communities, Hansen made a practice of listening and asking for guidance as he sought workable solutions. As he noted on his blog: “It’s one thing to read about and another to hear directly from an elder whose face bears the weathering of a lifetime on the land.” Methods of food storage and preparation that have worked for countless generations, such as caches under stone cairns or buried in gravel beaches, are no longer effective. Bears test electric fences, like those built through collaborative community projects with

kdair.com

support from World Wildlife Fund. “What we learned on Igloolik Island with the most severe set of conditions for electric fencing is that it is 90% effective,” said Hansen. Daily monitoring may improve that success, he said. Hansen also exchanged information on managing polar bear intervention via several international conferences as well as through a shared database contributed to by Alaska, Greenland, Norway, Manitoba and Environment Canada. While time passed quickly, Hansen coped with missing his family through Skype and several family visits requiring 3-4 days travel. Borrowing a local cabin, the family hiked the tundra daily and took the Zodiac to historic mission site Avaaja. Last October daughter Ava visited solo: volunteering at the school, helping to build fences and accompanying her father on patrol. Another highlight was when Hansen hired a local sleddog team to take out friend Gerry Schreiber. Now back home, Hansen said he looks forward to getting back in touch with West Coast wildlife and was reassured to discover wolf tracks on a recent beach hike.

Call us today 1-800-665-4244

Above us only sky! KD Air is located in the South Terminal at

Vancouver Island

Vancouver International Airport (YVR). We fly daily scheduled flights to Tofino, Qualicum Beach, Tofino and Texada Island and provide daily service from Vancouver to Port Alberni as well. Our safety record is impeccable, with over 64,000 flights logged so far. We look forward to welcoming you on board! Book your weekend getaway today with our fantastic Buy One Get One Half Off deal. Based on two fares on Fri and Sun flights only.

Gillies Bay Port Alberni

Mainland

Vancouver

Qualicum Beach

WE’RE CONTINUING TO OFFER YEAR ROUND FLIGHTS TO TOFINO!

Victoria

Right, Tofitian Bob Hansen and Albert Issigaitok, Wildlife Deterrent Technician, check the electric fence Ava Hansen helped to build, on Nov. 22, 2013, the day of Hansen’s final polar bear patrol. Lower: Pang Pass hike camp. ALL PHOTOS COURTESY BOB HANSEN COLLECTION.


The Westerly News | Page 11

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Polar Bear Swim

Happy New Year!

On New Year’s Day the District of Tofino put on the fifth annual Polar Bear Swim. Locals braved the cold temperatures of the Pacific Ocean with a refreshing dip to ring in the new year at the free family event. Chattering teeth, smiles and hot chocolate soon followed at the North Chesterman location. PHOTOS, COURTESY BEVERLY MURDOCK PHOTOGRAPHY

Reg’s Roots Landscaping Reg Payne Cell: 250-726-3751 Ph: 250-726-2047 regpayne@hotmail.com Don’t let Winter hold up your landscaping projects Reg’s Roots Landscaping is working year round. Creativity, Ingenuity, Honesty More than just gardening, endless possibilities!

Specializing in trail building Organic gardening Garden creations Garden paths Tilling Brush & bush clearing & removal Breaking new ground FREE CONSULTATION O O


Page 12 | The Westerly News

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

EAT / PLAY / LIVE: REVIEW JACK’S 634 Campbell Tofino ******6 out of 6 asterisks Mighty good size portions on that lunch special. In the teens, but there was enough that we could have taken some home. If we were being good. But the Reuben beckoned, so we could not. Hearty soup, the full bowl surprised us - and no need for crackers. An even up trade for fries or salad, excellent choice. A bottle of water a nice touch for thirsty summers, or - in this case - some sister yakkin’ post-New Year’s. A bit hard to beat the view, out a big porthole window - a bit like being in the boat and on the dock at the same time. We liked watching the boats go by, but enjoyed the eagles even more. Nice Tofitian ambience, out of the way but locals know it’s down the steep drive at Way West. Good name - of course.

A porthole on lunch and the world at Jacks: The special du jour, a Reuben, and soup.

WESTERLY NEWS PHOTO

Blues, soul, fiddle, boogie woogie: It’s Winterbites! Comox Valley – In the WinterBites Festival, an international collection of diverse musical styles are all coming exclusively to the Comox Valley in a series of intimate concerts being held in multiple venues, January 16-31. “Music speaks to the soul in a variety of ways – blues, soul, jazz, maybe a bit of Boogie Woogie” said Doug Cox, Executive Producer, Vancouver Island MusicFest. “The wonderful thing about this Festival is there will be something for everyone to enjoy and performances will be in venues that provide an up- close-and-personal setting with the musician – it can’t get any better than that! “My favorite thing about curating shows is putting together once-in-a-lifetime collaborations of talent for what makes a truly

unique event,” said Cox. The festival is a partnership of Vancouver Island MusicFest, Vancouver Island Newspaper Group and other sponsors. The line up includes: • Rockin’ the Filberg – with Chilliwack Thursday, January 16, Florence Filberg Centre • West African Dance Night with Alpha Yaya Diallo, Friday, January 17, the Best Western Plus the Westerly Hotel & Convention Centre - a guitarist, singer, songwriter and a true multi-cultural Canadian artist performing in French, English and his native Guinean languages of Foulani and Souso. Diallo is a multi-talented artist whose dexterous acoustic and electric guitar-playing, with its fluid melodic lines and compelling grooves, places him in the

Black Rock Oceanfront Resort 596 Marine Drive, Ucluelet

250-726-4800 www.blackrockresort.com

front ranks of African musicians. Ticket price: $25 Accommodation package prices: Starting from $74.50 per person • Pianorama - with Kenny ‘Blues Boss’ Wayne and David Vest, Saturday, January 18, Best Western Plus the Westerly Hotel & Convention Centre- Both the players and the audience will be treated to an extraordinary night of music and sharing beyond a usual concert experience during a night of incredible blues, boogie-woogie piano showdown featuring two talented U.S. transplanted musicians, Kenny ‘Blues Boss’ Wayne and David Vest. “We’ve got two of North America’s true piano masters of Blues and Boogie Woogie teaming up exclusively for a show at WinterBites.² says Cox. ³ Ticket price: $30

Accommodation package prices: Starting from $79.50 per person • Ashley MacIsaac Saturday, January 25, Native Sons Hall If fiddle is your fancy, the oneof-a-kind Ashley McIssac and his band will be your cuppa. Much has been said about the antics of the enfant terrible of the Fiddle, but only because he has had international success and notoriety from an early age and grew up under the spotlight as one of the most dynamic fiddlers from CapeBreton, Nova Scotia. MacIsaac constantly pushes the traditional styles of Celtic music as he grew up and incorporated rock, pop, and everything imaginable in between. Ticket price: $35 (all ages) Accommodation package prices: Starting from $84.50 per person • An Intimate Evening with

Barney Bentall Wednesday, January 22 – Crown Isle Resort & Golf Community. • Country, Blues ‘N’ Soul Night with Jim Byrnes and the Sojourners Thursday, January 23, Best Western Plus The Westerly Hotel & Convention Centre • Rockin’ the Filberg - with The Grapes Of Wrath and Odds Friday, January 24, Florence Filberg Centre • Acoustic Blues Double Header - with Blind Boy Paxton and Suzie Vinnick Wednesday, January 29, Crown Isle Resort & Golf Community • Rockabilly Boogie! Dance – with Cousin Harley, Friday January 31, Best Western Plus The Westerly Hotel & Convention Centre •www.winterbitesfestival.com

JANUARY DAILY FEATURES Ν FLOAT LOUNGE Only

15 - includes a 12 oz glass

$

of feature Stanley Park Beer Features are available in Float Lounge from 3pm to 9pm daily

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Black Rock Beef Dip

Braised Chicken Taco’s (2) Corn TorƟllas, Shredded Cheese, Pico de Gallo Guacamole, Hot Sauce

Pork BurriƩo

Chicken “Karage” Japanese Fried Chicken with Cold Sauce Asian Slaw

Duck ConĮt FeƩuccini Peas, Spinach, Shallots, Cream

Black Rock Marinated Spicy Chicken Wings (1Lb)

Pork PorcheƩa Sandwich

Gorgonzola BuƩer, Fried Onions Dip and Fries

Carnitas, Cabbage, Spicy Rice Salsa, Sour Cream and Guacamole

Blue Cheese Dip, Crudités

Dijon, Chimicurri and Fries


The Westerly News | Page 13

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

EAT/PLAY/LIVE: SPORTS

USS Senior Boys Basketball Warriors kick season off right KEVIN NIXON

Special to Westerly News The USS Senior Boys Basketball team kicked off their 2013/2014 season in fine fashion at the Pacific Christian Pacers Classic basketball tournament this past weekend in Victoria. With only two practices under their belt, the boys clicked from start to finish. Ucluelet’s first opponent was Reynolds Secondary, a local “AAA” team. After a long bus ride, the boys came out and started the game with the first basket, but Reynolds came back with 7 straight points. For the remainder of the first quarter, it was a see-saw battle, with Reynolds holding a 20-15 lead. Strong ball control by senior Riley Botting helped keep the Warriors in the game. With the start of the second quarter, the game continued back and forth. Tough rebounding and inside shots by Edwin Touchie also helped keep USS even. As the 2nd quarter ended, the Warriors were within 3. Edwin continued to score aided by some slick outside shooting by Willliam Tom . The quick ball handling of Leo TorresClark was pivotal in many of the hoops made by the team. By the 3rd quarter of the game, the team finally found their legs and put in 14 pts. A switch to a zone defence by Coach Stefan Jewitt also proved

Back row left: Coach Kevin Nixon, #6 Colin Thomas, #10 Lyndon Clarke, #4 Riley Botting, #7 Elijah Gretsinger, #11 Edwin Touchie, Coach Stefan Jewitt. Front row left: #5 Mitchell Saunderson, #8 Jordan Fraser, #9 Leo Torres-Clark, #3 Reid Appenheimer, #12 William Tom

to be a key move and USS had a 1 pt lead, up 41-40. Ucluelet started strong in the fourth as TorresClark found his shot draining a 3-pointer, however, as the quarter progressed, foul trouble limited USS’s ability to play tight defence and Reynolds went on a tear, outscoring Ucluelet 10-2 and winning the game with a final score of 55-50. Botting finished the game with 16, Touchie 12 and Tom 10 pts respectively. Numerous assists

and 7 pts earned Torres-Clark Player of the Game honors. With an early wake-up call and a 9 am game, the Warriors were back at it against host team Pacific Christian on Saturday. Riley Botting started out like a house on fire, contributing 10 pts in the first. Edwin Touchie also had 4 pts. When the 3rd and 4th quarters finally roll around, William Tom found the hole, hitting four, 3-pointers in those two frames.

Fukushima leak, continued from Page 1 life, and with training numerous people along the coastline to use radiation detectors. They’re closely eyeing the situation at the Fukushima nuclear power plant, both through environmental radiation monitoring activities able to detect minute shifts in radiation and by monitoring data from other reputable organisations, including the International Atomic Energy Agency and Japan’s Nuclear Regulation Authority, a Health Canada spokesperson said. The government agency also collects and analyzes precipitation samples at 26 sites across Canada, he said. The data on radionuclide concentrations in ocean water around the Fukushima nuclear power plant has been reviewed, he said. “The amount of radiation being released is far less than the amount released in the early days of the accident. The data indicate peak radionuclide concentrations in seawater in the vicinity of the plant, but which decrease rapidly with distance from the source,” he said. Asked by the Westerly News

how worried we should be about B.C. coastal aftermath in the wake of the Fukushima leak, he said the government is not overly concerned. “Given the great distance between Japan and Canada’s west coast, Health Canada does not consider the recent leaks at the Fukushima nuclear plant to be a health concern for Canadians,” he said. “ The levels of environmental radiation detected in Canada are within the normal range and are not a health concern,” he said, adding that while Health Canada will continue to monitor radiation levels, they are not anticipated to increase as a result of leaks at the Fukushima nuclear power plant. Incoming tsunami driftage that occurred prior to the Fukushima disaster was washed out to sea many hours prior to the radiation release, said one radiation detector-wielding West Coaster who asked not to be named. “We haven’t seen any increases in radiation in items that have come to the beach,” he said. “We have yet to get a hit on the items we’ve tested … that exceeds

safety levels put out by Health Canada.” While mounting piles of debris pushed to West Coast shores by currents and tides have been examined, to date radiation hasn’t been an issue, said Karla Robison, Ucluelet’s Manager of Environmental and Emergency Services. “I haven’t found anything alarming at all,” Robison said. Ucluelet Mayor Bill Irving said the District Council is very interested in the proper monitoring of the impact of the Fukushima spill. “We have reinforced with the government that that is being monitored … we as a municipality are taking it very seriously and will be watching the outcome of the next government testing very closely,” Irving said. Data from Health Canada monitoring systems is published quarterly at the following website address: http://hc-sc.gc.ca/ewhsemt/contaminants/radiation/surveill/data-donnees/index-eng.php editor@westerlynews.ca

This performance, along with Leo’s clutch free throw shooting was decisive in the Warrior’s 68-64 victory in front of a stunned home crowd. William finished the contest with 19 pts and Player of the Game honors for USS. Botting had 19 pts. Touchie had 11 pts and Torres-Clark had 13. Lyndon Clarke had 3 pts and a number of key offensive and defensive boards. The USS Warrior’s third and final game was against “A” rival and top ten provincially ranked Duncan Christian. Almost a mirror image of the previous game, it was back and forth. William Tom found his range by draining two 3-pointers, while at the same time Riley

Botting threw down 8 pts in the first quarter. Not to be out down, Duncan Christian also found their marks but the USS ended the quarter with a 21-20 lead. Like two tennis players in a match, it was back and forth, back and forth. At the half, it was a 37-37 tie. William continued to be a gunslinger and drained 10 in the 2nd. The 3rd quarter was the turning point as DCS began making shots. Botting continued to be in his zone dropping 7 pts and his stellar play continued into the fourth. Leo also found his mark, hitting a couple of key baskets. As the 3rd quarter ended, USS was in the hole, 55-50. The Chargers from Duncan closed it out with a close 68-65 win. Botting ended the game with 23 pts and a nod as Player of the Game. William had 19 pts, including four, 3-pointers. Edwin completed the match with 6 pts. Making a contribution on the boards and adding a basket in this affair was Mitch “Larry” Saunderson. The season looks bright for this year’s boys’ team as they vie for birth to the Provincials from the tough “A” Island zone. With more practices as a unit forthcoming, the team is set to make some real waves this year.. Go Warriors! Tourney this weekend Jan. 9-11 at Robert Bateman in Abbottsford. FUNDRAISER: A pair of Club Seats to any regular season Canucks team in 2014/2015. $10 per square. Only 144 squares. Draw January 31, 2014. All proceeds will used for travel for the Sr. Boys’ team. Stop by the school!


Page 14 | The Westerly News

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

WEEKLY CROSSWORD

EAT/PLAY/LIVE

What’s On! Fri, Jan 10th. Black Rock’s 5th Anniversary, Black Rock Oceanfront Resort, Ucluelet. Music and fun begins at 8:30 pm in Float Lounge!

1. Esau’s descendants home 5. Fragrant tropical tree resin 10. Selection list 14. A rectangular groove 15. Plant of a clone 16. Three-banded Armadillo 17. Surrounded by 18. Muse of lyric poetry 19. Give a job to 20. Ceremonial staff bearer 22. By way of 23. Bangladesh capital (old sp.) 24. Taxicab registration 27. Consumed 30. Indian legume dish 31. Tire nut 32. Woman (Fr. abbr.) 35. Spider’s trap 37. Have already done 38. Picasso’s Dora 39. Sousaphones 40. Campaign contributor org. 41. __ and Venzetti 42. Oil cartel 43. Angry 44. Chauvinists 45. Bloodshot 46. Swiss river 47. 1/100 of a yen 48. East northeast 49. Adorns 52. Egyptian statesman Anwar 55. Expel 56. Expressed pleasure 60. Assist 61. Jewish folklore legend 63. An unidentified aircraft 64. Singer Nat “King” 65. A level surface 66. Israeli politician Abba 67. Actor Kristofferson 68. Paddled 69. Locomoted

CLUES DOWN 1. Mild yellow Dutch cheese 2. Fallow deer genus 3. Of an ode 4. Phone line connector 5. Before 6. Insect stage 7. Electronic communication 8. Relating to metal

9. Japanese Minister Hirobumi 10. Naval historian Alfred Thayer 11. A long narrative poem 12. Drug officer (US slang) 13. Carbamide 21. Park in Northern Spain 23. Canine 25. Hit lightly 26. Indiana Univ. Degree 27. Play performer 28. Hairpiece 29. Pulled away 32. Papier-__ 33. Georgia city 34. Irregularly notched 36. Ladies’ 1st Army branch 37. Begetter 38. Raincoat 40. Conic curve 41. __ Claus 43. Family Hominidae member 44. Personnel 46. Actor Carney 47. At peace 49. Joyce Carol __, US author 50. Of cheekbone 51. A one-edged cavalry sword 52. Potato pouch 53. Town in Ghana 54. Small store 57. Rover 58. Oh, God! 59. Force unit 61. Central mail bureau 62. __ student, learns healing

Monday, January 13, 2014 Monday Night at the Movies, Clayoquot Community Theatre, Tofino Jayne Mansfield’s Car (Drama, US, 2013, 122 min, Rated PG) Director: Billy Bob Thornton Torn apart. Driven together. In what critics are calling his best work as writer/director since SLINGBLADE, Oscar winner Billy Bob Thornton stars - along with Oscar winner Robert Duvall, two-time nominee John Hurt and Golden Globe winner Kevin Bacon - in this story of fathers Members of the Kinshira and sons, wars and peace, and the turbulent time that changed Performance Group delight West Coaster with an outdoor Tofino America forever. It’s 1969 in a performance. Submitted photo. small Alabama town, and the death of a quirky clan’s longestranged wife and mother Birds” Friday Jan. 10, 6 p.m., Sat. Jan 11, 3 p.m.; brings together two very difTwo turkeys from opposite sides of the tracks ferent families for the funeral. But do the scars must put aside their differences and team up to of the past hide differences that will tear them travel back in time to change the course of hisapart or expose truths that could lead to the tory - and get turkey off the holiday menu for most unexpected collisions of all? good. Animated. Rated PG. office@westerlynews.ca Diana, pg 13, Friday Jan 10, 8 p.m. During Big Beach Community Theatre, Ucluelet - “Free the last two years of her life, Princess Diana embarks on a final rite of passage, a secret love affair with Pakistan heart surgeon Hasnat Khan.

SUDOKU

CLUES ACROSS

Fired up

Walter the Sea Otter gets a new home

Fun By The Numbers THIS WEEKS ANSWER

Like puzzles? Then you’ll love sudoku. This mind-bending puzzle will have you hooked from the moment you square off, so sharpen your pencil and put your sudoku savvy to the test!

Here’s How It Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!

THIS WEEKS SUDOKU ANSWER

Vancouver, B.C. – Tuesday, a rescued sea otter that was blinded by a shotgun blast and deemed non-releasable due to his extensive injuries, is getting comfortable in his new home at the Vancouver Aquarium, one of the leading marine science centres in North America. After 11 weeks of life-saving treatment and rehabilitation, Walter’s transfer to the Aquarium was approved by Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Dr. Martin Haulena and the veterinary team have removed a number of pellets, performed multiple surgeries and treated severe dental injuries that resulted from the shotgun blast. Because he is blind, Walter must be hand fed. “Although we successfully rehabilitate and release nearly a hundred animals each year, Walter needs to remain in human care, since he can no longer fend for himself in the wild. We’re able to provide a safe, comfortable home for him at the Vancouver Aquarium where he will receive the long-term care he need,” said Haulena.


The Westerly News | Page 15

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

REAL ESTATE

Most local homeowners’ tax bills should go down in 2014 JACKIE CARMICHAEL

Tofino’s Lynn Road has 6% of Island’s Top 100 tax-assessed homes

Westerly News Owners of more than 2,900 properties throughout the West Coast can expect to receive their 2014 assessment notices this week as the province’s 2014 tax rolls are out. While a hefty 15% of the Island’s non-Victoria Top 100 tax-assessed homes are in the District of Tofino, a startling 6% of the Island’s 100 most expensive homes (in terms of taxability) are on a single block, on Lynn Road in Tofino. Per capita, Tofino has more homes on the Vancouver Top 100 tax-assessed homes than any other town in the Island group (which excludes the Capital region). That’s 15 Top 100 homes, amongst a population of about 2,000. But with six homes on Vancouver Island’s Top 100 tax-assessed list – a list that excludes the Capital region - single-family homeowners on one block of Chesterman Beach are digging deep for tax bucks. There’s 1303 Lynn Rd., valued ninth on the Island at a taxassessed $3.418 million. Tax assessment and what the market may bring differ greatly in the upper numbers; the single-family home is listed for sale with Re/ Max Mid-Island Realty at $6.45 million. It boasts 9,600 sf of space on the waterfront, 6 bedrooms and 6.5 baths, and a 20-foot-by-18-foot gourmet kitchen with your own pizza oven and butler’s pantry, as well as a gym, a 25-foot-by-18-foot media room and games area. Other Top 100 tax-assessed single-family homes on the block include 1233 Lynn Rd., valued at $3.22 million, 1249 Lynn Rd. is valued at $2.407, 1277 Lynn Rd., valued at $2.024 million, 1253 Lynn at $1.811 million, and 1257 Lynn Rd. valued at $1.679 million.

Tax roll down as assessed values drop There might be a bit of tax relief in sight for some, as Vancouver Island Regional Acting Assessor Bill Dawson said values on the West Coast’s almost-$1 billion tax roll are, in some cases, down a bit from last year. “Most homes in Tofino and Ucluelet are worth less in value compared to last year’s assessment roll,” Dawson said “Most

Send story ideas and letters to editor@westerlynews.ca or call 250-726-7029

home owners in Tofino and Ucluelet will see significant changes in the -20% to +5% range.” Overall, the West Coast’s Assessment Roll decreased from $924,298,600 this year to $884,303,202 this year. This overall 2014 roll value is slightly lower despite an increase of almost $11,752,602 from subdivisions, rezoning and new construction, Dawson said. An acreage at 1475 Braden Road in Tofino is tax-assessed fourth in the Island group (which excludes the Capital region) for tax purposes at $4.488 million. Other Tofino addresses with top residential tax payers include a number on the 800 block of Moser Place. Ranked 7th on the Island for taxassessed value, 877 Moser Place is a single-family home valued at $3.465 million, while an acreage at 891 Moser Place is tax-assessed at $2.331 million. The single-family home at 855 Moser Place taxassessed at $1.886 million ,and the one at 851 Moser Place, $1.734 million. A single-family residence at 875 Brabant Place in Tofino is taxassessed at $2.522 million. The one at 1381 Thornberg Cres. is tax-assessed at $2.086 million, while one at 1331 Chesterman Beach Road is tax-assessed at $1.899 million. The single-family residence at 371 Tonquin Park Road is taxassessed at $1.831 million.

“Most home owners in Tofino and Ucluelet will see significant changes in the -20% to +5% range.” - Vancouver Island acting regional assessor Bill Dawson A quick check showed a number of the Tofino homes single-family homes in the Island’s Top 100 taxassessed homes are or have been up for sale recently. In general, commercial property assessments have seen changes of -15% to +5% in Tofino and Ucluelet with the taxable commercial assessment roll of $210,205,601, or just under a quarter of the residential tax-assessed rolls. “Property owners who feel that their property assessment does not reflect market value as of July 1, 2013 or see incorrect information on their notice should contact BC Assessment as indicated on their notice as soon as possible in

January,” said Dawson. “If a property owner is still concerned about their assessment after speaking to one of our appraisers, they may submit a Notice of Complaint (Appeal) by January 31, for an independent review by a Property Assessment Review Panel,” added Dawson.

More Island tax roll hot spots Another per-capita residential real estate tax HQ is Nanoose Bay. With just 5,000 people, it has 18% of the homes on the Island’s Top 100 Tax-Assessed properties. Another Island hot spot for tax bills is Judges Row in Qualicum Beach. Of the 11 Qualicum properties, four single-family residences a small enclave along the beach named for the retired judges who first claimed it. Port Alberni boasts 6% of the homes on the Island’s Top 100 list, including three single-family residences on Stirling Arm.

Provincial tax roll highlights On the province’s Top 500 most valuable properties according to the rolls, the vast majority were in Vancouver, with a few in Whistler, the Gulf Islands and Victoria (and one in Nanoose). If you think your tax bill’s too

high, consider the most valuable residential property in BC. Try this one on for thighs: controversial Lululemon founder Chip Wilson’s brand-new single family home at 3085 Point Grey Rd, in the Kitsilano area of Vancouver, is valued for tax purposes at $54 million and change. That’s a lot of yoga pants. The $46 million home at 4707 Belmont Ave came in second. Belmont’s a pricey neighbourhood with the number three home, 4719 Belmont valued at $28.6 million and 4743 Belmont at $25 million.

Getting help with your property tax concern The Property Assessment Review Panels, independent of BC Assessment, are appointed annually by the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, and meet between February 1 and March 15 to hear formal complaints. The Central Vancouver Island assessment office is located at 300-125 Wallace Street in Nanaimo. During the month of January, office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday. Property owners can contact BC Assessment toll-free at 1-866-valueBC (1-866-825-8322) or visiting www.bcassessment.ca. editor@westerlynews.ca

2014 COUNCIL SCHEDULE All regular meetings of Council will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the George Fraser Community Room at the Ucluelet Community Centre located at 500 Matterson Drive, Ucluelet, BC.

Regular Council Meetings January 14

April 22

August 12

January 28

May 13*

September 9*

February 11

May 27

October 14

February 25*

June 10

October 28

March 11

June 24

November 25*

March 25

July 8

December 9

April 8 * Please note Council also meets as the Harbour Authority and the Ucluelet Economic Development Corporation at these meetings.

Get an MRI and find out what’s wrong NOW. We use a powerful 1.5T GE MR System, comparable to or exceeding hospital grade MRI scanners.

Now accepting Physician Referrals

250-334-1023 www.vimri.ca 1211 Ryan Road, Courtenay, BC V9N 3R6


Page 16 | The Westerly News

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

BUSINESS

Tofino-Long Beach chamber bucks BC Chamber over pipeline KEVIN DREWS

Canadian Press VANCOUVER – As far as business groups go, the Tofino-Long Beach Chamber of Commerce isn’t the biggest or most powerful organization in British Columbia, but its members are still taking a very vocal and public stand against the proposed Northern Gateway pipeline. Their motive is simple: past experience. In late December 1988, fuel from an 850,000 litre spill in Grays Harbour, Wash., made its way north to the west coast of Vancouver Island, fouling local beaches, killing thousands of seabirds and closing commercial shellfish

operations. “Our business community can’t afford any spills,” said Gord Johns, executive director of organization that represents about 300 businesses in the tourism mecca. “Effectively, that would just wipe us out.” Johns said the Tofino chamber decided to speak out against the pipeline after its provincial counterpart released the results of a pipeline poll earlier this month. At the time, the provincial chamber reported 47 per cent of British Columbians supported the project, and the numbers jumped to 57 per cent if the project received a positive recommendation from a federal joint-review panel.

The joint-review panel endorsed the proposed pipeline Dec. 19, but with 209 conditions. The federal government now has about six months to make a decision. A representative from the BC Chamber of Commerce was not immediately available for comment. Johns said any spill on British Columbia ‘s North Coast, the proposed terminus of the Northern Gateway pipeline, would affect Tofino, too. The Tofino chamber’s website shows members include whale and wildlife watching companies, sport fishing operators, as well as kayak, scuba and surfing shops. “We’ve constantly had to voice

our opinion, and make sure that the coastal communities are aware, and people in B.C. and Alberta, that the BC Chamber of Commerce does not represent all the chambers of commerce in the province of B.C., and it certainly isn’t the voice of the coast,” said Johns. Johns said the Tofino chamber took a position against the pipeline in an August 2010 letter to the joint-review panel and reaffirmed its opposition in June 2012. He said the Tofino chamber also spoke out against a pro-pipeline motion at the 2013 BC Chamber of Commerce’s annual general meeting. Opposing large-scale industrial

activities is nothing new to the community. Tofino and the surrounding Clayoquot Sound were ground zero for protests against clearcut logging back in the late 1980s. Johns said the business community has historically joined with the environmental lobby in standing up for local ecosystems. “We certainly know that coastal communities in British Columbia will unite together to stand up to challenge any threat to the ecosystem and the food security and economies of the coast of British Columbia,” he said. “And we’ve seen that in the past. I would not underestimate that that will happen again.”

GOVERNMENT

Feds announce program to stamp out youth substance abuse SARAH SIMPSON

Special to Westerly News Federal Health Minister Rona Ambrose chose the Cedars at Cobble Hill to announce an $11.5-million national project aimed at stamping out youth substance

abuse on Wednesday. The Cedars at Cobble Hill is an addiction treatment centre and while there, Ambrose joined physicians and leading addiction recovery specialists at a roundtable to discuss “real, practical

solutions to support Canadians in prevention and recovery.” “There are millions of Canadians living in short and long-term recovery from addiction to alcohol and other drugs,” Ambrose said. “Today’s roundtable was about listening to experts and community members about what we can do better to prevent our children and youth from using drugs, and to further support people in recovery from addiction.” The event was one staff at the Cedars at Cob-

Property Owner’s Checklist Have you received your 2014 property assessment notice?

Follow us

If not received in your mail by January 17, call toll-free 1-866-valueBC (1-866-825-8322) If so, review it carefully Visit www.bcassessment.ca to compare other property assessments using the free e-valueBC™ service

ble Hill were pleased to host. “We are thrilled with the leadership of Minister Ambrose in making recovery and prevention a priority,” said Neal Berger, executive director of Cedars. The goal of the new five-year program, dubbed A Health Promotion and Drug Prevention Strategy for Canada’s Youth, which dovetails with work already being done through the National Anti-Drug Strategy, is to prevent illicit drug use among Canadians aged 10 to 24. Education, sustainable partnerships and national prevention standards will help foster that goal, Ambrose noted. “Preventing substance abuse among young people is a critical focus of the government’s National

Anti-Drug Strategy,” she said. “Through this contribution, we are helping to increase awareness among youth of the dangers of experimenting with drugs, assisting parents in keeping their kids drug-free, and ultimately keeping our communities safe and healthy.” Five key priority areas will see the bulk of the $11.5 million including a knowledge exchange network “to fill a need for a prevention hub that will promote communications and collaboration amongst those who work in youth substance abuse prevention, as well as access to existing resources, tools and knowledge on prevention from a broad range of partners.”

Central Island adopts mobile biz licence A new Mobile Business Licence agreement will make it easier for mobile businesses that provide services in a number of municipalities - such as plumbers or electricians - to operate throughout the entire Central Vancouver Island region. The twelve participating municipalities Campbell River, Comox, Courtenay, Cumberland, Duncan, Lake Cowichan, Ladysmith, Nanaimo, North Cowichan, Parksville, Port Alberni,

Questions? Contact BC Assessment at 1-866-valueBC or online at www.bcassessment.ca Don’t forget...if you disagree with your assessment, you must file a Notice of Complaint (appeal) by January 31, 2014

and Qualicum Beach - have worked together to adopt a common bylaw allowing businesses to purchase just one licence, rather than obtaining non-resident permits in each municipality in which they operate in an effort to reduce barriers to doing business in the province. The B.C. government offers assistance with co- ordination of local governments. “This agreement will cut red tape for business owners in Parksville, Nanaimo and other mid-Island communities. “Spending less time and money on 2002 Chevrolet Blazer LS bureaucratic paperwork will give 4 Door SUV, 4.3L, V6, Auto people more time to work and grow their businesses, which is good for the economy and the community,” said Parksville-Qualicum MLA Stock# 145179B Michelle Stilwell. blange@albernichrysler.com There are now ten MBL agreements throughout the province www.albernichrysler.com involving a total of 69 communities.

$

BRENT LANGE

250-723-5331

6,800


The Westerly News | Page 17

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

VOLUNTEER COAST

Girl Guide veteran Jeanette Martinolich honoured in Tofino ANDREW BAILEY

Westerly News Tofino’s council meetings rarely draw more than two spectators but it was a standing room only affair as locals packed council chambers to applaud Jeanette Martinolich’s community contribution. Tofino Mayor Josie Osborne said she was “very, very, thrilled,” to present Martinolich with a Volunteer Recognition Award for her work with the Tofino Girl Guides. It was just the second such award dished out by the district since Tofino’s volunteer recognition program was launched in April. Local firefighter Donnie Collins became the award’s first recipient in October. “It’s our way of identifying those members of the community who go above and beyond in the service that they provide us,” Osborne said after the Dec. 10 honours. Nomination letters are sent in by locals and reviewed by a volunteer recognition committee made up of three municipal councillors and three community members.

Jeanette Martinolich, holding volunteerism award on right, is joined by Mayor Josie Osborne, council and friends.

“Jeanette has had a huge impact on our community of Tofino as she’s been working with these youth to educate and teach them skills that will help them and shape them for the rest of their lives,” wrote Martinolich’s nominator Samantha Hackett. “She helps

and mentors fellow leaders with her experience knowledge and kind demeanor.” Martinolich is a reliable source the Girl Guides can depend on to make guiding activities like hiking and camping trips possible and fun, said Hackett.

“Her personality is fun to be around for the girls and other leaders; she knows the rules but is laid-back,” Hackett wrote. “She is my role model as a local leader and inspires me to do more.” Martinolich told the Westerly News on Wednesday that she

was “completely surprised” and “thrilled” to receive the award. “It’s worthwhile being a volunteer and you may not always be recognized but when you are recognized it feels very good,” she said. “Volunteering is a great way to be part of the community and an important part of life...I was raised by people who volunteered and it’s always just made sense to me,” she said adding that the award is meaningful because it shows “you’re doing something positive out in the community and that it’s having a good effect.” Martinolich has lived in Tofino for the past 30 years and been an avid guide leader for the past 21 years. She was stoked to show the award to the girls she mentors. “I think it’s a great program personally, it gives girls opportunities to do things, learn things, meet new girls and travel,” she said. “I hope that I’m a positive influence and that it helps motivate the girls to be good people.” reporter@westerlynews.ca

Pass it on: Ucluelet family teaches kids to give - and feel good about it JACKIE CARMICHAEL

Westerly News Happy birthday, pass it on. Charity starts at home for Tyson Rhodes, who upon turning 6 decided to give the $200 proceeds of his party (including donations in lieu of gifts from partygoers) to the Thornton Creek Hatchery. “It was Tyson’s ‘year to give back,’” explained his mother, Jennifer Rhodes. Every other year, members of the Ucluelet family donates birthday proceeds to a nonprofit charitable Tyson Rhodes, 6, of Ucluelet presents a $200 cheque to cause. Colouring the charity of his choice, in lieu of birthday presents; Richard Smith, right, accepts on behalf of the Thornton books for the Creek Hatchery. doctor’s office, donations to BC Children’s Hospital. always about them. The commun“They get so much, I just think ity raises them, too,” she said. it’s important for them to give Rhodes said feelings of gratitude back to the community and other accompany the gifts. people and to realize it’s not “By the smile on their face, you

“By the smile on their face, you can tell they feel good about what they’ve done.” - Jennifer Rhodes can tell they feel good about what they’ve done,” she said. Tyson was happy with his choice of charity. “I got donations for the fish. To feed the fish, so they can get

strong enough to swim up the river,” he said. Richard Smith, project manager at the Thornton Creek HatchClayoquot Biosphere Trust ery, was very

West Coast Business directory KRIS·S ROOFING

REPAIRS • REROOFING • NEW CONSTRUCTION

Kris Wieteska

30 years experience

250-726-5107 Free estimates Ucluelet, BC

• • • • • •

RESIDENTIAL ONLY UCLUELET•TOFINO•SALMON BEACH ASPHALT/FIBERGLASS LAM. SHINGLES METAL CLADDING variety of colours & shapes CEMENT AND CLAY ROOF TILES SKYLIGHTS & SUNTUBES

CAMERON CONTRACTING

Garth Cameron – Certified Carpenter PO Box 457 TOFINO, BC V0R 2Z0

pleased with the pint-sized funder’s choice. “This is the first time I can remember in 30 years I’ve run the hatchery for a young child to do that. It shows they have interests in the livelihood in the future of salmon,” Smith said. “Maybe he’ll be manager out there some day.” editor@westerlynews.ca

Cell 250 522 0017 Fax 250 725 3404 garthcameron247@gmail.com

2014

Call for Projects

The Clayoquot Biosphere Trust (CBT) is excited to announce the twelfth allocation of funds to support community projects in the areas of community development, culture & events, youth & education, and environment & research. More than ever, we encourage groups to develop projects that respond to our community needs and help us to achieve our long-term community goals. It may help to consider your proposed project in terms of our 2012 Vital Signs report or other community needs documents. The CBT has $60,000 available in this Call for Projects. Each project will be funded to a maximum of $8,000. All applicants must complete the Application for Funding form available at www.clayoquotbiosphere. org under the heading Grant Seekers. Applications must be received by our office by 4 p.m. February 17, 2014. Approval of funding will be announced by April 15, 2014. Please see our website for more information. As always, CBT staff is here to help. Please contact the office at 725-2219 if you have questions.


Page 18 | The Westerly News

Wednesday, January 8, 2014


The Westerly News | Page 19

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

If a tree falls in the forest .... across the highway ...

The Pacific Rim Highway was closed Tuesday morning after a falling tree landed in the middle of the road, taking out traffic in and out of Tofino, as well as 12 spans of BC Hydro cable and a telephone pole near Landfill Road. About 2,000 Hydro customers on the West Coast were out of power for hours and Hydro crews arrived from the West Coast and Port Alberni to try to get the power flowing again. ANDREW BAILEY/WESTERLY NEWS PHOTO

WELLNESS

Island Health’s Telehealth network connects patients to distant consults Special to Westerly News PARKSVILLE — Mark and Wendy Aitken have travelled thousands of kilometres for exams, consultations and treatment since tumours were detected in Wendy’s brain. Now there is much less driving required for the Qualicum Beach couple who can consult with a BC Cancer Agency oncologist, Dr. Andrew Attwell in Victoria, without having to make a round-trip of 320 kilometres and close to five hours in their car. The Aitkens are able to meet with Attwell through Island Health’s Telehealth network — a video-conference system that enables patients and health care providers to consult “face-to-face”

even though they are substantial distances apart. “This takes a lot of pressure off of us and takes a lot of cost away, too,” Mark said as he and his wife settled in to the armchairs of one of two clinical telehealth rooms at the Oceanside Health Centre in Parksville. “It was a 10 to 15-minute drive rather than two and a half hours to have the consultation.” The Aitkens moved to Vancouver Island from Airdrie, Alberta — just north of Calgary — three and a half years ago. When tests showed a change in Wendy’s condition two years ago, the couple initially travelled back to Calgary where she was originally diagnosed with

brain cancer. Wendy’s care has since been transferred to B.C. Wendy said telehealth has proven to be a sensible way to handle consultations that are follow-ups to her Medical Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans which have been conducted in Nanaimo and Comox. “It’s been no problem getting used to telehealth. As long as the doctor can answer your questions, it’s a good way to do it.” Attwell sees telehealth consultations as an efficient way to handle one part of an overall care plan that takes medical history into account and may include ongoing medical exams, monitoring and treatment; telehealth is used by the BC Cancer Agency across

the province to serve patients in smaller communities. “It’s convenient for patients. It’s in their own communities and saves people from driving up and down the Island,” Attwell said. “A lot of times patients and family members have to take days off work, and travel can be uncomfortable for a patient who is unwell.” Barb Foster, one of the Oceanside administrative support workers who assist patients and family members with the telehealth equipment, said people quickly become accustomed to the consultation process. “I tell patients it’s just like being in a doctor’s office — except he or

she is not there in person. They’re on the screen,” Foster said. Island Health is recognized as a leader in delivering programs to support better health outcomes for patients through video technology. Currently, clinical telehealth services are available at 48 different sites in 18 communities. Telehealth was available in Parksville at Trillium Lodge before the service was relocated to the Oceanside Health Centre which opened in September 2013. Consultations are available in a variety of fields including oncology, thoracics, mental health, cardiology, genetics, nephrology, eating disorders and geriatric medicine.

EMERGENCY SERVICES

Injured woman medivac’ed from remote Bute Inlet home by CAF Cormorant Special to Westerly News 19 WING COMOX, B.C.- The crew of an RCAF Cormorant search and rescue helicopter assisted in the successful medical evacuation of an injured woman on Thursday, January 2, from a remote location on Bute Inlet, B.C. The woman was at her home and suffered possible injuries in a fall. A call for assistance was received through Joint Rescue Coordination Centre Victoria and a Cormorant from 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron was launched to

“The ceilings were 500 to 1000 feet, but we were able to stay under them, flying with our night vision goggles.” - Major Justin Olsen respond to the location, approximately 112 kilometers from Campbell River, along Bute Inlet. “We had a strong wind of roughly 50 km/h pushing down the [Georgia] Strait along the way,” said Major Justin Olsen, aircraft commander. “The ceilings were 500 to 1000

feet, but we were able to stay under them, flying with our night vision goggles.” The helicopter crew landed the aircraft on a nearby heli-logging airfield and two Search and Rescue Technicians (SAR Techs) disembarked to provide aid and evacuation.

“We stabilized her, loaded her on a spine board and took her back to the helicopter,” said Master Corporal Kurt Schmidt, SAR Tech The helicopter crew then flew to Campbell River airport and transferred the patient in stable condition to the care of a waiting BC Ambulance crew for transport to hospital.

Search and Rescue (SAR) incidents under the federal SAR mandate are defined as “all aircraft incidents and all marine incidents in waters under federal jurisdiction. With the exception of federally owned National Parks, the overall responsibility for land and inland water search and rescue rests with the provinces, territories and municipalities. The Canadian Armed Forces may, however, provide assistance to land and inland water rescues when possible.


Page 20 | The Westerly News

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

West Coast Fitness Centre We are always promoting health and fitness but we want to see more of this community join us this year! They say 70% of people that start a fitness plan quit. Except you, this time you are going to stick with it! Be stronger then your excuses and make 2014 your healthiest year. We offer friendly staff, certified personal trainers, new cardio equipment, fitness classes, pool, 3000 sq ft gym, wet cedar sauna and tanning.

at the West Coast Motel

279 Hemlock St.

Ucluelet 250-726-7732

Pool • Gym • Sauna • Tanning ng Bed

VISUALIZE YOUR NEW LIFE AS A FITTER AND HEALTHIER YOU.

• How does it feel? • How much more confident are you? • How do you look? • What are you wearing? • How much more energetic do you feel?

• What are you eating? • What are you doing in your new life? • What ambitions and goals do you have? • What changes have you made? • How are you sleeping?

CLASS SCHEDULE: MONDAY: Yoga @ UCC

TUESDAY: Bootcamp

@ 6:30 pm (Ukee - gym)

NEW CLASS OFFERED T class is suitable This for beginners of all ages and fitness BEGINNER 101 WEDNESDAY: llevels, no experience or flexibility required. You will begin Bodysculpt

THURSDAY: Beginner 101 @ 5:30 pm *NEW CLASS*

SATURDAY:

Bootcamp NOW HOLD ONTO THIS IMAGE OF @ 9:30 am THE NEW YOU AND TAKE TIME TO (Ukee - gym) REVISIT IT WHENEVER YOU ENDLESS FITNESS FEEL LIKE GIVING UP.

NEW YOU SPECIAL!

GROUP TRAINING!

Save 25%

ON PARTNER TRAINING! Bring your training partner or friend and both save 25% off your sessions. Get fit and save your money with this deal. Stop by the front desk to choose your trainer today at

West Coast Fitness Centre. Add GST to these rates. Memberships are not transferable. MULTI PASSES expire 1 year from date of issue. Add a sauna to your “punch” for $1.50 + GST. (Transferrable, but not replaceable if lost.) 10 x Pool Pass $37.15 10 x Gym Pass is $60 and class passes 6 X are $50.00 members, $75 non members.

Hours of operation for non-members and tanning:

9am to 9pm Monday to Saturday 9am to 6pm Sundays & holidays.

REFRESH YOUR HEALTH WITH AN AWESOME KICK START TO THE NEW YEAR. 1 month membership and 4 training sessions with an Endless Fitness Trainer $210 +taxes. Special offered till January 31, 2014. Sign up at office and pick your trainer. Kat 250-726-5134 kat@endlessride.ca Jay 250-726-5020 jay@endlessride.ca Kara 250-522-0455 kara@endlessride.ca

The fitness facility/pool may close to the public occasionally for repairs or special events such as private bookings, community swimming or scuba lessons.

BENEFITS OF A MEMBERSHIP Member’s hours:

6am to 9pm Monday – Saturday 6am to 6pm Sundays & holidays. SUPPLEMENT DISCOUNTS We can put your membership on holiday hold – tell us before you go! (Family memberships go on hold as a complete family).

b by focusing on is the basics for guided by a personal trainer This class suitable beginners of all ages and and

@ 8:00 am how fitotness perform each with posture and levels, no exercise experience orcorrect flexibility required. (Tofino - Coastal Bliss) form. Using various a mixture cardio we You will beginequipment by focusingand on the basics of guided will take throughtrainer a complete head toe workout byyou a personal and how to to perform each to help strengthen, define and toneand up your exercise with correct posture form.muscles. Using various equipment and a mixture of cardio we will take you through a complete head to toe workout to help strengthen, define and tone up your muscles.

ENDLESS FITNESS 30 DAY CHALLENGE! JOIN US FOR UNLIMITED CLASSES FOR 30 DAYS AND A MONTH MEMBERSHIP THIS JANUARY!

$99 +taxes Offer must be purchased between Jan 6-10, 2014. Sign up at office. BENEFITS TO GROUP FITNESS TRAINING: • Proper instruction: Knowing the correct technique of any workout prevents injuries and will maximize your results. • A great value: Not everyone can afford a private personal trainer but with fitness classes clients are still learning new exercises, instruction and correct form. • Motivation: A trainer will help you work harder then you would working out on your own and other clients support one another. • Accountability: Routine, routine, routine! Classes help you stick to a routine and allow yourself to organize it into your weekly schedule. • It’s fun!: Working out in a group fitness setting is fun and takes you mind off of the work. Our classes have energetic music to keep you pumped up and get you going.

MEMBERSHIP RATES SINGLE ALL AGES FAMILY: 2 ADULTS /2 CHILDREN ADD EXTRA CHILD

1 MO. 3 MO. 6 MO. 1 YR. $ $ 48 120 $225 $410 $ 100 $250 $425 $550 $

10

$

15

$

25

$

WE PUT MEMBERSHIPS ON HOLIDAY HOLD JUST TELL US BEFORE YOU LEAVE.

35


Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.