Westerly News
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June 25, 2014 Wednesday
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GOVERNMENT
Stand Up Stands Out
Province’s recyling plan sparks furor here ANDREW BAILEY
Westerly News The Alberni Clayoquot Regional District board may be secondguessing its signature on the Multi-Material British Columbia (MMBC) contract. “There have been enough concerns expressed by residents and ACRD directors, as well as concerns about MMBC expressed in correspondence from many other local governments, that (the) Board has asked staff to look at the contract’s terms and bring it back so we can consider all options moving forward,” Tofino Mayor Josie Osborne told the Westerly News. Osborne sits on the ACRD’s board as Tofino’s political representative and she said when the board made the decision to sign onto the MMBC program earlier this year, “There was just no way we could have forecast all of the issues there would be with implementation.” She clarified that staff has not been specifically directed to explore getting out of the contract but said this is one option that could be presented after further review. “We did not task them with saying ‘we want to break the contract, look into it,’ we just asked them to look into the terms and condtions of the contract with a mind of knowing what are the terms to break it or to end it,” she said. The new recycling guidelines MMBC brought on May 19 have sparked anger from community members who are having difficulty understanding why items that used to be picked up from their curb are now being left in their recycling bins. SonBird Refuse and Recycling, the regional district’s recycling contractor, hosted two Town Hall meetings—one in Tofino and one in Ucluelet—last week to bring See PROVINCE’S Page 5
INSIDE THIS W INSIDETHIS WEEK: WEEK WEE K
NEW WEEKEND MARKET guide makes its debut PAGE 14 Markus Pukonen on the journey from Vancouver to Victoria via stand-up paddle.
ALL PHOTOS BY RORY MCGARRY
Tofitian paddles from Van to Vic for men’s health awareness JACKIE CARMICHAEL
Westerly News Markus Pukonen has taken up his paddle again – this time for men’s health. Part of Stand Up For Men’s Health, he paddled a Stand-Up Paddle board from Vancouver to Victoria in some pretty excellent company – like Canadian Olympic triathlete Simon Whitfield. “It was pretty epic,” the Tofitian recalled. The 140-km journey’s objective was to raise awareness for the Canadian Men’s Health Foundation on the www.dontchangemuch.ca campaign. “The idea is to not make changing your health a daunting task for men. Really it takes small changes to make big changes in your health,” he said. Ideas include throwing healthier routines and eating habits into the mix of a busy life, he said. The trip took three days – the first one 12 hours of paddling, the second 8 hours and the final lap, four hours of paddling. It wasn’t his first (oceanic) rodeo. Pukonen paddled a similar expedition from Vancouver to Nanaimo to raise awareness for the need for sewage treatment for the Georgia Strait Alliance. “One of the biggest issues in the Strait is that the water is continually being contaminated by sewage,” he said. A filmmaker, Pukonen is “an expedition guy at heart,” having climbed Huayna Potosi (6080m) in
Bolivia, and biked 2,500km of the US Pacific coast, according to www.oarnorthwest.com. The recent trip to Victoria was tougher, trying to keep up with world-class Stand Up Paddlers, including a current world champion and an Olympic skeleton gold medalist. “I did, but just barely. I was pretty much always in the back. I would paddling hard and fast as I could, giving 100% and I’d ask them and they’d say they were giving it 70%,” he said. An amazing boat crew for company and support and layups on Galiano Island (with a chef-made meal) and west of Sidney helped, Pukonen said. He said he’s grateful to T’ashii paddle school in Tofino for supplies and training. And for one amazing experience. “One day I was paddling along and a baby seal came and crawled on board and hung out for a bit,” he said. That said, he wasn’t looking up at the scenery much. “I was keeping my head down and struggling to keep on paddling,” he admitted. “After the first day, I thought I was going to fall apart, and that my back might snap in half and my arms might stop working.” The takeaway for Pukonen? “If we can SUP from Vancouver to Victoria, maybe someone can get off the couch and go for a walk,” he said. Editor@westerlynews.ca
HARD WORK reveals secret beach on Ukee’s Wild Pacific Trail PAGE 12
CONGRATULATIONS graduates, the USS Class of 2014: the future’s so bright, you’ve got to wear shades! PAGE 10-11
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Wednesday, June 25, 2014
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The Westerly News | Page 3
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
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CALENDAR/WHAT’S ON/EVENTS
The Westerly News publishes weekly on Wednesday and regularly posts online at www.westerlynews.ca
WHO WE ARE
Hugh Nicholson, publisher hnicholson@glaciermedia.ca 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 102-1801 Bay Street, Ucluelet Ph: 250-726-7029 Fax: 250-726-4282 E-mail: office@westerlynews.ca
VILLAGE GREENS
25 WEDNESDAY
Local farmer’s market goods at the Ukee Friday Night Market. See the new Weekend Market Guide on Page 14 for information about the Ukee Market and Tofino Public Market on Saturdays.
2pm – Wild Pacific Trail Guided Walk. Meet at the Lighthouse Loop Lot Recycling Day in Ucluelet Preschool Play Group, 10am–noon, Tofino Community Hall. Seniors Social Afternoons, 1:30-4pm, Tofino Legion. Free admission & refreshments. Dominos, crib, board games, pool, snooker & darts. Strong Start, Ucluelet Elementary School, 8:35-11:35. Holy Family Church, 9:30am, 1664 Peninsula Rd. Ucluelet. Ucluelet library, open 1–6pm
26 THURSDAY
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, noncommercial purposes.
Healthy Babies Program/Family Ties, 10:30am. Drop-in for expectant, new parents, Coastal Family Place, Free community lunch, noon–2pm, Coastal Community Services Hub, Ucluelet. Info 250-726-2343. Ucluelet AA weekly Monday and Thursday at 8pm. The location is Holy Family Church at 1663 peninsula rd. 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, meet every Thursday at 7:30 - 9:00 at the UCC, room 2. Guests always welcome. Call 250-726-2766 for info.
27 FRIDAY Friday Ukee Night Market, 3-7 p.m. Village Green. Friday Night Coffeehouse, Blackberry Cove Marketplace, Ucluelet. Live music. 7-9:30 pm
Central Westcoast Forest Society 4th annual Salmon to Sea Fundraiser taking place on Friday June 27th 2014 at Black Rock Big Beach Theatre, UCC, Ucluelet Ukee Friday Market 3-7 pm Village Green Tofino Library Storytime 11:30 a.m.-
June 25 *Tofino RECYCLES
12 noon. 331 Main St. Preschool The Edge Youth Room, 2–6pm, Ucluelet community centre
28 SATURDAY Sat. Tofino Public Market 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Village Green Sat, June 21 at 10am – Kids Scavenger Hunt at Big Beach Park. Big Beach Theatre, UCC, Ucluelet 2 p.m. 4 p.m. Family walk Wild Things Scavenger Hunt at Big Beach Children’s Interpretive Trail section 10 am. on Wild Pacific Trail in Ucluelet. Tofino Public Market Graduation Ucluelet Secondary School 2 p.m. 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.
29 SUNDAY Sun, June 22nd at 7pm – Wild Pacific Trail Tidepool Explore, Big Beach Park - with the Uculelet Aquarium TED Talks’ Amy Cuddy speaks at Clayoquot Community Theatre in Tofino, benefiting Tla-o-qui-aht App, 7 p.m. $15.
Christ Community Church, 10:30am, 1419 Peninsula Rd. Ucluelet. Grace Bible Church, 10:30am, Ucluelet Community Ctr., 500 Matterson Dr. Holy Family Church, 10 am, 1664 Peninsula Rd. Ucluelet. St. Columba Church, 10:30am, 110 Second St. Tofino. Tofino Bible Fellowship at Tofino Legion Hall, 331 Main, at 10:30.
30 MONDAY Bullfrog Workshop, Monday June 30th at 7:00 pm at the Ucluelet Community Centre. Sponsored by the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust. Ucluelet AA weekly Monday and Thursday at 8pm. The location is Holy Family Church at 1663 peninsula rd. Monday Movie Night at Clayoquot Community Theatre Floor hockey, 7–9pm, Ucluelet Seaplane Base Rec Hall. $2 drop-in. Indoor Soccer, 8–10pm, Ucluelet Secondary School gym, $2. Competitive & drop-in darts, doors 7pm, play 8pm, Tofino Legion. Monday night at the Movies, Clayouot Community Theatre,
Canada Day! See Page 19 for events and Page 20 for Free Flag. Events in Ucluelet, Tofino and Pacific Rim National Park. Fish and Loaves free community lunch 11:30 a.m-1:00 p.m at the Tofino Community hall. Healthy Babies Program/Family Ties, 10:30am. Ucluelet library. Ucluelet Community Centre, open 1–6pm. The Edge Youth Room, 3–6pm, Ucluelet Community Centre Youth night, 7-9pm, Tofino Legion. St. Francis of Assisi Church, mass 5pm, 441 Main St. Tofino. Food Bank on the Edge, pick up 1–3pm, Seaplane Base Rd. ADVENTURE SHOPPING AA meeting, at 7:30pm, St. Francis Church, 441 Main, Tofino.
CARGO THRIFT
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Son Bird Refuse & Recycling 250-726-4406 Chris Bird 250-726-8144
Local tides brought to you by:
TIDES Thursday 26 metres
12:16 AM 7:12 AM 1:32 PM 7:01 PM
Friday 27 feet
3.4 11.2 0.4 1.3 3 9.8 1.5 4.9
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12:56 AM 7:50 AM 2:11 PM 7:41 PM
Saturday 28 feet
3.4 11.2 0.4 1.3 3 9.8 1.5 4.9
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Sunday 29 feet
3.4 11.2 0.4 1.3 3 9.8 1.5 4.9
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2:11 AM 8:57 AM 3:22 PM 8:55 PM
Monday 30 feet
3.3 10.8 0.5 1.6 3 9.8 1.5 4.9
metres
2:47 AM 9:28 AM 3:57 PM 9:34 PM
Tuesday 1 feet
3.2 10.5 0.5 1.6 3 9.8 1.4 4.6
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3:24 AM 9:59 AM 4:31 PM 10:16 PM
Wednesday 2 feet
3.1 10.2 0.7 2.3 3 9.8 1.4 4.6
4:04 10:33 5:07 11:01
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feet
2.9 0.8 3 1.4
9.5 2.6 9.8 4.6
Ucluelet / TRÀQR www.coastrealty.com
250-726-7474
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COMMENT
Opinion
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
American Bullfrog encroaching here Although you may still hear the odd croak from an amorous Northern Pacific Treefrog, they’ve slowed down after singing their hearts out nearly every night from late February to mid June. Males call to attract females and defend their place in the pond, and they expend a lot of energy BARB doing so. Research scientists have shown that some frogs expend 10 to 20 times BEASLEY more energy singing than resting. Weigh/LOCAL ing less than 5 grams and keeping the airVOICE waves filled with “ribbet ribbet” for three and a half months is quite a feat. It’s time for a well-deserved rest! Many of you may agree – some folks don’t enjoy the “racket” caused by frogs over the course of the spring months… others love it. I venture that true West Coasters are well accustomed to loud ambient noises like the foghorns of Amphitrite Point and Lennard Island, California Sealion barking, the cries of Bald Eagles, and now the “whoo whoo whoo” of Collared Eurasian Doves outside our windows. Anyways, as the cacophony from our native frog diminishes, it is time to keep an ear open for a potential invader of the west coast - the introduced American Bullfrog. It sounds like a fog horn – a moaning deep bellow that has been likened to “jug-o-rum” or “brrruu-rummm”. We do not expect to hear them – none have been positively detected west of Sproat Lake to-date, and we hope they don’t arrive. They were introduced to BC over 50 years ago for meat farming and then escaped/released into the wild. Once they become established in a pond, they consume large numbers of crayfish, frogs, salamanders, snakes, turtles, birds and even small mammals. A bullfrog, recently caught in Port Alberni, weighed 3 pounds and stretched over 2 feet from snout to toe tips – imagine how much native wildlife it would consume each day! The best way to prevent bullfrogs from becoming established is to convince people (especially children) NOT to move tadpoles or frogs from one pond to another. We also want to train people to keep an eye/ear out so that they can report the first arrivals to wetlandstewards@gmail.com and bcfrogwatch@victoria1.gov.bc.ca We would humanely catch and remove the first arrivals after making sure that they are not our native species of Red-legged Frogs or Western Toads. For more information, check out the Bullfrog Project website at UVic - http://web.uvic.ca/bullfrogs/ or contact your local wetland stewardship group at wetlandstewards@ gmail.com .
Biologist Barb Beasley is looking for frog surveillance help. If you are interested in volunteering to help with surveillance, please attend the Bullfrog Workshop, Monday June 30th at 7:00 pm at the Ucluelet Community Centre. The workshop is sponsored by the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust.
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.
LETTERS
Thanks to volunteers, Coops for help with Hospice drive Dear Editor, Hospice extends a heartfelt thank you to the volunteers and our local Co-ops that made last the Hospice membership drive in Ucluelet and Tofino possible. We are extremely grateful to the Ucluelet and Tofino Co-ops for hosting and to Carole Gagne, Natalee Dennis, George Walkem, Sarah Duncan, Deb Crocker, Joe Kranabetter, Erin Irwin, Jan Rodgers, Sally Mole, Cathy Whitcomb, Marla Thirsk, Maggie Brown, Allie Bonner, Signy Cohen, Shirley Martin and Laurel Irving for volunteering at the Hospice 2014 membership drive. A special “Way to go Ukee!” whose volunteers signed up 2 ½ more members than Tofino!
Thank you to Signy Cohen and Mishele Gagne who organized the membership drives. With sincere gratitude, Pacific Rim Hospice Society Kim Hoag, Executive Director
Salmon to Sea fundraiser for CWFS this weekend Central Westcoast Forest Society (CWFS) is pleased to announce our 4th annual Salmon to Sea Fundraiser taking place on Friday June 27th 2014 at Black Rock Oceanfront Resort in Ucluelet. The Salmon to Sea Fundraiser is a celebration of the efforts made by CWFS in regard to salmon habitat restoration. Spring is a very important time in the life cycle of salmon; eggs
have hatched in the natal streams and the tiny salmon have developed from alevin into fry and are now going through an important transformation into smolts as they prepare for their big journey from freshwater streams and lakes into the ocean! CWFS is monitoring this out migration of salmon from Lost Shoe Creek to Florencia Bay. CWFS Biologist Dani Francis is checking the smolt traps daily from May- June 15th. Dani and her amazing team of local volunteer’s record important information on the species, size, weight, health and development of the smolts as they make their journey downstream. This research will provide integral information in regard to salmon populations here on the West coast, facilitating a greater understanding of the salmon survival and health,
and habitat quality. This year all proceeds from our fundraiser will go directly towards funding CWFS 2015 Smolt Trap Project! The Salmon to Sea Fundraiser is an evening of delicious food, drinks, silent auction, bluegrass music courtesy of The Poor Pistols and The Lonely Heartstring Band, dancing, and socializing, and we invite all who are interested to come and attend! Tickets are available on June 9th at Black Rock Resort, CWFS office in Ucluelet, and at Surf Sister in Tofino. If you wish to donate or for more information please go to clayoquot.org
Amelia VOs Central Westcoast Forest Society
Closer Look The Westerly News | Page 5
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Province’s MMBC plan meets resistance at curb, continued from Page 1 West Coasters up to speed on the new guidelines. “I was very grateful that SonBird offered to host a town hall meeting and it’s great to see that kind of initiative from a local contractor,” Osborne said. John Bird of SonBird led the Tofino meeting, which was attended by about 13 locals, and said the company is looking for feedback on how to best educate the public about the new MMBC regulations. The Raincoast Education Society is handling SonBird’s community outreach efforts and a website has been set up www.westcoastrecycling.ca. The website contains resources for locals to determine what can and cannot be recycled under the new regulations and also features a blog with frequently updated information.
Chris Bird of SonBird Refuse and Recycling, the ACRD’s recycling contractor, and Mayor Josie Osborne, far right, meet with Tofino area residents. ANDREW BAILEY PHOTO.
During Tofino’s meeting, an audience member suggested a Facebook account be created and the society’s Dan Harrison assured this would be done. Bird cited plastics as the biggest problem so far as SonBird has not yet received
official depot status under MMBC meaning the West Coast’s plastic must go to Port Alberni. “We decided that we would take in the plastics anyway because in our area we’re used to recycling that stuff, we didn’t really want
to see it in the landfill either because that’s what happens next for someone who doesn’t want to save it up and take it to Port Alberni,” he said adding soft plastics like plastic bags and plastic wrap cannot be picked up at the curb but can be dropped
off at SonBird for free. “That’s just a public service for us,” he explained. He said plastic is a problem because it is easily contaminated; contamination is caused by non-recyclable materials mixing in with recyclables.
“Contamination for us at the curbside is a very serious issue because we are made to be the recycling police not through any desire of ours, let me tell you,” he said. SonBird’s staff are taking flack during their pick-up routes and encouraged residents to refrain from putting their MMBC frustration on their local recycling collectors. “We’re still getting a little pushback from people that don’t want to be told that their stuff’s contaminated so be nice to our boys when they’re out there, they’re taking a little bit of heat right now,,” Bird said. The Province’s move to use MMBC to pass recycling expenses on to newspapers, their customers and consumers has also generated widespread concern within the newspaper community.
Community, RCMP commander Jeff Swann hope to avoid a forced transfer ANDREW BAILEY
Westerly News The Ucluelet RCMP’s detachment commander Sgt. Jeff Swann is slated for transfer next year but neither he nor Mayor Bill Irving want this transfer to happen. “He’s initiated programs and followed them through that really have a significant long term impact on both the young people and the culture in Ucluelet,” said Ucluelet Mayor Bill Irving. “He’s done a great job of leadership and responding to community needs.” A recent appreciation event for Swann drew a big Ukee crowd, showing widespread community support for keeping him here. Ucluelet’s RCMP detachment is a limited duration post and officers are transferred after four years but efforts are being made to change this not just for Swann but his colleagues as well, according to Irving. “Officers and their families come to Ucluelet and would like to stay but because of the RCMP process where it’s a limited duration post they eventually have to move on if the RCMP so wills,” Irving said. “We think that’s not healthy either for the communities or the officers and their families who may want to stay.” Irving said district staff are in constant contact with senior RCMP officials and are mak-
ately but the RCMP are very reluctant to change so we have to present them with a very strong case...and see if we can get something happening within the next three months.” Irving hopes Ucluelet’s efforts will snowball and lead to other Vancouver Island communities keeping their officers as well. “The broader picture is this is a good argument for all small communities not RCMP Sg.t Jeff Swann sets an example of charity with just Ucluelet, so his newly shaven head during the fundraising Tour de we’re hoping that Rock, one of many examples of Swann’s community they apply this involvement.. ANDREW BAILEY PHOTO. to all the limited duration posts ing consistent efforts to present over the long term,” he said. Ucluelet’s case. The community recently hon“We’re trying to work with the oured Swann for his service at a senior RCMP staff and the Minpacked ceremony held at the comistry of Justice to see if we can munity centre and Irving encourfind a better way of meeting the ages locals to help Ucluelet make needs of both the community and its case by writing to the RCMP. the RCMP,” Irving said. Sgt. Swann hopes the commun“We’ve got a bit of time fortunity’s efforts lead to change because
he does not want to leave the community he and his family have fallen in love with. “This community is pretty special,” Swann said. He recalled traveling to Ucluelet with his family about 10 years ago and finding home. “We came through and looked at Ucluelet and I said ‘this is where I want to work, I want to live here, I want to make this home,” he said. “We’re digging our feet in and growing roots and we don’t want to rip that up yet...We as a family don’t feel like we’re ready to leave Ucluelet yet.” Now about five years into his Ucluelet posting, the RCMP seems intent on ripping up his family’s West Coast roots. Swann’s transfer is scheduled for July 2015. “My bosses know how I feel and I know how my bosses feel,” Swann said. “I’ve still got another 365 days to keep doing what I’m doing and to make a difference in this community and that’s what I’m going to focus on.” Swann had hoped Sgt. James Anderson’s impending departure from the Tofino detachment would open up an opportunity for his family to stay on the West Coast but this proved no dice. “I expressed my interest for that job, I said I would love to do that job because it keeps me on the
West Coast and then my family can stay in Ucluelet but I was told for operational reasons that I can’t take that job,” he said. He said he is proud of the opendoor environment the Ucluelet detachment has taken on where locals feel comfortable airing concerns but said he does not feel his work in Ucluelet is done. “I still have new ideas and new challenges and you can’t put them in play the first year you’re here and we want to build on what we’ve got,” he said Swann’s emphasis on community outreach has made him a familiar face in the community especially at the local schools and he suggested the benefits of this familiarity could potentially outweigh the benefits of the RCMP’s limited duration transfer process. He noted he has been through several transfers with the RCMP and has only been in Ucluelet for five years while other detachments allow officers to stay significantly longer. “That’s the fairness argument, I can’t balance that yet but I know I’ve got the support of my bosses and supervisors and I’ve been told that this July 2015 I’ll be transferring,” he said. “Until then I’m going to put my head down and just keep working.” reporter@westerlynews.ca
Page 6 | The Westerly News
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Missing girl found safe and sound at Combers ANDREW BAILEY
Westerly News The West Coast breathed a collective sigh of infinite relief on Sunday when a report of a missing child ended in an overwhelmingly happy reunion. The three-year-old girl was reported missing by her parents on Combers Beach around 1:45 p.m. Her parents were watching their other two children playing with their dog and had thought their three-year-old was part of the group before realizing to their horror that the child was not there, according to Const. James
Van Camp of the Ucluelet RCMP. “There’s two other kids playing and a dog and they could see the movement so they thought all the kids were there but a few minutes later they went over and realized the little girl had somehow walked behind them,” he said. “It’s certainly not bad parenting or anything like that it’s just that you really, really, have to keep watch on kids of any age when they’re out there because things can go south really fast. “There’s very few calls that are more important than that because if she’s fallen into the ocean, or
someone’s taken her, or a wild animal has gotten a hold of her—and we’ve had all of those things happen—because of all that we pull out all the stops.” Van Camp alerted Ucluelet RCMP detachment commander Sgt. Jeff Swann who got on the phone to as many emergency responders he could find including the Canadian Coast Guard, Tofino RCMP and Parks Canada staff. “Everybody that could help was called,” Van Camp said noting helicopters and a canine unit were called upon as well. “If you don’t do it immediately you can’t get that time back.”
“Some of us went down to the beach, some of us went into the bush, we completely covered the area and we found her so it worked out well,” Van Camp said. “It was effective and Sgt. Swann certainly made all the right choices as he usually does.” Less than an hour into the search Parks Canada staff coming from the campground on a quad spotted the missing girl sitting with an adult. “She just didn’t know why this little girl was by herself and she was very helpful; I think she was just waiting thinking someone’s going to come around the
corner to see her,” Van Camp said of the woman the child was found with. He said the incident serves as a valuable reminder to parents to keep a keen eye on their children and added that the missing girl’s parents did the right thing by contacting police immediately rather than waiting for their child to turn up. “It’s good when it ends like that and it’s probably a wake up call to realize that one of the things three-year-olds are good at is sliding away and you really have to constantly have a clean view of them,” he said.
Acting GM named at Tourism Tofino Tourism Tofino announced the appointment of Jenn Houtby-Ferguson as acting general manager for an 8-month period beginning July 21, during general manager Kirsten Soder’s maternity leave. “We are very excited to welcome Jenn to our team of tourism marketing experts,” said Soder. “Our hiring committee and I are confident that Jenn’s skills, experience and abilities will enable the organization to function flawlessly during my absence. Jenn will be well-supported by Tourism Tofino’s senior staff members Samantha Fyleris and Sarah Timberlake, and we
have recently added an administrative support role filled by Caitlin Hedley who will be help to ensure a smooth transition between managers.” A seasoned veteran of the tourism industry, Jenn Houtby-Ferguson, CMP, CMM, spent the last two years with Tourism Nanaimo most recently as Destination Development Officer. From 2007 - 2012 Jenn was the Director of Sales & Marketing of the largest Resort on Vancouver Island. Named a finalist of the Top 20 Under 40 both 2012 and 2013, Jenn is currently pursuing her Master of Arts in Tourism Management though Royal Roads University.
coastrealty.com
Tofino & Ucluelet 250-726-8113 sold@telus.net
Dave Christensen
Vaccine and Appointment Clinic
for Dogs & Cats Wednesday, July 19, 2014 Ucluelet’s UAC Hall (located beside the firehall on Peninsula Rd)
9:30 am – noon &
Tofino’s Royal Canadian Legion
Alberni Vet Clinic ph 250-723-7341 www.albernivet.com
1:30 – 4 pm Visit our website
The Westerly News | Page 7
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Tofino council: Is Province CHANGING TRAFFIC HABITS dropping ball on road? ANDREW BAILEY
Westerly News Tofino’s municipal council is concerned about the shape of the highway heading into town and believes the Province could be dropping the ball on road maintenance. During last week’s regular council meeting, Coun. Cathy Thicke said several locals have raised the highway’s condition to her and she herself has noticed it is becoming unsafe. “I do a fair bit of (bike) riding on that road and it is quite dangerous,” she said,
adding she was concerned with the amount of rubble on the road especially in light of the fact that there are no shoulders. District staff are spending time on the road’s maintenance despite her belief that the Province has hired a contractor to do the work, she said. She suggested council write a letter to the Province and ask for clarification on what the Province’s responsibilities are in terms of road maintenance. “So that we are not incur-
Pedestrians cut a corner on Campbell in Tofino on Sunday as cars stop at the new four-way stop tagged for their attention.
ring costs that are over and above what this community needs to bear,” she said. “It’s not just about accidents, it’s about time and money that we are incurring.” Coun. Al Anderson agreed and suggested along with the letter council should request a meeting with BC’s Ministry of Transportation during the Union of BC Municipalities Convention (UBCM) this fall. He said his main concerns about the highway are maintenance,
JACKIE CARMICHAEL PHOTO
See COUNCIL, page 16
District hires CBT to kickstart Tla-o-qui-aht higher learning initiative ANDREW BAILEY
Westerly News The District of Tofino has hired the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust to help move the Tofino Tla-o-qui-aht higher learning initiative along. Tofino’s municipal council reviewed and approved a draft letter of intent during last week’s regular council meeting and agreed to pay the CBT $15,000 for their services. “Council has stated it support for the Tofino Tla-o-qui-aht higher learning initiative, has had several discussions about it, has set aside $30,000 in the last couple of years but has not chosen to invest that money into the project yet,” said Tofino Mayor Josie Osborne. She noted the regional Pacific Rim Higher Learning initiative being done in collaboration between Tofino, Ucluelet, the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation and the Ucluelet First Nation is progressing and
the fruits of this regional effort will soon begin to ripen. “We should be going down a parallel track in concert with that initiative but also keeping in mind the interests of this community and Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations and the partnership we’ve developed with them to move a higher learning initiative along,” she said. Coun. Dorothy Baert agreed. “I think it’s excellent,” she said. “I think it’s a very, very, good use of our dollars.” Council unanimously approved the letter of intent and earmarked $15,000 for the CBT. The letter lays out a schedule for the CBT to have achieved specific goals. By Oct. 31 a website is expected to have been developed that provides background information about the Tofino Tla-o-qui-aht higher learning initiative in an effort
to increase awareness and build potential partnerships. By Jan. 15, 2015, institutions that are delivering or have delivered programs in the area are expected to have been identified, along with three new higher-learning programs that could be delivered in the area in 2015 and 2016 and should be pursued. The CBT’s work is also expected to include recommendations on external funding sources that could possibly be leveraged to pursue future higher learning support.
Westerly News Let there be dance. Tofino’s municipal council won’t put any hurdles in the way of an application that would allow patrons at Jamie’s Rainforest Inn to get their groove on. The Inn has submitted an application to the Liquor Control Board (LCB) to changes its Food Primary Liquor Licence to allow for patron participation in the form of dancing. Tofino’s council had two options: collect feedback from area residents who may be impacted by the change and submit a report to the LCB or opt out of providing comments and take a spectator’s view of the Board’s decision. Council unanimously agreed to
take a hands off approach. Coun. Garth Cameron approved staying hands off on the issue because the licence will remain a food-primary licence and will not become a liquor-primary licence. Coun. Ray Thorogood wondered if the change would lead to extended hours and was told by staff that it would not. Coun. Dorothy Baert hesitated after asking if the LCB would collect public input and being told such input would likely be left up to the district. “I’m just wondering if we’re doing the due diligence to our residents who are in a residential neighborhood to just let this pass and ‘what will happen will happen’ type thing. I think we have more See GROOVE page 18
In the Clayoquot Sound Community Theatre 380 Campbell Street, ToÀno All welcome -- come and support your local theatre!
Entertainment and Refreshments
reporter@westerlynews.ca
West Coast Business directory
Jamie’s get council nod for dance groove ANDREW BAILEY
Annual General Meeting Thursday, July 3rd at 7 pm
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An advertising feature of the Westerly News
Page 8 | The Westerly News
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
NEPTUNE ICE Celebrating 35 years on Ucluelet’s Historic Waterfront Thanks to all the fishermen, families, employees that have supported us over 35 years!
UCLUELET PLANT 1341 Eber Rd., Ucluelet, B.C. V0R 3A0 Phone (604) 726-7761
The Farrington & Alexander families
1979
Neptune marks 35 years on the Ucluelet waterfront This year Neptune celebrates over 35 years in business in Ucluelet. Many generations of Ucluelet’s families and fishermen have worked with us and many of the town’s oldest families youth earned summer wages that carried them to new careers. I originally arrived in what was a sleepy fishing village as a troll fisherman on my way to Alaska
in 1969. After returning often to Ucluelet while fishing, I worked for McCallum Sales as fishbuyer at what is now a fuel dock. In the mid-70s I was asked by Babcock Fisheries to construct and operate Ucluelet’s largest
ROY ALEXANDER /LOCAL VOICE
freezer plant near the village center. I operated this plant for the Central Native Fishermen’s Co-op employing families locally and from all Nuu-chah-nulth communities on the West Coast. In the late 1970s I purchased Mr. Brown’s house between the Co-op fish plant and Eric Larsen Diesel. After receiving consent of Council and planning, we built the largest
ice storage in Ucluelet and a new generation dock made of durable, pre-cast concrete rather than of wood. We began unloading vessels for fishermen as a new service. This changed the Harbour and attracted even more production and vessels to all services and businesses. As we became known for our
family-based personal service, quality flake ice, and good fish prices we quickly became the largest fresh troll buyer on the West Coast of the island, competing with B.C.’s largest companies. In the peak Sockeye years over 300 trollers would make deliveries, forming long relationships that last to this day. I eventually built three other ice plants on Vancouver Island, all of which are operating today. I volunteered on the Ucluelet Harbour commission with many local fishermen and elders seeking to protect waterfront paths and walkways for future generations. Together with now Member of Parliament John Duncan, we prepared a successful presentation to Wharves Canada that resulted in an approval for the expansion of the inner boat basin that has greatly assisted today’s fishing and tourism for all. I also represented the West Coast on the Pacific Salmon Commission See NEPTUNE, Page 9
Congratulations from your refrigeration guys!
John and Jordan at
Larsen Diesel J&SErik CONTRACTING
HAPPY 35TH ANNIVERSARY
Co LTD.
The staff at
to NEPTUNE ICE from the staff at French Creek Seafood!
Erik Larsen Diesel would like to congratulate
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK! WINTER HOURS 9 am. – 5:30 Daily • 6:00 Fri. & Sat.
NEPTUNE ICE
1097 Lee Rd Parksville BC
on their
Retail Store 250.248.2888
35th Anniversary!
www.frenchcreekseafoods.com
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An advertising feature of the Westerly News
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
The Westerly News | Page 9
Neptune marks 35 years on the Ucluelet waterfront, continued from Page 8 the National Roundtable on the Environment, and various boards and advisories as a volunteer for our communities. I and my then-wife Linda were also active volunteers on the “salad days” of the Ucluelet Recreation commission and many great Ukee Days events. During this time, a small community without a large stage was able to pack the old Rec Hall by building a stage out of fish boxes and matting from the pulp rollers. Big musical attractions such as the Victoria Symphony and folk singer Valdy entertained all in a small community that was off the path. These were fun times in our small community and we were able to raise our three children in a village where no one locked their doors. Neptune, as the largest ice producer on the West Coast, has weathered the changes in the fishing industry and continues to contribute substantially to the village’s economy directly and indirectly. Neptune has contributed millions of dollars to local workers, businesses and to fishermen. Local families from both Itatsoo, Ucluelet and other villages have formed the core of employees, that along with their fishermen have raised families around this local business. Neptune’s first employee, grader Henry Marshall, still works at the plant. Ucluelet, with its excellent harbour and facilities remains the largest fish landing port on the West Coast. Although fishing has changed, it still is a vital pillar of Ucluelet’s economy and Neptune
has changed with the times and continues to invest in Ucluelet. Today , the plant is managed by the Farrington fishing family, by owner-manager Crystal Farrington and this still remains the longest family-run fishing business in
Ucluelet. This year as part of “West Coast Fishing Heritage” days Neptune plans to celebrate their history with the employees, neighbours and fishermen whose work , friendship, and loyalty made
Neptune a business that will continue to thrive in our diverse community. I am grateful to our village and all that have supported us over the years and we look forward to celebrating Ucluelet’s fishing heritage
in our 35th continuous year.
Roy Alexander co-founded Neptune with his partners Norm Goble and Marc Noel. He currently lives in Parksville,B.C. with his wife Karen.
Call Cliff Braker:
250-720-7988
Wishing Neptune Ice the very best as you celebrate your
We salute a legend in the B.C. seafood industry. Thanks for all the business. Congratulations, Neptune! Your friends at SEVEN SEAS
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Congratulations to NEPTUNE ICE for 35 YEARS of business from everyone at C-Force Marine.
Page 10 | The Westerly News
The Ucluelet Secondary School Class of 2014 - An Advertising Feature of the Westerly News
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
30 graduates of the Ucluelet Secondary School Class of 2014 marched a runway of light to graduate. Sharp and beautiful in elegant attire, they were applauded by a gym full of family and friends. Every student who applied for a scholarship or bursary received one, and over $100,000 in scholarships were handed out. Plans varied from work and travel to more education - and in some cases, much more education. Thanks to the Westerly News sponsors who made these pages possible. EVENT PHOTOS, ANDREW BAILEY. PORTRAITS SUBMITTED.
Congratulating The Grads of 2014
A Courtney Andreeff
Logan Arsenault
A Landmark Da y
Jeremy August
Riley Botting
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Future ahead
Congratulations, 2014 USS Graduates
Scott Fraser, MLA Alberni-Pacific Rim
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The District of Ucluelet would like to congratulate the
Kathia Castillo
Giordano Corlazzoli
Seven Ellis-Embury
CLASS OF 2014 The Staff at the Blue Room would like to congratulate the entire Class of 2014, especially Danny “The Dan-O” Osborne!
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The Ucluelet Secondary School Class of 2014 - An Advertising Feature of the Westerly News
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
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The Westerly News | Page 11
Congratulations to the graduates of the Class of 2014 from Black Rock Resort
April Mundy
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The Creative Salmon team would like to congratulate the Class of 2014 graduates.
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Gordon Taylor
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Tofino
Everyone at Tofino Co-Op would like to extend
BEST OF LUCK WITH YOUR FUTURE ENDEAVORS.
Page 12 | The Westerly News
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
EAT/PLAY/LIVE: EVENT
TED Talks’ Amy Cuddy to speak at Tofino event Sunday JACKIE CARMICHAEL
Westerly News From TED Talks to Tofino, Amy Cuddy is about to prove you never know unless you try. The famed American social
psychologist Amy Joy Casselberry Cuddy is well-known for research on nonverbal behaviour, discrimination and stereotyping. She has over 18 million views on her TED Talk, and she’s coming to Tofino on Sunday to address West Coasters at the Clayoquot Community Theatre at 7 p.m. Tofino attorney and chamber board member Patrick Canning reached out to Cuddy on a sort of dare
from Tofino-Long Beach-Ucluelet Chamber of Commerce executive director Gord Johns, who suggested he contact Cuddy after both were impressed with her message. “It’s about how your body language affects you,” Canning said of Cuddy’s talk. “It actually affects your hormones – immediately.” Cuddy’s research into “power poses” – stances of confidence and positivity – revealed that in a blind test, interviewers selected candidates who had done “power poses” prior to the interview, Canning said. It won’t be the first time Cuddy proved something. According to
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www.ted.com, as a college student Cuddy suffered a severe head injury in a car accident. Doctors predicted a struggle to regain mental capacity and finish her degree. Cuddy showed them. She is now a professor at Harvard Business School. Her story and her presentation amazed Canning. “I watched it, and I was blown away,” he said. “I sent her a quick email, and she emailed back right away.” “Why don’t you invite her out here?” Johns suggested. “I told her about Tofino and Ucluelet and how great a com-
munity it is,” Canning said, adding that he was still surprised by her acceptance of his invite to speak, and to make the mini-TED a fundraiser for the Tla-O-Qui-Aht App, a regional effort to create an interactive smartphone app for learning the language. Qui-Aht First Nation’s language. “I got an email from her, she said ‘My family and I are coming out on these dates, I’m happy to speak,’” he recalled. Tickets for Sunday’s event are $15. editor@westerlynews.ca
New Wild Pacific Trail spur opens lost beach ANDREW BAILEY
Moorage Building across from Small Craft Harbour Marina (Lyche Road, Ucluelet) 250-726-3900
Westerly News A once lost beach has been re-found thanks to the Wild Pacific Trail’s newest addition. Members of the Wild Pacific Trail Society joined district officials at the trail on Monday to celebrate the unveiling of a new staircase leading down to a beach within HiTin-kis Park. “The district of Ucluelet is just thrilled to announce the official opening of the spur off the Hi-Tin-Kis trail which is part of the whole Wild Pacific Trail network,” said Abby Fortune, Ucluelet’s director of parks and recreation. She cited the project as another illustration of the solid partnership shared between the district and the Wild Pacific Trail Society. “We’re able to look at what our current real estate is and
B A Y
PHOTO BY SZYMON SZYMCZAKOWSKI PHOTOGRAPHY
and make it a more solid trail for everyone to enjoy,” she said. The trail’s manager and innovator, Oyster Jim Martin said the new staircase took about four weeks to complete and noted the stairs were created from recycled plastic materials made to look like stained wood. “I haven’t seen that application before and it is very, very, good for maintenance,”
T O
but for maintenance and longevity and safety, it’s got everything.” The total cost of the project came in under $20,000 and was paid for in partnership between the society and the district. Fortune said the society should be commended for working together to bring the project to fruition. “They did two major work bees which were a big part of,
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21 seats per bus • passengers are seated on a first come first served basis. for group travel contact tofino bus at charters @ tofinobus.com
T O F I N O
T O
C O X
B A Y
tofino bus depot 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 4th & campbell 11:03 12:03 13:03 14:03 15:03 17:03 18:03 19:03 20:03 bella pacifica 11:07 12:07 13:07 14:07 15:07 17:07 18:07 19:07 20:07 north chesterman beach 11:11 12:11 13:11 14:11 15:11 17:11 18:11 19:11 20:11 south chesterman beach 11:15 12:15 13:15 14:15 15:15 17:15 18:15 19:15 20:15 cox bay info centre 11:25 12:25 13:25 14:25 15:25 17:25 18:25 19:25 20:25 flag stops: village green, gibson st, marina west, gas n go, mackenzie, hellesen, howard dr, jensens bay
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C O X
Volunteers with the Wild Pacific Trail Society finish work on a new staircase leading to a beach in Hi-Tin-Kis Park.
stepping up to the plate and acting as a committee and acting as a support system for the trail network,” she said. The society’s efforts have brought back a once-lost beach as the original staircase was closed off about two years ago because of safety concerns. The original beach access stairs were built in the 1970’s as a Centennial Work project under the Pierre Trudeau government but they aged and weathered over time. “They were just bandaided together over the decades,” said society member Barbara Timmermans, adding the creative use of recycled materials will increase safety and save on maintenance costs in the long-term. “It’s a escape node for locals and curious tourists and it was very valuable to keep it,” Timmermans said. “The beach is a remote jewel.” With the Big Beach staircase and new Hi-TinKis stairwell now fully complete, the trail’s safety measures are covered off, according to Martin. “This was the second safety related issue that we’ve dealt with within the trail system and that resolves all the outstanding liability stuff that we had to date,” he said. reporter@westerlynews.ca
The Westerly News | Page 13
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
EAT/PLAY/LIVE
26th Pacific Rim Summer Festival set for July 4-20 in Tuff, Ukee The Pacific Rim Arts Society presents JENNIFER the 26th Annual KIDD Pacific Rim /LOCAL Summer VOICE Festival July 4-20 Be ready to enjoy some of the best Canadian music and dance performances coming to Tofino, Ucluelet and the
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve this season. There will be a variety of engaging arts activities and workshops for the entire family throughout the festival as well as outreach performances in remote surrounding communities. New this year: In Tofino: Tuff City Rocks! Open air concert
A new addition to the Festival this year, is an open-air concert at the Tofino Village Green, Saturday July 12th, starting at 5pm. Admission for this event is by donation, suggesting $20 per person, and free for children accompanied by parents. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy the music of Juno award winner George Leach, plus
Dustin Bentall, the Sweet Low Down and Brave New Waves. For anyone who ever dreamed of running away to join the circus – the circus is coming to join the West Coast. A one-day circus workshop with Transporteur des Reves is planned for Saturday, July 12 from 10-4 at the Ucluelet Commun-
ity Centre. Instructor and performer Benoit Ranger will teach youth ages 3-18 the skills and arts of stilts, acrobatics, juggling, equilibrium and more. The event will be $50, which will include lunch. Register online at www. rendez-vousvancouver.com or cash at the door.
A Lucky Trunk Show circus event will be held Sunday, July 13 at 3 p.m. Tickets are cash at the door, $5 for kids and $10 for adults. More to come in upcoming Westerly News edition!
Jennifer Kidd is the coordinator of the Pacific Rim Summer Festival.
Invasive American Bullfrog no friend to the West Coast; workshop set for Mon., June 30 at UCC
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Join biologist Barb Beasley to learn about our local amphibians and the American Bullfrog, an introduced species that has recently been found in Port Alberni and could wreak havoc if it makes it across Sutton Pass to our West Coast ecosystems. The session will train you to identify the Bullfrog so you can help keep it from being introduced and becoming established on the wild West Coast. Free workshop Mon., June 30 at 7:00 pm, Ucluelet Community Centre.
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Bean at the Cove Café is located at Crystal Cove Beach Resort. Proudly serving all your Starbucks favorites and our line up of Frappuccino’s are here for the summer. OPEN 8:30am - 1pm until June 27th OPEN 8:30am - 3pm from June 28th to Sept 1st
Big Kahuna’s at Long Beach Golf Club. Open 8:30am-5pm daily for breakfast and lunch til June 26th. Summer hours are from 8:30am-7pm daily.
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Call 250-726-7029 or email office@westerlynews.ca
Page 14 | The Westerly News
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
UKEE MARKET
EAT/PLAY/LIVE AD FEATURE: WEEKEND MARKET
Tofino Public Market draws crowds into downtown core
Solidarity Snacks’ perogies are a new tradition at the Ukee Night Market on Fridays.
W EST COAST
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Ukee Night Market Fridays 3-7pm ToÅno Public Market Saturdays 10 am-2pm Entertainment – Food - On the Village Greens Photography by David Paul Crombie
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St. Columba Services: WEDNESDAY
Anne Weeks, director of the Tofino Public Market. Below, never know who you’ll meet on the Village Green, like these performers from an event at the Clayoquot Community Theatre. WESTERLY NEWS PHOTO BY JACKIE CARMICHAEL.
JACKIE CARMICHAEL
Westerly News
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The Tofino Public Market is creating a nice big buzz on Saturdays in the downtown core. The market director said the Saturday happening on the Village Green is going stronger than ever, about a decade into its history. “Most of the reserved vendors from last year renewed this year, and for the first time, we had a waiting list for reserved spots,” Anne Weeks said as crowds milled, browsed and feasted around a maze of tents. “The community is making it a regular thing they attend,” she said. The numbers are reflecting big interest, she said, noting that Tourism Tofino’s visitor survey indicates 25% of visitors are interested in the market as an attraction. In a town that scores a million visits a year – not all in the market season, mind you – that’s a lot of shoppers. Under tents or in the open, vendors are selling stuff that’s local, handmade,
unique, diverse – from driftwood and silver pendants to tamales. It’s a good mix and it attracts vendors from around the Island and even around BC, Weeks said. “We wanted to keep a vibrant, busy market,” she said. Weeks is a musician with Smalltown Empire – and she loves the local performers as well as touring musicians that drop by to entertain. “And I love the community feeling of the vendors, everyone wanting to help everyone else, wanting to make it a good market,” she said. While there’s occasional
debate on whether public markets help or hinder local retail traffic, Weeks said feedback from surrounding retailers is favourable. “The market helps draw people into the downtown core and therefore creates extra spinoff business for businesses surrounding the market. The feedback I’ve gotten is really supportive of (the market),” she said. Tofino Public Market is held Saturdays from 10-2 on the Village Green. editor@westerlynews.ca
Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of UKEE DAYS! July 25th-27th, 2014
Join us for the annual Ukee Days Parade, Pancake Breakfast, Salmon & Oyster BBQ, Logger Sports, Kid Zone, Live Music, Beer Gardens and so much more! www.ukeedays.wordpress.com
www.facebook.com/ukeedays
www.twitter.com/ukeedays
The Westerly News | Page 15
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
WEEKLY CROSSWORD
EAT/PLAY/LIVE: REVIEW Port Alberni: More Than Just A Mill Town Jan Peterson/Heritage House, 2014
stringer - and the research that became her specialty as a nonfiction writer who wrote half her books about the Alberni Valley and half about Nanaimo. In the Valley,
HOROSCOPE ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, let your creative side take over this week. Your imagination is ready to run wild, and this burst of creative energy will have long-lasting positive effects. TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, though you are known for being a tad stubborn, this week you are open to any and all suggestions. You may surprise a few people by being so open-minded. GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, while you may have natural leadership abilities, most of the time you do not want to pull rank. This week you may need to step things up a bit. CANCER - Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, now is a good time to travel, even if it means just a quick jaunt. But if a big vacation is on the horizon, know that you will likely have a smooth trip ahead. LEO - Jul 23/Aug 23 Your powers are magnetic this week, Leo. Others find you simply irresistible, which can bode well if you are looking for a romantic partner or want to step things up. VIRGO - Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, a busy week at work will require lots of cooperation among you and your coworkers. If ever there was a time to summon your leadership abilities, now is the time. LIBRA - Sept 23/Oct 23 Libra, many things are in disarray and you may need some help getting back to efficient living. Download an app to help you track expenses or keep tabs on your responsibilities. SCORPIO - Oct 24/Nov 22 You are bound to be the center of attention, Scorpio. Get over any shyness early on because you will be spending time with coworkers for most of the week. SAGITTARIUS - Nov 23/Dec 21 You will do some of your best work at home this week, Sagittarius. Spend ample time getting the house in order. A few days working from home could kickstart plans. CAPRICORN - Dec 22/Jan 20 Capricorn, quickly curb any feelings of boredom by exploring a new hobby. Try taking a new fitness or art class. You’ll have chances to mingle, too. AQUARIUS - Jan 21/Feb 18 Put the brakes on impulse buys, Aquarius. This week you may be tempted to spend more money than you have, and that will only lead to long-term financial concerns. PISCES - Feb 19/Mar 20 Pisces, it is time to rebrand yourself. This may start with a minimakeover or more significant changes to your life and career.
Peterson discovered a vibrant arts scene, and she and her husband raised three children. “It’s a wonderful place to raise children - with lakes and rivers to explore - and a wonderful place to live,” she said. Now a Nanaimo resident, Peterson was not a fan of the recent MoneySense ranking of Port Alberni at the bottom of its top 200 cities to live in. “I don’t think they looked at the town - it’s a wonderful place to live, the scenery is fantastic, and it has so many things that add up to the opposite side of the equation,” she said. “That had to do with money and the bottom line, nothing to do with the town - and you can do anything with statistics.” editor@westerlynews.ca
Jackie Carmichael is managing editor of the Westerly News.
• Books • Natural Foods • Espresso 243 Main St. 250-726-7668
SUDOKU
Perhaps the record-holder for writing books about Port Alberni, a former Alberni Valley Times writer launched her latest book about the Valley recently. Jan Peterson lived in Port Alberni from 1972 to 1996, when her husband worked for the Alberni Plywood Division. Those decades were what she wanted to cover in what is something of a memoir for Peterson as well. (Her four previous JACKIE CARMICHAEL books were completely /MANAGING historical EDITOR in nature, researched in archives, covering from the city’s founding in 1860 to amalgamation in 1967.) “It was a tough story to write. We went through that recession in 1982 and 1983 .. and MacMillan Bloedel got sold off in that time,” she recalled. Peterson has two chapters in the book on what would prove to be controversial attempts to log Meares Island. The media exposure at the time sealed the West Coast’s fate as a tourism destination, she recalled. She also recalls her time at the Alberni Valley Times, first as a
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CLUES ACROSS 11. Hen products 1. Coneless craters 12. Technology firm 6. Pullulate 13. 40th US state 10. Six (Spanish) 16. Albanian capital 14. Cricket frog 18. Sensory receptors 15. Deliberately subverted 22. Publicity 17. McCullough’s 2nd book 23. A winglike part 19. Body of water 24. Sword with a curved blade 20. Plural of 22 down 25. Single 21. To get up 27. Fencing swords 22. They __ 28. Research workplaces 23. Expression of sorrow 29. Japanese sash 24. Turfs 30. Nutmeg covering spice 26. Door beam 31. Woman (French) 29. Arabian sultanate 33. Foot (Latin) 31. Corn dough 35. Fast rise to fame 32. Soft infant food 36. Used to cut and shape wood 34. Famous movie pig 37. Shaft horsepower (abbr.) 35. “Oleanna” playwright 39. A consortium of companies 37. One point E of SE 42. Stirrup bone 38. Cool down 43. Transmitted 39. Surrender 44. Carrier’s invention 40. WWII war criminal Rudolph 46. Without (French) 41. Artificial 47. Noah’s oldest son (Bible) 43. Drains 48. Jaguarundi 45. Woods component 49. Former Cowboy Leon 46. Unit of time (abbr.) 50. Powder mineral 47. 1955-77 regional defense org. 51. Greek colonnade 49. Local area network 52. Mexican monetary unit 50. 1/3 tablespoon (abbr.) 54. Preceeded the DVD 53. Breathe excessively 55. Doctrine suffix 57. Dilapidated ships 56. Mauna __, HI, volcano 58. Goes it alone 57. Public prosecutor 59. Jap. women pearl divers 60. Television tube 61. (Prev. Portuguese) S. THIS WEEKS ANSWER China seaport CLUES DOWN 1. Tangles 2. Dull pain 3. Length x width = 4. Fishing gear 5. Small Chevrolet truck 6. 18th Hebrew letter (alt. sp.) 7. Ingests 8. Decline 9. Martinet 10. Cruel deviant
Page 16 | The Westerly News
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Bank machine beaten; RCMP seek abuser ANDREW BAILEY
Westerly News The bank machine at Ucluelet’s Coastal Community Credit Union took a beating last week and police are on the lookout for its abuser. Police were called to the Credit Union around 7 a.m. on June 17 after the machine was discovered to have been significantly kicked in at the bottom. “Someone had gone in to use the bank machine and either didn’t have enough money in their account or was mad at the bank machine and kicked the bottom of it,” Swann said. He said police do not believe the kicking was done with the intent to steal any money but was simply an act of vandalism. The machine has since been repaired but Swann
encourages anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious in the early morning hours of June 17, to contact the detachment.
3-car smash-up on Wick Road Police are reminding drivers to give each other some space after three vehicles heading in the same direction managed to crash into each other last week. Two vehicles were towed out of adjacent ditches and infraction tickets were issued after a threecar collision on June 16 around 10 am. The three vehicles were traveling along Wickaninnish Road towards the ocean when the lead vehicle slowed to make a left turn, setting off a potentially catastrophic
chain of events, according to Sgt. Jeff Swann of the Ucluelet RCMP. When the lead vehicle slowed the vehicle traveling immediately behind it swerved and braked heavily to avoid a collision and was struck from the rear by the third vehicle. The collision forced the second vehicle into a ditch on the right hand side of the road and the third vehicle then continued on to smash the lead vehicle into the adjacent ditch. “Vehicle three, after it punted vehicle two into the ditch, then collided heavily with vehicle one causing vehicle one to go into the left hand ditch,” Swann said. The lead vehicle escaped relatively unharmed but the second and third vehicles suffered significant damage and had to be towed
from the scene. “Thankfully we had no injuries,” Swann said. The drivers of vehicles two and three each received violation tickets for traveling too close to the car ahead of them. Swann said a general rule of thumb is to follow two seconds behind the vehicle in front of you but this does not apply when traveling at high speeds because of the amount of time it takes to recognize a situation. “It’s incredible how far you can travel in 2 seconds...That 1.6 seconds where your brain has registered that there’s something to be concerned about, it depends on your speed but you may have already traveled to 50-80 metres,” Swann said.
Boat stolen A small aluminum boat was stolen from Ucluelet’s 52-Steps dock sometime between June 5 and 12. Sgt. Jeff Swann said the theft was reported on June 12 and the boat’s owner believes it occurred sometime during the week prior. Swann described the boat as a 12-foot pale-yellow aluminum vessel but added it has no identifying numbers or markings. The motorless boat was tied to the dock and police believe the thief or thieves cut the rope and paddled away. “Somebody came by, saw it, and thought it would be a nice boat to own,” Swann said. Anyone with information regarding the theft is encouraged to call 250-726-7773.
Dry spell prompts Stage 1 water measures in Tuff ANDREW BAILEY
Westerly News A dry weather forecast forced Tofino residents into Stage 1 water restrictions last week. June has traditionally brought Tofino about 128 mm worth of rain but so far only about 5 mm have dropped down, according to Tofino’s manager of public works Bob Schantz. Tofino’s water conservation bylaw stipulates the restrictions kick in if two weeks go by without rain between May 15 and Oct. 15. “Despite a small rainfall this past weekend, and the fact that the reservoirs are continuing to
replenish themselves, we have a dry forecast for the summer and our manager of public works (Bob Schantz) has determined that Stage 1 restrictions should come into play,” said Tofino Mayor Josie Osborne during last week’s regular council meeting. With Stage 1, homes with even numbered addresses may only water their lawns and gardens on Tuesdays and Fridays from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Homes with odd numbered addresses are only permitted to do their watering between 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays. Unattended watering is not
permitted at any time during the restrictions. The restrictions took effect on Tuesday, June 17, and the district issued an announcement promising to issue infraction tickets to anyone found in non-compliance. On an ironically rainy Wednesday afternoon, Osborne told the Westerly the decision to lift the restrictions is in Schantz’s hands but she doubted the day’s rainfall would have an impact. “My gut tells me we’ll just stay with the way it is because the forecast is so dry, but it is Bob’s call,” she said. “This is an awareness building stage,” she said. “I think creat-
ing an awareness of water conservation even in mid-June is very important.” On Friday, Schantz confirmed the Stage 1 restrictions would remain in effect indefinitely. “The average rainfall for June is 128 mm (and) up until Wednesday we’d had 5 mm,” he said adding Wednesday’s showers didn’t come close to pushing the needle to the norm. Schantz had never put the district’s Stage 1 restrictions in effect before and said this is the driest stretch of spring he has seen in four years of district service. “May was below average rainfall also and then June is extremely
below average rainfall,” he said. “The reservoirs aren’t flowing like they should be for this time of the year. It has been a very dry spring so we just want to be proactive.” “We’re going to monitor it to see because we don’t know what the weather holds...If it was to rain for a week I’d probably be thinking about lifting it but we have to see how it goes,” he said. Stage 2 water restrictions kick in when the Close Creek reservoir stops filling to capacity but Schantz said this concern remains far from the horizon. reporter@westerlynews.ca
Airport officials hope to lure more airlines BOAT SAFETY, A WISE CHOICE! Did you know that nearly one hundred recreational boaters die each year on Canadian waters? To avoid another tragedy: Know the regulations. Remember that safety is a shared responsibility between people enjoying our waters and the agencies that regulate them. Have the required safety equipment on board. Your equipment must be: ƒ Easy to reach. ƒ In good working order, maintained and replaced according to manufacturer’s recommendations. Carry a Canadian-approved OLIHMDFNHW RU SHUVRQDO ÀRWDWLRQ device (PFD) of the right size, for each person on board. Carry your pleasure craft licence RQ DQ\ SOHDVXUH FUDIW ¿WWHG ZLWK D motor of 10 horsepower (7.5 kW) or more.
ANDREW BAILEY
Westerly News The Alberni Clayoquot Regional District is continuing its efforts to lure WestJet to the Long Beach Airport. The regional district’s Long Beach Airport Advisory recently met with WestJet network planning analyst Chris Jackson to discuss the airline’s potential future at the airport, according to Ucluelet Mayor Bill Irving. “(Jackson) gave us ideas on what kind of resources have to be at an
airport for WestJet to consider it so the advisory took that into consideration,” Irving said, suggesting there could be possible linkages between WestJet commuter flights from either Comox or Nanaimo and Long Beach’s existing airlines. “Good opportunity; lots of things happening there that I think will be very much appreciated by the folks on the West Coast,” he said. WestJet’s public relations manager Robert Palmer confirmed WestJet has met with local officials but said the company has
Carry your proof of competency while operating any motor driven vessel. Check the weather forecast before you leave shore. To prepare for your next trip or to get the latest version of the Safe Boating Guide, visit our website: www.tc.gc.ca/boatingsafety.
will be closed for two weeks between
July 1st and July 15th.
I apologize for any inconvenience. Call Jan at 250-726-2033 to book an appointment today!
no current plans to fly into Long Beach. “There are many communities in Canada interested in WestJet Encore service and we continue to receive indications of interest across the country,” he said. “At this point we have no plans to serve Tofino-Ucluelet. However, as we take delivery of additional aircraft in the years to come, we will be in a better position to consider new destinations.”
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
The Westerly News | Page 17
Page 18 | The Westerly News
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Tofino volunteer Eileen Floody honoured for her community service ANDREW BAILEY
Westerly News Tofino local Eileen Floody was recently honoured with a volunteer recognition award for her outstanding community commitment. Floody received her award during last week’s regular council meeting where Mayor Josie Osborne dished out high accolades before bestowing the honour. While Floody’s garden of community service has many flowers to pick from, Osborne touted her efforts with the Winter Music Festival Society and the Friends of Clayoquot Sound as the key reasons for her selection. “She has contributed countless hours to those organizations with grant applications, advertising, board meetings and coordinating events,” Osborne said.
She added that Floody was a lead instigator on the recent garden restoration at Katie Monks Park and recently volunteered to monitor the school garden over the summer. “She continues to put in far more than her paid hours at the Vancouver Island regional library and did so as well when she was the manager of the Clayoquot Sound Community Theatre,” Osborne said. “Eileen cares deeply about our community and she has contributed greatly to the cultural richness and the environment of our community.” While accepting her award, a beaming Floody said dedicating herself to Tofino is a privilege. Tofino launched is volunteer recognition program in April 2013 in an effort to identify Tofitians who go above and beyond to better the
community. Floody told the Westerly News she was grateful to the district for the accolades. “People are nominated by volunteer organizations, so it is a thank you from the people you work with and the Council,” she said. “I think it’s wonderful that the Mayor and Council do this, and any group can send a submission. I volunteer for the friends of Clayoquot Sound because I love this place and I want to see the environment as healthy as possible for all life. I’m involved with the Winter Music Series because I enjoy music, and it’s so much appreciated here. Thank you to everyone who contributes to this wonderful community.” reporter@westerlynews.ca
Tofino Mayor Josie Osborne, left, honours longtime local volunteer Eileen Floody. ANDREW BAILEY PHOTO
Tax break for pot factories nipped in the bud by BC government BILL CLEVERLEY
Times Colonist A tax loophole that gave medical marijuana factories a massive tax break is being nipped in the bud by the B.C. government. “The government has made the decision that medical marijuana as well as any other federally regulated narcotic will not be eligible for farm classification for property taxes,” Coralee Oakes, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development told the Times Colonist on Tuesday. Many local governments have been raising the alarm about the so-called “llama loophole” that enabled new medical marijuana grow-ops to claim farm status to avoid paying property taxes. The term dates to 2012, when a Chilliwack business owner, who had placed llamas on his land, successfully argued that his commercial property was being used for agriculture. That saw his prop-
erty tax bill in 2013 drop to about $1,400 from the previous year’s $156,800.
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The province will continue to view medical-marijuana production as an allowable farm use within the Agricultural Land Reserve that should not be prohibited by local govern-
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ment bylaws, Oakes said. This is consistent with the Agricultural Land Commission’s interpretation of the Agricultural Land Commission Act. Oakes said with the change taking effect for property assessments in the 2015 taxation year, the large, industrial-like growing operations will be taxed according to the physical infrastructure being built. “Local governments were really concerned with how do we grapple with the taxation piece with the fire and policing and all of those. So we just wanted to ensure there was clarification from assessment purposes what will be going forward,” Oakes said. The announcement was cheered
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by Juan de Fuca Electoral Area director Mike Hicks who has raised the potential for massive property tax losses to local governments. “That’s wonderful. Not that I advocate more taxes for anyone but it only makes sense,” Hicks said. A new grow-op is planned in an Otter Point industrial park — next to Hicks’ new Juan de Fuca administrative headquarters. Hicks says the owners have said they have no intention of claiming the farm tax status but the potential lost tax revenue is huge. “If the value of the property was $495,000 — $195,000 for the building, $300,000 for the land — the present taxes would be $7,300. If and when they apply [for farm status], their tax bill will be $172,” Hicks said. “The interested companies that are trying to establish in Juan de Fuca in our industrial park are bending over backward to say they want to pay their fair share of taxes,” Hicks said. Federal regulations for medical marijuana came into effect April 1. bcleverley@timescolonist.com
The Westerly News | Page 19
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Canada Day 2014: Find your flag on Page 20!
District of Tofino Canada Day plans Tofino’s annual Canada Day celebration takes place on Tuesday, July 1st on Tofino’s Village Green. The Tofino Recreation Commission and Tofino Parks & Recreation have teamed up once again to host the day’s events. KYLA The Tofino Public Market EMERY will start the day off at /LOCAL 10am and run until 2pm, VOICE featuring a wide range of locally made goods and live music. The skate competition gets underway in the Tuff City Skate Park at 11 am, running the younger kids categories first and ending with the advanced skaters. Participants should register early as some categories do fill up. This year’s BBQ will feature hamburgers and hot dogs for lunch, sourced from local
farms, and Creative Salmon will once again be sponsoring the dinner BBQ. The refreshment gardens will kick off in the basketball courts at 4pm and wrap up at 8pm. Don’t miss the singing of O’Canada and the cutting of the cake at the Village Green Gazebo at 2pm sharp. The day will be wrapped up at 10pm with the annual fireworx show out of the Tofino Inner Harbour. The day promises to provide entertainment for all ages so grab the family, a hat and some sun screen and head to the Tofino Village Green to enjoy this community event. Volunteers are always needed this event; if you are interested in getting involved with this fun community event, please call or email Kyla at 250-725-3229 ext. 37, kyla. emery@tofino.ca. Kyla Emery is with the District of Tofino
Kwisitis Visitor Centre PRNPR Tuesday, July 1st, 2014 - - 1:00pm Cutting the Cake and Games ( tug-o-whale and stealing sticks) - 2:00pm Native Plant Walk Park Entry Fees are waived in national parks on Canada Day
Tel: 250.720.4457 Fax 250.720.4458 A-5262 Argyle Street, Port Alberni, BC V9Y 1T9
Page 20 | The Westerly News
Wednesday, June 25, 2014