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CONSTRUCTION
Tuff RCMP get new home
Serving Tofino and Ucluelet
April 1, 2015 Wednesday
$1.25 [INCLUDING TAX]
The Wrestle Coast
ANDREW BAILEY
TUFF CITY IDOL finals PAGE 9, 10, 11
Westerly News Tofino is in line for a brand new RCMP detachment. The current detachment at 400 Campbell St. will be demolished to make way for a new one on the same site. Tofino’s detachment commander Sgt. Blaine Mumford said an official start-date for construction will not be known until designs and permits are in place but he expects the demolition work to kick off around December. The new building should be ready to go by the summer of 2017. The new detachment will be a two-storey building with roughly three times the square footage of the current detachment, according to Mumford who added its height will be similar to the neighbouring 430 Campbell St. building. He said the current detachment was designed for three staff members and the new building will better suit the needs of the roughly 10 staff members who operate out of it. The new detachment will also double the RCMP’s jail cell capacity from two cells to four. See RCMP, Page 2
INSIDE THIS WEEK: INSIDETHIS WEEK
Above, the award-winning Lady Warriors team with trophies and Coach Mike Rhodes. Below, Heather Morrison
USS female wrestlers bring home Provincial silver
NEW LIFE FOR AN OLD CHURCH? PAGE 6
ANDREW BAILEY
Westerly News The West Coast’s female wrestlers brought a second place trophy home from the BC Secondary Schools Wrestling Association Championships in Abbotsford. It is the highest rank the Ucluelet Secondary School team has ever achieved in the program’s 16-year history, topping their previous best of a fourth place finish in 2008. “To come second place overall for the girls’ team was phenomenal,” said USS wrestling coach Mike Rhodes. “They’re a small team but they push each other and they train together and they work hard and
BRENDAN MORRISON’s Ucluelet Saltwater Classic PAGE 7 it’s paid off; they’re pushing each other to that higher level.” This year’s boys’ team brought some strong performances to the tournament but did not have enough members to compete as a team at the provincial level.
Rhodes said he was proud of his wrestlers for the athleticism and drive they displayed on the mat as well as the character and respect they displayed off of it. See WRESTLER Page 12
WESTERLY NEWS EASTER COLOURING CONTEST/THE SCOOP ON WEST COAST EGG HUNTS & GOOD FRIDAY PLANS, PAGE 14 AND 15
Page 2 | The Westerly News
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
RCMP
Swann gets award, hopes to stay in Ukee Ucluelet police are already celebrating a banner year in 2015. While still cheering about an annual report showing Ucluelet’s crime-rate has dropped by over 60 per cent since 2008, detachment commander Sgt. Jeff Swann earned significant kudos last week. Swann’s community policing efforts and initiatives have earned him a 2015 IODE Annual Provincial Police Community Relations Award. The IODE (Imperial Order of the Daughters of the Empire) is a nation-wide organization that focuses on children, education, and community services. “It is the committee’s opinion that Sgt. Swann has displayed an exemplary commitment to the community beyond his regular duties as a police officer,” read a letter announcing Swann as the award’s recipient. “Work as a regular member of the RCMP is very demanding and challenging. It takes a very dedicated and special person to meet the needs of work and family and then volunteer additional hours to
DIST
Sgt. JEFF SWANN the betterment of his community. Sgt. Swann can be proud of the efforts he has continually made to benefit the lives of people of all ages in the area he serves.” The detachment commander in neighbouring Tofino, Sgt. Blaine Mumford, touted Swann as a solid choice for the accolade. “I know from talking to people here and in Ucluelet that he’s very well liked especially for his commitment to the people and to the schools and to the town of Ucluelet,” Mumford said.
DISTRICT OF TOFINO Box 9, 121 Third Street Tofino BC V0R 2Z0
(2) SUMMER PARKS AND TRAIL WORKERS The District of Tofino is seeking two summer students, with an interest in pursuing a municipal government career, for the summer of 2015. The successful candidate will be supervised by the Public Works Foreman. The successful candidate will learn skills in operating and maintaining parks and trails. Tasks will include cleaning and clearing brush; pruning; weeding and grass cutting; collecting garbage and litter; unloading and moving supplies; and minor maintenance such as: painting, replacing and installing road traffic signs, crack and pothole filling, and hand excavations and backfilling. The 14 week term for the two summer positions starts May 25 and is based on a 40 hour work week. The hourly rate for each position is $13.68 plus an additional 14.4% of gross wage in lieu of benefits/vacation. As this position is included in the union, all terms and conditions of your employment will be governed by the terms of the Collective Agreement. Preference may be given to applicants that possess a valid Class five B.C. Drivers Licence and to students returning to school in the fall. Applicants are invited to submit their cover letter and detailed resume, containing full details of education, training and experience and date available to: Bob Schantz District of Tofino 121 Third Street, P.O. Box 9 Tofino, BC V0R 2Z0 Fax: 250-725-3775 Email: bschantz@tofino.ca We sincerely thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Closing Date:
April 7, 2015
Location:
Tofino
“He’s very deserving of that award and I congratulate him.” Swann will be presented with the award at the Provincial Annual IODE Meeting banquet in Harrison Hot Springs on April 11. “It’s an honour, and I’ll gladly go to Harrison Hot Springs in April and accept the award but I’ll be doing it on behalf of the entire detachment here and the crew; they work so hard,” Swann said. “They picked my name but they could have just as easily picked all of the Ucluelet detachment because it really is representative of the entire staff here.” Swann said he was “proud and pleasantly surprised,” by the announcement. “It goes hand-in-hand with our crime stats report that came out that shows this detachment and the staff have made incredible strides working towards dropping crime,” he said. “To hear we got this award was pretty special knowing that it was the entire crew here that worked hard to get me there.” Since taking command of the detachment in 2009, Swann has implemented a strong emphasis on community policing in Ucluelet and his team has embraced his strategy of getting out and getting involved.
Among the activities local police get in on throughout the year are the Cops versus Kids Halloween Paintball event, bike rodeos, joint vessel patrols, the annual Porsche Club retreat, Ukee Days festivities and the Pacific Rim Whale Festival. “I would challenge any other detachment across Canada to find such positive community involvement,” he said. “We really enjoy interacting with the community at those positive events.” The Ucluelet RCMP participated in a cleanup of the Broken Group Islands over the weekend and will be on hand at this weekend’s Big Beach Easter Egg Hunt. “The officers will be there helping out and just being involved in the community,” Swann said. “We’re there because we care and we value this community.” Possible departure looming Ucluelet is at risk of losing Swann’s community passion as he is slated for a mandatory transfer this summer. The Ucluelet detachment is a limited duration posting. “The RCMP have said there’s no ifs ands or buts about it; I have to move,” Swann said. “They’ve offered me a couple positions and I’ve said, ‘No, I’m
quite happy staying here.’ So that’s where we’re at.” Swann has been a member of the RCMP for 19 years and said he has enjoyed five postings but is not quite ready for a sixth. “I absolutely love the RCMP. Every post has been awesome, every transfer has been better than the last,” he said. “Having said that, my wife and kids have moved around a lot, as have I, and we’ve completely fallen in love with Ucluelet and we don’t want to go anywhere...This community has embraced the Swann family and we’re not done with it yet.” He is hoping the RCMP will give him at least two more years to strengthen the community policing vibe he has implemented and see his initiatives through. “I want that to continue and I want to develop that even further, this community needs it so we’re hoping that somebody will see the light on it and make the right decision,” he said. “For right now I’m just telling my bosses I want to put my head down, I don’t want to have to worry about this dark cloud hanging over there that’s going to force me to move...I just want to work and keep doing the good stuff that this community needs.”
TEAR DOWN, continued from Page 1 “That will give us more flexibility,” Mumford said. “In the summer months we can have the cells full for sure.” The new building’s interior design is essentially set in stone but anyone wanting to give input on what the exterior should look like is encouraged to put their ideas forward. “The outside is where the design company can incorporate the community’s vision,” Mumford said adding Tofino’s municipal government will put in their two cents as well. “Tofino does have a resort municipality image that it wants to foster...There’s certainly not going to be a two-storey, cinder-block, square police station; it will fit in, I think, pretty nicely with the com-
munity vibe.” While the old detachment is being demolished and the new one constructed, police will be operating out of a temporary detachment being set up at 250 Lone Cone Rd. “There will be no cell block there so, for the time that we’re in the temporary space, prisoners will go to Ucluelet,” Mumford said. “It is going to put a little bit of an extra strain on our resources in terms of transporting 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser Station Wagon prisoners back 2.4L, 4 cyl and forth...There will be a small impact but I Stock# 145380C don’t think the BRENT LANGE E people of Tofino blange@albernichrysler.com blange@albernichrysler com or Esowista or Ty-Histanis will 250-723-5331 www.albernichrysler.com really see any
$
6,500
difference.” Mumford said there will be no aesthetic changes to the exterior of the Lone Cone house-turneddetachment and measures will be taken to mitigate any parking concerns. “There was some concern in the community about parking issues at Lone Cone when we move in there,” he said. “The Government of Canada also owns three other houses in the area and we’ll utilize those houses for police-car-parking so I don’t envision an impact on the street parking in the area.” He said the detachment has four police cars, which will park in the driveways of the Government’s other three houses leaving the four available spots at 250 Lone Cone open for staff parking. He added the RCMP is negotiating with the district about securing an additional parking spot so that locals have somewhere to park when visiting the detachment. “They’re not going to have quite the same walking access to the detachment while we’re there as they do right now,” he said. reporter@westerlynews.ca
The Westerly News | Page 3
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
The Westerly News (1987) Ltd. is a division of VI Newspaper Group Limited Partnership The Westerly News publishes weekly on Wednesday and regularly posts online at www.westerlynews.ca
RCMP
Thief smashes car window near UES
WHO WE ARE
The theft was reported on March 24 around 7:30 a.m. “Whoever it was broke the window, rifled through the car, and went into the glove-box,” said Sgt. Jeff Swann of the Ucluelet RCMP. “When these crimes happen, we want to solve them and stop them so if anybody saw anybody or heard anything out by the Ucluelet Elementary School we really want to hear about that.”
ANDREW BAILEY
Jackie Carmichael, Publisher editor@westerlynews.ca
Westerly News
Andrew Bailey, reporter reporter@westerlynews.ca
Ucluelet’s property crime numbers have plummeted in the past six years but at least one thief Jackie Carmichael, advertising editor@westerlynews.ca didn’t get the memo. Police are seeking the public’s CONTACT US assistance in identifying the thief P.O. Box 317, Ucluelet B.C. V0R 3A0 who broke into a parked vehicle 102-1801 Bay Street, Ucluelet across from Ucluelet Elementary Ph: 250-726-7029 Fax: 250-726-4282 School last week. E-mail: office@westerlynews.ca
He said the thief did not score anything of significant monetary value but left the vehicle’s owner with a broken window to deal with and a gut-punch feeling of victimization. As was reported in March 18’s Westerly News, property crime in Ucluelet has dropped by about 63 per cent since 2008 with last year seeing a six-year low of 56 offences.
“Thankfully those types of crimes are extremely rare in Ucluelet,” Swann said. Anyone with any information regarding the break-in is encouraged to contact the Ucluelet RCMP detachment at 250-726-7773.
reporter@westerlynews.ca
DEADLINES Display ads Monday at noon Call 250-266-2400 office@westerlynews.ca
RCMP: be wary of some summer shoppers
Classified ads Tuesday at 10 a.m. Call 1-866-415-9169 classifieds@westerlynews.ca
ANDREW BAILEY
Westerly News
A Tofino business was robbed last week and local police are cautioning storeowners to be wary of the incoming slew of seasonal Letters to the editor Monday at noon shoppers. office@westerlynews.ca The theft occurred on March 25 and Sgt. Blaine Mumford said SUBSCRIPTIONS several hundred dollars worth of Local area: $75.18 items were stolen from the shop Seniors (local): $63.91 Canada: $84.56 U.S.: $155.18 that was hit. To subscribe call: “That’s currently under inves1-888-311-7713 or 250-729-4266 tigation and I can say that we do have a suspect,” Mumford said. The hum of Tofino’s busy season We acknowledge the financial support of has begun but not everyone flowthe Government of Canada through the Canada Peri odical Fund of the Department ing in and out of local shops have of Canadian Heritage. purchases in mind, according to Mumford. The Tofino-Ucluelet Westerly News, a division of the VI Newspaper Group Limited “They’re not always just tourists, Partnership, respects your privacy. We there are people who come in to collect, use and disclose your personal take advantage of Tofino and the information in accordance with our busy times here,” he said. Privacy Statement which is available by calling 250-729-4223. The contents of this He encourages business owners newspaper are protected by copyright to contact the RCMP detachand may be used only for personal, nonment for a run down of steps they commercial purposes. Online ads Start anytime Call 250-266-2400 office@westerlynews.ca
can take to avoid falling prey to thieves. “If they’d like to have a visit with respect to how they could make their business a little bit more secure from shoplifting and that kind of stuff we could certainly talk to them,” he said. “They could have a chat with me or someone from the office about how they could make their business less interesting of a target to shoplifters.” Mumford added locals can assist police deter crime by reporting suspicious shoppers. “If you think that they were having a look around your store to try and steal something but weren’t successful please call us because we know they’ll probably move on to another business in Tofino,” he said. “Don’t think that you’re bothering us to call and say ‘there’s someone who’s acting a bit suspiciously in the store’...at the very least we can have a chat with
the person and perhaps identify them and that can deter future incidents.” Tofino’s RCMP detachment can be reached at 250-725-3242.
Slow down on the highway The rising sun of Tofino’s tourist season is luring more and more drivers to the West Coast and that means more potential speeders are on the roads. Police have seen an increase in the number of speeding tickets being dished out along the Pacific Rim Highway in recent weeks and Sgt. Mumford is reminding motorists to respect the highway’s posted speed limits. He noted the Pacific Rim National Park’s portion of the highway will undergo a major repaving project—set to begin on April 7—that will cover the road with workers.
“The last thing we would want to see is anyone who’s out there working get hurt because people aren’t driving safely,” Mumford said. “Slow down; and when that work’s going on in the Park please be careful of the flaggers because they’re your friends and neighbours.” He said speeding is not a major issue on Tofino’s village streets but he has noticed a fair amount of drivers cruising past stop signs. “As we get more people visiting, there’s more people who are disobeying the stop signs which is a big safety problem,” he said. “You have lots of tourists and kids and locals walking around and then more ADVENTURE cars and people SHOPPING aren’t stopping at or aren’t paying enough attention at the stop signs.” reporter@westerlynews.ca
CARGO THRIFT
Logging truck crash closes Highway 4 for hours KRISTI DOBSON
Alberni Valley Times A logging truck crash closed Highway for just over two hours on Thursday. The accident took place
April 1 Tofino RECYCLES
around 11:30 a.m. near Chalet Road at Cameron Lake when the truck flipped and lost its load of logs. According to RCMP, a blown tire caused the driver
to lose control of the vehicle and go off road. When he tried to correct it, the vehicle rolled. The driver sustained minor injuries.
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T H U R S DAY 2
F R I DAY 3
S AT U R DAY 4
S U N DAY 5
M O N DAY 6
T U E S DAY 7
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Rains 9/4
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Tuesday 7 feet
3.5 11.5 0.7 2.3 3.2 10.5 1.3 4.3
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Opinion
Page 4 | The Westerly News
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
What do YOU think? Go online to www.westerlynews. ca to answer this week’s poll question: How do you feel about April Fool’s pranks? a) Fun as long as they’re handled in good humour and good taste. b) Pranks are not fun for people getting pranked. c) There are things I see from day to day that I wish were pranks (but aren’t).
?
Read next week’s Westerly News for the results of this week’s poll. Have a letter to the editor? Send it to office@westerlynews.ca or call editor and publisher Jackie Carmichael at 250.534-9213.
COMMENT
Lunney cites religious bigotry, leaves federal caucus on way out of office Ottawa: Leaders of the faith community were in Ottawa on March 25th to express their alarm at increasing and unprecedented attempts to stifle freedom of religion, conscience and expression in Canada. They identify deliberate attempts to suppress a Christian DR. JAMES worldview from LUNNEY profes/OTTAWA sional and VOICE economic opportunity in law, medicine, and academia. I share these concerns. I believe the same is true in the realm of politics at senior levels. In the past month a few words exchanged on social media, words like: science, managing assumptions and theory or fact related to (macro)evolution. My remarks were inflated by media, blended with other unrelated but alleged heret-
ical statements and became a top story on national media creating a firestorm of criticism and condemnation. Since two other politicians in Ontario and Alberta were targeted during the same period, it is clear that any politician or candidate of faith is going to be subjected to the same public scrutiny in coming elections. In a society normally proud of embracing difference, the role of the media and partisan politics in inciting social bigotry and intolerance should be questioned. Such ignorance and bigotry cloaked in defence of science is as repugnant as bigotry of any other origin. It is based in a false construct from another century and is a flagrant violation of a society that is multicultural, multi-racial and multi faith and strives to be accepting of differences. Today I am announcing
that I have asked the speaker to assign me a seat as an independent MP. I will seek an opportunity to address the House in defence of my beliefs and the concerns of my faith community. I am withdrawing from the CPC caucus voluntarily; the decision is entirely my own. Given the circling trolls, I do not intend to entangle the most multi-racial, multicultural and multi-faith caucus in parliamentary history in my decision to defend my beliefs. I have no intentions of betraying my promise to my constituents and will continue to vote alongside my colleagues in the Conservative caucus. Freedom of Religion is foundational to democracy; if we don’t get that right, it always leads to persecution.. Dr. James Lunney is the outgoing Member of Parliament for Alberni-Nanaimo.
New PRAS puppet workshops for local children will lead to final performances in June The Pacific Rim Arts Society joins forces with local talents in the performing arts to bring a live puppet show to the stage June 6 and 7. When Annie Jacques of the Francophone Society - AFFUT - first suggested the idea of a trilingual puppet show, PRAS immediately discussed ways we could make it happen. With the JACQUELINE help of our board CHAMBERLAND member Sam Hin/LOCAL VOICE dle, who is acting as our production consultant for this puppet show, the project is well on its way. Imagine, getting children and youth participate in a play where they become fully engaged in making the puppets to fit their chosen character and in learning a script interlaced with words in English, French and Nuu-chah-nulth. What fun! The project entails a series of eight workshops, starting Thursday April 16th at the Wickaninnish Elementary School, followed by two final performances June 6th and
7th at the Clayoquot Community Theatre. Dan and Mollie Law wrote the script for this puppet show called “Debris”, it is based on folklore stories from three different cultures. Registration forms will be available at your local school. We are looking for a cast of up to 20 children. It takes a community to make project like this happen, other members of the crew helping with this are Candice Steven, story consultant; Grace Martin, instructor, singer and choreographer; Pete Clarkson, Jesse Clarkson, Van Law and Ellie Law in set design and construction. Stay tuned folks; we still need someone for the music! This project funded by the Pacific Rim Arts Society and the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust. You can also help contribute by attending one of the final performances June 6th and 7th. See you then.
Jacqueline Chamberland is the executive director of the Pacific Rim Arts 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 will not be accepted. Email submissions to office@westerlynews.ca
The Westerly News | Page 5
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Danger cited in no-crosswalk call ANDREW BAILEY
Westerly News Why did the Tofitian cross the road? They didn’t, because it was too dangerous to get to the other side. Pressure is mounting on Tofino’s municipal council to address the vehicular onslaught pedestrians and bicyclists are battling through to get across the Pacific Rim Highway on their way to and from MacKenzie Beach. Last week, council reviewed a letter from Tofino local Katharine Hasz urging them to improve pedestrian safety by installing a crosswalk, and advanced signal light, near Helleson Road. “With the year-by-year increasing traffic on the highway, particularly from spring to fall, crossing here has become progressively more unsafe for our well populated and growing communities in this area,� Hasz wrote. “The expanding summer tourist season is already too dangerous for most pedestrians going to and from MacKenzie’s Beach area, as it requires jogging across to avoid vehicles either speeding up from Chesterman’s or sling-shotting from the Tin Wis corner.� Hasz noted Helleson offers MacKenzie Beach’s only public access point and wrote that she routinely sees pedestrians struggling to navigate their way. “I regularly witness that it is a hazard for all users, but especially mothers with strollers, young children, and those less able-bodied who likely avoid the walk during the busy season,� she wrote. She acknowledged the district has wrestled with provincial government officials over installing a crosswalk in the area before but urged her local government to push harder. “If the location is considered by the Ministry of Highways to be too close to the Lynn Rd. crosswalk for consideration, or they find other excuses, we urge you as our representatives to request they make an exception here on our behalf, taking into account our town’s comparatively limited land base and amenities, and closely located facilities,� she wrote. “The undersigned and I feel that our local community has a right to feel reasonable safety walking to our public beaches, and ask you to move forward with this crosswalk installation, protecting Tofino’s residents today and into the future.� Tofino Mayor Josie Osborne said council has received similar requests for a crosswalk at Helleson Road in the past but that the district’s hands are tied by Ministry of Transportation regulations. Osborne said the Ministry gave
the district a map in October that shows locations where crosswalks absolutely cannot go, and this map includes the Helleson Road location. “That is mostly due to the corner and the dip in the road as you’re driving south,� Osborne said. She said council’s only play would be to completely redo that section of the highway including filling in the dip and realigning the road, which is not work that could be done in short order. Osborne said she would follow
up to ensure Hasz understood why the district could not move forward with the requested crosswalk. Coun. Duncan McMaster wondered about the possibility of installing a pedestrian overpass in the area. Coun. Cathy Thicke liked this idea and said council must do what it can to protect pedestrians.
DISTRICT OF TOFINO
DIST
Box 9, 121 3rd Street Tofino BC V0R 2Z0
TEMPORARY RECREATION ASSISTANT The Temporary Recreation Assistant is responsible for assisting in the daily operation and organization of the District’s recreation services. The preferred candidate will have post secondary education in a related field or will have previous work experience in a recreation position. Preference will be given to those with a valid class 4 BC Drivers License and current first aid training. This is a temporary position to cover a one year maternity leave and based on a 37.5 hour flexible work week that may include weekends and evenings (subject to the term of the Collective Agreement of the Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 118). The salary for this position will be $18.45 per hour plus 14.4% in lieu of benefits. The successful candidate will complete a 60 working day probation period at 90% of the hourly wage. Qualified candidates are invited to apply in writing by providing a cover letter and resume to: Aaron Rodgers Manager of Community Sustainability (T) 250-725-3229 ext 37 (F) 250-725-3775 (E) aaron@tofino.ca
Coun. Al Anderson said all available alternatives to a crosswalk, including a potential overpass, should be looked at. Anderson made a motion, which council unanimously approved, to have district staff look into any possible options.
“People are going to cross there whether there’s a crosswalk or not,� Anderson said. “There must be a safer option considering the crosswalk option is not available.� reporter@westerlynews.ca
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Page 6 | The Westerly News
Wednesday, April Fool’s, 2015
Building going back to church - sort of ANDREW BAILEY
Westerly News The building formerly known as St. Aidan on the Hill Church is getting a tune up and will soon be back in service. A unique three-way partnership has breathed new life into the structure, which was famously featured in 2013’s ‘Man of Steel’ Superman movie but has been on hiatus as a public venue since 2012 due to an ongoing zoning battle between its owner and the district. The deconsecrated former Anglican church was constructed in the 1950s. Owner Leif Hagar has partnered with Ucluelet locals Lance Blackwell and ‘Oyster’ Jim Martin to launch ‘Oyster Jim’s Church of Fitness.’ The partnership will blend morning fitness routines, sermons and the Stumbling Monk Microbrewery. Hagar is thrilled with the new partnership and saw the opportunity as a solid alternative to grappling with the district over the building’s zoning issues. “Leif (Hagar) was very frustrated with the village; he didn’t seem to be able to move forwards or backwards and, no matter what stumbling block he hit, it always went back to the same thing; that this
New life for an old landmark? Lance Blackwell and ‘Oyster’ Jim Martin at the site of their new venture, a fitness church-brewery.
is zoned as a church and needs to stay a church,” Blackwell said. ‘Oyster’ Jim is stoked to fill the venue with the positive and healthy vibes his patented fitness routine creates.
Mark & Kristi Udell are proud to announce the birth of their 3rd son
Sebastian Louis Donald Born February 10th, 2015 at 5:52 am 6 lbs 14 oz Welcomed by big brothers Tucker & Percy. Grandparents; Brian & Kathleen Congdon, and Wayne & Paulette Turner
Uncles; Thomas, Mike & Mike and Aunties; Jennifer, Kristi & Stacey and all of his cousins as well as Great Grandparents; Ada Dougan and Terry Congdon
THE WEST COAST WINTER MUSIC SERIES PRESENTS:
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“It’s just great; I’m so excited about it,” he said. “We’re going to have a fitness centre like no other right here in Ukee. This is going to be very exciting especially for the younger segment who like to get out there and get with it; they’ll really have
an opportunity to shake it like they want to.” Blackwell, who said he was ordained a Minister for the Universal Life Church in 2003 after paying $10 online, believes ‘Oyster’ Jim’s fitness routine will provide the perfect supplement to his sermons. “‘Oyster’ Jim has always believed that the body is a bit of a temple and that longevity, and even eternal life, can be achieved through maximum fitness,”
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Blackwell said. “I just thought it was the perfect blend with Jim; a workout followed by a sermon to tune the mind to the body, and we even have a third element we’re introducing which is the Stumbling Monk Microbrewery.” He said he hatched the idea for the church-based-brewery after studying Trappist monks, who famously produce handcrafted beer in many of their monasteries. Services were set to get underway on April 1. reporter@westerlynews.ca For more on this story, see Page 17
Thanks for reading the Westerly News! Find us online at www.westerlynews.ca. To subscribe, call our circulation department at 1-888-311-7713. To reach publisher Jackie Carmichael, call 250-534-9213 or email jcarmichael@westerlynews.ca We’re looking forward to hearing from you!
The Westerly News | Page 7
Wednesday, April Fool’s, 2015
NHL’s Morrison moving Tuff derby to Ukee Brendan: Resort development a draw for Tofino Saltwater Classic, move will be soon JACKIE CARMICHAEL
Westerly News Former NHL’er Brendan Morrison has a new opportunity on the West Coast – and he plans to seize it. Morrison’s website, www. tofinosaltwaterclassic.com, announced this week he was changing the event to be the Ucluelet Saltwater Classic. Relocation of the fundraising fishing derby held for the past five years from Tofino to Ucluelet was originally set for 2016, but he told the Westerly News on Sunday the event would be moving right away – prior to completion of a planned Brendan Morrison resort property and marina in Ucluelet. “We’ve had the derby in Tofino for the past 5 years and it’s time to change the location,” he said. “Even though we’ve raised a lot of money in Tofino, there is much more potential for growth in Ucluelet.” The property deal has already been struck, Morrison said, adding that the fishing resort would make the event even more of an attraction for world-class anglers. “It’s something that I’ve been
thinking about for a while, I didn’t know if it was going to be happening as quickly as it did. I’ve always had this vision of putting in a marina. This property became available and I had to move pretty quickly on it,” he said. “This was a great deal, and my
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vision of being able to have a marina was a long-time goal, and it looks like it’s going to come to fruition here,” he said. Morrison, whose derby has brought $185,000 to Tofino community initiatives over the past five years, said Tofino remains a
special place to him. “Tofino is definitely a place that’s close to my heart. I’ve spent a lot of time there and made a lot of friends,” he said. Proceeds from the annual derby will continue to go to community initiatives on the West Coast, he
said. “The same type of blueprint we have with the Tofino Saltwater Classic will be implemented when we move the derby down to Ucluelet,” he said. For more on this story, see page 17.
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Page 8 | The Westerly News
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
New YES youth awards to honour youth Youth Environmental Stewardship awards: three age categories plus group prize; nomination deadline Apr. 13 JACKIE CARMICHAEL
Westerly News A new youth award program will honour the next generation of environmental stewards. The YES West Coast Awards for Youth Environmental Stewardship is one of three applied community leadership projects developed by students in the West Coast chapter of the Leadership Vancouver Island program. The Clayoquot Biosphere Trust is acting as community partner for this project. Children and youth between the ages of 5 and 18 and residing in the West Coast communities of Ahousaht, Tofino, Ucluelet, Opitsaht, Esowista and Ucluelet First Nation are eligible for an award honouring their leadership in environmental stewardship, via either a lifestyle choice or a special project. Candidates can self-nominate or be nominated by posting a photo or brief video of them “in action” to the awards Facebook page at https://www. facebook.com/YESWestcoast or by using #YESWestCoast on Instagram between March 30 and April 13. Team members creating the award include Ryan Teremy, Samantha Fyleris, Jamii Walton, Marilyn McEwen, Tracy Campbell and Katie Garner.
The Leadership Vancouver Island team that created the YES awards.
“I think it’s exciting because it’s a way to honour local youth in the community and highlight ways they are going above and beyond to make the world a better place, and keep the environment healthy and beautiful,” said Katie Garner. “It’s a way for them to show us and the community the steps they do to contribute,” Garner said. One cash prize of $75 will be awarded per age group category of 5-9, 10-15 and 16-18 years of
age, along with a group prize for a total of 4 awards. A cross-section of West Coast communities is represented by volunteer judges Melody Charlie (Ucluelet First Nation), Mayor Josie Osborne (Tofino), “Oyster” Jim Martin (Ucluelet), Councillor Patti Campbell (Ahousaht) and Councillor Karl Wagner (Tla-o-quiaht First Nation). West Coasters are encouraged to follow the contest and nominate
a young environmental steward at https://www.facebook.com/ YESWestcoast . The Leadership Vancouver Island (LVI) program is an initiative of Vancouver Island University, guided by the tenets of “Leading self, leading others, leading community.” Currently in its second year on the West Coast, LVI is a phenomenal program, said Marilyn McEwen, a Ucluelet business-
woman and councilor participating in the group that’s planning the YES Awards. “It’s good for anyone who wants to become a leader in their own community. I’ve enjoyed the interaction with the other students as much as the content presented to us,” McEwen said. Breaking into teams composed of individuals with differing personalities allows participants to blossom and take on new roles and challenges, she said. In 2013, a West Coast version of this program, emphasizing a strong collaborative ethic, had its inaugural year in the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Reserve region. Guided by leaders in local government, business, and not-for-profit organizations, the revised program helps build community leadership and offers advanced learning close to home. The Clayoquot Biosphere Trust provides funding and logistical support for research, education and training initiatives that promote conservation and sustainable development within the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Region communities. For information about the awards, call Katie Garner at 250266-1248 or email katiealexus@ hotmail.com .
reporter@westerlynews.ca
Council: Ukee can’t swing southside playground ANDREW BAILEY
DISTRICT OF TOFINO Box 9, 121 Third Street Tofino BC V0R 2Z0 BYLAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS The District of Tofino is seeking three (3) temporary Bylaw Enforcement Officers to help educate the public and enforce District bylaws during the summer season from mid May to mid September. The hourly rate for this union position (CUPE Local 118) is $26.21 plus 14.4% in lieu of benefits. For more information about duties and qualifications visit the District s website at www.tofino.ca Qualified candidates are invited to submit a cover letter and resume no later than 4:00 pm on Monday, April 13, 2015 to: Jane Armstrong Manager of Corporate Services hand: 121 Third Street, Tofino, BC mail: PO Box 9 Tofino, BC V0R 2Z0 e-mail: jarmstrong@tofino.ca
Westerly News Families living on the south side of Ucluelet had hoped to slide a new playground into this year’s budget but Ucluelet’s municipal council couldn’t swing it. During last week’s budget meeting, council teeter-tottered over the playground’s estimated $34,000 price tag but ultimately decided to throw about $7,000 at the project. South-side residents want a playground at the bottom of Kimoto Drive so their kids would no longer have to trudge to Ucluelet Elementary School to score some playtime. The walk to the school is roughly 1 km and includes a section of Peninsula Road, between He-TinKis Park and Coast Guard Road, that lacks a sidewalk and features a hill-and-corner combination with limited driver visibility. The estimated cost to install a sidewalk along that stretch is roughly $75,000 and Coun. Mayco
Noel suggested council should focus on securing enough funds for that project before looking at installing a new playground. “I think the park just popped up. Obviously residents want it, it’s on our books, I would push it off to next year’s budget and focus on getting the road sorted out,” he said. “I think that’s got to be our focus for that part of town.” Coun. Sally Mole agreed and suggested the playground petitioners should look at fundraising options rather than district funds. Mayor Dianne St. Jacques said the petitioners were willing to consider a one-time tax-style payment to help cover the playground’s cost. “That’s how serious they are and that wouldn’t cost us; that would be them paying for a park in their area,” St. Jacques said. “To me, if they’re willing to pay for it, we should investigate that a little further. It might not happen this year because of the timing but at least they know that that’s a plan and that’s coming forward.”
Mole asked about the logistics of setting up a one-time tax on specific residents and the district’s manager of finance Jeanette O’Connor responded that it’s possible but could not be set up in time to pass through this year’s budget. The petitioner’s playground fund won’t start out penniless as council nixed a $7,200 budget item for parkettes and allocated that money to the playground project. Parkettes are public areas—usually located at the end of roads— that feature benches or small playground equipment. Ucluelet’s district office had identified several areas where parkettes could be considered and Coun. Randy Oliwa kicked off the budget discussion by suggesting the $7,200 figure should be bumped to $12,500. Coun. Sally Mole opposed this and said going full throttle into parkette installations could create a “maintenance nightmare” for district staff. She suggested removing park-
ettes from the budget entirely. Noel agreed with Mole and said Ucluelet would be better served by tapping into the local business community to pursue parkettes without spending district dollars. “I think it would be easy to find sponsors for some of these parkettes,” he said. Mole added any sponsorships would need to include annual maintenance fees. Oliwa agreed to remove the parkette money from this year’s budget but said water access should be explored. “Accessibility and a parkette to me are two different beasts,” he said. “How much would it be to have a place where people could park a vehicle and just walk down with a kayak or paddleboard? I’d like to say ‘yes, push the parkettes aside and go for the sponsorships’ but we need to focus on the accessibility to our assets.” reporter@westerlynews.ca
The Westerly News | Page 9
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
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Polished performance, powerful pipes - the Tuff City Idol finals at Jackâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pub had it all. Props and costumes worthy of Broadway, dance moves to dazzle - and the crowd responded all night with rapt attention and amazed applause. Natalee Dennis, the 2014 Tuff City Idol winner, triumphed again. Tara Yamila Halilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s smoky vocals earned her the Number 2 spot, and 2013 Tuff City Idol winner Jacqueline Holliday was again amazing and took home #3. The top six contenders were so close it came down to half-points.
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
The Westerly News | Page 11
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
An array of talent for judges to choose from. Music by Karaoke by Coral Valentina Palm; judge Bruce Neugebauer from Okanagan Spring Brewery, far right, donated $1,000 for first prize.
Page 12 | The Westerly News
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Clockwise from above: Marlowe Mathiesen, Mayben Crabbe, Murrin Bewick and Heather Morrison, Murrin Bewick.
More USS Warrior Wrestling News, Page 18 WRESTLING, from 1 “Everybody competed hard, everybody worked hard, everybody had a reason to hold their head up on the mat, they did great,” he said. “On the sidelines, I got several compliments on the quality of the wrestlers and people saying, ‘Wow you guys are really putting Ucluelet on the map, people are really noticing,’ but also on the way that
our wrestlers carry themselves.” He said West Coast athletes are known to exhibit exemplary behaviour. “We got a lot of compliments on the way the kids behaved themselves...and throughout the season we have a reputation year-to-year for that,” he said. “They’re character kids, they carry themselves well, they represent the school well obviously ath-
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school wrestling season kicks off around the start of November and Rhodes is hoping to see a solid turnout on the sign-up sheet. “It’s a lot of fun, it’s a very natural thing for kids to want to do to roll and tumble and play and shove each other around in a fun safe way,” Rhodes said. “This season in particular the team members have remarked on several occasions that this is probably the most fun season that they’ve had.” He said the team’s comradery is a key cog in his program’s wheel of success. “They all get along, they all support each other and cheer each other on,” he said. He noted the wrestling team boasts a diverse and eclectic mix of athletes with female and male students from Grades 5-12 practicing together. “There’s no other sport where you get that mix and that ability to push yourself as far as you want to go and still be part of the team,” Rhodes said. Grade 5-7 athletes do not compete in Island or Provincial championships but can practice with the team and compete in several tournaments throughout the year. “You get kids that right off the bat in Grade 6 they’re little dynamos and they experience success which fuels that competitive
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desire and they keep going and then you get kids who are maybe not as successful right away but they come because they enjoy the experience and it’s fun going on the trips and being on the team,” Rhodes said. “Over the years, as they get more experience and they develop more skills, the success starts to come and there’s a reward for sticking.” Rhodes said passion for the sport is contagious and in his 15 years of coaching in the community he has seen many siblings follow in their older brothers’ or sisters’ footsteps. “If an older sibling wrestles, quite often the younger siblings will see it and get interested in it and follow suit,” he said. “It’s one of those things that once it hits and gets in there it tends to stick.” He said wrestling is a solid source of improved athleticism and character. “From a sport and athleticism perspective, it’s a fantastic sport for translating into other sports, it’s very simple but it’s very, very, athletic; you have to be balanced and coordinated and (have) strength and power and all that kind of stuff and it translates well into other sports for people later on down the road,” he said. “The big thing though for us, and you see it in programs all over the Island, is that it’s a character building activity. There’s a lot of hours of training, there’s a lot of hours of effort, there is a big sense of comradery and teamwork and we always stress that; win or lose you go in, you put your best effort in, you hold your head up high at the end of the day.” reporter@westerlynews.ca
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The Westerly News | Page 13
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Mass of debris lands on West Coast Westerly News A massive amount of debris landed on Wickaninnish Island over the last couple days. Resident Suzanne Hare Lawson said she spent all day Sunday picking up garbage bags of plastic pieces and debris, big and small, washing in with the tide on the West Coast. “We haven’t noticed this amount of debris ever since the tsunami in Japan,” Lawson said. “We estimate it is approximately
a garbage bag full every 50 feet or so and consists of mainly broken up and smashed plastic particles and parts of items. Lots of toothbrushes, cigarette holders, brokenup crates, lids, every thing large and small that floats,” she said. Lawson said over the past four years at sea, ever since the tsunami in Japan washed the junk out to sea, much of the plastic has been exposed to salt water and sunshine and wave action and has become brittle and easily broken
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up. Much of it is covered in goose barnacles, she said. “This is all washing in with the little blue man of war jellyfish in all sizes. Lots of wood with barnacles growing on it is arriving amidst all this debris. There are containers with Japanese writing and bottles full and cans unopened. It is all deteriorated and not even recyclable,” she said. Others have mentioned that Long Beach is newly covered in plastic debris, Lawson said.
COMMUNITY ALBUM Municipal councillor Dorothy Baert presented a $500 cheque to Chef Rick Moore of the Wickaninnish Community School’s lunch program last week. Tofino received the funds from FortisBC at the Union of BC Municipalities Convention. “They gave us the $500 to make a donation to support a program of significance in our community related to food and we chose the school lunch program,” Baert said. She said the lunch program is popular among parents and helps ensure students have access to the nutritional intakes that enhances their ability to learn.
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HOROSCOPE ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20 There’s no easing the tension between two people in the house, Aries. The constant bickering is leaving you weary, but the best you can do is vacate the premises. TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, just when you thought you had everything worked out, someone throws a monkey wrench in all of your plans. You will just have to quickly adjust. GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, it’s hard to fight through all the clutter and excess in your life, but now is the time to weed through what you have and start thinning out the unnecessary stuff. CANCER - Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, discretion is advised when you are presented with a situation that is outside of your usual circle. Tread lightly on tricky ground for the time being. LEO - Jul 23/Aug 23 Leo, you might find yourself in a pickle this week unless you act quickly and authoritatively. Swift action makes it possible to contain the potential damage. VIRGO - Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, you can only coast along for so long. Sooner or later you will have to put some real effort into your future plans. Start thinking about it. LIBRA - Sept 23/Oct 23 Libra, you can’t help but feel like you’re on cloud nine this week. It’s full of love and romance, and it’s something you have been craving for a long time. SCORPIO - Oct 24/Nov 22 Sometimes your patience is tested, Scorpio. But others don’t realize your need to have some alone time, so let them know in a calm and respectful way. SAGITTARIUS - Nov 23/Dec 21 Others don’t understand your motives, Sagittarius, and you kind of like the air of mystery you impart. Just don’t gloat too much about your interesting persona. CAPRICORN - Dec 22/Jan 20 Carpicorn, all of the struggles you’ve endured in the last few months will pay off with some just rewards soon enough. Hold on a little longer. AQUARIUS - Jan 21/Feb 18 Aquarius, sometimes you pick the most inopportune moment to get started on a project. It’s foolhardy to expect others to share in your enthusiasm at these times. PISCES - Feb 19/Mar 20 Pisces, spend your time wisely because soon you won’t have a minute to spare on anything. You will be all-consumed with work.
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Page 14 | The Westerly News
Advertising Section
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Comment
Area pastors share significance of Easter for Christians Easter is a precious time as we remember the sacrificial death -and the resurrection victoryof Jesus and His Love that brought Him to do this for us… ENNS We see the voluntary and sacrificial death of our Lord Jesus as an example to us. For our Lord taught us to “Love your enemies, and do good to those who hate you” – and lived it! Even today Radical Christians follow their Master and die for Him, and for others -for He died for us. But unlike other radicals, they will not kill for their Master or His cause. That is why true and devoted Christians often die and suffer, -sometimes under the hands of others who claim to be Christian as well. This Easter let us take it to heart, let’s not just love our friends, but our enemies as well…and always love with His love…- In Him, John Enns Elder, Tofino Bible Fellowship
Easter is a celebration of new life, a reminder of our freedom from death. When we celebrate Easter we celebrate our reconciliation with God, and our freedom from oppression. We don’t get there FERREY easily, however. To get to Easter and the celebration of new life, we walk through the difficult days of Holy Week, we walk again with Jesus the hard road that leads to the cross. We invite everyone to join us this week as we travel together to the cross, and beyond the cross to resurrection and new life. Rev. Will Ferrey St Columba Tofino/Ucluelet, an ecumenical shared ministry of the Anglican Church of Canada and the United Church of Canada
Where is God? How does he deal with evil & suffering? That’s why we call it Good Friday and not because we like a holiday. It’s strange we mark a man’s torturous death 2000 yrs ago & WHITE call it “good”. It’s also why we celebrate the resurrection of this same Jesus & call this historical event “Easter”. His death provides answers to these questions but we know what the answer isn’t. It isn’t that he doesn’t love us or he’s indifferent or detached from us but through his death & life again he conquers evil through love & suffered with us. Miles S. White Christ Community Church, Ucluelet
Tofino Bible Fellowship, St. Columba, Christ Community Church and the West Coast Catholic Churches invite the public to an Interchurch Good Friday service on Friday, April 3 at 10:30 a.m. at Long Beach Golf Course. An offering will be taken, with proceeds this year going to the Food Bank on the Edge.
During Lent and Holy Week, the Cross of Christ is more visible than ever. In our Catholic tradition, one of the highlights of our Good Friday Service is the Veneration of the Cross. The moment when POBLETE the faithful adore the wood of the Cross, on which hung the salvation of the world. St. Paul tells us that: “The message about the Cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (1 Cor. 1:18) And the power of God to save is totally revealed on the Cross as the gospel of John tells us: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life” (Jn. 3:16). Clearly, on the Cross God’s love shines at its best. He reveals Himself in the language that everyone understands – LOVE. So, it is my hope and prayer that as we encounter God and experience His unconditional love during this season of Lent and Holy Week, we in turn, become a visible signs of God’s love to the world. Rev. Roger Poblete Pastor, The West Coast Catholic Churches
INTERCHURCH
GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE Good Friday (April 3rd) is the day when Christians commemorate the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ for the sins of the world. Come join with us all at a simple interdenominational service… 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 3rd at the Long Beach Golf Course Participating Churches: Anglican-United Church of Ucluelet & Tofino Christ Community Church of Ucluelet Tofino Bible Fellowship Holy Family and St Francis Catholic Church Free will offering will be collected and donated to The Food Bank on the Edge on behalf of Long Beach Golf Course and the participating churches.
The Westerly News | Page 15
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
FAMILY PAGE
All about Easter on the West Coast: Hop to it
FERGUS D. NEWSHOUND /LOCAL BARK
Families looking for Easter fun will find it on the West Coast. It’s time for the Annual Easter Egg Hunt in Ucluelet and Tofino, beloved West Coast traditions each spring. It’s really awesome the grownups around here do these events for the kids. Ahem, with the Easter Bunny’s help, of course. UCLUELET In Ucluelet, the kind folks at the Black Rock Oceanfront Resort host this funfor-all set for Sunday, April 5 at 12:30 p.m. SHARP at Big Beach. “The eggs disappear FAST so don’t delay,” said Adele Larkin, the resort’s general manager. “There will be a special area just for children under 5 years of age,” she said. Well, that should level the playing field for the tots! I’m not even miffed that
there’s not a special area for dogs - that’s because my Easter Bunny shops locally for dog treats :) TOFINO In Tofino, the Tofino Parks & Rec department will host Tofino’s Annual Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday, April 5 at 10am SHARP. “No early Birds please!” said Kyla Emery. She must be talking about those fuzzy toy Easter chicks, or maybe those marshmallow Peeps my peeps enjoy. “The hunt will be held at the Tofino Botanical Gardens this year NOT the Village Green.” Easter Coloring Contest See the entry printed to my right? Bring your completed masterpiece to any of these Westerly advertisers where they will be appreciated, put up wherever there’s room, and eventually entered into the Westerly News draw for two special prizes created by the Easter Bunny experts at Chocolate Tofino. Drop entries at: Common Loaf in Tofino, Chocolate Tofino, Solidarity Snacks Bakery & Deli in Ucluelet, Blackberry Cove Marketplace and Ocean Pet Supplies in Ucluelet. Two lucky winners will be drawn on Monday, April 6.
Book Bunnies! While you’re out an around, can I put in a good word for the West Coast Little Free Library? The libraries get lots of grownup books, but not many kids’ books donated. Now me, I think that’s great - grownups need to read and use their imagination more. See, I think what’s going on is kids are loving those books, even the ones they’ve outgrown. My editor has a Winnie the Pooh book she had when she was 4. And that’s, like, 350 years in dog years. But if you have some books you’d like to pass along and share, feel free to do so. If you want, you can put a little message in it about what you and your peeps liked about the book - maybe the next reader will feel a little literary kinship - that sort of thing. There are West Coast Little Free Libraries outside Common Loaf in Tofino (thanks to my buddy Lee), and outside the Westerly News office in Ucluelet.
Enter to Win a Gift From One of Our Participating Sponsors! Drop off entries to the Westerly News office, #1-1920 Lyche Road, Ucluelet, BC.
Drop entries at: Common Loaf in Tofino, Chocolate Tofino, Solidarity Snacks Bakery & Deli, Blackberry Cove Marketplace and Ocean Pet Supplies in Ucluelet.
(entries must be an original newspaper) NAME: ____________________________________________________ AGE: ____________________PHONE:____________________________ TOFINO–UCLUELET
Fergus D Newshound is a dog and occasional contributor.
Drop entries at: Common Loaf in Tofino, Chocolate Tofino, Solidarity Snacks Bakery & Deli, Blackberry Cove Marketplace and Ocean Pet Supplies in Ucluelet.
EASTER
BRUNCH AT
FETCH RESTAURANT
8am to 2pm
$25 adults, $14 for 12 years and under.
Under 5 eat free. For information call
250-726-4800
Black Rock Oceanfront Resort 596 Marine Drive Ucluelet
Page 16 | The Westerly News
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
The Westerly News | Page 17
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
COMMUNITY
April Fools pranks unveiled JACKIE CARMICHAEL
Westerly News And so it’s time for the big reveal. Contrary to collaborative April Foolery seen on Pages 6 and 7 of this April Fool’s edition of the Westerly, ‘Oyster’ Jim Martin and Lance Blackwell are not forming a brewery-church at the old St. Aidan on the Hill building. In this case, the sign came before the prank. “This is mainly Lance’s thing, the church of fitness - that’s all part and parcel of that little movie he’s doing, the remnant of that. He wanted to do a spoof, because everybody’s kind of aware and intent on seeing something good happen there on the church,” Martin told the Westerly. “I just showed up, had my picture taken - I’m always good with taking my shirt off for a photo,” he joked. “The backstory for the prank is that the previous owner of the
thing wanted to do something with it, but he was told you could only put in a church or daycare because of the way it was zoned, and we came up with a church of fitness to get around the zoning bylaws,” Martin said. Meanwhile, Brendan Morrison spent much of the last week ducking phone calls in an effort not to ruin a prank.
The former NHL’er and charitable Tofino resident attracted a certain amount of attention - hook, line and sinker - after announcing last week he would move his Tofino Saltwater Classic to Ucluelet and that he intended to establish a marina resort there. Morrison, who spends part of the year in Tofino with his wife Erin and their four children, said he
Community Events Calendar
2 THURSDAY Holy Thursday- Mass of the Lord’s Supper 7:00 p.m. – St. Francis of Assisi Church – Tofino Darwin’s Cafe is opening a dialogue on alternative housing with a screening of “Taylor Camp” this THURSDAY APRIL 2nd @ 7pm. Toastmasters meets every Thursday evening from 7:00pm. For info, contact: Marilyn McEwen, 250-7268255 or photos@alberni.net Bingo, Tofino Legion, 7:30 p.m. Healthy Babies Program/Family Ties, 10:30 a.m. Drop-in for expectant, new parents, Coastal Family Place, Ucluelet AA 8pm. at Holy Family
ondary School gym, $2. Competitive & drop-in darts, doors 7pm, play 8pm, Tofino Legion.
7 TUESDAY Church, 1663 Peninsula Rd. The Edge Youth Room, 3–6pm, UCC & Youth Nite at the Edge, 6–8pm, $2. Tofino library, 331 Main St., 3–7pm. St Columba Anglican/United Church Bible study, 10:30 a.m., UCC
3 FRIDAY Easter Weekend Starts! Interchurch Good Friday service, 10:30, Long Beach Golf Course Good Friday – Celebration of the Lord’s Passion 3:00 p.m. – St. Francis of Assisi Church – Tofino; 5:00 p.m. – Holy Family Church – Ucluelet; 7:30 p.m. – St. Lawrence Church - Ahousaht Tofino Library Storytime: 11:30noon. 331 Main St. Songs, stories, rhymes and more! Ages 3-5 with caregiver. The Edge Youth Room, 2–6pm, UCC
4 SATURDAY Tofino library, 331 Main , 10am–noon & 1–5pm. Holy Saturday – Easter Vigil, Resurrection of the Lord 9:00 p.m. – St. Francis of Assisi Church – Tofino 8:00 p.m. - St. Lawrence Church – Ahousaht AA meeting, 7:30pm, St. Francis Church, 441 Main, Tofino.
Flames. In those years, he did appreciate a good locker room prank, he said. “I’d do things for a laugh,” he said. On the serious side, while Morrison said Ucluelet is a great spot and he and his family spend some time there, he doesn’t envision the Tofino Saltwater Classic ever changing sides of the peninsula. “It will be there – I don’t ever see that derby moving,” he said. “I’ve been going to Tofino since my mum was pregnant with me – I have pictures of her hiking with me in her stomach,” he said. “To me, it has a magical feel to it – it’s this mystical place, with the old growth forest, the ocean, the rocky bluffs and beaches. It’s a healing place to me, a place where you feel completely rejuvenated and re-energized,” Morrison said.
jcarmichael@westerlynews.ca
Please update your community event listing. e-mail office@westerlynews.ca or call 250-534-9213.
1 WEDNESDAY Women’s group walk and talk with Robin Tagles, counsellor for the Westcoast Community Resources Society. 1 p.m. at the UCC. Karaoke at Jack’s Pub Tofino Preschool Play Group, 10am–noon, Tofino Community Hall. Seniors Social Afternoons, 1:30-4pm, Tofino Legion. Free admission & refreshments, games Free drop-in meditation class, Westcoast Community Resources Society at UCC, Wednesdays at 7:30 a.m. Youth Badminton, ages 13-17 at the Wickaninnish Community School gym. St. Columba Church, 7 p.m., 110 Second St. Tofino. Holy Family Church, 9:30am, 1664 Peninsula Rd. Ucluelet. Ucluelet library, open 1–6pm
got pulled into the prank by Billy McGinnis of Tofino, who told him he needed to give Tony Konefall and Rick Lim a call. The two Ucluelet businessmen are well-known for their elaborate April Fool’s Day ruses, perhaps most memorably faking out Ken Griffin of Windsor Plywood in Ukee by pretending a competing lumber company was setting up business in Ucluelet. Morrison gamely went on local radio – and on his own website, www.tofinosaltwaterclassic.com - with the announcement that he was moving operations to the other capital of the West Coast. “I am trying to avoid all phone calls right now – it’s been pretty funny that way. I’m trying to lay low and let it become its own animal,” Morrison told the Westerly News on Sunday. Morrison wore seven different NHL jerseys during his 15-year career – including stints with the Vancouver Canucks and Calgary
5 SUNDAY Easter Egg hunts in Ucluelet and Tofino; see coloring contest page inside for details. Christ Community Church, 10:30am, 1419 Peninsula Rd. Ucluelet. Grace Bible Church, 10:30am, Ucluelet Community Ctr., 500 Matterson 10:00 a.m. – Holy Family Church– Ucluelet; 11:00 a.m. – St. Lawrence Church – Ahousaht. St. Columba Church, 10:30am, 110 Second St. Tofino. Tofino Bible Fellowship at Tofino Legion at 10:30.
6 MONDAY Monday Night at the Movies Ucluelet AA, weekly Monday and Thursday at 8pm. Holy Family Floor hockey, 7–9pm, Ucluelet Seaplane Base Rec Hall. $2 drop-in. Indoor Soccer, 8–10pm, Ucluelet Sec-
Fish and Loaves free community lunch, 11:30 Tofino Community Hall Healthy Babies Program/ Family Ties, 10:30am. Ucluelet library. Ucluelet Community Centre, open 1–6pm. The Edge Youth Room, 3–6pm, UCC 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. AA meeting, 7:30pm, St. Francis Church, 441 Main, Tofino.
Thank You from the Ucluelet and Area Historical Society to those who contributed to the 100 year celebration of Amphitrite Point Lighthouse • Helen Watts • North Pacific Repairs • Lois Ennis • Silva Johansson • Ann Branscombe • Gray Whale Deli • Monty Montgomery • District of Ucluelet • Schramm Design • Ucluelet Chamber of • Wild Pacific Trail Commerce • Tourism Ucluelet Society • Dale Gross, MCTS • Canada Post Ucluelet • Whale Centre Tofino • Victoria Coast Guard • Jackie Carmichael, • Mayor Dianne Westerly News St. Jacques • Mary Christmas • Linda Erickson & • Pastor Miles White • Tideline Garden Rick Williamson Services
Any many thanks to all who came from near and far, to celebrate our history and our iconic lighthouse!
Page 18 | The Westerly News
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
SPORTS
USS wrestlers are West Coast gems USS wrestler Van Law takes control on the mat.
ANDREW BAILEY
Westerly News Having recently wrapped up its most successful season to date, Ucluelet Secondary School’s wrestling team has earned a solid reputation both on and off the mat. “They’re character kids, they carry themselves well, they represent the school well obviously athletically but also just in general,” said the team’s coach Mike Rhodes. “The kids have a very good reputation across the province.” Rhodes has been coaching the USS wrestling team for the past 15 years and has watched his program’s reputation amongst BC’s wrestling community continue to grow. “There is that reputation of success. If you show up here and you practice with the team and you work hard you’ll find success,” he said. The wrestling team returned from the Provincial Championships in Abbotsford last month where the girls’ team earned a silver medal for the first time in the USS wrestling program’s 16-year
history. Rhodes is stoked on next year’s potential as the girls’ team is
APRIL 20-26, 2015
NATIONAL NATIONAL VICTIMS OF VICTIMS OF CRIME WEEK CRIME AWARENESS 2015 AWARENESS WEEK 2015 “Hear the Hurt, Heal the Harm” Restorative Justice is a response to harmful incidents that seeks the direct inclusion of all involved, in efforts to
slated to lose just one member to graduation this summer. “We’re looking forward to continuing that sucPeacemaking cess and hopefully building Circle Training on it and, if we April 20-22 could maybe get 8:30-4:30pm a couple more Ucluelet fresh recruits Community Centre out there and get them trained up, who knows “Restorative where we could Justice & Where go from there,” It’s Going” he said. Presentation The USS boys put in some April 23 7pm strong showUcluelet ings at the Community Centre tournament but did not carry Community enough members to rank as a Justice Forum team. Training The high April 24 6-9pm school wrestling April 25-26 season kicks off 8:30-4:30pm around November and Rhodes Tofino Botanical is hoping to see Gardens & a full sign-up Ecolodge
sheet. “It’s a lot of fun. It’s a very natural thing for kids to want to do, to roll and tumble and play and shove each other around in a fun safe way,” Rhodes said. “This season in particular, the team members have remarked on several occasions that this is probably the most fun season that they’ve had.” He said the team’s comradery is a key cog in his program’s wheel of success. “They all get along, they all support each other and cheer each other on,” he said. He also noted the wrestling team boasts a diverse and eclectic mix of athletes with female and male students from Grades 5-12 practicing together. “There’s no other sport where you get that mix and that ability to push yourself as far as you want to go and still be part of the team,” Rhodes said. Wrestlers in Grades 5-7 do not compete in Island or Provincial championships but can practice with the team and compete in several tournaments throughout the
meaningfully address the harm and foster renewed relationships. Join The West Coast Restorative Justice Service for a Peacemaking Circle Training, a presentation on “Where Restorative Justice is Going”, and a Community Justice Forum Training. All FREE!
WESTCOAST RESORATIVE RESTORATIVE JUSTICE SERVICE Call or email to Register with Myles Morrison 250-726-2313 mmmmm@telus.net
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Tofino & Ucluelet 250-726-8113 sold@telus.net
year, according to Rhodes. “You get kids that right off the bat in Grade 6 they’re little dynamos and they experience success which fuels that competitive desire and they keep going and then you get kids who are maybe not as successful right away but they come because they enjoy the experience and it’s fun going on the trips and being on the team,” he said. “Over the years, as they get more experience and they develop more skills, the success starts to come and there’s a reward for sticking.” Rhodes said passion for the sport is contagious and in his 15 years of coaching in Ucluelet he has seen many siblings follow the footsteps of older brothers and sisters. “If an older sibling wrestles, quite often the younger siblings will see it and get interested in it and follow suit,” he said. “It’s one of those things that once it hits and gets in there it tends to stick.” He said wrestling is a solid source of athleticism and character. “From a sport and athleticism perspective, it’s a fantastic sport for translating into other sport;, it’s very simple but it’s very, very, athletic; you have to be balanced and coordinated and (have) strength and power and all that kind of stuff...It translates well into other sports for people later on down the road,” he said. “The big thing though for us, and you see it in programs all over the Island, is that it’s a character building activity. “There’s a lot of hours of training, there’s a lot of hours of effort, there is a big sense of comradery and teamwork and we always stress that; win or lose you go in, you put your best effort in, you hold your head up high at the end of the day.”
reporter@westerlynews.ca
Dave Christensen
The Westerly News | Page 19
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Poo matters: Questions dog Tuff council ANDREW BAILEY
Westerly News Complaints about dog feces have become a fixture on Tofino council agendas and, with no quick fix in sight, this budding tradition is threatening to become a longstanding one. The letter that landed on last week’s agenda came from local Mike Dauphinee who asked what the district’s bylaw department is doing to address the issue. “Dog feces is a problem in this town. It’s everywhere...It’s disgusting. It’s a public health issue. It’s dangerous as it spreads diseases among other dogs. It is not acceptable,” Dauphinee wrote. “Tofino By-laws require pet owners to clean up behind their own animals. Often, the pet owners do not do so. This by-law is not enforced. Could you explain why not?” He suggested enforcing the bylaw and dishing out fines to offenders could raise money towards further enforcement. “It does not seem fair that responsible pet owners and taxpayers who do not even own a dog should be saddled with the cost of enforcement,” he wrote. “Let those who cause the prob-
lem pay the cost. Perhaps the message that allowing your dog to defecate in public, and to not clean it up, is going to cost you a few hundred dollars, not a slap on the wrist, might get the message across.” The fine for failing to pick up a pet’s feces is currently $50, according to Tofino’s Municipal Ticket Information System Bylaw. Dauphinee noted the district has installed more doggie bag dispensers in town but suggested dropping the hammer on infractions would be a better course of action. “I realize that enforcing dog control by-laws is not a pleasant, nor a politically popular task. But you, mayor and council, have been elected, and now sit in the only chairs which hold authority to deal with this issue,” he wrote. “It would be great if public education and the installation of more doggie bag dispensers could cure this problem, but it appears that isn’t working. Some, many, pet owners are responsible. Some are not. This second group needs a more direct approach. Let’s try talking to their wallets.” After reviewing the letter, Mayor Josie Osborne said a similar one is already on council’s next agenda.
Coun. Greg Blanchette noted council had previously asked staff to look into Tofino’s animal control bylaw and asked where they were at with this review. District CAO Bob MacPherson said the review is ongoing but doubted whether altering the bylaw would make dog poop disappear. “If someone has decided they’re not going to clean up after their dog, that they’re going to let their dog defecate wherever it chooses and not clean it up, I don’t know that a bylaw that has different words in it than the one we have now is really going to solve that,” he said. “To me it’s more of a social issue than a bylaw issue.” Coun. Dorothy Baert agreed. “Although I do think there are tools in bylaw and bylaw enforcement to assist...to me it’s an issue of being part of community pride and personal responsibility,” she said. Baert said she had experienced the negative effects of uncollected dog poop in the town she lived in before moving to Tofino. “It was so out of control that I really didn’t want to live there,” she said. “It has that kind of effect; you
just feel that there’s a contamination that your children are subjected to...I don’t want to see Tofino residents feeling that way.” Coun. Ray Thorogood asked if Tofino’s bylaw enforcement officer is aware of the volume of letters council is receiving regarding uncollected dog feces. The district’s Manager of Corporate Services Jane Armstrong, whose department oversees bylaw enforcement, assured the bylaw department is well aware of the issue. She said fines are handed out to people caught walking away from their pet’s feces and that this is proactively enforced during Tofino’s summer bylaw program. Thorogood wondered why enforcement would be more proactive during Tofino’s busiest time. “Bylaw is proactive during the summer months; why not be proactive on issues like this in the quiet time, now, so that our local residents, who are probably the biggest offenders, are aware,” he said. “Being proactive on issues like this when there are other more serious issues to deal with in the busy months, to me, makes no sense.”
Coun. Al Anderson expressed frustration over local governments becoming nannies for irresponsible dog owners. “I find this a really difficult problem because I don’t believe that it’s up to government to go around and pick up behind your dog,” he said. “The more we take care of that problem, clean up behind them and provide dog bags, the less responsibility the community feels they have to take care of that themselves...I resent the fact that somehow it’s government’s job to solve this problem and the fact that people that own dogs can’t take care of their own dogs.” Tofino Mayor Josie Osborne suggested a solution would not be found overnight. “I know that it’s frustrating for letter-writers and for people sometimes to see what they feel is inaction...but I think that to make a good decision, and to chart the best course of action forward, it’s going to require some serious thought and careful consideration and it’s going to take a little bit of time to do it well.” Council agreed to refer Dauphinee’s letter to staff. reporter@westerlynews.ca
Not April Fool’s: Tax hike in store for ACRD ERIC PLUMMER
Alberni Valley Times The regional district’s spending plan for this year got the stamp of approval from board directors Wednesday, bringing property tax increases throughout the Alberni Valley and the Island’s West Coast. This year’s spending plan brings an overall 2.09 per cent tax increase for properties within the ACRD boundary. Although Port Alberni homeowners pay levies to the city, additional taxes go to the regional district for operations managed by the ACRD. This year a $200,000 home in Port Alberni can expect to pay $74.31 to the regional district, a 1.18 per cent increase from last year. The Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District’s 2015 budget encompasses $14 million worth of expenses that cover various services for its 31,000 residents, more than half of whom live within the City of Port Alberni. Services delivered across the region include a 911 emergency telephone system for $288,124 as well as $931,843 to finance general government operations. Within the Alberni Valley, emergency planning accounted for $118,979, the transit system cost $222,623 while running the regional airport by Sproat Lake took up another $50,000.
“There’s services that the City of Port Alberni participates in,” said ACRD accountant Andrew McGifford. Another $58.80 is owed to the Regional Hospital District per $200,000 home in Port Alberni, which contributes to the running of health care centres in the city, Bamfield and Tofino. “It goes towards capital improvements that are made,” said McGifford, adding that the majority of this contribution is paying for the West Coast General. “The bulk of the hospital district right now is paying off the debt that we have incurred for the new hospital in Port Alberni.” Other areas in the ACRD can expect tax increases of varying degrees, except Bamfield, where levies declined by 7.56 per cent to $172.59 for a $200,000 home. McGifford said the lower tax rate was affected by a drop in property values in the West Coast community. “You have a change in assessment values through the regional district,” he explained. “That factors in.” Elsewhere in the ACRD Cherry Creek, Beaver Creek and Sproat Lake are facing modest tax hikes, bringing levies to $150.74, $154.08 and 128.92 for the respective communities based on a $200,000 assessed value. Beaufort homes
have a higher increase of 8.19 per saw few changes to the spendcent, amounting to a typical resiing plan since the initial draft dential tax of $123.66. Equal dues was released at the beginning of go to the Regional Hospital DisMarch. trict from homes in these electoral “There wasn’t anything too difareas. Some communities are DISTRICT OF TOFINO also taxed for rd Box 9, 121 3 Street DIST specific serTofino BC V0R 2Z0 vices, such as the Sproat Lake Volunteer Fire Tofino Community Enrichment Department, Society Sproat Lake Community Annual General Meeting Park and Beaver Creek Volunteer Wednesday, April 15, 2015 Fire Department, which 5pm Tofino Council Chambers charge respectFor more information or to RSVP contact: ive amounts of Sabrina Donovan 250 266 1107 $79.18, $26.66 New members welcome! and $152.46 to each $200,000 home. Unlike the budget currently being modified by the City of Port Alberni, the ACRD’s spending plan does not allow funds saved in one area to be transferred to another line item. McGifford
ferent from the public consult meeting on March 11,” he said.
WE ARE CURRENTLY SEEKING NEW EMPLOYEES TO HELP US CONTINUE TO PROVIDE OUR GUESTS WITH A WORLD-CLASS EXPERIENCE ON THE WILD WEST COAST. JOB OPPORTUNITIES INCLUDE: FOOD & BEVERAGE ATTENDANT/S ROOM ATTENDANT/S SPA ATTENDANT PRACTITIONERS COOKS DISHWASHER PLEASE NOTE POSITIONS ARE NOT SEASONAL AND ARE AVAILABLE FOR YEAR AROUND EMPLOYMENT. Please email your resume to jobs@wickinn.com, mail to Human Resources, PO Box 250, Tofino, BC, V0R 2Z0 or drop off at 500 Osprey Lane, Chesterman Beach, Tofino.
Page 20 | The Westerly News
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
USS Warriors wrap up dynamic season The Ucluelet Secondary School Warriors Sr. Boys Basketball team had a very successful 2014/2015 season. The team consisted of students from grade 9 to 12, with most players playing their first ever season of High School basketball. Mieke Dusseldorp The Warriors earned REALTOR® JASON a berth in the BC ProvCoast Realty Group SAM incial Championships Happily serving Tofino & Ucluelet /LOCAL by winning two tourCell: 250-726-3888 • Fax: 888-885-0005 • Office: 250-726-7474 naments this season, VOICE www.miekedusseldorp.com and placing 2nd at the Island Championships. HELP WANTED: FOOD SERVICES PROVIDER The boys travelled to Langley over their Spring Break in order to compete with Position available at Forest Glen Seniors the best teams in BC. The Warriors Centre. Responsible for preparing and were the second youngest team in the serving 10 nutritionally balanced dinner tournament. meals. Contractor must have Food Safe, Their first game pitted them against WCB coverage & WHMIS standards apply. the 3rd rank team in BC, Credo Christian. Interested parties please send resume to: The boys played their hearts out, and Board of Directors, Box 48 were in it to the very end but fell just Ucluelet BC V0R 3A0 or fax to 250-726-2774. short, losing 63 to 57. Plenty of spectators congratulated the team on their For further information efforts and skills after the game. Aubrey please contact Ludlow won our Warriors Player of the B. Winpenny 250-726-8754. Game by playing hard down low, taking a punishment for his efforts, and by finishing dishes from William Tom. Nic Thomas earned honorable mentions for his rebound support. Next, the boys played another highly skilled team that was ready and rested. Tired from the late game the night before, the boys fell behind early and couldn’t catch up. Alex Louie Visit H&R Block and see if you qualify for the new won our Warriors Family Tax Breaks. You could claim up to an additional Player of the Game for $2,000* which could give you a bigger refund this year. his speed and defensive play. Isiah David earned honorable 3142 3RD AVE mentions for his effort Port Alberni and support points. 250-724-0213 The third game was a back and forth tilt, 800-HRBLOCK(472-5625) hrblock.ca with teams alter-
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CAPTAIN EDWARD “EDDIE” ARNET (September 30th 1930 to April 4th 2005)
nating leads throughout the game. Ron Pettigrew Lions stormed out of the gate with some solid 3 point shooting. Team Captain, Reid Appenheimer answered back with 3 consecutive 3 pointers of his own. Ucluelet Warriors battled back with Aubrey Ludlow owning the rebounds and William Tom’s sharp shooting. It was a close game to the very end, but the Warriors fell short. Sam Clarkson, for defensive toughness, and William Tom, for scoring, earned Warriors Players of the Game. The boys were determined to earn a win and came out firing with their young guns (grade 9’s) in the fourth game. Pitted against a mostly grade 12 team, Brayden Tenford won the draw and it
was the Warriors leading the action from then on. With a strong team effort, the Warriors won a closely played and very tough game. TJ Manson earned honorable mentions for his tenacity on defense. Jared Lucas earned honorable mentions for his intensity and never-quit style of play. William Tom won Player of the Game for his sharp shooting. Congratulations to the Warriors on a season well played and full of accomplishments! Thank you to all who have supported the team: Co-op, Cabins West, Crystal Cove, Reef Point Cottages, Ukee Dogs, and the special teachers who took a pie in the face! Jason Sam is the Warriors Team Manager
RECRUITING PEOPLE LIKE YOU!
who left us ten years ago. Always remembered by his loving family and friends.
Men and women, join us and reach your potential!
Pick up Fire ighter applications at: Ucluelet Municipal Of ice (M-F, 8:30am to 4pm) Fire Hall (Tuesday nights 7 to 9pm) Reward yourself and gain valuable skills and knowledge!
Questions?
Enjoy team building and community spirit!
Call Chief Eeftink 726-5497 or Emergency Manager Karla Robison 726-7744
No experience necessary Captain “Eddy”, Deckhand Jim Foster, Engineer Gary Babin on the new Fisheries and Oceans Vessel stationed at Tofino, August 1992
NFPA firefighting, first responder training, air brakes certification, tax credit benefits, etc.
Application Deadline April 30, 2015