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Neighbours: Coral Way home not zoned for vaca rentals advertised for
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INSIDE THIS WEEK:
ANDREW BAILEY
Westerly News Ucluelet’s district office is investigating a local property being advertised online as a vacation rental despite not being zoned to be a vacation rental. During last week’s regular meeting, Ucluelet’s municipal council reviewed a letter signed by seven Coral Way property owners urging council to do something about what they believe is false advertising of Lot #20, a four-bedroom, four-bath home at 1136 Coral Way, as a vacation rental. The letter notes that Council unanimously rejected a rezoning application for the property after hearing local concerns at a meeting held on Dec. 9. “The house on Lot #20, by formal decision of the Council, cannot be used for any purpose other than as a single family dwelling,” the letter reads. “Should publicity continue by the owners, or by agents on the owner’s behalf, to tout the property for nightly rentals, such action can only be interpreted as formal refusal to accept application of Council by-laws.” The letter includes links to about 15 websites currently advertising the property as a vacation See BATTLE ZONE, Page 12
WARRIORS TAKE N. Island championship PAGE 16
Dead on beach, Olive Ridley sea turtle only third ever found in BC ANDREW BAILEY
A rare Olive Ridley sea turtle that washed ashore at Comber’s Beach. TOP PHOTO, PACIFIC RIM NATIONAL PARK RESERVE. BOTTOM PHOTO, JEANNE FERRIS
sighting of an Olive Ridley turtle
Westerly News A West Coaster was ready to put her boogey board down on Long Beach when she stumbled upon the body of a rare sea turtle that had washed ashore. “The turtle is an Olive Ridley turtle, a tropical species listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources,” Pacific Rim National Park spokesperson Laura Judson told the Westerly News. “This is only the third confirmed
UES PAC reinvents fair PAGE 9
in BC waters. The first historic sighting happened in Pacific Rim
National Park Reserve in 2011. Our park has played an important role in documenting how this rare turtle is becoming a more frequent sight in Canada.” The 2011 Olive Ridley was found alive near Comber’s Beach and was transported to the Vancouver Aquarium for treatment but unfortunately did not survive through the night. This most recent Olive Ridley discovery was made by Ucluetian Jeanne Ferris who told the Westerly she arrived at the Park to See RARE TURTLE, Page 13
NATURE PAGES - guess who’s back? (This photo courtesy Brandon Ernst) PAGE 8 ... AND MUCH MORE!
Page 2 | The Westerly News
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
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The Westerly News | Page 3
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
Tuff leaders boost leadability
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
public hearing which is very different than the legislative role that we play during regular council meetings,” she said. Osborne also attended a financial management seminar and said this seminar motivated the local leaders in attendance to be more confident when speaking with provincial leaders at the yearly Union of BC Municipalities convention (UBCM). “The presenter, in two hours, made a very passionate call to action to municipal elected officials to really deal with the infrastructure gap that municipalities face and to use UBCM much more effectively as a place to lobby and discuss things
ANDREW BAILEY
Westerly News
WHO WE ARE
with the province,” she said. “I think we go to UBCM feeling that we’re at their mercy, so to speak, but at the same time we face a very, very, real crunch with trying to fund infrastructure upgrades that we simply don’t get the tax dollars to do.” Osborne said another highlight of her experience was a public engagement session. “I really enjoy meeting people from other municipalities and discussing how they undertake their public engagement and what’s worked and what doesn’t work,” she said. This seminar included a mini case-study exercise where municipal leaders brainstormed strategies for tackling issues and Osborne took the opportunity to hear what other leaders had to say about an issue at her community’s forefront. “I asked the group if we could use dog leash and dog poo bylaw issues as the case study and they went for it, so it was great,” she said. “It was really interesting to work through some of the things that Tofino is facing.” She said the exercise brought her a variety of ideas, which she plans to bring to Tofino’s upcoming Town Hall meeting in March.
Two members of Tofino’s council recently returned from a leadership seminar carrying Andrew Bailey, reporter goodie bags of information on reporter@westerlynews.ca dealing with the media, how much to put on staff’s plate, and Josh Hannigan, advertising jhannigan@westerlynews.ca maybe even few tricks for handling Tofino’s dog poop situation. CONTACT US Coun. Greg Blanchette and P.O. Box 317, Ucluelet B.C. V0R 3A0 Mayor Josie Osborne attended 102-1801 Bay Street, Ucluelet the Local Government LeaderPh: 250-726-7029 Fax: 250-726-4282 ship Academy’s Elected Officials E-mail: office@westerlynews.ca Seminar in Parksville from Jan. 28-30. DEADLINES The seminar has municiDisplay ads Monday at noon Coun. Greg Blanchette pal leaders attending nonCall 250-266-2400 office@westerlynews.ca stop workshops and training sessions. He suggested the theme of the Classified ads Tuesday at 10 a.m. As the only rookie on council this workshop was to never give the Call 1-866-415-9169 classifieds@westerlynews.ca term, Coun. Blanchette made his media a straight answer first appearance at the seminar and to instead parrot the Online ads Start anytime and said he “got a real sense of the same message over and Call 250-266-2400 office@westerlynews.ca enormous mass of legislation that over. underpins our little village here.” Blanchette noted the Letters to the editor Monday at noon Blanchette attended about 14 Westerly reporter was in office@westerlynews.ca workshops during the seminar attendance and assured he and touted a workshop on finanwould “try not to be that SUBSCRIPTIONS cial management as one of his guy.” Local area: $75.18 favourites. Other than the disSeniors (local): $63.91 Canada: $84.56 U.S.: $155.18 “It made me sensitive to loading appointing media workTo subscribe call: up staff with all kinds of frivolous shop, Blanchette said the 1-888-311-7713 or 250-729-4266 requests and ideas so I’ll be bearseminar was very valuable ing that in mind,” he said. and he hopes to attend He also highlighted a collaboramore in the future. We acknowledge the financial support of tive civic leadership and strategic Osborne highlighted an the Government of Canada through the in depth legal clinic on Canada Peri odical Fund of the Department decision making workshop that of Canadian Heritage. reporter@westerlynews.ca spoke to relationships between public hearings as one Mayor Josie Osborne elected leaders and administrative of her favourite seminar The Tofino-Ucluelet Westerly News, a ADVENTURE division of the VI Newspaper Group Limited staff. experiences. SHOPPING Partnership, respects your privacy. We “It also talked quite a lot about “In my time as mayor of Tofino at collect, use and disclose your personal the variety of personal styles in we have conducted very few pubinformation in accordance with our decision making and trying to lic hearings so it was nice to have Privacy Statement which is available by calling 250-729-4223. The contents of this bring all those together,” he said. a chance to go through an actual newspaper are protected by copyright “It takes some time to gel into an skit and exercise on public hearand may be used only for personal, noneffective decision making body.” ings with lawyers present who commercial purposes. Quality used Thu, Feb 19 Canucks @ Rangers 4:00 He said the most disappointing can give advice on what to do and housewares, workshop was one on communiwhat not to do and to just truly Fri, Feb 20 Canucks @ Devils 4:00 clothes, books cating with the media. understand the different role that & music Tue, Feb 24 Canucks @ Bruins 4:00 “The presenter was from a media council plays when it conducts a OPEN 11-5 handling firm that deals with Crib Every Thursday at 7pm $ politicians at all levels and he was MON-SAT just pushing this ‘stick to the mesPark emergencies: Karaoke Every Friday MAIN ST. UCLUELET En cas d’urgence : 250-726-3604 sage’ tactic that, in my opinion (across from CIBC) All other inquiries: SATURDAY NIGHT PACIFIC RIM FISH AND anyway, has ruined political disPour plus d’information : 250-726-3500 Supporting local charities GAME CLUB POKER TOURNAMENT 7PM course in this country for the last Donation items welcome 10-20 years,” Blanchette said.
Jackie Carmichael, Publisher editor@westerlynews.ca
This Week at…
CARGO THRIFT
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Sun and clouds 9/6
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Feb.18 Tofino *RECYCLES
R E M E M B E R — R e d u c e , R e u s e , R e cy c l e !
Son Bird Refuse & Recycling 250-726-4406 Chris Bird 250-726-8144
Local tides brought to you by:
TIDES Thursday 19 metres
12:45 AM 6:39 AM 12:42 PM 7:09 PM
Friday 20 feet
3.7 12.1 1.0 3.3 3.9 12.8 0.3 1.0
metres
1:25 AM 7:28 AM 1:31 PM 7:50 PM
Saturday 21 feet
3.8 12.5 0.8 2.6 3.9 12.8 0.4 1.3
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Sunday 22 feet
3.9 12.8 0.7 2.3 3.7 12.1 0.6 2.0
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2:49 AM 9:08 AM 3:12 PM 9:15 PM
Monday 23 feet
3.9 12.8 0.7 2.3 3.5 11.5 0.9 3.0
metres
3:33 AM 10:02 AM 4:07 PM 10:00 PM
Tuesday 24 feet
3.8 12.5 0.8 2.6 3.2 10.5 1.2 3.9
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4:20 AM 11:01 AM 5:09 PM 10:52 PM
Wednesday 25 feet
3.6 11.8 0.9 3.0 3.0 9.8 1.5 4.9
metres
5:14 AM 12:08 AM 6:23 PM 11:55 PM
feet
3.5 11.5 1.1 3.6 2.8 9.2 1.7 5.6
Ucluelet / Tofino www.coastrealty.com
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Page 4 | The Westerly News
COMMENT
Opinion
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
THE WILD LIFE
How we know BC’s water is undervalued Changes to regulations governing B.C.’s water supplies are welcome, but the legislation still does not fully OUR acknowledge VOICE the true value of this precious resource. Last year, the government replaced B.C.’s Water Act of 1909 with the Water Sustainability Act, which, among other things, states that users of the province’s ground-water (other than homeowners on individual wells) must pay for the water they extract. The new rules require water users to pay permit-application fees and water-rental rates. The province is technically the owner of groundwater, but before this legislation, anyone could take water from the ground without a licence and without charge. That has allowed Nestlé Waters Canada, the world’s largest supplier of bottled water, to take about 265 million litres of fresh water a year from a well near Hope without a permit and at no cost for the water itself. Beginning next January, the company and others who use groundwater will pay rates based on how much water they use. But it’s a pittance — Nestlé Canada will pay about $562 for the water it uses in a year. Considering that bottled water usually sells for more than gasoline, that’s an incredible bargain.
That is no criticism of Nestlé — the company has always said it was willing to pay a fair price for water. In addition, it has voluntarily reported the amount of its water withdrawal to the District of Hope and has urged the province to do an inventory of water resources. Environment Minister Mary Polak says the province doesn’t sell water and doesn’t want to present an image of generating revenue from the resource. But why not? The province charges royalties for oil and gas extracted from the ground. Although far more plentiful than petroleum, water is still a valuable commodity. Life would be difficult without petroleum, but life would be impossible without water. It should be freely available, but should it be free? It’s not. The typical capital region household’s annual water bill, based on an estimated consumption of 300 cubic metres, is close to the same amount Nestlé will pay, except that Nestlé gets about a thousand times the volume of water for that price. It wouldn’t be fair to make a straight-across comparison. Household users are paying for water treatment and infrastructure, which a bottled-water company must provide for itself. But those figures indicate the province does not value water as it should. Nor do most of us. B.C. is abundantly supplied with fresh water, and is the envy of much of the
world in that respect. The amount of water does not change — in nature, water is not generally created or destroyed. It flows along stream beds to the ocean, evaporates into the atmosphere and returns as precipitation in the great hydrological cycle that keeps the planet alive. But it doesn’t always return when and where we want it. It is not evenly distributed, geographically or seasonally.
And after we have used it or abused it, it is often polluted. Fracking, logging and other activities threaten the quality of our water. Yes, protective regulations are in place, but we cannot let our guard down. The province should compile a water inventory, with particular attention to groundwater. It’s easier to chart the flow of a river and the level of a lake; it’s much more difficult to measure how
much water is held underground in aquifers and how quickly those aquifers recharge. We should not be lulled into apathy by the sheer quantity of water in the province. As islanddwellers, we know that we can be surrounded by water and still be short of this most precious commodity. This editorial originally ran in the Times Colonist
Reminder to RCMP HQ: Listen to the people who pay bills In 2007 communities began to pay a percentage of RCMP policing cost through a police tax. Local governments asked at the time BILL IRVING for improved communication with the /LOCAL RCMP. VOICE The desire was that better communication would help address the community’s priorities. Generally, we should be very grateful for the national, provincial and municipal role the RCMP
has taken in protecting the public. But when the District asked the Deputy Commissioner of RCMP for the province if they would allow officers to stay in community beyond usual rotation we found a confused and arbitrary sense of what “communication” meant. The request seemed relatively simple and the response from the Deputy Commissioner, “ that if all parties agreed, why not, it would save significant relocation expenses”, was promising.
But it was quickly apparent that this simple, straight up communication was not reality. Evidently, allowing an officer to stay in Ucluelet would jeopardize the national system of transfers. Politically you learn quickly that working co-operatively and respectfully creates a positive atmosphere for future improvements - but something is missing here. The Supreme Court decision of Jan. 16/2015 granting the RCMP officers the right to form a union
or association to begin collective bargaining is a telling statement regarding the state of relationships within the RCMP. Why would I write about this issue that will have little impact on the Ucluelet situation. I was taught from a young age to respect the police, so I expected something different from senior RCMP management. Something more respectful of the officers and their families. What can we do now? Well, short of obeying the law and putting the
RCMP out of business, now is the time to remind both sides, as they begin the collective bargaining process, there is a third party involved in this discussion. It is the people they serve and protect and who pay the bill. RCMP management, start listening to the communities.
Bill Irving is a Ucluelet businessman and former mayor and council member.
LETTERS POLICY: The Westerly News welcomes letters to the editor. We reserve the right to edit letters for clarity, taste, legality and length. We require your hometown and a daytime phone number for verification purposes. Letters must include your first name (or two initials) and last name. Unsigned letters and letters of more than 300 words will not be accepted. Email submissions to office@westerlynews.ca
The Westerly News | Page 5
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
COMMENT
COMMUNITY ALBUM
Pothole tests tempers, treads A yawning pothole with a steep 5-inch edge at the Tofino-side edge of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve (but within park boundaries) JACKIE has drivers CARMICHAEL steaming mad /WESTERLY after reportedly causing VOICE a number of flats and other vehicle issues for drivers taking the highway at its speed limit clip. The spot is actually a federal section on a provincial highway, and is specifically singled out in a Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure website post pointing out it’s somebody else’s road. “A strange thing happens when you’re travelling B.C.’s highways and you head through Rogers Pass, cruise alongside Long Beach near Tofino, or drive Highway 97, 133 kilometres north of Dawson Creek. You see, the ground under your tires changes…(THAT’S PUTTING IT MILDLY, I THINK TO MYSELF.) “You may think that’s provincially owned and operated road beneath you…but it’s not. These stretches of road are owned and operated by the federal government’s Parks Canada Agency, which has a long involvement
with the surrounding areas for ecological (parks) or military (Second World War) purposes.” (WHICH WOULD EXPLAIN THE TRENCHES?) The post says there’s little to draw attention to the transition from provincial to federal highway. “We both focus on safety for motorists and keeping travellers informed. We work behind the scenes to help you get to your destination safely, no matter which jurisdiction you move through.” It probably doesn’t help that PRNPR’s budget has been gashed and deflated by the feds like - well, like a tire. Tofino Mayor Josie Osborne reported Monday that park officials indicated the pothole would be patched Tuesday. The park’s portion of Highway 4 is slated to be repaved this summer. After cruising by the hole Sunday I can report with shock and awe that it looked about the size of a small shark - and like it could flatten a tire or mess with alignment at will. Of course, it pales in comparison to the massive 10-footdeep hole of car-swallowing size that opened up on Grice Bay Road a few weeks back (also inside park lines) and quickly got a repair.
But both are reminders that we have aging infrastructure here – including an estimated 10 wooden culverts ticking like a clock winding down that are believed to be of an age and construction similar to that of the former (now mercifully recovered) Grice Bay Great Big Hole but are between the park and downtown Tofino. We’ve been asking the province for help with it for years now. I think we’re overdue, since a million visitors motor over to see us annually. Ahem. +++ Congratulations to the winners of the Westerly Facebook Valentine Romantic Places Contest: A Jiggers 1-piece dinner each for David Crombie, Thomas Martin, Beverly Murdock and Jacqueline Holliday. Buon appetito and thanks for inspiring us. Thanks to Pieter Timmermans for the news that spring is here, no matter what the calendar says. Traditional West Coast lore says when there are skunk cabbage shoots, the bears will soon be by to feed on them. Well, they’re ranging from 2-5” on the Wild Pacific Trail. So there you have it. Jackie Carmichael is editor and publisher of the Westerly News.
In the stunning setting of Long Beach Lodge, attendees enjoy the recent monthly Tofino Mayor’s Breakfast, and chat on topics related to community engagement.
Congratulations ANAF Catan tournament winners Andy Horne #1 (shown at right with Cody Naples), Kevin Bradshaw #2, Richard Lindsey #3.
To and Linh would like to
thank everyone
for their patronage and friendships since 1995! The keys have been exchanged and they are OFFICIALLY RETIRED!!! New and exciting things are in the works...be sure to drop in and give a warm welcome to the new owners when they open! Make sure you say hi when you see the Vans out and about in their beloved Ucluelet.
Page 6 | The Westerly News
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
Ukee kids join push for playground ANDREW BAILEY
Westerly News Families living on the south side of Ucluelet want a playground in their neck of the woods. Last week, Ucluelet’s municipal council reviewed letters from about 10 residents calling for a playground to be installed around Kimoto Drive. “The closest playground for families living (in) the far south point on Peninsula Drive is at the Ucluelet Elementary School, which is over 1 km and many hills away,” read a letter from local
Andrew Loiselle, which was echoed by additional letters from his fellow Ucluetians. “With the increase in development and families moving into this area it is important to have a place for these families to engage outdoors.” Coun. Randy Oliwa commended the group for making their voices heard and said the information would be included in Ucluelet’s upcoming budget discussions.
“It’s always good to get that additional energy and participation from the community,” he said. Coun. Sally Mole noted some of
the letters were written by local youth and said she was thrilled to see young locals get engaged with their local government. “I’d just like to commend those kids for getting involved in the process and taking the time to write to council,” she said. “I think it’s awesome, I’d encourage it, and I’d like to see more of it.” One letter-writing youth was 9 year-old Lothar Myck. “I want a playground because it would be both fun and safer than
playing on the road,” Lothar wrote. “It’s not fun playing on the road because then I have to get off when a car comes, but if I’m on a playground I won’t have to move.” Lothar’s sentiment was echoed by 8 year-old Orson Myck. “I want a playground on Kimoto Drive because it will be safer than playing on the road and the closest playground is at the school which is far away,” Orson wrote. “Thank you for reading my letter.”
reporter@westerlynews.ca
Drinking and driving rising in Tofino ANDREW BAILEY
Westerly News Police are finding a troubling number of intoxicated locals behind the wheel in Tofino. “In the last week we’ve dealt with an unusually high number of drivers who are impaired by alcohol,” Tofino RCMP detachment commander Sgt. Blaine Mumford told the Westerly News on Friday. He said four drivers were issued Immediate Roadside Prohibitions after being caught driving while impaired last week. “It’s a lot. Any is too many, but that’s too many,” he said. “Driving when you’ve been drinking is unacceptable.” Mumford said police are on the
roads with their eyes peeled for impaired motorists. “One of the people who was pulled over actually said that, given the time of night, he didn’t expect police would be around,” he said. “People should realize that we’re always around whether you’re seeing our cars driving up and down the street or not. Just because it might be 3-5 in the morning doesn’t mean that it’s ok to drink and drive or that you’re going to be able to do it unscathed.” He added that bystanders are also on the look out and are reporting drunk drivers to police. “It’s become much less socially acceptable for people to drink and drive and so people are much
more likely to let the police know,” Mumford said. He encourages anyone who sees an intoxicated person about to get behind the wheel to dissuade that person from driving by offering alternative accommodation or transportation. “Certainly when you’re dealing with someone who’s been drinking they’re not always reasonable, and if at the end of the day someone’s going to make that bad decision and you can’t change their mind, we would encourage you to definitely call (police),” he said. “Better that someone get a driving prohibition, and maybe their vehicle impounded, than the other consequences that come along with drinking and driving and we
CLAYOQUOT BIOSPHERE TRUST 2015 RESEARCH AWARD The Clayoquot Biosphere Trust (CBT) is excited to announce a new research award. This single grant of $20,000.00 will support research within the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Reserve Region that advances our local understanding of conservation challenges within our marine and/or terrestrial ecosystems. The CBT Research & Environment Committee has developed a set of criteria to prioritize research and conservation actions that prevent species and ecosystems from becoming ‘at risk,’ in order to maintain native species and ecosystem diversity. The detailed criteria is available on our website.
all know what those are.” Mumford said police are also running into a significant number of locals causing drinking-related disturbances unrelated to driving. “We’ve also had a fair amount of intoxicated-in-public calls,” he said. “People out and about who’ve had quite a lot to drink...There seems to still be people drinking to extreme.”
Vehicles hit with unwelcome graffiti Tofino police are hoping to nip an uptick in mischief in the bud before it escalates. Graffiti was found on two vehicles—one in Tofino and one within
the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve—last week. Sgt. Mumford said both vehicles were parked and unoccupied with the graffiti occurred. He said the graffiti has not brought significant damage to the vehicles, as it is easily washed off, but mischief and vandalism can be slippery slopes. “It’s a step in the mischief chain, the next thing is a broken window or something like that,” he said. “If people are out and about in the parking lots and they see people hanging around vehicles that maybe look suspicious please give us a call, we’re happy to come and just have a chat and see what might be happening.” reporter@westerlynews.ca
CLAYOQUOT BIOSPHERE TRUST 2015 CALL FOR PROJECTS The Clayoquot Biosphere Trust (CBT) is excited to announce the thirteenth allocation of funds to support community projects in the areas of community development, culture & events, youth & education, and environment & research. We encourage groups to develop projects that respond to our community needs and help us to achieve our long-term community goals.
All applicants must complete the Research Award application form available at www.clayoquotbiosphere.org under the heading Grants. Applications must be received by our office by 4 p.m. Monday, March 2, 2015. Approval of funding will be announced mid-April.
The CBT has $60,000 available in this Call for Projects. Each project will be funded to a maximum of $8,000. All applicants must complete the Application for Funding form available at www.clayoquotbiosphere.org under the heading Grants.Applications must be received by our office by 4 p.m. March 4, 2015. Approval of funding will be announced mid-April.
Please see our website for more information or contact the CBT Research Coordinator Dr. Laura Loucks at laura@clayoquotbiosphere.org. You can also call our office at 725-2219 if you have any questions.
Please see our website for more information. As always, CBT staff is here to help. Please contact the office at 725-2219 if you have questions.
Like us on Facebook! Reach us at office@westerlynews.ca or 250-534-9213.
The Westerly News | Page 7
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
Pedestrian safety questioned in Ukee “Really, we shouldn’t keep putting it off indefinitely.”
ANDREW BAILEY
Westerly News A group of local residents are turning up the volume on their collective call for increased pedestrian safety around the corner of Peninsula Road and Coast Guard Drive. Ucluelet’s municipal council received a petition last week signed by 69 locals who want to see improvements made to a section of Peninsula Road near He Tin Kis Park. “We respectfully implore the Mayor, Council and District of Ucluelet to allocate funds in the upcoming 2015 budget to install a sidewalk and lighting along Peninsula Road between He Tin Kis Park and Coast Guard Drive,” the petition read. “This section of Peninsula Road is unsafe. In the current condition, this is a narrow section of road with little to no shoulder, no lighting, on a blind corner. A s such, it is an extreme safety hazard for users particularly pedestrians, children on bicycles, mothers with strollers and groups of three or more people walking together.” The petition notes that new homes are coming online and the area’s population is on the rise as is foot and vehicle traffic associated with the nearby Wild Pacific Trail. Council referred the petition and its attached information to Ucluelet’s upcoming budget discussions, which are expected to get underway later this month. During the meeting’s open question period, one of the petitioners Katharine Fleming noted council has tabled the issue before and asked if something could be done to push the project along. “How can we, as people who live in the community, help you to go forward with this instead of tabling it for another year just in case we get bumped again?” she asked. She suggested the petitioners could help cover some of a safety-boosting project’s cost and that they are open to any suggestions that would help council refrain from putting the work off. “Is there something we can do to help you make your decision...In the favour of people that come and stay here and people who have their children going to and from school and who are trying to put less emissions in the air by walking more and people with dogs,” Fleming asked.
Municipal councillor Randy Oliwa, acting as mayor in Mayor Dianne St. Jacques absence, said it’s not a matter of council putting off the work but rather of balancing budget decisions. “I can confirm the fact that it has been in the works for a while but ultimately, I’ve sat there, when it comes down to balancing projects it was always just moved off a little bit,” he said. “This council and community have been moving very progressively in not bringing on new projects until we’ve tidied up and fixed our own neighborhoods.” Fleming asked if a temporary solution could be found in the short term. “Could we have temporary lines put down that designate, on one side of the road or the other, that that’s a place where people can walk and feel reasonably safe,” she asked. Oliwa said district staff has been looking into the issue. “We have discussed already around the council table some quick, short-term, fixes that would address the safety problem and we’ve asked planning and public works to look at those and bring something back to us on that,” he said. Ucluelet local Robin Myck asked what sort of time frame petitioners could expect to see a temporary solution in place. District CAO Andrew Yeates suggested even a quick fix would take some time. “The main issue will be addressed in the upcoming budget sessions which are two weeks away, so you’re not being delayed for a year; it’s two or three weeks as that process starts,” he said. “A temporary solution is not that simple, engineering has to be done, there’s great liability issues the district has to entertain so we can’t just do a quick painting of lines down the road; we need to get something that our insurance company will ‘okie dokie’ and then we’ll go from there.” Coun. Marilyn McEwen commended the group for their efforts. “The documents you’ve provided in this package are very helpful and thank you for doing that,” she said. “It really helps
Area residents are calling for increased pedestrian safety between He Tin Kis Park and Coast Guard Road. PHOTO ANDREW BAILEY
for things not to fall through the cracks.” Coun. Sally Mole encouraged the petitioners to attend Ucluelet’s upcoming budget meetings. “That would be a great chance to come and just get your voice heard, but also to have a look at the struggle that we go through when we’re thinking ‘sewer lift station or a sidewalk’ or some of those things,” she said. “I very much encourage you to come out to those sessions as they get announced.”
West Coast Business directory KRIS S ROOFING
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reporter@westerlynews.ca
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Wednesday, March 18th, 2015
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If you are interested please e-mail resume and covering letter to Steve Bernard at sbernard@methodmarine.ca or fax to 250-725-2103. Only successful candidates will be contacted.
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(located beside the firehall on Peninsula Rd)
9:30 am – noon
Established clothing and gear retailer Storm Light Outfitters is looking for a store manager to join our team. We are looking for an energetic, sales oriented individual who has an active interest in the outdoors. Previous retail experience and longer term commitment required. This is a full time year round position.
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1:30 – 4 pm Visit our website
Brooke Pugh Registered Massage Therapist 250-726-6584 brookermt@gmail.com
Page 8 | The Westerly News
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
WEST COAST NATURE ALBUM
The top photo was taken in 2010, and has been spotted in other years. The second photo below was taken this weekend. It’s the same whale. There are a few new scratches on the whale, but it is the same returning resident whale. Left, an eagle spotted on the same trip snacks on sushi. BRIAN CONGDON/SUBTIDAL ADVENTURES
Gentle giant friends are back: Return of the resident Grays JACKIE CARMICHAEL
Westerly News Our gentle giant friends are back... and back in good time for the Pacific Rim Whale Festival set for March 14-22. That’s spring break for a lot of folks around BC and Washington and beyond, so the welcome mat will be out; a fleet of guides for everything from big-comfy-boat watching to Zodiac zooming to kayak paddling are preparing to welcome travelers to the cusp of paradise.
BAKERY/DELI
Brian Congdon of Subtidal Adventures captures the top image in 2010, and the bottom image yesterday of the same returning resident Gray whale. “This time of year we are waiting for the first of the migrating Gray whales to return from Mexico. We are also waiting for the first herring spawn in Barkley Sound which usually happens in late February. That attracts some of our returning resident Gray whales and they will stay
in that area for several weeks before moving on to other feeding areas nearby,” he said. Sunday Congdon glimpsed FOUR Gray Whales feeding on herring eggs. “They will be there for a while now and subsequent herring spawns will attract more whales and we should have dependable sightings in that area till at least early April.,” Congdon said.
jcarmichael@westerlynews.ca
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The Westerly News | Page 9
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
UES PAC reinvents Fun Fair ANDREW BAILEY
Westerly News The Ucluelet Elementary School gym was chock-full of energetic revelry on Friday as Ucluelet welcomed back the UES Fun Fair. “We haven’t had this event in over five years and it’s just absolutely amazing,” UES principal Jen Adamson told the Westerly during the event. “It’s all about fun, it’s all about doing stuff for the kids and we’re raising money that’s going to go 100 per cent towards the kids.” She gave high accolades to UES’ Parent Advisory Council for organizing the event. “They revitalized all of the old equipment that we had here and divided up into committee teams and just made it happen,” she said. “Our parents are just so dedicated.” One of the local parents who spearheaded the Fun Fair’s revival was municipal councillor Randy Oliwa. He said the PAC began discussing the idea of bringing the Fair
back at the start of the school year and these discussions quickly gained momentum.
“We have such an amazing Ucluelet Elementary School PAC and a lot of energetic parents at
Community Events Calendar 18 WEDNESDAY women’s group walk and talk with Robin Tagles, counsellor for the Westcoast Community Resources Society. Every Wednesday at 1 p.m. start at UCC. Skate Dance, Sea Plane Base Rec Hall in Ucluelet, every week at 7 p.m. for 18 and up. $5 includes rollerskates.
Tuff City Idol, Jack’s, Tofino, 10 p.m., 19+, free, $5 to compete 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. Strong Start, Ucluelet Elementary School, 8:35-11:35. Holy Family Church, 9:30am, 1664 Peninsula Rd. Ucluelet. Ucluelet library, open 1–6pm
19 THURSDAY Local biologist Barb Beasley aka “The Frog Lady” education presentation on amphibian, roles they play within local watersheds, and research on Highway 4. 7-9 p.m. at UCC. Live Music at Black Rock Brett Wildeman and Jodi Doidge 6:30 no cover Bingo, Royal Canadian Legion, Tofino, every Thursday at 7:30 p.m. Healthy Babies Program/Family Ties, 10:30am. Drop-in for expectant, new parents, Coastal Family
Place, Ucluelet AA weekly Monday & Thursday at 8pm. at Holy Family Church, 1663 peninsula rd. The Edge Youth Room, 3–6pm, UCC & Youth Nite at the Edge, Cooking, movies, art projects & more, 6–8pm, $2. Tofino library, 331 Main St., 3–7pm. St Columba Anglican/United Church Bible study, 10:30 a.m., UCC
20 FRIDAY Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre, 6 p.m. UCC - chamber fundraiser, advance tix at Chamber Tofino Library Storytime: 11:30 am – 12 noon. 331 Main St. Songs, stories, rhymes and more! Ages 3-5 with caregiver. The Edge Youth Room, 2–6pm, UCC Storytime at Tofino Library.
21 SATURDAY Latin Romance with Ensemble Vivant, Clayoquot Sound Community Theatre 7:30 tix $20 at the door Tofino library, 331 Main , 10am–noon & 1–5pm.
Grace Bible Church, 10:30am, Ucluelet Community Ctr., 500 Matterson Holy Family Church, 10 am, 1664 Peninsula Rd. Ucluelet. St. Columba Church, 10:30am, 110 Second St. Tofino. Tofino Bible Fellowship at Tofino Legion at 10:30.
23 MONDAY Monday Night at Movies, Clayoquot Theatre - The Theory of Everything, UK bio-drama rated G, story of brilliant Stephen Hawking. His mind changed our world. Her love changed his. Strong Start, Ucluelet Elementary School, 8:35-11:35.
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 Secondary School gym, $2. Competitive & drop-in darts, doors 7pm, play 8pm, Tofino Legion.
24 TUESDAY StrongStart, 5-8pm
the school,” Oliwa said. “They wanted to do something fun for the school, they saw the potential as a one-time fundraiser and put a lot of energy and effort into it...There was no one singular driving force other than everybody wanted to do something great for the kids.” The PAC split into committees to handle the Fair’s various aspects like food, games, and prizes and
Call for community events update: Please update your community event listing. e-mail office@westerlynews.ca Seaplane Base Rd. Tunesday night at Jamies, no cover, AA meeting, 7:30pm, St. Francis all ages 9-11pm Church, Tuff 441 Main, Tofino. Fish and Loaves free community lunch, 11:30 Tofino Community We welcome your calendar items Hall at office@westerlynews.ca Healthy Babies Program/ Family Ties, 10:30am. CALLING ALL LOCAL Ucluelet library. PHOTOGRAPHERS: Ucluelet the West Coast Photo Showdown Community is taking place on March 14th! Centre, open 1–6pm. We are now accepting photo submissions The Edge Youth until 4pm on Thursday March 5th, 2015 Room, 3–6pm, UCC Entries are $5 per photo, Youth night, 5 max per category. 7-9pm, Tofino Legion. Entry forms available online, at front desk or St. Francis Email Danielle at dstothers@blackrockresort.com of Assisi Go to blackrockresort.com/upcoming-events Church, for more information. mass 5pm, 441 Main St. 2015 West Coast Photo Showdown Categories: Winter Wave - Must be taken between Oct 1, 2014 and Tofino. March 5, 2015. Food Bank on West Coast Whales & Wildlife - open dates the Edge, pick West Coast Nature & Scenery - open dates up 1–3pm, Professionals Only - open date
Fish and Games Society Poker Tournament 7pm at Official’s Ross Neilsen Live Blues at Jack’s Pub Saturday a 9, free, 19+
Winning photos for each category are announced at the event by Peoples Choice vote. All silent auction proceeds go to Pacific Rim Whale Festival. Event is sponsored by Black Rock Oceanfront Resort and Lowepro. For more information call Danielle at 250-726-4815 or go to blackrockresort.com/upcoming-events
St. Francis of Assisi Church, mass 5:30pm, 441 Main St. Tofino. AA meeting, 7:30pm, St. Francis Church, 441 Main, Tofino.
22 SUNDAY Christ Community Church, 10:30am, 1419 Peninsula Rd. Ucluelet.
they had a solid blueprint to work with thanks to the diligence of former PAC chair Carolyn Corlazzoli who had kept meticulous notes on past Fairs in a binder. “I would like to give a shout out to Carolyn Corlozzoli for her organizational skills and her legacy that she left behind at the elementary school that allowed this PAC to basically open that book and have a road map of how to run a Fun Fair from A to Z,” Oliwa said. He said the PAC was armed with a budget of about $100 to put on the event and, while an official tally of funds raised was not known at press time, he estimated the Fun Fair raked in about $4,000. “Everybody just came together and made it happen and that’s what Ukee does,” he said. The money raised will go towards the school’s Roots of Empathy Program and Grade 2 swimming program. Oliwa said the PAC is already planning another Fun Fair for May 2016.
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Page 10 | The Westerly News
WEEKLY CROSSWORD
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
BOOK REVIEW
‘Around the World on Minimum Wage’ author coming to West Coast
always a “local character). Andrew will be here in Tofino and Ukee to tell you all about it - this Sunday at 7:30 p.m. at Blackberry Cove, and Friday, Feb. 20 at Clayoquot Sound Community Theatre in Tofino, Doors 7:30 (See related article.) Just to say that is it very clever indeed, oddly charming and consistently Victorian to the merest detail.
From the publishers at Douglas and McIntyre, we have two more in this category. The Future and Why We Should Avoid It – Killer Robots, the Apocalypse and Other Topics of Mild Concern, Scott Feschuk, 2014. This book is sarcastic, sometimes crude (- and yet quite brilliantly funny. Peace Pipe Dreams – the Truth About Lies About Indians, Darrell Dennis, 2014. I’ve already had umpteen chuckles but when I get to read it all I’m going to learn much more about cultural assumptions and stereotypes, history and social issues. Darrell Dennis speaks with a slightly self-mocking/selfaccepting voice that reminds me of Tomson Highway and Thomas King.
Sue Lee is a Ucluelet bookseller.
• Books • Natural Foods • Espresso 243 Main St. 250-726-7668
HOROSCOPE ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, expect to scramble at the last minute when you have to get something finished. It may elevate your blood pressure, but you’ll feel good when the task is completed. TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21 You have to take a stand on a highly contested matter, Taurus. There’s no way to avoid the situation, so it’s best if you just meet it head on. Others will appreciate your direct approach. GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, say goodbye to a bad situation, as a better one is on the horizon. It is about time you make things work in your favor and enjoy some R&R. CANCER - Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, you have grown in many ways and people are trying to get used to your new persona. They see you as a new person, and that will require an adjustment period. LEO - Jul 23/Aug 23 Leo, paying off a large debt may empty out your bank account, but you have to look at the benefits of the situation. No more interest payments mean more savings. VIRGO - Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, expect to be caught off guard this week. Allow everything to run its course, and things will be back to normal before you know it. LIBRA - Sept 23/Oct 23 Libra, be resourceful and economical this week. Frivolous spending will only leave you with a hole in your pocket and not much to show for it. SCORPIO - Oct 24/Nov 22 This could be a time of profound changes in an important relationship, Scorpio. If you keep an open mind, there is no limit to the benefits that await. SAGITTARIUS - Nov 23/Dec 21 Sagittarius, after a few bumpy spells, you may be on the road to a financial recovery. Monitor your spending and continue to maintain your financial discipline. CAPRICORN - Dec 22/Jan 20 Real estate values have been rebounding, Capricorn. If you are in the market to sell your home, now may be your chance to do so, but make sure you accept a good offer. AQUARIUS - Jan 21/Feb 18 Your responsibilities are at an all-time high, Aquarius. If you speak up, plenty of people will be willing to lend a hand. You just have to accept their offers to help. PISCES - Feb 19/Mar 20 Pisces, start visualizing positive outcomes and you can produce winning results. A negative attitude will only prevent success.
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SUDOKU
CLUES DOWN CLUES ACROSS 1. Relating to New Guinea 1. Centralized mailing 2. Carry to excess compartment 3. Alms solicitor 4. Small argument 4. Title of respect 5. Spanish saffron dish 8. Latin for “hail” 6. Betel palm genus 9. Semicircular headdress 7. Petter ____, Nordic 10. Hole plug combined skier 9. Yearly tonnage (abbr.) 12. Primp 13. A spontaneous motivation 11. Clan division 14. Referee declares 14. Don’t know when yet 15. Rampart 16. Portable computer screen 18. “Big” actor’s initials 19. Noah’s boat material 20. Diarist __ Frank 17. Conform 22. Luminous celestial ring 19. Yoruba 23. Famous motor club 24. 007’s creator 20. Wings 27. A timely blessing 21. Tar Hill State 28. UTHealth (abbr.) 25. Hard, durable wood 29. Roman Helios 31. Check 26. Pallid 32. Making of a worn-out 27. Pabir language vicious horse 29. Not crazy 33. Wife 30. Word element meaning ear 34. An alternative 35. Spanish unit of length 31. Hill (Celtic) 36. Wild goats 32. “Dangerous Liaisons” actor 37. Municipalities 39. Space between 2 points 38. Bother or harass 39. Excessively sentimental 41. Arbitrageur 40. Middle Eastern dish 42. 3rd or 4th Islamic month 44. Waterproof raincoat 43. Assistance 47. Former OSS 44. Manuscripts (abbr.) THIS WEEKS ANSWER 45. In a way, soaks 46. Synovial knee syndrome 48. 2nd cervical vertebra 49. State of sudden fright 50. Snakelike fish 51. Each of 4 Hindu ages 52. Point midway between S and SE
Around the World on Minimum Wage The Future and Why We Should Avoid It (New Star, 2014) Jackie knew I needed inspiration and motivation. “Here”, she said, handing me an armload of new releases, “deadline, midnight tonight.” Thank goddess, three of them jumped out at me for SUSAN immediate conLEE /LITERARY sideration. I could tell from VOICE their titles that they shared something truly unique and rare. HUMOUR. Not just any old kind of humour but sardonic, wry, and pointedly wicked humour. Just my cup of tea! Around the Word on Minimum Wage – A Tale of Travel, Adventure and Sexual Deviance. By Andrew Struthers, ex-Tofino “local character” (once a “local character”
Fun By The Numbers Like puzzles? Then you’ll love sudoku. This mind-bending puzzle will have you hooked from the moment you square off, so sharpen your pencil and put your sudoku THIS WEEKS savvy to the test!
Here’s How It Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!
SUDOKU ANSWER
The Westerly News | Page 11
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
What’s black and white and worn all over?
No joke: Jobs in culinary, hospitality industries depend on dressy attire JACKIE CARMICHAEL
Westerly News It’s like one of those jokes from childhood: What’s black and white and worn all over? For West Coasters looking to get a job in the looming tourism season, there may be just a few things standing in their way. Black pants, black shoes, a white shirt. Retail and resale shops are the first place many of us would look for such things, but if you need a job to get the money to buy the things, the Food Bank on the Edge may be the first place you turn, said Cindi Levine, who volunteers on her lunchbreak and is an avid supporter of the food bank. “I was down at food bank and the winter clothes drive was going fabulously - clothes are flying off the shelf fast as they come in,” said Levine, who branch manager at Coastal Community Credit Union’s Ucluelet and Tofino branches. “Things that come in are coming
Beside jeans, Helen Wiersma of Cargo Thrift in Ucluelet only stocks black pants because of the high demand for workers in the hospitality industry. J. CARMICHAEL PHOTO
in clean and in good condition, and people are wearing them out the door,” she said. For those looking for a job in the hospitality industry, though, it’s a
black-and-white issue, she said. “They have job leads so if they can get black pants, black shoes and a white shirt, they can get a job in the hospitality industry. If
you don’t have black shoes, it can hold you back from getting that job.” At Cargo Thrift in Ucluelet, Helen Wiersma is in tune with the needs
of hospitality industry job seekers. Black dress pants. Black shoes. White shirts. “They are in extremely high demand, and I only stock black dress pants and jeans,” Wiersma said as she flips through rows and rows of hangers laden with clean used clothes. “I get white blouses whenever can. They look for flat black shoes, not much of a heel. Never, ever can they wear sandals, they have to have toes covered in the food industry.” Wiersma is a Food Bank on the Edge booster as well. While she counts on donations from resale friends, she appreciates that some jobseekers may not even have a few bucks to rub together for a resale shirt. It’s a collaboration, not a competition, for Wiersma. “I love what the Food Bank does,” she said. carmichael.jacqueline@gmail. com
COMMENT
Gemmell: A dark day, but not for Lunney’s reasons In regards to: “ MP: Euthanasia decision a dark day for Supreme Court, Canada” It is indeed a dark day in Canada, but not for the reason that concerns Dr. James Lunney, the outgoing Conservative Member of Parliament CHANTEL for AlberniGEMMELL Nanaimo. I find it /LOCAL amusing that VOICE he is offended by a ruling not supported by “the majority of parliamentarians”. Considering that the party he represents has: 1. Regularly ignored resolutions passed in parliament by majority votes 2. Prorogued parliament to avoid a democratic process that would affect him (last time this happened, a king lost his head)
3. Violated the Canadian Constitution 4. Quietly signed a trade agreement(FIPA) with a military dictatorship (China) that allows for certain cases to be tried in their court system The list goes on...currently they are trying to pass an anti-terrorism bill that “seriously infringes on our democratic rights”, with hazy definitions of a terrorist. In this bill it is written that terrorist activity “targets any activity that undermines the security of Canada by interfering with federal capabilities in relation to the country’s economic or financial stability.” Does this mean that scientists, (the un-muzzled ones) protestors, or those with dissenting opinions that question or delay economic progress can be labeled as terror-
ists? These questions have been asked by some journalists with little for direct unscripted response. Even more alarming, not all opposition parties are opposing this or even asking hard questions. Beware, once rights are given away, they are rarely returned, regardless of who comes to power. But I digress, euthanasia is Lunney’s big concern. People are polarized about euthanasia, and there are tricky ethical questions on both sides of the debate that deserve thorough consideration. I have a personal experience with this. Someone very close to our family was given a terminal diagnosis that would take her very slowly from a vivacious creature who
lived for food, travel and socializing, to a body with a feeding tube, unable to move or say a word, waiting to die. When she was of sound mind and seemingly sound body, she decided the point in her deterioration that she would prefer to be euthanized, her mind never changed once for as long as we could know. Euthanasia was not an option for her. This experience made me wonder, why force someone condemned to die, to suffer needlessly against their will, because it goes against our belief? It is not that I am for, or against euthanasia, I am for any rare
spark that allows increased freedom and choice at no harm to others in these dark days of Canada. I think Lunney is shifting the focus away from the complete mockery of Canadian democracy, and the conversations all Canadians should be talking about, by creating a more personal and emotionally challenging debate. It does not matter what the majority of elected officials (elected by only 36% of the Canadian population) vote, when they vote against the Canadian Constitution.
Chantel Gemmell is a Ucluelet resident.
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To reach us, call publisher Jackie Carmichael at 250.534.9213 Take our online poll at www.westerlynews.ca
Ucluelet Board of Variance
The Board of Variance adjudicates appeals for minor variances to the Zoning Bylaw under the authority set out in Section 899 of the Local Government Act. Board of Variance meetings are scheduled on a ‘needs’ basis but occur no more than once a month. Applications can be obtained from the District Office (200 Main Street) or accessed online @ www.ucluelet.ca For more information, contact: Patricia Abdulla, Mgr. of Planning E-mail:pabdulla@ucluelet.ca • phone: 726-4772
Be Part of Your Community!!
Page 12 | The Westerly News
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
VOLUNTEER COAST
Next steps in Girl Guides: Volunteers needed Four 1st Ucluelet Girl Guides are hoping to continue their membership with Girl Guides of Canada (GGC) next year as Pathfinders, the program for girls ages 12-14. These girls are capable, compassionate, adventurous and fun-loving. Through FAYE Guides, they KENNINGTON have tried /LOCAL canoeing, VOICE snowshoeing, serving tea to the Lieutenant Governor, and various other activities to learn about the environment, challenge their outdoor skills and aid their community. In order to continue, they need one or two women to lead the Pathfinder unit for the 2015/16 season. At this age and stage, girls are more ready to take the lead on directing their interests within the program. Opportunities are available for exciting provincial camps and international travel. They need adult leaders to encourage their growth and facilitate their meetings, fundraising and special
BATTLE ZONE, from 1 rental and suggests some of these advertisements were posted after council’s rejection of the rezoning application. “Bookings are traceable after the Council decision and already extend into May,” the letter reads. “All this without a business licence we must presume.” The letter suggests the advertising also indicates a cabin located in the property’s garden can sleep two tourists, despite site-plans that indicate the garden only contains a shed. “The Council will doubtless also wish to verify that use of the ‘cabin’ for sleeping accommodation would be fully in accordance with applicable building standards, health and sanitation require-
The 1st Ucluelet Girl Guides tried snowshoeing, skiing/ snowboarding and tubing at Mount Washington on the Family Day long weekend. They have a kayaking trip and a district camp planned for spring.
interests. GGC programs allow for development on life skills in a variety of areas including health, friendships, camping, environmentalism, community development, and cultural appreciation. Good leaders do not have to be expert in any of these areas. Good GGC leaders are regular women that are reliable, resource-
ful, positive and able to make themselves available when they are needed to support the unit. Pathfinders usually meet for 2 hours a week. Leaders need to prepare in advance for, and facilitate these meetings, as well as special events and adventures. Anyone that is interested in more information about leading
the Ucluelet Pathfinders next year should contact Samantha at samantha@longbeachlodgeresort. com or 250-534-9777. Becoming a leader is not difficult. However, the paperwork processing can take a few months and our girls would be reassured to know they can continue the program next year, so an early expression of interest would be
ments and fire precaution, not to mention advisable standards on tourism service provision,” the letter reads. The letter adds there are insurance issues associated with improper use of the property. “Should there be a case where nightly rentals proceed in flat denial of the Council’s decision, a business without a business licence, it would be interesting for insurance lawyers,” the letter reads. “Likely they would consider the contract voided. Should any tourist be caught into this, it would not be to the advantage of Ucluelet’s reputation. If any claims arise, the District’s role, as fully informed party, would not go unexamined.” The letter’s signers urged the
district to intervene. “Action of a ‘cease and desist’ nature is required to halt and remove publicity and avoid a build-up of bookings which otherwise would start from now on, moving towards Spring,” the letter reads. “Needless to say, we reserve our full rights in law should there be no satisfactory and rapid outcome to our request.” The letter’s signers suggested they had discovered the online advertisements fairly easily and wondered why the district had not been able to do the same. “Now may be the time to reappoint a Bylaws Enforcement Officer, a position that existed until quite recently, but which for some short sighted reason the previous council did not maintain,” the letter reads. During the
meeting’s public input portion, one of the letter’s signers Tom Petrowitz said the lot in question falls under the same building scheme, and has the same restrictions, as his own lot. “Either the owners didn’t read the building scheme, or they’re ignoring it,” he said. David White, who also signed the letter, said the problem would only get worse if the issue is ignored. “I think we ought to avoid problems because people are now booking on those sites and we don’t want to get in a situation where lots of people start to turn up and maybe there is some kind of action taken and it all becomes a great embarrassing thing,” he said. He said it would be a negative experience for someone to arrive in Ucluelet thinking they had booked accommodation when in
Request for Realty Services The District of Ucluelet proposes to engage the services of a local realtor who has appropriate sales experience and market awareness to dispose of a Council identified property. Copies of this RFP can be obtained from the District Office (200 Main Street) or accessed online @ www.ucluelet.ca Two copies of the Proposal marked “Contract 001-2015” addressed to the Planning Department, Attention Patricia Abdulla, will be received at the Reception Counter, 200 Main Street, Ucluelet, BC V0R 3A0 until: February 20th, 2015 at 3pm
UCLUELET’S INDUSTRIAL & MARINE SUPPLIER Erik Larsen Diesel E.L.D., est. 1971
Custom Hydraulic Hoses, Oil, Filters, Batteries, Hardware, Belts, Auto Parts, After-market Outboard Parts, Inboard Engine Repairs, Engine Mechanic, Journeyman Red Seal Welder
1351 Eber Road, Ucluelet eld@ukeecable.net 250-726-7011
appreciated. Ucluelet and Tofino currently have GGC programs for girls of other ages and additional volunteers interested in working with these units are always welcome.
Faye Kennington is with1st Ucluelet Girl Guides
fact they had not. White took significant exception to the idea that a tool shed could be converted into a cabin. “Is that also what Ucluelet wants? That people start to have tool sheds and converting them and these become tourism accommodations? Is this something that’s good for the community?” he asked. He wondered why no bylaw enforcement had seemingly occurred since the letter was sent to the district on Jan. 12. “This is not even half-a-kilometer away from the town hall, this letter was in a month ago, what has been done to verify the situation there,” he asked. Acting mayor Randy Oliwa— Mayor Dianne St. Jacques was absent—thanked the letter’s signers for the information and said council would look into the issue. Another of the letter’s signers Janet Lee, asked if council could send a letter to the lot’s owners immediately asking them to stop what they say is false advertising. Coun. Sally Mole suggested action would likely be taken in short order. “I think now that it’s been brought to our attention that would be something that does happen,” she said. “In staff’s defence, once the application was turned down no one from staff was told, or directed, or had the time, to go in and start searching the websites to see if it’s out there.” reporter@westerlynews.ca
The Westerly News | Page 13
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
COMMUNITY
Beavers have a snowy blast at Mt. Washington
1st Ucluelet Beavers was invited by 1st Neck Point to spend the weekend on Mt Washington, learning to snow shoe, orienteering, inner tubing and just having fun making new friends. End of Feb, big Beaver Buggy Rally. SUBMITTED BY HAWKEYE
RARE TURTLE, from 1 boogey board with a friend on Sunday Feb. 1 when she came upon the deceased sea turtle near Incinerator Rock around 11 a.m. “It was startling because literally we walked around a big rock and it was right there,” she said. “I was worried and concerned; at first I thought maybe it was still alive.” She said a closer look revealed the animal was significantly decomposed and had likely been dead for some time before washing ashore. Ferris immediately reported the sighting to Park staff and was later looking over photos she had taken of the turtle when she noticed a stark similarity with an Olive Ridley turtle she had seen in the news in 2011. “I got home and I started looking at the photos and comparing them on the Internet to other sea turtles and the patterns on its shell match
those almost perfectly to an Olive Ridley turtle,” she said. “I remembered in the news it was reported in 2011 that an Olive Ridley was discovered injured on Long Beach and it was the first one ever reported here in the West Coast because they’re tropical sea turtles.” According to National Geographic, Olive Ridley sea turtles are the smallest of the sea turtles maxing out at roughly 45 kg in weight with a shell length of about 65 centimetres. They primarily nest near tropical beaches so to find one on the not-so-tropical Long Beach is extremely rare. “It is closely related to the Kemp’s Ridley, with the primary distinction being that Olive Ridleys are found only in warmer waters, including the southern Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans,” according to National Geographic’s website. Ferris has been a frequent visitor
to Long Beach since moving to Ucluelet about five years ago and, like most locals, had never come upon an Olive Ridley sea turtle before. Despite Ferris’ report coming in on a Sunday, Judson said Park staff responded immediately to the turtle sighting. “As a leader in conservation, Parks Canada monitors species populations closely and takes steps to provide vulnerable species the protection they need... When a rare or distressed animal
sighting is reported, Parks Canada staff respond immediately, gathering key information from the visitor and assessing the animal in person, if possible,” she said. “Once Parks Canada staff learned of the stranded turtle on Long Beach, we examined the turtle onsite, and identified it as the rare Olive Ridley Turtle.” She said the Park often partners with other organizations when dealing with marine animals and the Olive Ridley has been sent to the Department of Fisheries
and Oceans Canada for further inspection. “Parks Canada continues to monitor the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve shorelines to better understand how the Olive Ridley turtle, a habitant of tropic waters, journeyed to Canada’s shores,” she said. Anyone who spots a rare or distressed animal within the Park is encouraged to report their sighting to the Park’s emergency line at 250-726-3604. reporter@westerlynews.ca
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Page 14 | The Westerly News
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
The Westerly News | Page 15
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
Tuff City Idol: Craft over pizzazz at mic
COMMUNITY ALBUM: SAND ANGELS’ DAY AT THE BEACH
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is continued from last week. GEOFF JOHNSON
Tofino resident Bobbi Chisolm captured the carefree nature of a child’s day at the beach. February and shirtsleeve weather on the West Coast.
Westerly News To call it a karaoke contest would an injustice... Tuff City Idol has been underway for a few weeks on Wednesdays at 10 p.m., pitting singers and entertainers from around the coast against eachother in a friendly competition for nearly $2,000 in prizes, hosted on Wednesday night by Jack’s Pub. Organizer Adam Wilson says the judging has changed a bit this year to place a bit more emphasis on the performers’ singing and preparation; “I want the craft to go ahead of the pizzazz. Simply, I wanted to make it more about talent and less of talent show”. Where in past years the voice was only about 20% of the potential point available it will make up 40% of the possible scores this year. While the event itself is definitely a fun time, Wilson is hoping that competitors will take it seriously if they hope to win; “Preparedness is key, know the song, don’t look at the screen... prepare for it like a competition.” If you’re hoping to compete you can register at Jack’s Pub any time they’re open, pick your songs and start practising.
60’s blast: Chamber’s Murder Mystery dinner Fri. LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Coast Guard: Mariner safety still number 1 Re: Remind us again: Why is MCTS closing? The Government of Canada is investing in the Canadian Coast Guard’s infrastructure to take advantage of today’s latest technological innovations to deliver Marine Communications and Traffic Services (MCTS) at strategic locations across the country. The modernized MCTS centres will enhance the operational effectiveness of their services. Equipment will be more reliable, service disruptions will be reduced, and coverage will remain exactly as it is today because the network of radio and radar towers across Canada will not change. As new and more effective radio and navigation technologies become available, the Canadian Coast Guard can integrate services and consolidate centres. In the 1990s, new technology allowed us to reduce the number of centres from 44 to 22 with no
reduction in the level and quality of services to mariners MCTS centres primarily broadcast information and monitor vessel traffic. They also provide marine distress and general radio communications, broadcast maritime safety information, screen vessels entering Canadian waters, regulate vessel traffic in selected Canadian waters, and provide marine information to other federal government departments and agencies. The safety of Canadian mariners has always been and will continue to be the top priority of the Canadian Coast Guard: that commitment is unwavering and we will continue to triumph as we evolve and adapt to make better use of new technology.
Roger Girouard Assistant Commissioner, Western Region Canadian Coast Guard
Westerly News You’re still in time to get tickets for the Ucluelet Chamber of Commerce Murder Mystery dinner and fundraiser. Friday 6 p.m. at the UCC. Dress up in your finest 1960s attire and solve a murder! Attend this 1960s wedding themed event in character as friends or family of the bride & groom. Dinner, dancing, wine wall, 50/50, silent auction and a comedic murder mystery! This awesome production under the capable direction of the talented Judy Bostrom puts diners in the middle of a wedding and a murder, and mayhem ensues, giving the audience enjoying the amazing salmon dinner an opportunity to discover whodunnit. Limited ticket numbers, call or drop by the chamber, at 250-726-4641.
Ribbeting amphibian presentation Thurs, Feb. 19 Local biologist Barb Beasley aka “The Frog Lady” will be doing an education presentation on amphibians and the important roles they play within our local watersheds. She will also speak to the research she has been con-
ducting along Highway 4. The presentation is set for Ucluelet Community Centre - George Fraser Room, Thursday, February 19 from 7-9 p.m. Cost: $5 for adults, $3 for under 18. (TODD PIERSON PHOTO)
coastrealty.com
Tofino & Ucluelet 250-726-8113 sold@telus.net
Dave Christensen
Page 16 | The Westerly News
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
USS Warriors win N. Island Championship Warriors Sr. boys basketball team won the seventeam North Island Championship held on Feb.13-14. In WADE the APPENHEIMER first /LOCAL VOICE game the boys beat Campbell River Christian 85-47. The Warriors played a very good team game led by the offen-
sive stars of the game, William Tom and Aubry Ludlow. The second game saw the Warriors defeat Nanaimo Christian School 73-43 with a strong team defense led by Reid Appenheimer, Sam Clarkson, Aubry Ludlow and Leo Torrres. While William Tom and Torres led the way offensively. In the final, the Warriors won 63-59 over the 8th
ranked team in the province and perennial powerhouse, Duncan Christian Chargers. It was a close game right from the tip-off and the teams alternated leads throughout game. Duncan was leading 32-27 at the half and they got out to a quick start in the third which put USS down 11 early after the second. However with a gutsy performance
2015 VIBE Awards Call for Entries Now Open!
www.VIBEawards.ca The Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Vancouver Island (CHBA-VI) is pleased to invite all professional member companies involved in the residential building industry to participate in the Inaugural 2015 VIBE Awards (Vancouver Island Building Excellence), showcasing the best in residential construction, design and renovation that Vancouver Island has to offer. • Call For Entries NOW OPEN! • Deadline for entry is March 16th • Eligible projects were built, renovated, developed, created and/or marketed between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2014
CALL FOR ENTRIES
• Black Ties Awards Gala is on Saturday, May 23rd, 2015 at the Coast Bastion Hotel in Nanaimo • View the Categories & Criteria and Enter Online at www.VIBEawards.ca
“We’ve got world class homes being built here on the island, we want to celebrate that!”, said CHBA-VI President Chris Cross SPONSORS
led by Leo Torres the Warriors were able to take the lead by the end of the 3rd quarter 48-44. The Warriors played tremendous perimeter defensive in the fourth quarter led by William Tom and Leo Torres. However, the game
and victory were sealed in the 4th quarter by Sam Clarkson’s 3 consecutive defensive steals while Aubry Ludlow was a `beast` on the offensive and defensive boards. Tournament MVP was Leo Torres-Clark of the
USS Warriors. All-star was William Tom of the USS Warriors. Next up is Island Championship at USS. FeB 27-28 EDITOR’S NOTE: Wade Appenheimer coaches the USS Warriors. Way to go, Warriors!
The District of Ucluelet Harbour Authority is presently seeking two motivated and dedicated individuals for appointment to the Harbour Advisory Commission. Commission members form a vital link between the facility users and the Harbour Authority by offering recommendations on marine facilities owned, operated and/or administrated by the District of Ucluelet. In 2014, several exciting ideas were presented to the Harbour Authority from the Commission. You can be instrumental in the further pursuit of these ideas and the progression of the upcoming improvements. As a commission member, you must have strong local marine knowledge and experience with watercraft. You will be a valuable resource in using your knowledge and experience to prepare informed and progressive recommendations for the Harbour Authority’s consideration. You will also be afforded the rare insight into the workings of the different levels of governments as well as gain valuable experience as a board member. For further information about the Commission, please contact District staff (250-726-7744 or info@ucluelet.ca). The Terms of Reference, prior minutes, and harbour bylaws are all available for review. Persons wishing to be considered for this rewarding opportunity are asked to submit a brief letter detailing their background and experience to:
District of Ucluelet Attn: Chief Administrative Officer Box 999, 200 Main St. Ucluelet, BC V0R 3A0 Vancouver Island NewsMedia Group