TUESDAY MARCH 13, 2012
www.pqbnews.com
FARMERS MARKET
THUMBS UP
Local Under 13 soccer team wins silver medals
Qualicum Beach market now open
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A31
DEER PROBLEM
Let them eat grass City of Parksville’s deer feeding bylaw targets only the human touch AUREN RUVINSKY News Reporter
“This is not an anti-deer bylaw, let them eat what they usually eat, we don’t feed them in the wild,” said councilor Marc Lefebvre, defending a proposed bylaw against feeding deer. While it has support on council, the councilors conceded they have heard some opposition in the community. “There are many ways to feed deer,” expressed coun. Bill Neufeld, the most vocal opponent, suggesting people would get around the bylaw by growing plants to feed them. He has described the bylaw as unenforceable and overly BILL NEUFELD controlling, trying to micromanage residents. Councillor Morrison agreed it is unenforceable and a bit of overkill. Coun. Carrie Powell-Davidson said the deer are “delightful to watch in our neighbourhood,” but stressed the bylaw is about treating them as the wild animals they are and “not treating them like pets, which they’re not.” Mayor Chris Burger pointed out the local conservation officers are very supportive of the bylaw. He said having the law on the books is the first step in encouraging people to stop. See DON’T FEED, page A4
NEIL HORNER PHOTO
FIRE WHEN READY: Joyales Carson-Austin takes a turn at the fire hose under the direction of Qualicum Beach Fire Chief Darryl Kohse during the annual Fire Boot Camp program Saturday.
Coalition wants centre stopped Health centre protest planned for Friday in Parksville NEIL HORNER
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come up with something better. Residents who have concerns about the Oceanside “If it’s ever going to be slowed down, this is the time,” he Health Centre plan to hold a rally outside MLA Ron Can- said. “When you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do telon’s office on Friday to make those is to stop digging.” Add your COMMENTS at concerns known. Sullivan said the new health centre www.pqbnews.com The rally is being organized by the will provide four of five of the needs he Coalition for Strong Communities, whose spokesperson sees as critical, but the fifth one — inpatient services with Rick Sullivan said even though the health centre is current- overnight beds — it will not. ly under construction, he feels it’s not too late to stop it and See INPATIENT SERVICES, page A4
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