Lake Cowichan Gazette, March 13, 2013

The Lake Cowichan

Gazette WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2013

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VOL. 17, NO. 10

COMMUNITY: Five acres and a dream, sustainable living

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EDUCATION NEWS: School district proposes parent-teacher interview changes

PAGE 12

PAGE 15

DUST issues pile up in Youbou

See page 2 for the story

Students wait for a bus on the side of Youbou Road as a logging truck passes by them in February of this year. Residents say the logging truck traffic kicks up clouds of heavy dust that makes it hard to breathe when out walking and going as far to say that mud — from the roadway — has washed down driveways and into the basement of a home.

Courtesy Trish Waddington

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Wednesday, March 13, 2013

THE LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE

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Weir ready to start doing its job

Gazette Photos

The panel of speakers addresses the crowd of concerned citizens.

Darcy Lubin (L) suggests that dams be built and Noni Baanstra says that much of her property is under water when the lake is high.

Water storage changes subject of meeting There was large crowd on hand for the Notice of Proposed Change of the Operating Rules for Water Stored in Cowichan Lake meeting held in Centennial Hall on Saturday March 9.

The Cowichan Valley Regional District is proposing a new water management regime known as a rule band. The proposed rule band would allow Cowichan Lake water levels to be held 20 cm above the current June and July lake levels — the top of the weir — until July 9, the latest day to begin a drawdown of the lake.

A second option would see the water level managed within the current lake level regime,

but could see the beginning of the draw-down delayed until as late as July 31.

Both options would improve the chances of achieving the water licence requirement for a minimum seven cubic centimeters per second base flow released into the Cowichan River during the July to November period.

The public information meeting objectives were to provide information regarding the proposal to change the operating guidelines for water stored in Cowichan Lake, to provide an opportunity for the public to ask questions about the proposal and describe the process to

notify the deputy comptroller, Bryan Symonds, of any objections and concerns regarding the proposal.

Youbou resident Darcy Lubin suggested building dams in the cowichan valley, which would be excellent for storing water particularly with the low snowpack we have seen in years. His theory is that everyone will get what they want — humans and fish alike — a steady supply of water.

The answer to his question was that dams are an option but they need to be discussed further as there are positives and negatives to be looked at.

Noni Baanstra, who has waterfront property on the lake,

says she has lost 11 trees and a quarter of an acre of her property is under water when the lake is the height it is now.

Cathy Willows, another waterfront landowner, asked who she should send the bill to for storing water on her private property.

There were a number of waterfront property owners who had many questions to ask about the proposal. It did not appear that they all had a chance to ask the questions they had come with, or received the answer they were looking for.

Please see page four and five for more comments on this subject and the March 9 meeting.

Environmental issues added to list in Youbou dust problem ELODIE ADAMS

Youbou sits nestled on the north shore of Lake Cowichan, offering scenic views, magnificent sunsets, and recreational opportunities for hiking, boating and fishing.

What may seem like a little piece of paradise to visitors to the area is more like a nightmare to some of the Youbou residents who live there year-round because of the dust.

The Youbou dust saga has been ongoing for years. On any given day during the week at the TimberWest property — located on the lake just two miles west of the small community — logging trucks load up and make their journey through the town, spewing dust or mud or both as they drive through.

One resident has taken it upon herself to speak for the other residents, who feel that the only solution is to have a truck wash station installed so that once the trucks are loaded up, they could be washed down before they head out onto the road.

“The road is treacherous for walkers right now,” said Trish Waddington who lives just 30 feet from Youbou Road. “I myself almost slipped in the mud twice getting across the road.”

Not to mention the health issues for those residents who must breathe in the dust caused by the heavy traffic, especially during the drier summer months.

“Road dust is one source of fine particulate matter that contributes to poorer air quality, and efforts to reduce road dust production and accumulation are supportable.” said Dr. Paul Hasselback, Medical Health Officer for central Vancouver Island, in an email to the Gazette.

Waddington has taken photos, written letters to the editor, and more recently contacted CVRD Area I director Pat Weaver about the matter.

The Gazette spoke to Weaver for an update, and finally, it looks like there may be a light at the end of the tunnel.

However, it is turning out to be a more complicated issue than previously thought.

“Timber West asked me what my bottom line was, and I said a truck wash,” said Weaver. “But a truck wash won’t eliminate everything, because (the logging trucks) are not the only ones using that road. And Timber West is only spearheading this for the other companies.”

Waddington says they are not trying to stop the logging

business, the residents only want to be able to “breathe and live a healthy life in our vibrant community.”

Weavers says she’s hoping the problem will be resolved soon.

“Timber West has told me they are going to do something,” she confirmed, “and that it could be up and running in about six weeks, once the project is decided. It’s how we participate that is the big question now.”

Timber West have estimated a cost figure of about $100,000 to put in a truck wash. The good news, says Weaver, is that she has found some funding that may help bring the town into the project with some ownership rights.

“I thought maybe we could put together a partnership between Area I, Youbou and Meade Creeke people, to help fund this truck wash,” she explained, “because why would the tax payers have to pay for a problem that they did not create?”

Weavers says she found out that there is a fund that was donated to Area I from Woodland Shores as part of its development process. Called the Nature Habitat Fund, it is money the developer has to contribute to help the

community.

That fund may be appropriately named for its ultimate use because, while the idea of a truck wash may be the solution to clean the trucks off before they pass through the community, the effect the dirty water will have on the environment brings in a whole other issue.

“There’s already mud and dirt, oil and grease coming down off the road in Youbou,” she said. “And if it goes from a truck wash down into the lake, that will not be good for the fish and wildlife habitat, and the people using the lake.

“As an area director, the highway is technically not my problem,” Weaver said, then added, “and the government tell me they have no money. It’s very frustrating.”

In the meantime, Timber West is doing what they can to quell the problem with a sweeper truck, road grader, water truck passing along the road. Around Feb. 20 Waddington sent photos in to the Gazette to show the outcome.

“As you can see very plainly this Band-Aid fix does not work,” Waddington said in her email that accompanied the photos. “ in fact the mud is worse!”

The Cowichan River’s ability to run wild and free came to an abrupt end Monday.

Catalyst announced its intention to put the squeeze on the water flowing out of Cowichan Lake March 11 by reactivating the weir.

According to a Catalyst media release, weir operation will gradually reduce water flow from the lake into the Cowichan River to the target flow set by the Ministry of Forest, Lands and Natural Resource Operations.

The weir and boat lock are operated 24 hours per day during the control season, and lake and river levels are regularly monitored to maintain target lake levels, and river release rates.

Due to mechanical issues, the Cowichan Lake boat lock, which allows boats to travel between the lake and the river, will not be available for boat traffic due to repairs to address the excessive noise created when operating the boat lock gates.

The boat lock will remain out of service and not passable until March 29.

Time to plan your B.C. camping trips Campers, get the marshmallows ready! Discover Camping, the province’s camping reservation system, will be up and running for another season with even more campgrounds and sites to choose from starting at 7 a.m. on Friday, March 15.

Discover Camping will begin accepting reservations for campgrounds with reservable inventory. There are over 4,500 reservable sites. With a few clicks of the mouse, up to three reservations can be made online in one easy transaction. Individual sites are available up to three months in advance, while group sites are available up to 12 months in advance.

The interactive system allows campers to view the availability, layouts and amenities at 113 reservable campgrounds that campers can generally drive into (front country campgrounds) including group sites, in 96 provincial parks throughout British Columbia. These campgrounds are equipped with picnic tables and fire rings.

This year, more sites at more campgrounds are available to reserve. B.C. Parks has added four new campgrounds to the reservation system. Customer service has been enhanced this year through improvements to guidelines around refund requests. Group site campers now will receive reminder emails of their upcoming camping vacation.

Discover Camping also offers a mobile platform so smartphone users can easily make and change plans from the road. This interface is an alternative way to book a campground from any mobile device or computer.

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THE LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

3

Pool pleas met with open ears The push for Cowichan Lake communities to join the Cowichan Aquatic Centre’s funding formula hasn’t sunk

Gazette

The new Lake Cowichan branch of the Vancouver Island Regional Library under construction near the corner of South Shore Road and Renfrew Avenue (next to the Forest Workers Memorial park).

Town’s projects build community At the Town of Lake Cowichan’s Parks, Recreation and Culture Committee meeting, on Tuesday, March 5 there were many updates on several community projects.

Saywell Park beach The washrooms are nearing completion then the crew will move onto the next project which will be refurbishing the railway boxcar located at the park. The plans also include a large, floating viewing and swimming platform to be constructed in June of this year.

Library facility construction The roof beams of the new Lake Cowichan branch of the Vancouver Island Regional Library went up last week with walls to going up this week.

The library is being built near the corner of South Shore Road and Renfrew Avenue. Construction began in January.

The Town of Lake Cowichan donated the land where the library is being built. The donation of the land has been the catalyst needed to expand library services for the citizens of Cowichan Lake.

The area has needed a larger, more modern facility for a number of years and this new branch is pivotal in the revitalization of the downtown Lake Cowichan core.

The new branch will be more than twice the size of the current branch and will include more public access computers, a designated area for children with special computer stations that have educational, fun-filled software that promotes literacy, a designated area for children’s programs, a study space and an enhanced collection with many new items

TD Green Streets Grant — Edible Tree Programme Bob Day says that the Town of Lake Cowichan has applied for a $4,000 grant to plant trees with edible crop — likely in Central Park.

The grant application closed on Feb. 22, and they hope to hear back soon.

During the Town of Lake Cowichan’s Public Works Committee meeting, on the same evening, members were told that the $1,000 antigraffiti grant from B.C. Hydro has received. The projects that they are looking at is the electrical box in front of info centre and another option would be the control boxes at King George and South Shore Roads.

Speed board signage along North Shore Road Nagi Rizk, superintendent of Lake Cowichan’s Public Works and Engineering Services

reported that he has been in touch with ICBC regarding placement and size of a speed sign, but notes that the sign will have to be a standa-lone as there is no resources to man the sign.

The size of the sign may be the same as the one at Cassidy on the Hwy. 1 north to Nanaimo. The plan is to have the sign operational by September, in time for back to school, if they are successful in obtaining the right equipment.

South Shore Road Resurfacing Project Nagi Rizk has been told that the tenders for this project went out the first part of this week.

Mayor Ross Forrest remarked that the longer this goes on, the more it will cost and that it is frustrating for council and residents alike.

Forrest noted that this process is now one month and one day behind as the original tender was to be let on Feb. 4. It could well be a two-week tender process and then a contractor would have to be chosen. The hope is that the paving could begin during, or just after, spring break.

2013 Pitch-in Week The date for the 2013 Pitch-in Week has now been confirmed as April 27. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is hoped that the garbage collected can be dropped off at a central place like the Country Grocer parking lot where there would be enough room to make it a community event day.

Details will follow.

Integrated Urban Drainage Management Town of Lake Cowichan’s Chief Administrative Officer, Joe Fernandez, reported that the town had received 100 % of the funding applied for —a total of $174,000.

Coun. Bob Day noted that it is important to dwell on the fact that this grant will fund the cost of producing a plan for drainage for the whole town and will identify where work needs to be done.

Nagi Rizk noted that the grant applied for must be used for integrated urban drainage management.

Upgrade plan of the Waste Water Treatment Plan Joe Fernandez reported that the Town of Lake Cowichan contributed $337,000 towards the project, with Nagi Rizk noting that this is a 2014 project and that all work is planned in 2014. He also notes that their design is in 100 per cent compliance for the funding.

There was another full house at the Town of Lake Cowichan Parks, Recreation and Culture committee meeting on Tuesday, March 5 when two delegations and many of their supporters for equal access to the aquatic centre in Duncan were heard by council.

Margaret Davis was the first to speak during the open-floor segment of the meeting, reading a speech that started with asking council to reconsider the issue of access to the Cowichan Aquatic Centre.

“I believe it takes real courage to run for office, but that it takes even more courage to make decisions based on what is best for everyone and is what is best for the community as a whole,” she says.

“The two-tier system of admission to the pool has had a rocky and controversial history. Personally I think North Cowichan councilors showed really poor judgement in setting it up in the first place, but as the saying goes that was then and this is now. I think everyone needs to let go of the past and look at the current reality. When we elect people to office we want them to listen to those who elected them and to represent our best interests.

“Last week the Lake Cowichan Gazette ran a little survey on their Facebook page, their question, should the Town of Lake Cowichan opt into the proposed 3-year-deal where each tax-paying household would pay about $4 per year allowing area residents equal access to the Duncan Aquatic Centre? The result was that 91% of the people who answered the question said yes.

“So my request is, given the strong community support, will you please conduct a re-vote before this goes to the CVRD?” Davis was followed by Ted Gamble who — has addressed council previously — once again explained why Lake Cowichan residents need to have equal access to the facility. Gamble included how he got involved with this issue. It was when a back injury he suffered four months ago could be helped by adding swimming to his regime, only to be shocked when someone from Victoria paid $5.75 for a drop-in fee at the CAC, yet he would have to pay $11.75.

He thanked Mayor Forrest and council for their time and attention to this matter and asked that we all work together for the betterment of our vibrant community.

Councilor Bob Day said once again that he is not prepared to make a decision until he sees all the information and final numbers, but would only vote yes if there was no raise to local taxes. Mayor Forrest remarked that he would like to see all parties — North Cowichan, Duncan, Lake Cowichan and Areas I and F — get together for a meeting to discuss the issue in full, and listen to the community to consider what they want.

Coun. Tim McGonigle said the issue will receive serious, thoughtful consideration from the council. When Coun. Jayne Ingram — who had previously cast the deciding “no” vote — was asked what were the main reasons for her voting no, she said that she will comment when she has all the details.

Not everyone at the meeting was there to support the issue. Local resident Hubert Crevels stated that he is not against a pool, just don’t ask us to pay for it.

His concern is also that it is not simply a pool that we will be joining but an entire leisure centre and all the related costs that go with it.

Another Lake Cowichan resident against the pool issue is Dave Blackhall.

“I don’t want to pay for someone’s swimming, no one pays anything for me,” Blackhall commented “I live on a fixed income, and with the rising cost of food, I don’t want to pay for someone’s swimming lessons.”

He is looking to have a referendum on the pool issue, and if it costs money, so be it, he doesn’t want one group to be spending his money.

Mayor Forrest thanked the audience for their show of support as it helps council with any decision in the future. Coun. Day once again reminded all in attendance that this is a more complex issue to deal with as it does likely need to involve Area I and Area F before any decision can be made.

At the end of the meeting, the conclusion of many was that council will be looking at the issue in a serious manner, but not before all information and numbers are available to them to make a fully informed decision.

—Gazette

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Wednesday, March 13, 2013

THE LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE

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TO COMMENT We welcome your original comments on editorials, columns, on topics in the Lake Cowichan Gazette or any subjects important to you. Only letters that include name, address and day and evening phone numbers and that are verified by the Lake Cowichan Gazette can be considered for publication.

OPINION

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Ministry, stakeholders consider water storage changes of weir

Gerald Thom, president of the Cowichan Lake and River Stewardship Society

In my opinion: Proposed changes are required to protect salmon and river system.

Saturday’s meeting hosted by the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations presented two options to help alleviate the poor water control practices demonstrated last year in the Cowichan water crisis last fall. The comptroller of water was dumping valuable water during last July and early August, as required by strict adherence to the existing rule curve, which could have been saved to avert the water crisis. The rule curve is a rigid protocol starts at the top of the weir (full storage) on July 9 and is the line to bottom of the weir (zero storage)

by Nov. 4.

This protocol developed in the 1950s is no longer providing adequate water flow (7 meters cubed/second) to protect the ecology of the Cowichan River and the salmonid species it supports. Problems in supply are increasing largely due to the effects of climate

change and other factors which have caused a 30% decrease in summer flows over the past 50 years into Cowichan Lake.

The first proposed change, the 20 cm rule band, would have prevented last years crisis and could have maintained 7 CMS and provided adequate storage for a pulse flow to get the threatened Chinook salmon up the river to their spawning beds. This change would reduce the occurrence of inadequate flow from every second year to one year in three.

This change would require an application for a new water storage licence requiring a long consultation process according to Brian Symonds, deputy comptroller of water rights for MFLNRO, who is ultimately responsible for making the decision.

This proposed alternative will take time and will not reduce the risk for 2013 as it is a lengthy process which has not been started.

The second option proposed was a shift of 22 days to extend the full storage date from July 9 to July 31. This alternative will also reduce the risk (to a lesser degree then the rule band) and can be employed immediately by Symonds after consultation. This appears to be our best short term option which will reduce the risk for 2013 but it is only a short term solution to Cowichan’s water shortage issues.

The long-term solution according to the Cowichan Basin Watershed Plan is to increase the storage of water on Cowichan Lake. This solution will require a significant investment in infrastructure but appears to be the least expensive storage alternative for taxpayers. It

will also require a thorough consultation process with the community and riparian land owners around Cowichan Lake. This long-term solution will also require a storage licence and it is unclear at this time who will apply for it and how long the process will take.

Several people at Saturday’s meeting expressed concern that the proposed changes may affect the winter high water levels.

This is not the case. The average winter high water level is at an elevation of 164 metres which is 1.63 metres above the top of the weir. Winter high-water is caused by a pinch point just downstream of Greendale Trestle which restricts the release of water during large rain events. The weir does not cause winter flooding as it is off control and far under water.

Water shortages are occurring worldwide and will be a major problem in this century. The March 9 meeting is only the first step in the long road to Cowichan’s water security for future generations. Increasing storage on Cowichan Lake is a complicated and contentious issue which will require years of consultation and planning.

There will be sacrifices required by lakefront owners which must be considered by all residents in the Cowichan Valley. The current proposed changes to the current weir operation in my opinion are required to protect chinook salmon and our river ecosystem.

They will reduce the risk of the fall crisis we witnessed last year by rationing our water supply through improved weir operation with no financial burden on taxpayers.

Confiscating drivers’ phones rejected B.C. Bureau

Talking and texting behind the

By Tom Fletcher wheel continues to be a major road safety problem, but Attorney General Shirley Bond has rejected raising fines or taking away mobile phones to deal with the problem.

The tough new measures were suggested last week by Victoria Police Chief Jamie Graham, after an enforcement blitz by B.C. police forces resulted in about 6,000 tickets being issued in February.

Graham, chair of the B.C. Association of Police Chiefs’ traffic safety committee, suggested police should also have the authority to seize a phone for 24 hours for a first offence, and for several days for repeat offences.

Graham also referred to $350 fines available for other traffic safety violations. The current fine for mobile phone use while driving is $167.

“I’m certainly not considering the seizure of cell phones,” Bond said Monday. “I am concerned, though, that we continue to see distracted driving in the province.”

Bond said taking away cell phones

Black Press files Police continue to issue tickets to thousands of B.C. drivers for using hand-held devices. Texting at red lights is also prohibited.

would create privacy problems, and she is also not convinced that increasing fines would have the desired effect.

“It’s not unlike seat belts,” Bond said.

“It took a long time for people in our province to make that a normal habit.”

B.C. imposed new Motor Vehicle Act regulations against using hand-held mobile devices in January, 2010. The rules allow phones to be used with a headset and a single-button function to make calls.

OFFICE/CIRCULATION Karen Brouwer Caycuse • Honeymoon Bay • Lake Cowichan • Mesachie Lake • Youbou

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THE LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

5

Letters to the editor:YOUR SAY Letters to the editor are welcome, but writers are requested to keep their submissions to 350 words or less. All letters must contain the name, address and signature of the writer, and a phone number where they may be reached during business hours. Thank you letters will not normally be considered for publication. editor@lakecowichangazette.com

Forest industry problem to solve Dear Editor In 2010 the Area I Nature and Habitat Fund was established for the protection and enhancement of the environment in Area I. A committee was formed to deal with two applications that have been presented for funding requests and a meeting was held recently. 1) Application by Timberwest for an unspecified amount to help finance a truck wash station. Total cost estimated to be $100,000. and 2) Application by Cowichan Lake and River Stewardship Society for $10,000 to finance various projects with regard to the lake shore degradation and fish habitat in Area I. Although the TimberWest application lacked specifics, it was obvious to the 40 to 50 Youbou residents attending the meeting that the majority of the committee favoured the TimberWest application. An amount of $20,000 was floated by the Area Director, who is also the chair of that committee. The amount came seemingly out of nowhere.

The $20,000 would largely deplete the fund, which presently holds approximately $23,600.

A wash station might be a good idea, although some research is needed to find out if it actually would solve the problems on Youbou Road. But I think that Area I should not have to provide any financing.

The problem is caused by the forest industry, and it is the forest industry’s responsibility to solve this problem. The people of Youbou have endured the incredible dust and mud for many years — they are not responsible for the mess.

The Area I director pointed out that the monies in the Nature and Habitat Fund are not really taxpayer’s funds. This is a lame argument. The monies were paid by the developer following the subdivision of Woodland Shores lands. The developer will recover the funds from the sale of the lots.

The purchasers of these lots will be Area I taxpayers. So, who are we trying to fool here? I don’t think it matters if the monies in the Nature and Habitat fund originated from taxes or from a contractor. It is money that belongs to Area I. I commend the Area I director for trying to solve this longstanding problem. However, I think we should be very careful with regard to the allocation of the monies from the Area I Nature and Habitat Fund. To just throw tax-payer’s money at the dust problem in Youbou is not an acceptable solution. Budget deficits, the debt and all the other financial problems that our society now has to deal with are mostly caused by the “easy fix” of spending tax-payer’s money.

Any participation by Area I in

the financing of problems caused by the forest industry would also set a precedent for other communities. Would they in future also be expected to pay for the solution of problems caused by the industry?

Klaus Kuhn Youbou

What’s wrong with a two tier system?

Dear Editor Two-tier systems are all over the place. The Town of Lake Cowichan charges residences, who receive town water but do not pay property tax to the town, double the water rate that the town’s taxpayers pay.

Members of the Safeway Club receive discounts on certain food items plus a 5¢ reduction in the price of gasoline at their pumps.

Seniors get discounts at some restaurants and seniors pay less for pool access in Ladysmith.

Members of Costco and Co-op get a dividend based on profit and purchases. Most stores give their employees discounts.

Seniors travel for free on the ferry on weekdays.

Those are all direct or indirect two-tier systems.

Hubert Crevels Lake Cowichan

Get involved to protect the lake Dear Editor The Cowichan Lake and River Stewardship Society (CLRSS) in consultation with stakeholders, has identified the foreshore and riparian areas around Cowichan Lake as critical habitat which is currently threatened by land use practices.

These threats include: • Unregulated share sales (one title with multiple owners sharing a property) of forestry zoned land resulting in non-conforming RV campgrounds which have damaged sensitive foreshore and riparian areas as demonstrated at Hawes Bay. • Lack of protection of critical habitat which includes Shaw Creek, Nixon Creek, and the Robertson River ecosystems and associated wetlands.

• Cutbacks to both federal and provincial environmental protection agencies and downloading of responsibility.

• Complicated and dysfunctional riparian area regulations • Unsustainable logging practices.

• A lack of public understanding of ecosystem values.

Preservation of these areas is

crucial as they provide a natural filter to protect water quality and provide habitat for the diversity of life which is found in the upper watershed.

Our involvement in the recent Shoreline Habitat Study with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans has revealed that 70 per cent of this critical ecosystem is still intact. The study also showed that riparian function is seriously threatened by residential and recreational expansion.

Other recent studies have demonstrated a shocking disappearance of amphibians and summer run Chinook salmon which are both keystone species which provide a direct correlation to environmental health.

CLRSS has developed a strategy to mitigate the risk of these threats and reverse the disturbing trend of habitat destruction. We invite the private land owners, who have title to 92 per cent of the lake foreshore, to work with us to protect this vital habitat. We are working to create a cultural shift from cutting and clearing to protection and restoration.

To create this shift we will: • Host the Cowichan Lakeshore Habitat Management Workshop at the Cowichan Lake Education Centre on April 24 and 25. This workshop will engage all stakeholders in an effort to find collaborative solutions and develop an action plan for lakeshore protection and enhancement.

• Train volunteers about riparian function and best practices.

• Engage the public through consultation with lakeshore land owners, workshops and local press.

• Advocate for the permanent protection of critical habitat identified in recent studies.

• Engage youth by including them in our efforts and collaborating with local schools.

• Create public lakeshore/riparian rehabilitation demonstration sites which will show responsible lakeshore access and recreation.

• Apply for and leverage public habitat conservation funds in an effort to maximize environmental benefits and protect Cowichan Lake.

To attain this goal we need your support and invite like minded people to join with us in this work. It will require volunteer effort, public support and a significant investment by all stakeholders over a number of years. For more information, please visit our website at cowichan-lake– stewards.ca.

Cowichan Lake is a jewel worth protecting and could provide a legacy of benefits for future generations. However there is no guarantee so please stay informed and get involved in the protection and enhancement of Cowichan Lake.

Gerald Thom, (President CLRSS) Lake Cowichan

Submitted A letter writer is concerned about development near Shaw Creek wetlands — a very critical habitat that is currently unprotected and threatened by development.

Joy Wade (R) and Gerald Thom electroshocking to determine the distribution of the Cowichan Lake lamprey which are found only in Cowichan and therefore a SERA protected species.

CAC debate Dear Editor Re: Council not taking plunge, Feb. 27 Before I continue my objections to equal access to the Cowichan Aquatic Centre lets get one thing straight, the aquatic centre is not a swimming pool, it is a leisure centre. A swimming pool is a container filled with water with separate changing rooms for men and women. It does not have wave action, slides, rivers, etcetera.

As contributors to the capital, operational and debt costs, the people of the contributing areas receive a reduced access fee which is only fair.

The town of Lake Cowichan does not contribute to these costs of the CAC. A small group of Lake Cowichan residents want equal access to the CAC. They only look at the difference in the access fee and conveniently forget the funds contributed through property taxes by the people in the contributing areas. They want to impose an addition to the property taxes of the entire town of Lake Cowichan so they don’t have to pay for full access. If this group really is so concerned with the safety of their children and the health of seniors, they should have no objection to the extra 18 kilometres to drive to the pool in Ladysmith. The savings in access fee will more than compensate for the cost of gasoline.

A note of interest: In the City of Calgary the access fee to the leisure (aquatic) centres is $11for an adult and $24.25 for a family while the access to a city pool is $5.55 for an adult and $12.25 for a family. In other words the fees charged by the CAC are not unreasonable.

Hubert Crevels Lake Cowichan

Make healthy living accessible Dear Editor Re: Deep, murky pool, Letters, March 6

I read with interest Vi Davidson’s letter about the pool access issue, especially because I wanted to understand some of the reasons for people opposing it.

I’m afraid her list of issues didn’t really help me understand that. It seems that most of her concerns are about the possibility of rising costs that will be created by the sudden influx of pool users from the wider region. (points No. 2,3,4 and 5).

People using the pool will still be paying, so many of these costs will be covered. The only difference is that now we will be paying the same as everyone else! Also, there is the $12,000 that will be coming from the taxpayers. And, surely more users is a good thing financially — most facilities do better financially as user-ship increases as it becomes possible to realize many economies of scale.

So I don’t think we need to worry about huge cost increases down the road, or that Lake Cowichan residents will create an expensive sanitation issue (point No. 3).

Her first point that many users will be renters leaves me a little baffled. Is this not the case with every facility? Should we make the arena inaccessible because many kids in hockey programs are renters?

I don’t think that $12,000 spread out among all the people in Areas I, F and Lake Cowichan creates an onerous tax burden.

And if it makes the pool accessible to our young people so they can learn to swim, our seniors so they can take part in exercise that doesn’t strain arthritic joints, people recovering from injuries and illnesses who need a gentle exercise program, and those of us who just like to swim and play in the water, then it sounds like a good idea to me.

I have never used the arena, but my taxes support it. I think it would be nice if all the hockey and curling fans would fork out a few tax dollars for something that I would like to do. Let’s make healthy living accessible to everyone and lets share the costs a little.

What we save in strain on the medical system should more than offset the cost of an extra lifeguard and some pool cleaning.

Judith Quinlan Physiotherapist Lake Cowichan Therapy

6

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

THE LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE

FAITH DIRECTORY Baptist

Pentecostal

Cowichan Lake Baptist Church

Lake Cowichan Christian Fellowship

8259 Beaver Road Lake Cowichan

57 King George St. South Lake Cowichan

Sunday Service 10:30 am Sunday School 10:30 am

Sunday Service 10:30am

Pastor Dale Winters

Pastor Terry Hale

250-749-3211

60 Fern Road Lake Cowichan

250-749-4103

Women played important role in cultural, educational progress

250-749-6492

Roman Catholic Congregational St. Louis de Montfort

www.lakecowichangazette.com

‘New Hope’ Community Church 10648 Youbou Rd, Youbou

250-745-3406

Mass Sunday at 12:30 p.m.

Breakfast at 10:00 am Sunday Service 11:00 am

Fr. Alfredo Monacelli

Rev. Vikki Marrs

Your Taxes, Your Future, Your Community Come out and get involved!

The Cowichan Valley Regional District is sponsoring a speaker series free of charge about: • Property taxes, • Local government finances, • Operating realities, and • The long-term well-being of our communities.

Join local government speaker and educator Mr. Jerry Berry for an entertaining and thoughtprovoking presentation about local governance and what changing times might mean for your community’s future well-being.

Find out about the changing circumstances faced by your local governments trying to serve your communities. You might be surprised by what you may not be aware of; by what you thought you knew, and perhaps by what you didn’t know.

Rolli Gunderson

PAGES OF HISTORY Not a lot of information is known about the women who at one time lived here and whose influence helped shape the area into what it is today.

However, there is much information on their husbands and other men who lived and worked here in years past. The woman, for the most part, were wives and mothers, but they were also responsible for much of the early cultural, social and educational progress made within the community over many years. The following women are just a few of them.

In 1921 Dave Madill, a local resident since 1918, married Scottish born Miss Catherine McIntyre, in Lake Cowichan.

For the first few years of their marriage they lived in a float house before building a permanent house on land.

Madill worked at many logging camps throughout the area including a close association with the legendary Lake Logging Company. Soon after the marriage, the Madills became very active in the civic and social affairs of the community.

The couple had a son who was raised and schooled locally. Catherine (standing on left in photo) was a long time (charter) member of a ladies service organization and had other local interests over many years. Dave too was involved with many organizations including 20 years on the local school board.

The Madill’s son and grandson were both also named David. After the death of Dave Madill Sr. in 1960, Catherine remained in the family home on Park Road and continued her community activities as she had always done. The senior Madills were both buried in the Masonic section of Hatley Memorial Park in Colwood, B.C. (Victoria).

Married in Vancouver in 1922, Mrs. Asta Nilsen (seen second from left) and her husband Andy’s first home was a float house at the far end of Cowichan Lake near present-day Heather Campsite.

As was common for loggers in that era,

Courtesy of Kaatza Station Museum

Circa 1920s: From left, Mrs. Catherine Madill, Mrs. Asta Nilsen, Mrs. Kerrick and Mrs. George Stelley in the front garden of the Stelley home situated directly across from the Riverside Inn.

Andy and his family moved their float house wherever there was work.

With their son Ron — who was born in Vancouver in 1924 — they eventually ended up, as did a small colony of other floathouse dwellers, near the Upper Pool of the Cowichan River close to the present-day weir.

Life was tough for float-house dwellers. Especially for the women, who had the added burden of making sure their children did not drown. The fear of fire was also a constant concern for floathouse dwellers who cooked and heated their homes with wood or coal and used coal oil in their lanterns.

Eventually the [Nilsen] family moved their floating home to a property just down river from the present-day car

bridge. In 1983, Asta Nilsen died at the age of 89.

Mrs. Kerrick (second from right in photo) and Mrs. Stelley, wife of prominent Victoria man George Stelly, (whose family Stelly’s Cross Road in Saanich is named after) were both short term residents of early Lake Cowichan.

Mrs. Stelly was a wonderful gardener who was responsible for the gardens in front of the old Riverside Inn which was owned by her husband and a partner.

At that time, the Stelleys maintained a private residence directly across the river from the hotel. It was there that Mrs. Stelley planted and maintained a large and beautiful garden which included the monkey tree that remains there to this day.

Gazette

If you want your kids’ kids to enjoy the community facilities and programs you yourself have enjoyed, you will want to hear this talk, and perhaps get further involved as an informed community participant.

It’s your community, come and hear how you can help participate in its future.

Date: Thursday March 21 Time: 7:00 pm Place: Cowichan Lake Sports Arena

COWICHAN VALLEY REGIONAL DISTRICT 175 Ingram Street, Duncan, British Columbia, V9L 1N8 Phone: (250) 746-2500 • Fax: (250) 746-2513 Email: cvrd@cvrd.bc.ca Web: http://www.cvrd.bc.ca

Diane Cook (c) and Fay Parkes (r) from Elections B.C. help Ted Rondow with paperwork on their visit to Lake Cowichan.

Ready to vote?

Diane Cook and Fay Parkes from Elections B.C. were set up in Lake Cowichan Country Grocer from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 7 confirming and registering people for the upcoming B.C. election on May 14.

With the low turn out in recent elections, they are trying to encourage as many people to get out and vote. They will be in Lake Cowichan again on March 21 at the seniors’ centre from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. if you missed them this time.

www.lakecowichangazette.com

THE LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

7

250-749-6660

www.lkc.ca

TOLL FREE PAGE 1-800-729-3246 145 South Shore Rd., Lake Cowichan cowichanvalleyrealtor@shaw.ca

keith@lkc.ca

Keith Nelson

Sharon Kelly Sha

WHEN YOU WANT IT LISTED - WHEN YOU NEED IT SOLD CLEAN & COZY

D

REDUCE

LOT

Two bedroom condo with easy access. Nice carpets, oak cabinets in the kitchen, walk in closet in master bedroom & Includes in suite laundry. Would make a great rental.

$98,500

#39-211 Madill Rd.

NEW LISTING

QUIET COMPLEX Recently restored 2 bedroom condo in quiet complex in Lake Cowichan. Beautiful floors, updated kitchen & bathroom, nice layout with in-unit laundry.

$124,000

#58-211 Madill Road

HUGE RIVERFRONT HOME

D

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Comfy 3 bedroom home in walking distance to the river & town shopping. Beautiful bay window in living room, propane F/P & huge walk-in closet in master. Lovely stained glass in entrance way, kitchen & hallway. Newer roof & hot water tank & partially covered deck offers privacy & mountain views.

BIG PRICE REDUCTION Almost ½ acre of RV living at Bayview Village. Backs onto forestland with nature all around.

Includes a 1991 Fleetwood trailer with metal roof. Shared lakefront with wharfs, sandy beach & much more.

D

Lot 59 Blackw Blackwood Heights

$169,000

$159,000

Paradise Village RV Pk

DREAM HOLIDAY GETAWAY Recreational property located in Honeymoon Bay. Trussed roof over RV & big covered deck. Playground for the kids, huge beach, boat docks & picnic area on pristine Cowichan Lake. Backs onto fully fenced green space/parkland. Do you want that easy care weekend lifestyle?

#10 Paradise Village RV Pk

$159,000

CUTE HOME - READY TO GO! D

60 Sahtlam Avenue

WONDERFUL LOCATION

QUIET AREA – cute 4 bedroom home ready to move into. Located at the end of a no thru road, minutes to all amenities. A little TLC would make this a great rental or full time living.

$199,000

$279,000 + HST

7465 Teal Court

$374,900

$219,900 IT HAS POTENTIAL!

2250 South Shore Rd.

QUARTER ACRE LOT

239 Grants Lake Road

Huge home with lots of potential.

Room for a shop, park a RV or boat - this could be the right home for a growing family!

Wood stove & fireplace to keep you warm and energy costs down. Located in a quiet area of Lake Cowichan, only minutes to shopping & recreation.

10054 South Shore Rd.

$200,000

101 North Shore Rd.

1328 Carlton Dr.

$189,000 CUTE HOME - READY TO GO!

5188 Eleanor Road

Many updates including roof, windows, kitchen, built in vacuum & new furnace (to be installed). Nice level yard with a single car garage & full unfinished basement. This one’s a keeper!

Flat .81 acre property with large 2,900+ sqft building. Two separate titles to be sold together.

Located on main road close to store, fire hall & restaurant. Bring your ideas!

$164,900 This 1,400 square foot mobile is on 1.29 acres. Located on large, flat acreage, however, require some TLC, but has potential.

$229,000

$179,000 QUIET CUL DE SAC

39 Coronation St.

Large 5 BR w/ oak floors on main, oak cabinets in kitchen. Propane F/P in LR; wood stove downstairs. Off master BR & LR is huge deck overlooking garden area, built-in hot tub, fishpond & raised beds for garden. Fenced yd, workshop; 2 bay garage w/ additional workshop.

$339,000 AFFORDABLE OPPORTUNITY

243 Kwassin Crescent

Close to the Cowichan River - three level Tudor style home with 4 bedrooms & 3 bathrooms. Good sized attached garage-shop area & property backs onto farmland acreage. Perfect for a growing family.

$169,900

8007 Greendale Rd.

Fenced back yard with cute gazebo & 330 sq ft shop, which can be enjoyed by both people & pets. Three bedrooms up & a rec room downstairs. Tasteful wood panelling & both bathrooms have been updated.

Move in condition.

D REDUCE

177 Neva Road

$182,000

MOVE IN READY NEW LISTING

32 Cottonwood Street

3 bedroom 2 full bathroom home ideal for young family or empty nesters. Spacious rooms & open plan, private & fenced yard, detached workshop/shed, covered screened in deck & lots of room for parking.

Central location, beautiful mountain views & affordable!

$235,000

$209,000

CLEAN & COZY

GREAT BACKYARD

DOUBLE WIDE IN COBBLE HILL D REDUCE

Private land hidden away on dead field. end street next to farmer’s field Newer mobile with 2 nice sized bedrooms, 2 full baths & large deck partially covered plus shed.

First time offered for sale in over 50 years. Three levels, 4 bedroom home located on .89 of an acre. Unfinished basement – 20 x 20 sq ft detached shop/garage & carport. Subdivision off an extra lot is a possibility.

D

REDUCE

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY IN HONEYMOON BAY D REDUCE

$289,000 ROOMY MOBILE IN DUNCAN

120 Lake Park Road

This .58 acre property provides several options, including building a duplex or renovating the existing home. Due to road location, rezoning to commercial may be a possibility. Vendor financing may also be available.

SOLD NEW LISTING

SOLD

INVESTOR ALERT!

2 level 3 bedroom home pplus bonus 30 X 30 shop. Open floor plan, excellent finishing throughout – too many features to name them all.

Home, shop & yard immaculate. Move in condition.

92 Beaver eaver Rd.

5 yr old home located close to town & river. 5 bd; complete with kitchen/bar area & rec rm on 1st floor w/ full bath & laundry. 2nd level has large kitchen & living rm + 2 full baths.

Large vinyl deck, 2 car garage & RV parking.

Nicely landscaped w/ small garden shed.

All the benefits of lake front without the price!

New 2 bedroom with lake views & access to private lake front facilities. Nicely laid out with kitchen that boasts 4 appliances & granite counter tops.

QUIET LOCATION

R RECREATION PARK Site #105 - One cute bedroom unit just steps from the lake. Located on 12 acres in Honeymoon Bay, featuring lake frontage, playing fields, private marina, and so much more!

$399,000

53 Somenos Street

$197,000

165 Park Lake Road

GREAT FAMILY HOME!

Located on world famous Cowichan River – 4,000 sq ft with 6 bedrooms & 4 baths on 2 levels. Self contained 3 bedroom suite – big decks facing river, terraced yard & mature landscaping.

MOUNTAIN VIEWS

REDUCE

268 Castley Heights $75,000 BUILD UP HIGH! • Lake views from lot • Geo Tech report on file

D

REDUCE

13-300 Grosskleg

Two bedroom townhouse within walking distance of all amenities. Nice layout, propane fireplace, great patio and good size storage locker. Quiet and peaceful – this is a 55+ community.

$169,900

MARBLE BAY COTTAGES These private & quiet lots offer spectacular views of the lake and mountains. In addition to being affordable, access to private amenities are included in your purchase price. Cowichan Lake is minutes away offering a variety of recreational activities. Ask about pre-designed house ideas & financing packages!

Lot 45 Blackwood Height..... $74,900 Lot 49 Blackwood Height .... $74,900 Lot 50 Blackwood Height .... $79,900 Lot 32 Kestrel Drive .............. $99,900 Lot 33 Kestrel Drive .............. $109,900 Lot 38 Kestrel Drive .............. $109,900 Lot 39 Kestrel Drive .............. $109,900 Lot 40 Kestrel Drive.............. $89,900

Lot 41 Kestrel Drive............... $74,900 Lot 42 Kestrel Drive ............. $74,900 Lot 43 Kestrel Drive ............. $74,900 Lot 44 Kestrel Drive ............. $74,900 Lot 26 Nighthawk Road ....... $79,900 Lot 46 Widgeon Way .......... $74,900 Lot 47 Widgeon Way .......... $74,900 Lot 48 Widgeon Way .......... $74,900

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Wednesday, March 13, 2013

THE LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE

www.lakecowichangazette.com

Deserving citizens and projects worth talking about

Ross Forrest

THE MAYOR’S REPORT Hazel Elves Beech, Freeman of the Town, passed away recently. Hazel truly was a person who backed up her words with action.

She didn’t sit back and wait for others to look for solutions, she got involved and worked towards getting results.

After serving as a long-time member of council, Hazel remained active working for a better community by sitting on committees, such as the Ratepayers’ Association and the Advisory Planning Commission. Hazel believed in fighting for what she felt strongly about and was not afraid to voice her ideas. Hazel never let her age prevent her from contributing for the common good.

Her commitment to her community was profound. We admired her greatly and she will be sadly missed.

The Cowichan Lake Chamber of Commerce recently awarded Mike Bishop with the Citizen of the Year Award and Robert Bell with the Nicole Stock Award.

After listening to their acceptance of these awards, it was obvious how deserving they were to be recognized. It was clear that neither of them volunteered countless of hours for recognition. They both chose to volunteer because that was what they felt was needed. Mike realized there was a need for more entertainment in our community and Robert recognized that the survival of the fish fry required help.

Congratulations to both Mike and Robert and thank you for your contribution to our community.

On behalf of counGazette cil, we would like to The new public washrooms and change room under construction — and near completion — at Saywell Park, sits congratulate Jorden at the end of the ramp at the Cowichan Lake Business and Information Centre and next to the covered picnic table Matson for receiv- area. ing the Governor General’s Academic Cowichan Lake Committee has the recent changes to the Town up with a visit in March.

Medal. Achievements like this been working hard and one of of Lake Cowichan’s website at The work being done by a Job are not reached without a terrific the ideas from the group led to lakecowichan.ca and offer your Creation Programme at Saywell work ethic. Jorden, you should be improvements to the Town’s own feedback. Also, soon after the for- Park is progressing well. These proud of yourself, you are a great website — making it more ap- mation of the Choose Cowichan new public washrooms and role model for your peers. pealing for people not familiar Lake Committee, they met with a change room will be great adWhen the possibility of a doc- with our area was a strategic goal potential doctor and checked out ditions to our downtown area. tor shortage arose, a committee for those involved.

Thank you to everyone who is the town and doctor’s clinic. was formed to assist in recruitThe doctor has plans to follow involved in the project.

Therefore, please check out ment for physicians. Choose

COST

TODAY A

APRIL 2013

APRIL 2014

www.lakecowichangazette.com

THE LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

9

Magazines, love or hate?

BY: GILDA GREEN

GREEN SPACE LITTLE STEPS THAT MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE

Magazines are one of those things that many people have a love/hate relationship with.

On the plus side, they can be disposable, informative, entertaining and a source of up to date trends and information. On the down side, they can be pricey, bulky and seem to have the ability to multiply faster than over-sexed rabbits.

Thankfully, in this day and age we have more options for how we can access, manage and enjoy magazines and the topics that they cover.

For the techies in the crowd, Vancouver Island Regional Library has a brand new option available to anyone with a current VIRL card, a computer or smart device and access to the internet. Through the library’s website (virl.bc.ca), Zinio allows you to view and download current issues of hundreds of magazines. For library customers, this service is absolutely free and can save you big bucks if you’re a techie with an insatiable appetite for all the latest rags.

If you’re more old school and prefer actually reading a real magazine, the library

comes to the rescue again. Our local Cowichan Lake branch subscribes to 29 different periodicals, with everything from People to Mother Earth News to MacLean’s. Back issues can be checked out just like a book for three weeks. The current issues are for in branch reading only, until the new issue comes in, but you’re more than welcome to peruse the new ones in-house. It’s a great way to create a little mini-vacation in the middle of a hectic day, by relaxing in a comfortable spot pouring over your dream garden, fantasy home improvement project or just what those royals have been up to.

If there are some magazine titles that you just can’t live without each month, but the cost seems just too prohibitive, put together a magazine co-op with a few friends, relatives or co-workers. Just subscribe to the titles that interest your group, split the cost evenly then swap amongst yourselves.

Once everyone has learned everything they could possibly ever want to know about younger skin, string beans or ’53 Dodges, you’ve still got lots of options before your selections make their way into the recycling bin. Check out senior’s centres, hospitals, care-homes and schools to see if they’re open for magazine

donations. Once they’ve been read cover to cover by everyone in the free world feel free to start carving them up. Cut out recipes, how-to articles, health and craft ideas and organize into old binders or file boxes for your own free reference library.

You can cut out pictures to use in collages, flashcards for kids or home-made greeting cards. Any glossy magazine paper is excellent for making paper beads. Mark out and cut long, triangular strips the length of the page that are one to 11/2 inches in width at one end and taper down to a point at the other. Use a ruler to draw out a whole sheet at once, then cut the strips with scissors.

Use a 31/2 inch common nail to start rolling each bead. Start the wide end around the nail and keep rolling tightly until you reach the point, then fasten the point down with a dab of glue, slide your bead off the nail and start on another one.

So before you hurl those shiny pages into the nearest recycling bin, remember all the effort, energy and resources that went into producing them, not to mention all the good money that you paid for them.

You may decide that they’re not quite so disposable after all.

Diana Hutton Moira Mercer of Honeymoon Bay, enjoying a few minutes checking out the latest mags while on a break from work, at the Cowichan Lake branch, Vancouver Island Regional Library.

AUTO GLASS & UPHOLSTERY

s ’ d o R

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NEW ELECTORAL AREAS AUTOMATED CURBSIDE COLLECTION PROGRAM

Let’s get ready to roll If you are an Electoral Area resident, keep an eye on your

Let’s get ready to roll.

NEW TOTES, LOWER FEES, LESS WA W WASTE. STE.

mailbox in the next few weeks for information about the CVRD’s new automated curbside collection program, as discussed in a series of community Open Houses last fall.

In the next few months, you can look forward to receiving new easy-roll totes for all your curbside materials as part of the move to automated collection. The new totes will be delivered to your door at no charge, and will replace the curbside containers you’re currently using. They will come

m tote Custo ilable va sizes a R BY ORDE 22 H MARC

with all the information you need to make the shift to automated collection, including start dates and schedules.

The CVRD is joining several communities across BC in the move to automated collection. To learn more about the benefits of this new service, including new totes, lower fees and less waste, visit us on our website at CVRDrecycles.bc.ca/curbside or call the CVRD Recycling Hotline at 250-746-2540 or 1-800-665-3955.

Z E R OWAST ZER OWASTEE

N O T H I N G I S B E T T ER ER

10

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

THE LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE

www.lakecowichangazette.com

You’ll Feel Like Family.

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Proud to be serving the Cowichan Valley since 1986

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THE LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE

Proud to be serving Lake Cowichan since 1986

You’ll Feel Like Family.

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83 Cowichan Rd, Lake Cowichan Open Daily 7 am - 9 pm

11

12

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

THE LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE

www.lakecowichangazette.com

Daina Hutton Photos

Two of the Southdown ewes and their lambs at the Lindahl farm.

Five acres and a dream

Marilyn and Larry Lindahl in the honey processing room at their mixed farm on Cowichan Lake Road.

DIANA HUTTON

A rabbit at the Lindahl farm peeks out to say hello.

It is a dream as old as our country itself and has been immortalized in history books, songs and a thousand old stories told around the kitchen table by our grandparents. To carve out a living from a piece of land that you can call your own and by doing so, gain freedom, independence and self-sufficiency.

The great Canadian dream of five acres and independence is alive and well for Marilyn and Larry Lindahl at the mixed farm that they call home on the Old Lake Cowichan Road. There is surely no better time to visit a farm than in the spring, when rebirth, renewal and hope are as plentiful as the sturdy lambs that crowd the barn.

For the past seven and a half years, the Lindahls have worked hard to build up a living and a way of life on their five acre parcel.

The small farm where they raise sheep, rabbits and bees as well as growing fruit and vegetable crops has been a labour of love.

The couple moved here from the Saanich Peninsula bringing their honey business with them.

“It was getting harder to keep bees on the peninsula what with the farmland and wild areas of blackberries disappearing,” said Marilyn Lindahl. “We moved up here for the bees, but then found this place which happened to have a nice old barn.”

Larry is a retired provincial government bee inspector and long-time bee keeper. Marilyn had been involved in 4-H and kept sheep as a kid so the next acquisition was a natural. They now boast a flock of 16 fine Southdown ewes and had a dozen or more lambs at last count.

Southdowns are a dual purpose breed, usually raised for meat as their wool does not boast the long fibres favoured by spinners and weavers. The sheep are all raised on organic feed which means no GMOs (genetically modified organisms) which is extremely important to the Lindahls.

“We switched over to strictly organic feed which is more expensive but worth it. We noticed a dramatic change in the health of our animals,” said Lindahl.

Of course organic, GMO-free fed livestock in turn produces organic manure which goes on the garden beds where the bulk of the Lindahl’s fruits and vegetables are grown.

To battle the slugs which are so plentiful here in the valley and the bain of many a gardener’s existence, the Lindahls employ run-

ner ducks. These flightless ducks are originally from Indonesia and are unique in that they don’t fly, are heavy egg producers and prefer foraging for slugs and bugs which cuts down on the amount of grain they require.

The Lindahls also raise New Zealand rabbits for meat and keep chickens for eggs. They extract the honey from their bee hives themselves and employ a local butcher for their lambs and rabbits.

“We sell everything that we grow right out the back door,” says Marilyn. “We have a steady base of customers for lamb and the honey pretty much sells itself.”

The Lindahls eat primarily food they’ve produced on the farm, either straight out of the garden or from stores in their freezer or larder. At this time of year there are still root vegetables in the garden and salad greens in the greenhouse.

One unexpected expenditure that they hadn’t counted on was a sturdy perimeter fence that had to be erected to keep the local Roosevelt elk herd at bay.

“The fence also helps keep bears and dogs out as well,” said Lindahl.

Also in the preventative measures department is their resident watchdog, which is not a dog at all. Starlight is a 12 year old llama who helps keep watch over the flock when they’re out to pasture. Her high pitched whinny and herding instincts have kept the flock safe from marauders on numerous occasions.

When asked if she had any words of wisdom and advice for others who want to pursue the “five acres and independence” dream, Lindahl replied “You should love gardening!”

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Prepare to ‘grab and go’ in a quake ELODIE ADAMS

When a 7.5 earthquake occurred in southwestern Alaska on January 5 — and subsequent ones since then — it sent a new wave of concern around the island and the coastal areas of B.C. and Alaska.

Once again, our island and in particular our area escaped potential disaster.

It is a geological fact that we are in an earthquake zone and this was the third or fourth earthquake of a considerable size to hit the west coast of B.C. and Vancouver Island in recent months.

Which makes Sybille Sanderson, Safety Manager of the CVRD, want to tell everyone that they need to be personally prepared.

“The reality is . . . we don’t know what is going to be standing, we don’t know what is going to be passable, we don’t what the infrastructure’s going to do . . . roads, bridges, etcetera,” Sanderson explained. “So what we are telling people is they need to be personally prepared, take care of themselves, and they need to work together with their neighbours.”

The CVRD has a bylaw that states all emergency planning is done regionally versus each municipality doing their own thing, Sanderson says, but at the same time it’s a partnership.

“For example, if something were to happen in the Town of Lake Cowichan, they would be opening up an Emergency Relief Coordinator and we would be assisting them,” she said.

The most unpredictable part of a disaster is in the amount of time it takes before a community can go back to living normally.

“If we have anything like what happened out in Christchurch, New Zealand (2011),” she added, “it’ll be months and months and months, because they are still having after shocks.”

The first thing people should do is amass the items suggested by many sources, such as the Red Cross, or buy themselves at local retailers like Lake Cowichan Home Centre, Home Hardware, Dollar and Sense or Country Grocer. The list of basic items that you will need, for a three day Grab and Go kit, according to the Canadian Red Cross website, are as follows: Bottled water (4 litres/day/person), food (canned, high en-

ergy bars), can opener, utensils, garbage bags (rain poncho, garbage, toilet), flashlight, extra batteries, portable radio, extra batteries, toilet paper, seasonal changes of clothes, emergency blanket(s), work gloves, cash (coins and bills) The CVRD has published an Emergency Preparedness Workbook which is an excellent handbook full of information, including local community information, to assist people in preparing themselves for any kind of emergency.

Its “Grab and Go” kit varies slightly from the Red Cross’s list, and includes items such as personalized medications and recent family photos.

In the event of an earthquake emergency, it is the CVRD who has organized muster stations for the valley according to zones, which they refer to as reception centres.

For Lake Cowichan, the primary reception centre is Centennial Hall on South Shore Road, and secondary reception centres are at the community halls in Honeymoon Bay, Youbou, and Mesachie Lake.

It also suggests lis- Mike Bishop of Radio tening to the local radio Cowichan The Lake station for updates on if (CICV 98.7 FM), and when a reception confirms that they are equipped to run centre opens. radio station Mike Bishop of Ra- the completely “off the dio Cowichan The grid.”

Lake (CICV 98.7 FM), confirms that they are equipped to run the radio station completely “off the grid” in the event of a local emergency or catastrophe event.

In an emergency event, it is likely that telephone and cell communication would be difficult or nonexistent, Bishop says. However, CICV has contact with the Cowichan Valley Ham Radio Operators, an alternate communication that would allow them to stay in contact with municipal and provincial emergency preparedness control centres.

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Kim, Linda and Kristy Andersson took their hometown newspaper with them While this play was beingon written, the holidays.

Queen Mother was being persuaded to send her children to another for Theycountry are pictured safety (many British children were sent here the at the to Canada). She issued, perhaps most memorable statement Luxor during the Hotel war. in Lasleave Vegas.

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Of course,their none next of this trip is depicted Just by booking with in our play, which is humourous, delightful, with lots of laughter . . . eligible just at Whittomes Travel, they are now the way Noel Coward planned.

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Noel Coward’s Blithe Spirit, a light-hearted comedy, is the spring production for the Kaatza Lakeside Players. Set in war-time England of 1942, the presentation depicts the spirit of a departed wife, haunting a confused and beleaguered husband. The story becomes hilarious when the husband can see and hear the spirit, while his current wife, cannot see nor hear the naughty ghost.

The show opens with a nocharge dress rehearsal on May 6. The popular two-for-one night is featured on May 8 and the regular performances play May 9 and 10 with May 11 being the dinner theatre. Doors will open at

in The Foreigner and Zorba, the Greek, in which he played the lead roles.

Perhaps the most hilarious role is played by Eva Fearon as Madam Arcati, the psychic who inadvertently conjures up the spirit of the departed wife.

Many will remember Fearon in Bathroom Humour, the Last Resort and Ladies of the Alamo.

“This role is challenging.

There is a lot of dialog for this character, which is so unlike me,” Fearon said.

Eva is perfecting an accent, which is both clever and entertaining.

Noel Coward wrote the play in 16 short days in the middle of the London blitz — the terrible bombing raids by Nazi Germany, that terrorized Londoners for many days.

Mr. Coward believed that the best way to face death was to laugh at it. His theory proved correct. Londoners flocked to see this show and they laughed at a time when there was little laughter.

13

Wendy KLYNE

Noel Coward’s ‘Blithe Spirit’ rehearsed with fun and panache 6:30 p.m., curtain is at 7 p.m. for all performances, except the dinner theatre evening — doors for this performance will open at 5 p.m. with dinner served at 5:30 p.m. All performances will have an intermission and are held at the Lake Cowichan Centennial Hall.

We have an enthusiastic cast, with new talent and returning favorites. Alex Gallagher, a well known Cowichan Valley performer and director, plays the lead role, Charles Condomine, the husband.

When asked about his role, Alex displayed his humour. “I haven’t played many married roles.Certainly the first role which involves two wives,” he said “I find it challenging to find the balance between the character’s wit and fear.”

Gallagher has an impressive history in the Cowichan Valley.

He has directed Glengarry Glen Ross, The Children’s Hour, King Lear (Shawnigan Players) As You Like It, The Merchant of Venice (Bard at Brentwood) as well as acting

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

“We love to travel!”

Keep in touch while you are away

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Wednesday, March 13, 2013

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THE LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE

‘Green’ is heating up for LCSS

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14 www.lakecowichangazette.com

are very excited about the project. “ Harper adds that it is important to be looking for these kinds of savings, with money in short supply in the district.

The replacement boiler will operate using biomass (wood waste) instead of heating oil.

The matter will go before the school board on March13 so it should be ready to go to tender shortly after that. The grant money is part of $5 million allocated by the provincial government to schools across B.C. for green upgrades.

— Gazette

Available in most new Ford vehicles with 6-month pre-paid subscription

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Something to talk about The topics were varied, the coffee was hot and the talk was all over the map at Vancouver Island Regional Library’s Tuesday Talk Night, last Tuesday night.

From teens to seniors, the contributions varied from excerpt’s from William Thackeray’s 1847 novel Vanity Fair, to original lovesongs, poetry and more.

Tuesday Talk Night is an event held monthly at the Cowichan Lake branch.

The next scheduled date is Tuesday, April 9 at 6:30 p.m. and everyone is welcome.

From left: Bailey Callihoo with his guitar, Cyril McLean, David Daina Hutton Ridley and John Franklin.

Cowichan Rocks winds up season

Gazette

Lake Cowichan Legion doubles-crib league winners were at the Legion Provincial Crib Playoffs in Parksville, B.C, March 9 and 10. Above from bottom left are Sam Jones, Wilma Rowbottom, Jay deGoesbriand, George Rowbottom. Not pictured is local singlescrib winner Phil Jones. The playoffs are out of possible 18 zones in the province.

Lake Cowichan was tied with the Vancouver Legion and had to play a tie breaker game — Vancouver won first place. Lake Cowichan earned the runner-up trophy. Phil Jones played in the singles but didn’t place in the finals.

There were 13 zones out 18 in the province vying for the crib playoff title. Parksville branch hosted a great event.

This week saw the playoffs and final games taking place at the Cowichan Rocks Curling Club.

Monday night’s Two-on-Two League was won by the team of Morreen Coulter and Deidre Monti. Kari McKinley substituted for Coulter in the final game.

The silver medal was won by Alan Gott and John Stroulger.

Tuesday night’s Mixed League saw the team of Michelle Davis, Shane MacGregor, Harold Neuffer, Dana Neuffer and Karen Neuffer, win the championship.

Silver medallists were the team of Trish Gorski, Shaunne Rowbottom, Laura Hughes and Ryan Rai. Jim Tardiff substituted for Rai in the final game.

Wednesday night’s Open League champions were Diane Myrden, Tricia Baird, Trent Weir, and Laine May. Thank you to the league organizers, Linda Blatchford, Thor Repstock and Jim Tardiff. The Cowichan Rocks Curling Club remains active and vibrant and welcomes new members when we return to the rinks next October.

— Submitted by Rick Nott

Teachers’ assocation not in favour of eliminating evening parent interviews The Lake Cowichan Teachers’ Association is concerned about changes to parent-teacher interviews being proposed by School District 79.

The LCTA says teachers in the valley have been informed by the district of tentative plans that could eliminate evening parent-teacher interviews beginning in the 2013-14 school year. “ Teachers in Lake Cowichan and the Cowichan Valley believe that parentteacher meetings are important, and they value the way the meetings are

currently held so parents can attend without having to miss work.” noted LCTA president Chris Rolls. She adds that information and more can be found on the School District 79 website.

The 5 1/2-hour long evening interviews that permit parents at least 10 minutes with their child’s teacher would be reduced to a shorter period under the proposed changes, the LCTA maintains.

The consultation period would instead be scheduled in a two-hour

block after lunchtime and at the end of the dismissal bell. Using a class of 30 as an example, this indicates that the change would allow parents, students and teacher only about four minutes per interview.

The proposal is being submitted to the public for feedback. Opinions can be voiced at the regular board meeting on March 13 at 4:30 p.m. in the Cowichan Secondary School cafeteria.

—With files from Don Bodger, News Leader Pictorial

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

15

General Meeting March 18 • 7:00 pm Centennial Hall (upper) 309 South Shore Rd.

Regarding proposed changes to our By-Laws

Cowichan Valley School District

NOTICE OF OPEN BOARD MEETING The Open Board Meeting of the Board of Education will take place on Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at Cowichan Secondary School, in the Cafeteria, at 4:30pm.

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THE LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE

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on a limited scale. By the end of the 1980s Canada had supported the drilling of 2,400 bore-holes set up with hand pumps.

In the early 1990s we started moving the system to a village-owned and operated model and replacing hand-pumps for the third time.

Today, we rode down to the centre of Tamale (a rapidly expanding city of over 1 million) to the Vodaphone office where we could connect with email and the outside world. We had been email deprived for nine days and needed a fix.

After getting our email fix and feeding our habit at an ATM, we then decided, rather foolishly, David Kidd that we could walk back Beth Kidd ( second from right) with current Community Water and to our guest house about Sanitation Team in Wa Ghana.

2 kilometres away.

We had ridden this way a few times and knew we could spot land-marks such as the large central Today is our last day in Tamale tated in our time are still working mosque and the now defunct Cain Northern Ghana after ten busy 20 years later and the program has and interesting days with former evolved into a sophisticated rural tering Rest House, and follow the colleagues of the Community water and sanitation program run signs. What we had not thought Water Project. (see maps.google. through local municipalities and about was the temperature. It was a beautiful clear day and by noon com for locations) districts.

We have had a wonderful time Canadian involvement in the a temperature hovering around and are pleased to report that rural water sector dates back to 40 C. Some of you may recall many of the water points rehabili- the mid-1970s and still continues the song by Noel Coward. Mad Dogs and Englishmen go out in

the Midday Sun. At this time of year, the sun is to our south but gradually moving north so in about a month it will pass overhead. It is dry and the temperature is rising. By late May the heat will suck moist clouds in from the coast and rains will come we hope. As we hiked toward our guest house we passed busy streets with all manner of traffic and many small enterprises. This is one city where pedestrians and bicycles have a special lane separated by concrete blocks on main roads What a great idea — resisted by road engineers but insisted on by a former president. We then moved out into former government staff residential areas with large compounds and bungalows and much less traffic, mainly motorcycles.

Early on there were a number of large shade trees above the sidewalk and we were fairly comfortable in natures air conditioning.

Gradually, the trees diminished and we were in the open much more. We started to get pretty hot and sweaty. We did find the guest house, coming to it from a different angle than expected. Into our room which today remained air-condition cool. This was a relief because the national electricity system is overloaded so much of the time power is limited or off. Once inside it took three glasses of water and a large Star beer and we were still not fully

quenched. Beth felt she had been near to heat exhaustion. About three hours later we were mostly recovered and off to dinner with our wonderful hosts.

Ghana is a country on the move.

It is a parliamentary democracy like Canada with many similar debates and hijinx. So many buildings of all sorts are being put up.

Large universities evolving from the small units we knew. A huge volume of traffic including huge trucks shipping items up to Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso which are landlocked countries to the north. Of course the population has more than doubled since we were here 20 years ago and much of that is in the cities.

This week, as we travelled from Tamale to Wa, we were reminded that there are roads that are much more challenging than the road from Lake Cowichan to Carmanah Park. It took us six hours to travel about 250 km.

However, Chinese companies are busy rebuilding these into highways to fairly high standards. In Wa we met former colleagues, the current Community Water and Sanitation team and visited a number of water points in nearby villages.

Back to Accra, the capital, tomorrow morning and then onto the U.K. If time permits we will report on a hike in Scotland next week.

—Submitted by David Kidd

federal government, implicated fish farms in the disappearance of sockeye salmon in the Fraser River.

There is overwhelming evidence that these salmon growing feedlots are polluting our marine environment and breeding sea lice and salmon viruses.

These parasites and pathogens are not only infecting the farmed fish but critically also infecting our wild salmon Parker Jefferson as they swim Local angler visited by two deer stopping by the net pens on their natufor a drink from the Cowichan River. ral migration routes, reducing their strength programs have created literally and viability. thousands of productive lakes This is anything but sustainable. everywhere in our province. We It can be argued that open cage must continue our efforts to en- salmon farms are also negatively hance and protect wild fish habi- affecting the commercial salmon tat in our rivers for them to re- fishing industry by reducing wild main productive. Productive and fish stocks and therefore harvesthealthy rivers will in turn create ing opportunities. On top of all and sustain productive saltwater that, it is legal for companies to fisheries. sell farmed salmon flesh infected Lets compare the sustainable, with these salmon viruses in relarge recreational fishing sec- tail stores without any labeling or tor with the aquaculture sector, restrictions. in particular, the open cage fish How can this be happening? farms found in our coastal wa- Well, like most things, it’s simters. The recently released Cohen ple, just follow the money. The Report, commissioned by the fish farming industry is almost

exclusively owned by very large and mostly foreign corporations.

While they do provide some jobs, they are a fraction of the number of jobs in the recreational and commercial sectors. Much of the money generated by fish farming goes to these large companies and in many cases, out of the country.

These powerful companies have lobbyists that have convinced our politicians that they deserve to be able to continue with their enterprises regardless of the consequences to the marine environment. The recreational sector and to some extent the ailing commercial sector consists of thousands of small companies and individuals just trying to put food on the table for their families. The only power they have is their votes. Another reason to get involved in coming elections and get the answers you like from your candidates before giving them your vote.

Meanwhile, back on the river, it is finally raining today and the river and all of its inhabitants are happy to be getting a fresh injection of life-sustaining water.

Though it is cold and wet, I saw plenty of anglers about, all with smiles on their faces. They are all happy to be there with even a slim chance to catch and release a beautiful, wild Cowichan River steelhead.

To paraphrase a quote that was circulated widely on Facebook last week, “There may be no WiFi on the river, but if you go there I can guarantee you will have a much stronger connection . . . to nature.”

Interesting hike in Tamale, Ghana

Parker Jefferson

Sport fishery

ONE COWICHAN I have noticed a lot more anglers on the river this winter than in the past few years. Some would be upset by this, hoping to have the river all to themselves, but not me. I live on the river and I am happy to see lots of people out enjoying it in all kinds of weather and at any time of year.

In the winter it is the steelhead that draws people from all over the Island and beyond. In the spring it is the trout and in the fall it is trout and salmon that the anglers are after. In the summer when the fishing closes or slows down we see the tubers, picnickers and campers out having fun in our river. If I have to wait my turn to fish through my favorite fishing hole I don’t mind. Let me tell you why.

A recent B.C. Stats report on the fishing and aquaculture sector estimates that sport fishing contributes more jobs and about as much money to our economy as the aquaculture, commercial fishing and fish processing industries combined. These figures are just for the direct financial contribution to the economy from recreational fishing and do not even include sales of fishing gear, boats and other vehicles. The fig-

ures quoted for commercial fishing and aquaculture do include the value of boats and gear used in those sub-sectors. So it is not even close, recreational fishing is the runaway leader in contribution to our economy, and the gap is widening.

Recreational fishing occurs in almost all of our rivers and lakes and in the ocean that surrounds us. Recreational fishing alone directly employs 8,400 people, which is over 60 per cent of the jobs in the whole sector. Again, this does not include the jobs of people selling fishing gear, boats and other vehicles. Obviously, recreational fishing is extremely important to our economy.

Recreational fishing distributes money around evenly to many thousands of individuals and small businesses in all areas of our province. In B.C. we are blessed with thousands of productive lakes and rivers as well as excellent saltwater fishing opportunities. B.C. is arguably one of the best fishing destinations on earth and every year it draws enthusiastic anglers from all over the world to enjoy our fishing.

When they come they bring outside money that is injected into our economy.

The best thing about the recreational fishing sector is that it is easily sustainable. Sustainability is a word you hear often these days, often in the context of a faroff goal. By careful management of our recreational fisheries, we have created a world-class sustainable industry here in B.C. Our lakes are already well managed by the B.C. Freshwater Fisheries Society and their trout stocking

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Wednesday, March 13, 2013

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FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

TRAVEL

PERSONAL SERVICES

HOME/BUSINESS SERVICES

HOME/BUSINESS SERVICES

IN MEMORIAM GIFTS

INFORMATION

TRAVEL

FINANCIAL SERVICES

ELECTRICAL

PLUMBING

ADVERTISE in the LARGEST OUTDOOR PUBLICATION IN BC The 2013-2015 BC Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis

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1A ELECTRICIAN, licenced, bonded, Small Jobs Specialist, panel upgrades and renos. All work guaranteed since 1989.

Rob at 250-732-PLUG (7584).

A SERVICE PLUMBER. Licence, Insured. Drains, HWT, Reno’s, Repairs. Senior Discounts. After Hour Service.

Call Coval Plumbing, 250709-5103.

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RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE BC Help Tomorrow’s Families Today– leave a gift in your will. legacy@rmhbc.ca

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS COMING EVENTS CALL FOR ENTRIES 11TH ANNUAL Kitty Coleman Woodland Art & Bloom Festival.

Fine Art and Quality Crafts Juried Show.

Presented in a spectacular outdoor setting May 17,18, 19 Applications for Artisans are available at 2bevzimmeman@gmail.com 250-338-6901

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PERSONALS DENIED CANADA Pension plan disability beneďŹ ts? The Disability Claims Advocacy Clinic can help. Call Allison Schmidt at 1-877-793-3222. www.dcac.ca

ALL YOU NEED IN PRINT AND ONLINE www.bcclassiďŹ ed.com

The most effective way to reach an incredible number of BC Sportsmen & women.

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HAULING AND SALVAGE

PETS

Delivery Guy

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

(250) 597-8335

PETS

yourdeliveryguy.ca

CKC RGST. Great Pyrenees Pups 9 wks. old 1st. shots, Hlth guar. $1200, free delivery. Vet chk. www.kindercubkennel.com 250998-4697

TRAVEL

TRAIN TO be an Apartment/Condominium Manager at home! We have jobs across Canada. Thousands of graduates working. 32 years of success! Government certiďŹ ed. www.RMTI.ca or 1-800-6658339, 604-681-5456.

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LONG BEACH - Ucluelet Deluxe waterfront cabin,sleeps 6, BBQ. Spring Special.

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FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS

FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS

DEATHS

DEATHS

FRECH, Johanna October 19,1920 - March 6, 2013

Johanna (Hanni, pronounced Honey) was born in Austria. She moved to Canada in 1954.

She passed away peacefully at the Sunridge Care Home, Duncan, B.C. ‘Honey’ is survived by her loving husband Fritz, after 43 years of marriage. She had one son, Harald Miggitsch (Elaine), 3 grandchildren; Lisa, Larry and Monica, 6 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandsons. ‘Honey’ loved her family, gardening and flowers.

There will be no service by request.

GUARANTEED JOB Placement: General Laborers and Tradesmen For Oil & Gas Industry. Call 24hr Free Recorded Message. For Information 1-800-972-0209.

PERSONAL SERVICES FINANCIAL SERVICES DROWNING IN debts? Helping Canadians 25 years. Lower payments by 30%, or cut debts 70% thru Settlements.

Avoid bankruptcy! Free consultation. www.mydebtsolution.com or Toll Free 1 877-556-3500

DELIVERIES HAULING/JUNK REMOVAL MOVING JOBS WELCOME

GET BACK ON TRACK! Bad credit? Bills? Unemployed?

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LEGAL SERVICES CRIMINAL RECORD? Don’t let it block employment, travel, education, professional, certiďŹ cation, adoption property rental opportunities. For peace of mind & a free consultation call 1-800-347-2540.

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Your Credit / Age / Income is not an issue. 1.800.587.2161.

WE’RE ON THE WEB

INFORMATION

INFORMATION

JUNE 11, 1961 - MARCH 1, 2013

After a short but courageous battle with cancer Shannon passed away peacefully in her sleep.

She, predeceased by her dad Ken, leaves behind her partner and best friend Lionel Souther, and her granddaughter Taylor, the light of her life. Also missing Shannon dearly are her mom Phyllis, sister Corri (Tom) and her only nephews Robert and Aaron.

Shannon also leaves behind two children, Kara and Kyle, and numerous loving relatives and special friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hospice Society.

MERCHANDISE FOR SALE

PAINTING

FUEL/FIREWOOD

SPRING TIME Specials for Painting and Drywall Repairs.

Painting of walls to 12’x12’ room 8’ foot ceiling,$ 195.00.

Includes 2 coats of Cloverdale paint to walls. Taxes included in price. Drywall patch 2’x2’ to wall. $145.00, drywall installed, tape, ďŹ lled, sanded, primed ready for paint. All work guaranteed, no mess to clean up during or after job is complete. Book your free estimate for your painting and drywall repairs. Free quotes to restoration companies, for seal coats, drywall repairs, texture repairs, painting repairs, power washing. Helping people and restoration companies to take care of their homes and businesses with drywall repairs and painting repairs since 1994 Ltd. Call Jason at 250-797-5067 for FREE estimates or e-mail: jdhpainting@telus.net Thank You

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

SEASONED FIREWOOD Vancouver Island’s largest ďŹ rewood producer offers ďŹ rewood legally obtained during forest restoration, large cords. Help restore your forest, Burndrywood.com 1-877-902-WOOD.

MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE HOT TUB (SPA) COVERS. Best price. Best quality. All shapes & colours available.

1-866-652-6837 www.thecoverguy.com/ newspaper?

SAWMILLS FROM only $3997 - Make money & save money with your own bandmill - Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. Free Info & DVD: www.NorwoodSaw mills.com/400OT 1-800-5666899 Ext:400OT.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

INCOME TAX SERVICE 2012 taxes prepared & E-ďŹ led

• Reasonable Rates • Excellent Service Marg Radcliffe

LOGAN ,SHANNON

Lowest Price Guarantee

250.749.6010 COMING EVENTS

COMING EVENTS

Legion Branch #210 DROP-IN DARTS DRO Mondays 7p.m.

DOUBLES CRIB Thursdays 7:30 p.m.

MEAT DRAW Every Saturday First draw at 3p.m.

MUSIC Saturday, March 23, 4p.m.

Everyone Welcome • 250-749-6041

NOW HIRING

Western Forest Products Inc. is an integrated Canadian forest products company located on Vancouver Island that is committed to the safety of our employees, the culture of performance and the discipline to achieve results.

We currently have the following openings:

Operations Planner Operations Accountant (Temporary) GIS Summer Student Master Mechanic Ticketed Automotive Mechanic Heavy Duty Mechanic Boom Man Detailed job postings can be viewed at

http://www.westernforest.com/building-value/our-people-employment/careers WFP offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefit package. If you believe that you have the skills and qualifications that we are looking for, please reply in confidence to:

Human Resource Department Facsimile: 1.866.840.9611 Email: resumes@westernforest.com

18

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

THE LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE

www.lakecowichangazette.com

MERCHANDISE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE

REAL ESTATE

REAL ESTATE

MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE

ACREAGE

HOUSES FOR SALE

HOUSES FOR SALE

STEEL BUILDINGS/metal buildings 60% off! 20x28, 30x40, 40x62, 45x90, 50x120, 60x150, 80x100 sell for balance owed! Call 1-800-4572206 or visit us online at: www.crownsteelbuildings.ca

BUYING - RENTING- SELLING

$200,000, PRIVATE 18.5 acreage overlooking lake at Honeymoon Bay. Near park, beach, store, zoned A1. Call (250)709-9656.

RENTALS

RENTALS

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Incredible 5 acre treed PARK-LIKE PROPERTY with Well-Maintained Furnished Home 1500 sq.ft, 3-bdrm, 2 bath. Extremely close to Pristine Cowichan Lake, in the town of Caycuse.

Perfect for recreational property or full time living.

Motivated seller $378,800.

Exceptionally low yearly cost. Not leased land.

Call 250-745-3387 smartytwo@hotmail.com

HOMES WANTED

WE BUY HOUSES PROPERTY MANAGEMENT 145 South Shore Road | Lake Cowichan |

www.lkc.ca

$500 Studio suite 108-18 King George Furnished suite in well managed 55 plus strata bldg. Washer & dryer, secure underground parking. $500 Studio suite #3-68 Stanley Rd. Clean, small and central to everything in six-plex unit with coin laundry.

Small pet upon approval. $650 2 bdrm suite #47-211 Madill Very clean suite in well managed strata. Upper floor, balcony, washer & dryer. N/smoking. Small pet upon approval. $650 2 bdrm + den suite 110-18 King George Comfortable suite in well managed 55 plus strata bldg. Washer & dryer, secure underground parking. $850 1 bedroom + loft 7 Cowichan Ave. E. Compact older house, washer & dryer, large fenced yard. Pet upon apprl. $925 3 bedroom condo #27-215 Madill Rd. Completely refurbished unit in quiet popular strata. All new appliances, N/Smoking, N/Pets.

Check out rentals online www.lkc.ca To View Call:

250-749-6660

Damaged House?

Pretty House? Moving?

Divorcing? Estate Sale?

We will Buy your House Quick Cash & Private.

Mortgage Too High and House won’t sell?

Can’t make payments?

We will Lease Your House, Make your Payments and Buy it Later!

Call: 1-250-616-9053 www.webuyhomesbc.com

RENTALS

RENTALS

TRANSPORTATION

TRANSPORTATION

APARTMENT/CONDO

AUTO FINANCING

AUTO FINANCING

LARGE 2 bedroom apt for Rent, only five years old. Located at 1385 Alberni Hwy, Parksville above Trees Restaurant. $800 per month 250954-9547

HALLS LIONS’ CLUB HALL for rent $75. Deposit required. Call Eileen 250-749-3345.

HOMES FOR RENT HOUSE FOR rent - Mesachie Lake. 3 beds, 2 baths, large garage. New kitchen w/stainless appliances & quartz counters. 1/2 acre fenced. Pets neg. No smoking. Available now. Rent neg. Call 778-9919169

2007 CUSTOM Chev HHR. Excellent condition. Loaded.

White. 119,000 km, mostly hwy driven. On-Star. $11,900 firm. 250-755-5191.

LAKE COWICHAN: $600 suite with kitchenette all inclusive. Call (888)749-6482.

TOWNHOUSES

MARINE

Auto Financing 1.800.910.6402

LK COW. 2-bdrm townhouse. $700./mo. NS/NP. Avail immediately. (250)886-2720.

TRANSPORTATION APARTMENT/CONDO LADYSMITH - Two bedroom, Top floor, in 3-storey bldg with elevator. Harbour view. Washer/ Dryer/storage. Walk to beach.

Small dog OK. $950/mo + DD and electric. Call Lindsey 250816-9853

CARS

ROOMS FOR RENT

AUTO FINANCING DreamTeam Auto Financing “0” Down, Bankruptcy OK Cash Back ! 15 min Approvals

1-800-961-7022

www.iDreamAuto.com DL# 7557

ALL YOU NEED IN PRINT AND ONLINE

BOATS

www. bcclassified.com

15’ Welded aluminum boat, 6’10” wide, 44 inches deep v-hull with stand up fisherman’s top, sst steering lights horn bilge pump. Boats are new. Trailers available. $6750.

Chilliwack 250-244-1704 quintrex@telus.net

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Got a story idea or a

NEWS TIP? Call or email

250.749.4383 editor@ editor @lakecowichangazette.com $1

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EVENTS • SPORTS • MUSIC • HISTORY BUSINESS • CLASSIFIEDS … and more!

WHAT’S GOING GO OING O ON? N

Our community is constantly changing.

Stay informed with a subscription to the Lake Cowichan Gazette. $38 per year locally, $54 mailed anywhere in BC.

250.749.4383 www.lakecowichangazette.com

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Enclosed is my cheque or money order or call the Lake Cowichan Gazette for payment by credit card Name: ________________________________________ Mailing Address:_________________________________ _____________________________________________ Phone: ________________________________________

Mail to: Lake Cowichan Gazette PO Box 10, Lake Cowichan, BC, V0R 2G0 Phone: 250.749.4383 Fax: 250.749.4385

www.lakecowichangazette.com

THE LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

19

The inside back: A little of this and that ☞ Local businesses and services

° V Isle Trucking is offering a special sale price — $20/yard plus delivery— on medium fine, salt-free, fir bark mulch just in time to help get you out in your garden. The sale continues to March 17.

You can also get topsoil, lawn soil and compost delivered to your garden by V Isle Trucking. So gardeners, on your ready, get set, grow! Call 250-701-5153 ° The Cowichan Lake and District Chamber of Commerce, will be hosting their first ever Junk in Your Trunk sale on Sunday, March 24 the Cowichan Lake Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the first ever Junk in the Trunk sale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This will be a rain or shine event where vendors — that’s you — can rent a parking stall or two and sell your wares right the trunk of your car.

Proceeds will go towards the chamber’s business promotions, events and community projects. Call Katherine at 250-749-3244 for information and to book your spot. ° The Sound of Music Studio now offers voice lessons by Rhonda Vertefeuille. Vertefeuille is a valley vocalist who enjoys performing from the heart with choirs and solo. She completed a Bachelor of Music from the University of B.C. School of Music with her concentration being in voice and a focus in elementary school

education.

Studio 261 also offers lessons in guitar, clarinet, flute and recorder, music theory and piano. You can contact the Studio by calling 250-749-3728.

☞ Choose Cowichan Lake adds new town slide show

A group from the Choose Cowichan Lake Committee (the committee formed to help attract doctors to our area) has added a slide show to the Town of Lake Cowichan’s website from photos that were sent in by community members. Eventually the group wants to add music by local musicians. You can view it at town.lakecowichan. bc.ca.

☞ Grad fashion show fundraiser,

paying it forward

With some spring in their steps the Lake Cowichan Secondary School’s graduating class of 2013 will be strutting down the cat walk. The Black Tie fashion show will parade Friday, March 15 at 6:30 p.m. at the LCSS gym.

A minimum $2 donation will get you in to the event and the grads will be donating all the proceeds from

the door admission to submitacyst.com to help Curt Knippelberg with his fight against an unusual medical affliction called a pineal cyst. There will be concession available with proceeds from those sales going to the dry grad celebration.

The show is sponsored by local Lake Cowichan stores Fit for a Princess and Scarlett’s Boutique with stores from Duncan like the Garment District, Martin’s Men’s and Boys’ Store and Warehouse One rounding it out.

☞ What’s happening at Lake

Cowichan branch of VIRL

The Cowichan Lake branch of the Vancouver Island Regional Library has services like public access computers with internet access, word processing and printing. There is also free wireless internet access, local art displays and a photocopier (25.¢ per copy) Wednesday, March 13 at 6:30 p.m. Island Savings Credit Union financial advisor, Evelyn Huntjens will be discussing financial literacy. Topics from RRSPs to tax free savings accounts and more.

Friday, March 15 from 10:30 a.m. to noon there will be a tutorial session on E-readers.

This is a great way to get some hands on tips on how to best use your E-reader.

and

SAVE

Cowichan Lake SERVICE DIRECTORY

ACCOMMODATION Need space for relatives?

BOUTIQUE WATERFRONT LODGE Come enjoy...

Waterfront Patio Suites King-sized Bed | Jacuzzi Wharf | Campfire Pit | BBQs Single off -season rates start at $59/night – $295/week 2 Bedroom Waterfront Suites $159 www.lakecowichan.org

A Guide to Professional Services in the Cowichan Lake Area

FOR ALL YOUR HEATING and COOLING NEEDS • Oil, Gas & Electric Furnaces • Heat Pumps • Refrigeration • Duct Cleaning

CHILD CARE

accurate air WANDA’S KIDS & CARE LICENSED CARE FACILITY

CARPENTRY

INDEPENDENT CRAFTSMAN Finishing carpenter with over 24 years experience.

SERVICE, REPAIR AND INSTALL

at Palsson Elementary School, Lake Cowichan

– ONE CALL COVERS IT ALL –

✎ Before and after school care (K-Gr.6) ✎ Kindergarten pick-up! ✎ Field trips on Pro-D days and Spring & Summer Break

• Renovations • Installations • Framing • All Finishing Carpentry • Custom Kitchens • Laminate Flooring • Decks • Fences • Sheds • Additions • Windows & Doors

250.749.7289

JOHN PORTELANCE

For your free in home heating estimate

250.746.1666 Visit www.accurate-air.ca for internet specials! //////////////////////////////////

COVAL PLUMBING

After hour service | Seniors’ discounts Renovations | New construction | Repairs Hot water tanks | Drain cleaning Septic Design & Installation Water services 20+ years experience

250-749-4997 250-709-5103

//////////////////

/ / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / //

250-749-0105 73 South Shore, Lake Cowichan

//////////////////////////////////

Quality comes first.

250-749-3174

Ref. License #LSHP-6SW3K7

GAS BAR

EXCAVATING

TIPTONS GAS BAR 250-732-4570

Gas • Diesel Boat Gas Confections • Bait • Ice

MINI EXCAVATOR & BOBCAT SERVICES

OPEN: Mon.-Sat: 5a.m.-10p.m.

Sun: 7a.m. - 8p.m.

Shane Baker

250-749-6133

Landscaping | Septic Services

14 North Shore Rd. Lake Cowichan

DUMP TRUCK: 1-6 YARDS TIRES

TREE SERVICE

All your plumbing needs under one roof!

• Hot water heaters • Fiberglass tubs • Acrylic jetted tubs • Pumps • Fish ponds • Faucets • Sprinklers • Repair parts from A - Z

GRIFFITHS 251 Government St. ,Duncan

250-746-4534

DAVID GALE

CONSTRUCTION For ALL your renovation needs:

En-TIRE-ly at your Service 250-749-6614

•

• •

Commercial & Residential

140 HP chipper for fast, efficient cleanup

Insured & Licensed • Free Estimates & Advice

250-748-3939

Residential & Commercial

Trained Architectural Technologist

CALL Ian Balding TODAY

20 years in the Valley Free estimates, Plans

250-710-0037 Leave a message

Serving Lake Cowichan for over 20 yrs Licenced ̰ Bonded ̰ Insured

Reg #12129

www.davidgaleconstruction.ca

GUTTERS 4 Season ❀5º7

GUTTER Co. above the rest.

Featuring: Crown Moulding FASCIA GUTTERS Call Steve for Free estimates!

Locally owned & operated perated

250-715-6038 250-749-4192 TRUCKING

PETS & SUPPLIES

Cowichan Pet Emporium (1996) • Fish • Pet food/supplies • Otter Co-op Livestock Feed • Wood Pellets • Grooming MONTHLY VET CLINIC with Dr. Nancy Holling 170A Cowichan Lake Rd.

250-749–4454 VETERINARIAN Cowichan Veterinary Housecall Services

“Sharing the care.” care.”

Topping, Limbing, Falling

Dangerous Tree Removal/Storm Prevention

PACIFIC-WEST ELECTRIC 250-701-1755

Selective or Clear Cut Logging •

•

ELECTRICIAN

Decks | Doors & Windows | Kitchens Bathrooms | Basement Suites Foundations | Drywall | Plumbing

Tree Service •

HOME PLUMBING CENTRE

CONTRACTOR

TOP SOIL • BARK MULCH COMPOST • SAND • GRAVEL

Specializing in delivering 1 - 5 yard loads.

Lorne: 250-749-6601 Cell: 250-701-5153

Vaccinations, de-wormer medical examinations, flea control, nutrition consults, microchips, vet products, minor surgeries, private euthanasia

250-932-5552 Dr. Brenda Bernhardt

20

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

THE LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE

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Check out the latest offers & arrivals at www.cowichansound.com 951A Canada Ave 250-748-4847 Cowichan Commons 250-715-1599 B1- 845 Deloume Road, Mill Bay 250-733-2626

We SERVICE what we sell!