250-248-3243
587 Alberni Hwy. Parksville Monday-Saturday 8:30-5:30 Sunday 10:00-4:00
100% BC Owned and Operated
www.buckerfields.org
Garden Centre Now Open! Flora or Fauna... We’ve got you covered. Area F (Arrowsmith) is managed by the Regional Dis- Act (LGA) and transferred into the Community Charter trict of Nanaimo (RDN). In BC, local government takes (CC). Essentially the Community Charter applies to muthe form of self-governing bodies (cities, towns and municipal districts) which are run by locally elected nicipalities but includes provisions that apply also to councils and mayors. Lands outside the municipalities regional districts and the LGA applies to regional disare administered by Regional Districts. tricts but includes provisions that apply equally to muRegional Districts were created in 1965 to deliver lo- nicipalities. So as it now stands there is a peculiar cross cal functions that are best run on a collective regional reference between the two acts. Constitutionally Canada reserves certain powers to basis. Regional Districts enclose geographically convenient blocks of land and administratively include both the Federal government and gives the rest to the Provthe municipalities and the (unincorporated) surround- inces. Both levels of government have only the powers allowed to them. Individuals are given all powers exing lands. The Regional District lands lying outside municipali- cept those prohibited to them. The latter is called Natuties are divided into wards called Electoral Areas. Each ral Person Powers. Prior to the Community Charter (2004), electoral area provides an elected Director local government was only allowed the that sits on a Board along with Directors powers that the Acts specifically granted appointed from the mayors and councilto them. The Community Charter granted lors of the included municipalities. natural person powers to the local governRegional Districts were originally set up ments which means they now are free to to be super-sized service areas with voting stick their nose into anything they want to, powers in proportion to the service funcsubject only to a limited voter restraint. tion being voted upon. Rural governance The internal affairs and functioning of functions were added to the regional disthe regional districts varies enormously tricts. according to personalities, evolving tradiThe established service voting structures tions, municipal compositions, historical give the municipal directors the power to provenances etc., so it is hard to charvote in rural affairs but not the reverse. Julian Fell, acterize them generically. The directors The Electoral Areas have little control over Area Director themselves can vary substantially. their own affairs and receive attention in Some directors see their roles as that of proportion. Local Government has two components. There is a pulling their areas into a direction that is being promotprofessional staff which includes provincially required ed by the regional district staff or by the province, or by officers. These staff run the day to day and continuous the fad of the day. This results in a more centralized, functions. This bureaucratic component takes direction more regulated, more bureaucratic and more expensive from the Councils/Boards which are made up of peri- local government. Other directors see their role as that of representing odically elected officers (councillors, mayors and directheir constituents’ wishes and resisting the draw of the tors) who represent the opinions or best interests (as trends. The voting structure imposed by provincial statthey see it) of the voting public. Local government in BC used to be under the perpet- ute favours the centralized option. A director cannot be ually revised Municipal Act. In 1999 this underwent a neutral. A director who does not actively vote by holding up major revision and emerged as the Local Government Act (recognizing at last its role in non-municipal re- a hand is counted as voting affirmative. To be neutral, a director must leave the room during a vote. Each digions). In 2004 the Campbell government produced the rector brings unique expertise to the Board, and many Community Charter which was directed at municipal- of us come to rely on the special knowledge of our colities. Much was deleted from the Local Government leagues.
Proud to Support the Arrowsmith Community Located in the log building at the Coombs/Qualicum junction
2701 Alberni Hwy, Coombs • 250-752-4205 • coombsfurniture.ca
GIGANTIC FURNITURE SALE ON MATTRESS & APPLIANCES NOW!
Coombs Junction
the Arrowsmith Activity Coordinator. Combining energy and hard work, our team delivers recreation services to the five neighbourhoods in Arrowsmith: Errington, Coombs, Hilliers, Whiskey Creek and Meadowood. We all bring diverse personalities, backgrounds and strengths to ART, and when combined complement
each other to work on behalf of all of the community residents. What do we do? ART’s main focus is recreation and community development, with special events and recreation programs including sports, arts and culture all contributing to the well being and spirit of Arrowsmith. ART works closely with interested non-profit
The Biggest Little Furniture Store on Vancouver Island Who are we? Known in Arrowsmith (Electoral Area F) as ART, our dedicated team of three is comprised of Reg Nosworthy, the RDN-appointed volunteer Recreation Commissioner for Area F and current D69 Recreation Commission Chair; Marilynn Sims, the Arrowsmith Community Coordinator; and Kim Longmuir,
Photo courtesy of ART
The Arrowsmith Recreation Team Marilynn Simms, Kim Longmuir and Reg Nosworthy work together as a team to deliver recreation services to Arrowsmith.
Arrowsmith Community Update Janet Boley info@coombsfair.com 250-752-9757 www.coombsfair.com
You’ll find us on Ford Road in downtown Coombs. Turn at the Coombs General Store. Cost: Adult: $5.00, $8.00 two day pass, Child: $1.00 Senior: $3.00, $5.00 two day pass Student: $3.00, $5.00 two day pass Member: $free w/member card
As the first fair of the season and one of the largest 4-H shows on Vancouver Island, our fair is often the first opportunity for many 4-H members to display their projects and sharpen their skills before entering other fairs. There are also many classes for youth who are not involved in 4-H programs. Fair participants come from across Vancouver Island, from Nanaimo, Port Alberni, Courtenay, Campbell River, Duncan, Saanich and Victoria. If you would like to participate in the fair, we’re always looking for exhibitors and volunteers. Suggestions are encouraged, and financial contributions are welcome. We simply couldn’t do this year after year without the generous support of our sponsors, advertisers, groups, organizations and volunteers. To participate as an exhibitor, complete the appropriate entry form, (The 2012 entry form on the website can be used or look for the 2013 one in the June edition of the fair prize book) submit the form by the deadline indicated, and then bring the exhibit to the fair at the appropriate time. Win some bragging rights and enter your homemade jam, your prettiest pumpkin or your flashiest photo. We extend a warm welcome to everyone to come and enjoy the Coombs Fair.
Just kidding around at the Coombs Fair
In 2013, our centennial year, the fair will be held on August 10 and 11, 8am to 5pm. Pancake breakfast 8am to 11am. Please join us in honouring Coombs’ unofficial patron animal, the goat. Since 1913, the Coombs Fair has been celebrating local agriculture and community. We’re a family affair with lots to do and see. From livestock to garden produce, arts & crafts, photography, needlework and domestic science, many hours of work go into the exhibits at the fair. Children and youth are an important part of keeping traditional, local agriculture alive in these ever-changing times, and 4-H is a huge component of our fair. There will be a huge interactive display by the V.I. Goat Association (VIGA) featuring live goats, milking, cheese sampling and much more.
PQB News file photo
marimbas in a relaxing and fun atmosphere. Our team is always open to suggestions for new recreation programs and events and looking for community people to share their special skills and talents, or to volunteer by helping at one of the many exciting events. Where can you find us? Reg, Marilynn and Kim work from their home offices, but can often be found meeting with community members in one of the local coffee shops or at community events. Please don’t hesitate to call us, email us, or simply stop by our table to say hello and share your ideas. Building relationships in the community is the foundation of our success and we feel very privileged to have met and continue to meet Arrowsmith community members, all working together for a thriving and happy community. Reg Nosworthy: 250-752-4608 or noz@telus.net Marilynn Sims: 250-752-2300 or mailsims@telus.net Kim Longmuir: 250-248-8515 or ranlong@telus.net Check us out at www.arrowsmithcalendar.com
The Arrowsmith Recreation Team cont’d Arrowsmith groups, Errington Elementary School and French Creek Community School, to identify new recreation opportunities, help to plan and host events, assist with grant writing, and even facilitate programs when needed. One of the recent exciting programs we have been involved in was partnering with the Arrowsmith Agricultural Association for a very successful BC Family Day. Almost 2000 people enjoyed a day of heritage games, demonstrations and displays at the Coombs Fairgrounds. ART works closely with Building Learning Together (BLT) and other community groups to support Mother Goose and Friends, Dads’ Night Out and Coombs Munchkinland. We are also very proud of the free Youth Drop-in Games and Sports night that is offered in the 6000 sq. ft. Activity Building gym at the Coombs Fairgrounds, and the Band in a Box program, three totes full of percussion instruments shared with community groups. The Seniors’ Marimba Program, held in the Bradley Centre, is a flourishing intergenerational program with young adults from the Kumbana Marimba group instructing seniors to play
Englishman River Falls Provincial Park In the adjacent community park, the popular Errington Farmers’ Market bustles with people and wonderful smells on Saturday mornings, May through September. While visiting Errington, stop at the North Island Wildlife Recovery and Education Centre, which cares for ill, injured and orphaned wildlife. www.niwra.org/. On your drive from Errington to Coombs on Alberni Highway (4A) be sure to stop at The Parrot World Refuge. The refuge is an educational facility that provides a home for previously owned pet parrots and has over 700 parrots from over 50 species. www.worldparrotrefuge.org/. Continue down the highway past the Bradley Centre, home to spinners, weavers, quilters, marimba players, and big band music; the Coombs Fairgrounds where you find the Arrowsmith Hall and Activity Building, the Fall Fair and 4 H clubs, www.coombsfair.com/ the Village of Coombs and the Coombs Museum. Plan to stop at the internationally
The geographic expanse of Arrowsmith is extensive and encompasses the five picturesque, rural, neighbourhoods of Errington, Coombs, Hilliers, Whiskey Creek and Meadowood. Each neighbourhood offers a unique history, natural beauty and is the shared home of artisans, musicians, farmers, seniors and young families and with a population of approximately 8000, is one of the fastest growing communities on Vancouver Island. Errington is the gateway to the magnificent Englishman River Falls Provincial Park and also home to The Errington War Memorial Hall, where you can find world class music on the stage many months of the year. www.erringtonhall.bc.ca/.
Continuing west to Whiskey Creek you will enjoy some of the most beautiful natural attractions in the world including: Malcolm Community Park tucked in behind the Whiskey Creek gas station, a popular location to mountain bike and hike, Little Qualicum Falls
Coombs Junction
famous Old Country Market, home to the famous “Goats on the Roof”. www.oldcountrymarket.com/. Further down the highway you will see the Coombs Rodeo Grounds which offers rodeos, barrel races, festivals, and music from bluegrass to old time rock and roll. http:// www.chrco.org/. Heading out of Coombs, be sure to visit Butterfly World. www.nature-world.com/ gardens.html. Driving west from Coombs Junction on Highway 4, watch for signs for Hamilton Marsh. The marsh, one of Hilliers hidden treasures is a beautiful wetland, surrounded by second growth forest and home to undisturbed wildlife. It is home to over 120 species of birds, numerous amphibians, several mammals, and is one of the most important habitats on the island for native species of dragonflies.
Photos courtesy of ART
Meadowood must be accessed by travelling Highway 19A, as if you were heading to Bowser, taking a left turn at Baylis Road, left again at Dorman Road and then right at Corcan Road. Follow Corcan Rd and turn left at Meadowood Way; a developed access trail off Meadowood Way provides a link between the Little Qualicum River Regional Park and Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park. During safe road conditions, there is a private, not always accessible, gravel access road that will connect travelers from Meadowood back to the Alberni Highway. www.meadowoodresidents. com/. Whether you like to hike, bike, dance, sing, shop, or eat, the Arrowsmith neighbourhoods have something for you and your family to enjoy.
Spring Garden
Provincial Park, the serene beauty of Cameron Lake, the Arrowsmith CPR Regional Trail and MacMillan (Cathedral Grove) Provincial Park, home of ancient Douglas fir trees. Arrowsmith’s newest neighbourhood, Meadowood, is tucked up behind Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park and is an area of breathtaking scenery. Much of the year,
Cameron Lake
Enjoy A Road Trip Through Arrowsmith
Arrowsmith and local government in BC
A19 www.pqbnews.com The Parksville Qualicum Beach News Thursday, March 21, 2013 Thursday, March 21, 2013 The Parksville Qualicum Beach News www.pqbnews.com A22
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