Up front: Cowichan cops want to lose the rats and find some space page 3 The big event: Explore the blooming art of floral arrangment page 17 For all the news of the Cowichan region as it happens, plus stories from around British Columbia, go to our website www.cowichannewsleader.com Your news leader since 1905
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Aaron Wright, 10, plucks two Ästs full of Easter treats from the Cowichan Aquatic Centre Sunday. He was among about 50 children diving into the pool for the underwater Easter egg hunt. Andrew Leong
Hundreds rally in Shawnigan as soil permit deadline looms Tyson Jones
News Leader Pictorial
D
on’t expect Saturday’s large rally in downtown Shawnigan Lake to be a one-off event. In fact, a public display of opposition to the proposed contaminated soil dump in the Shawnigan watershed may be repeated as soon as this weekend. Shawnigan Basin Society executive director Georgia Collins expects similar crowds April 6 and 7 at the Shawnigan Gathering at the Shawnigan Lake Community Centre. That’s where residents will be able to express their concerns about the controversial draft permit to Lt.-Gov. Judith Guichon and to NanaimoCowichan MP Jean Crowder. And with only seven days remaining before
the public feedback period on the South Island Aggregates draft permit closes, organizations are also planning to meet with public health authorities Thursday. “We hope they will recognize the risk to public health and stop or delay the permit process,” Collins said. More than 150 people hit the streets in Shawnigan village on March 30 to express their concern for the town’s drinking water and its potential contamination. The four political candidates in the May 14 provincial election spoke at the rally. They expressed the same sentiment they have in the past: We do not want this soil. “If this is unsuitable for Victoria, then why is it suitable for Shawnigan Lake?” asked B.C. Liberal Steve Housser. Though all four candidates are in opposition
Smoky
HONEY MUSTARD
Asiago
RANCH
of the Stebbings Road site, only Conservative Damir Wallener has the backing of his party to reject or pull the permit. “Our party stands with you. And even if this permit is granted — if it gets out of the draft stage — if you entrust us with the next government, we will pull it,” says Damir Wallener. All candidates urged those present to continue doing what they are doing and eventually their voices will be heard. “We all have to be heard. Let’s march on the legislature. Let’s make people see what we are talking about,” said Shawnigan Lake resident Garry Sanders. A legislature protest planned by the Shawnigan Creek Protection Association for April 4 is postponed until further notice. It is one of several groups uniting in opposition to the plan. more on page 6
Tyson Jones
Liberal candidate, Steve Housser, talks at the Shawnigan Lake Save Our Water rally.
Flatbread
GRILLED CHICKEN
INTRODUCING THE NEW FLATBREAD GRILLED CHICKEN
With your choice of Asiago Ranch, filled with natural asiago cheese, applewood smoked bacon, ranch sauce, hand-sliced tomato & mixed greens. Or the Smokey Honey Mustard, with grilled premium chicken breast, smoky honey mustard, hand-sliced tomato & mixed greens.
©2013 Wendy’s International, Inc.